Eczema

[edgare]

My wife suffers from eczema and is particularly affecting her palms of hands to the point that her skin is cracking. It is extremely itchy and she has sought medical attention with a dermatologist but the medication prescribed is ineffective. Anyone have this type of condition? Any alternatives?

Edgar

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, it is difficult to come to a conclusive diagnosis and needs a careful evaluation for type of allergy. Individuals having high basal metabolic rate (BMR), sweat lot and will lead to retention of sweat and peeling. Such as conditions like hyperthyroidism has high BMR. Hence, thyroid profile is necessary.

Even vitamin deficiency esp. B-complex (riboflavin) can also cause cracking of skin. This condition needs treatment with b-complex vitamins. Kawasaki disease is also associated with peeling of skin and whenever associated with fever, need immediate consultation as it leads to complication of blood vessel.

Another possibility is fungal infection or other immunological disorder like SLE. Corticosteroids will be of help to relieve the symptoms. I suggest you to consult physician and rule out the cause early. Take care and regards.

[jlee30]

Change your dermatologist and yup, I've had the same problem.  Dermatologist says its from washing my hands too much (I am a nurse).  So here's what I find works:  I use a prescribed steroid cream daily (betamethasone dipropionate) , have phototherapy treatments sometimes weekly and sometimes need oral prednisone/IM cortisone.  Stay away from hot water, use Cetaphil to wash your hands and as moisturizer and wear cotton gloves underneath latex/rubber gloves.  Avoid direct contact with chemicals. Fluocinonide (Vanos) works like a charm but it can only be used short-term. Only suggestions. Good luck.

[bsmsl]

I would recommend that she see the dermatologist to try a different medication.  My daughter has eczema of the finger tips (finger tips peel and get very sore but no itching, they can crack and bleed).  Doctor's practice medicine, it is as much an art as it is a science.  Frequently and with certain conditions, especially anything with an allergy tie, there is a lot of trial and error before the best treatment plan for the patient is found.  

My daughter uses Amlactin lotion (an OTC lotion).  Some people use something that has uric acid in it that works well for them but I can't remember the name right now.  I think it begins with a C.  It did nothing for my daughter.  She has tried Elavil, but that didn't work either.  Her prescription ointment is betamethasone.

Your wife should avoid hot water (wear gloves if she has to wash dishes),  fragranced lotions, and other harsh chemicals.  Also, sunlight helps to alleviate symptoms.  My daughter only has symptoms in the late fall and winter months.  They clear from mid-April through about mid-September or October.  With that thought, vitamin D is vital to many functions of the body.  Your wife might want her doctor to check her vitamin D level to make sure that it is not low.  Taking a prescription strength vitamin D might help her eczema tremendously.  

Take care.

[blabhamilton]

has she tried eucherin you can get it by the lotion at the store. I know that my mom uses it when she breaks out from my dog. we used it on areas where we had stiches put in to help with the itching.