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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Eczema? Something else? Anything else to try?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Eczema? Something else? Anything else to try?
by Keithd, Oct 04, 2003 12:00AM
Out of options?
March 24, 2003 Started using ‘AXE’ Deodorant Body spray for long workouts at gym. Used ‘AXE’ three times total in one week. After third application I noticed burning in inner upper seam of leg when spray was applied. Then I discontinued use.
April 10, 2003 Skin in affected area became redder and more sensitive. Started applying over the counter ‘Cortizone-10 Plus’. This relieved some itching and burning temporarily.
April 15, 2003 Affected area seemed to be spreading and getting very red and sensitive with just the body heat from sitting in place for 3 hours.
April 21, 2003 Tried ‘Aclovate’ Cream, 0.05% twice daily.
May 19, 2003 Started ‘Lidex’ 0.05% cream three times daily.
May 25, 2003 Rash has been spreading.
June 2, 2003 discontinued use of ‘Lidex’.
June 3, 2003 Started ‘Elidel’ once morning and evening
June 7, 2003 Noticed slight continuous headache
June 25, 2003 Headache became periodically ‘skull crushing’
July 5, 2003 Discontinued 'Elidel'
July 6, 2003 Headache completely gone by 6:00 p.m.
July 7, 2003 Itch, redness, and burn has started to return.
July 7, 2003 Prescribed ‘Desowen’ 0.05% twice daily and was like gas on a fire then ‘Topicort’ 0.25% was prescribed 3 times daily.
July 27, 2003 Discontinuing ‘Topicort’ 0.25%. Developed breathing difficulties, headache, and sweats during sleep and excessive sweating during slight activity.
July 28, 2003 By morning most signs of side effects gone, skin looks good but feels sensitive to touch, by afternoon skin starting to turn red, bumps appearing, and sensitivity has increased.
July 28, 2003 started ‘Aristocort’ 0.1% cream.
August 9, 2003 Affected area appears to be slightly improving but, difficulty in breathing has increased, and small red sores (resembles the red sores from chicken pox) have been developing for about 4 days now. As of today red sores number about 30, and have become painful to touch.
August 10, 2003 Even though ‘Arisocort’ has been stopped for 24 hours, more red sores have appeared and the larger sores have developed yellow blistery head of pus.
August 18, 2003 I was told “This is not good, this is not good at all.” Skin has had steroid creams used too long. Wean off ‘Lidex’ and be completely off it by September 1st. Start using ‘Cetaphil’ lotion to keep area from becoming dry and chaffed.
October 1, 2003 Affected area seems to have cleared up except for a brownish tint in the skin. Still use ‘Cetaphil’ 2-3 times a day. The past 3 weeks I have been out of all activity including just sitting.
October 3, 2003 Started light activities and sitting for (2-3hours) of time. Redness, itching, and burning have started again. 'Cetaphil' is still being used with no effect.
Question: Now what? My derm. said "you have big legs (I run alot or use to before rash) so just get use to it"
I don't like his answer, is he right or is there any other treatment to try?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 05, 2003 12:00AM
, Oct 05, 2003 12:00AM
The turth is I haven't a clue. Clearly, your dermatologist has been trying to treat you for eczema. Some of the symptoms you describe are consisitent with that diagnosis, but many of them aren't even close:
Desowen’ 0.05% twice daily and was like gas on a fire
Developed breathing difficulties, headache, and sweats during sleep and excessive sweating during slight activity.
Noticed slight continuous headache...Headache became periodically ‘skull crushing’
I've prescribed DesOwen for years, often to babies. Why on earth that would make you feel "like gas on a fire" escapes me altogether. Nor have I seen Elidel cause crushing headaches.
You have obviously interpreted symtopms like these as side-effects, causing you to ask your dermatologist to change the treatment. I am quite convinced that they are not side-effects.
My advice is to take any one of the above medications and stick with it for 3 weeks. If you don't want to do that, they you may indeed just jave to live with it.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Desowen’ 0.05% twice daily and was like gas on a fire
Developed breathing difficulties, headache, and sweats during sleep and excessive sweating during slight activity.
Noticed slight continuous headache...Headache became periodically ‘skull crushing’
I've prescribed DesOwen for years, often to babies. Why on earth that would make you feel "like gas on a fire" escapes me altogether. Nor have I seen Elidel cause crushing headaches.
You have obviously interpreted symtopms like these as side-effects, causing you to ask your dermatologist to change the treatment. I am quite convinced that they are not side-effects.
My advice is to take any one of the above medications and stick with it for 3 weeks. If you don't want to do that, they you may indeed just jave to live with it.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Mollea