I am 63 years old,no hx of eczema,asthma,or allergies.Hx of mon(age 50) followed by CFIDS. About 1 year ago,developed intermittent intracrural pruritis.This spread to scrotum and pubis(pruritis),perineal(pruritis), perianal(pruritis),and sacrolumbar(papules,pruritis)areas followed by left and right chest (papules,pruritis, lichenification: now largely gone).
About 3 months ago,awakened with pruritis of lower legs and ankles(now gone). About same time,hands itched for 2-3 days, then returned to normal.More recently, volar hands became itchy,dry,scaly with some weeping vesicles at webbing.
Bounced from internist,to dermatologist,to allergist(extensive patch testing negative).
First tried powders(e.g.,Zeasorb),then ketoconazole cream.No help.Oral hydrocort helped.Lidomantle helps and I supplement prn with Atarax.No one has been definite about eczema.The only thing seen by Drs.have been excoriations,lichenifications,and papules.Vesicles are recent.Will return to dermatologist to show these.
At presently, groin(as above;especially pubis)and hands are focal areas.Waken in early AM with intracrural and/or pubic pruritis.
1. At my age, does this sound like an eczema development?
2. Could it be systemic(allergic)considering its development?
3. You recommended 1% hydrocort to others, but extended use thins skin and is immunosuppressant.What are other options?