itching hands, face eyelids

I have had eczema many times on my hands,once on feet, so when this flared up the other day(12/2/10), I thought that's what it was but evidently not. I had one itch on my left eyelid which in a day was on both with awful bags under eyes. Now my hands, face, eyelids are going crazy. Due to previous experiences with doctors and by a lot of reading, I am at a loss. I also have no job or insurance. I had an interview Friday that was postponed until tomorrow. I had hoped the "remedies" would make it better but now I don't think I there's any use of even going. My Father is in the nursing home and I am his only visitor but I can't bare to leave my home, looking like this. I want to make an appointment with my doctor tomorrow but, I am so depressed and embarassed, I don't want to be seen in public. I'm going to ask if I can come in a back door. Then there is the problem of paying for whatever he prescribes. I am at my wits' end and do not know what to do. Can anyone please, please, help me?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to flaring up of the eczema symptoms. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can also take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid.But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms  can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If the symptoms persist then I would suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get these possibilities evaluated.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.