Is it definitely eczema?

[doobington]

About 7 months ago,I noticed dry patches on my left cheek and forehead.I used an OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream on my face and this kept it clear provided I used it(not even necessarily every day).However,the instructions advised me not to use it on the face and having done this for 6 months,I attended a dermatologist.I also had 2 little patches on the inside of my left elbow and on the areolar area(not very respondent to OTC hydrocortisone).Initially,I was prescribed Fucibet cream coupled with Bactroban nasal ointment for the patches.This worked extremely well.I applied it for 7 days and it cleared.However,within 3 days it began to return.I re-applied and it disappeared.However,the cycle continued to repeat itself.Eventually,I returned and was told to apply the Fucibet to my elbow and was given Daktacort for my face.The Daktacort did not work too well and so i placed Fucibet alone on my face.This worked for a time but not as before.I then reapplied both Bactroban and Fucibet and it cleared.I have no history of eczema nor do my family.I am a 23 year old male and I would greatly appreciate your help as I am quite worried about it.I am not sure whether I have eczema or not and I am also worried about sensitising my skin to corticosteroids and how long it would take this to occur.I await your reply.Thank you.

[t123]

I have a dry itchy patch on the end near my nail of my middle finger.  It has become a little swollen and flakes of skin start to come off.  It bleeds if it is not covered and something is put on it.  I have tried hydrogen perioxide, lotrimin, neosporin.  Nothing will get rid of it.  It stings when I bath and soap or anyother substance covers it.  It has now spread slightly to the under side of the finger too.  What could I use to stop it?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This certainly sounds like eczema and like little else.  The recurrence is what one would expect with this condition.  While eczema is familial, many patients don';t know a relative who has it, because such relatives may have had it years before and not recall, or perhaps they call it by some euphemism ("sensitive skin, skin problems, skin allergy, and so forth.)

There are now nonsteroid treatments such as tacrolimus or pimercrolimus.  You might ask your dermatologist about these, although regular use of a sufficiently mild steroid is not hazardous per se.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff