Eczema and itchy bumps

[ambermz]

I have eczema around my eyes. My dermatologist gave me an ointment, which got rid of it at first, but now it's back and worse than before. I've also started getting itchy little bumps all over--first on my arms, then on my stomach, and now on my legs. They're not red or anything, just small raised spots that itch. I don't know what it could be or what to do. The whole eczema ordeal started about 10 months ago, and it's only been back really bad for about 4-6 weeks. The itchy bumps have been just in the last few days. It'll take at least a month to get in to my dermatologist. I don't know what to do.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Your symptoms are suggestive of dyshidrotic eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.