My mum suffers with Lupus. She has tried using Zerobase, several Steroid creams, and Mepocrim tablets. She suffers with this on her face, neck, hands and arms. Please can anyone suggest anything that she can use or take that doesn't cost too much money?
Thank you.
Yes but what sort of lupus?
DLE, SLE, Lupus nephritis, MCTD etc etc ?
If it’s systemic she may need pills eg steroids, MMF etc.
Needs a proper diagnosis and specific treatment.
Skin creams will not do.
If itching itching is the issue, the only thing I ever found to work was Dermacool, it contains menthol, I was prescribed loads of other creams before finding this one but none of them helped. Dermacool doesn’t get rid of the rash but it stopped me from scratching myself raw
Hi Shorty sad to read your post as it must be very distressing for you and mum .
Mepacrin should help with rashes and perhaps you could get in touch with rheumy if it’s not working ? Does she take hydroxychloroquinine too ?
Cream wise I find epederm ointment great (dermatologist recommended few years ago ) . It won’t get rid of rash but keeps skin moisturised and it’s cheap . I always use sunscreen on top which I’m sure she already does .
There is a cream called protopic but that would need to be perscribed by dermatologist . I’m not medically trained but does sound like she could do with a follow up .
Take care x
I was prescribed dermovate for my body and Elecon for my face. Elecon is a steroid cream and not to be used for more than two weeks. This was prescribed by my dermatologist. I’d see your Rheumy to be referred to a dermatologist. Mine is mostly under control now using these creams. I take hydroxy as well.
Echoing what Betty said that pills might be the answer. I have SLE with rashes and ointments/creams didn’t help but Prednisolone pills did. It still took weeks, when I had an horrific rash in 2018, to make a difference. Probably 6 months from start to finish and I still have redness under skin but the surface of my skin is smooth and soft now. Any small reoccurrence and I increase steroids slightly. I see dermatologist 6 monthly and she is happy for me to increase within reason. So proper diagnosis and proper medication. Hope you get mum sorted soon x
HI Shorty09, Does your mum not get all that free on prescription?
If not cant you get 3 month or 6 month prescription card, I think it was card had to get but long time ago as being in Scotland get free prescriptions but remember having to do that when we didn't get it for free.
If you're in England your mum can get an NHS prescription prepayment certificate, around £11 per month, paid for 10 months - that is much cheaper than paying for individual prescriptions. Just Google for that or check it out at the pharmacy.
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