Lupus rash, eczema

[Turquoise1999]

Hii everyone,

I have had eczema since I was a child, it cleared up a few years ago and everything was well.

I have realised it has come back especially on my hands. I also have lupus rash on my arms and hands aswell which is very itchy.

Does anyone have any recommendations or products I can use.

Also as I work in a school and it can become very irritated and is quite visible ( especially on my wrists) does anyone have any recommendations on gloves or fingerless gloves that I can wear to protect it and for me to stop itching it.

Thanks and hope you all have a great day !

[Minnskimoo]

Hi Turquoise1999

Sorry to hear your eczema has flared up after being in remission for a while.

I was prescribed Elocon cream to treat initial flare ups - and to further help sooth the dryness and warmth it was suggested I use Aveeno cream with colloidal oatmeal (advice and prescription from the consultant dermatologist) .

For me, the Aveeno has been really helpful in keeping the itchy flare ups at bay. Having said that, my eczema is not as bad as some people experience so I appreciate this may not be right for you, but perhaps worth a try. .

What about some cotton gloves (the ones specifically for eczema ) with a pair of waterproof ones over the top for any wet work you have to do?

Just a thought re the Aveeno (OTC) as I appreciate applying creams and ointments to open skin can also cause further problems for some , perhaps a revisit (not easy right now due to the huge backlog) to your original form of enquiry might help -if that is a possibility?

Hoping you are not too long in finding some much needed relief. I totally understand how it can really grinds us eczema sufferers down .

Sending you the very best of wishes

💐

[Turquoise1999 in reply to Minnskimoo]

Hi,

Yeah I was prescribed some elocon cream aswell, it’s not really helping though.

Also aveeno for me didn’t work, so I’m using a prescribed moisturiser (diprobase)

I will have order the cotton gloves

I agree everyone’s skin is very different and the products we use can differ

Thanks for replying and hope you are stay safe and well 😊

[Minnskimoo in reply to Turquoise1999]

Thank you Turquoise1999-you too! 🙌🏼

Hopefully, the Diprobase ointment will be the one that gives you some relief.

All crossed for that!

Best wishes

💐x

[BookishVibes]

Hi Turquoise1999

I'm sorry you're having a hard time with your skin. I've struggled to find stuff to help my eczema, I found with steroid creams the moment I stopped using them the eczema came back. The only cream I've found helpful is a cream called Skin Salvation by a brand called Balmonds (you can get it from Holland & Barrett). They do other products for people with eczema too.

I hope you find something that helps.

Best wishes

BookishVibes

[Turquoise1999 in reply to BookishVibes]

Hii,

Yeah, I have been prescribed so many different creams steroid and non steroid. It helps for a period of time and as soon as I stop it it’s appears again.

I will have look in my local Holland and barret store for the cream

Thanks for replying

Hope you stay safe and well 😊

[BookishVibes in reply to Turquoise1999]

The Balmonds creams are definitely worth a try. I use the skin salvation cream at night as it's quite greasy and the day cream in the morning.

Hope you stay safe and well too, take care 😊

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Turquoise1999,

I'm sorry to hear your skin rash is causing a lot of irritation at the moment. Are you under the care of a dermatologist?

The Lupus Encyclopedia provides helpful tips and information on how to treat dry/itchy skin which is listed below:

- Take shorter baths and showers

- Do not use soap on most body surfaces, except underarms and private areas

- After bathing or showering, pat the skin dry; do not rub (rubbing removes moisturising oils)

- Avoid using fabric softeners. They irritate dry skin.

We published a blog article on coping with itchy rashes which you can read here: lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

You may like to have a read of our guide on lupus and the skin at lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Best wishes,

Chanpreet

[Lizard28 in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thanks for that info, very interesting read for me x

[Turquoise1999 in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Hi, Yes I am under the dermatologist, just recently. They prescribed me some creams.

Thanks for the tips and advice on thing which I can do.

[Amakura]

Hi there

I've also had very bad eczema as a child and I had a reprieve for a number of years but a severe rash suddenly appeared on my hands. I self-treated it as being eczema but my Dermatologist, after showing her pictures and examining the scares, said it wasn't eczema but lupus.

I would advise, if you haven't done so already, to speak to a Dermatologist as my usual go to eczema previously prescribed medication didn't even touch the sides. It didn't help at all!! I also updated my dermatologist as to whether the creams did not work and an alternative is prescribed. Remember, one size doesn't fit all and it's a case of finding the right combination. You'll eventually get into the rhythm of managing it due to your vast experience with your eczema, so try not to despair.

Suggestions:

1) With the diprobase, I wouldn't rub it into my hands but instead, just layer it on until it naturally absorbed. Although, when it's really bad, I would apply bandages on top of the layered diprobase. Sounds crazy but it worked for me and of course, I didn't venture outside when doing this! Try and find what works for you but definitely be persistent with your Dermatologist. Also, ask for dressing as well. They may or may not provide this to you. If not, purchase it from your local chemist.

2) Protopic cream is also very good because it won't damage your skin in the same way that high dose steroid cream does. Obviously, the steroid damage is accumulative and only occurs with long term use but with the Protopic cream this doesn't happen. It's actually prescribed for newborns, so I've been told. It's very soothing and I would apply this first and then layer on the diprobase afterwards.

3) If you can wash your hands with aloe vera from the actual plant, this would be good. Put the flesh of the plant into the blender (being careful not to include the outside layer) and blend it. It lasts for approx 3 days. Store in a fridge. Very soothing indeed.

4) antihistamines prescribed via your dermatologist really helps, by the way! Over the counter will not even touch the sides. Use the prescribed tablet sparingly - as in, only when it's really unbearable. I was prescribed them due to the pain/itching at night and it was sooo uncomfortable and also aids in the healing as well.

5) purchase Filetti soap powder for your clothes and run far away from fabric softners!

Finally, stay out of the sun as your hands will be on fire during your flare up!

Hope the above helps.

[Turquoise1999 in reply to Amakura]

Hi,

Thanks for replying.

Yes I agree everyone is different. I am under the care of a dermatologist, I have been prescribed steroid creams which I feel help but once I stop using them it’s back again.

Yeah I think finding the cream that fits you is the best.

Thanks for the recommendations will try them out

Hope you stay safe and well 😊