Dear All,
Please may I ask re above meds, if anyone has experienced skin problems? looks like eczema patches on arms and legs.
And also another problem with Enbrel and Ovarian Dermoid Cysts.
My daughter has suffered with Ovarian Dermoid Cysts since discovered in 2015. She started Enbrel only from 2010. Methotrexate tablets were added after lockdown as Enbrel started playing up and works better now with MTX.
Grateful for your replies please.
I've got very small patches of what I suspect is eczema on arms, legs and torso and am wondering if either RA or my medications (Methotrexate, Sulphasalzine and Hydroxychloroquin) are responsible. They're small and non-itchy. Are hers like that? I'm currently trying to deal with them by moisturizing - not something I usually do but had thought that I might see a GP if it doesn't help. I'll be interested to see what other responses you get.
Thank you for your reply. My daughters's GP has referred her to the Dermatology Queen's Romford photo clinic to take photos of a large patch on her shin (leg) and will get back in 2 weeks with advice or what it could be. My daughter told me it itches sometimes especially if she rubs it my accident. She is using E45 in the meantime to keep it moisturized, but not using soap to wash the area. She is using the Aveeno Derma Shower wash all over, but not touching the affected leg. She said if she scratches the area and gets worse and sometimes bleeds. She's trying not to touch at all. I am wondering whether food aggrevates it? Who knows. But I am suspecting that MTX might have something to do with it? I will keep all posted. Awaiting others experiencing to compare. I as Mum very worried, especially the Ovarian problem. Many thanks
Not on Embral but I did have medically diagnosed eczema reaction to Abatercept and it had to be stopped. It did go after stopping the drug but had spread and hurt. I’d urge you to contact your presciber to discuss. They did scape it to diagnose and please don’t use anything on it but contact ask GP for prescription for hydrocortisone and get it diagnosed properly.
Thank you who do I contact? The Rheumy or Pfizer for Enbrel or Orion for Methotrexate. She's been on Enbrel for 14 years with no problems, but wondering whether it is Methotrexate?
I don’t know anything about MTX but suggest get onto RA helpline at the hospital and with my Abatercept it’s a known reaction so a clear link. It did help to keep skin out of sun. But another thought is it Shingles? That is a rash that hurts like hell. I was told to avoid hot water, the sun and all creams. I did find Clinique body cream good but the NHS can prescribe lotions to help. I’d go NHS and RA consultant for advice. Best of luck. X
Thanks it's not painful for her, it's alot like eczema, typically eczemas but they are checking it at hospital, but they do take their time. Queen's Hospital, Romford are nortorious for delaying even Cancer patients, it is scary and I may take her privately, as usual! 😢
Yes it’s difficult now for everyone. I’m just glad I’m not on a waiting list for anything. My friend’s just gone private for heart issues as the waiting list is 2 years.
Gosh! Must be very expensive. I have heard that Barts NHS in London is one of the best hospitals in the world for Heart issues, I believe Bart has the top Robotic equipment: Devinci Robotic???
i was on benapali for 10 years and mtx, no rashes eczema or any other issues with me apart from it stopped working.
Good to hear no problems for you. I hope you find the next biologic works longer, 10 years in a good period of time, how much mg of MTX were you on weekly?
after this i did 5 months of Yuflyma, did not work now waiting to have IV drip 20 mg of methotrexate
Hi MJSlide1958
I am on Enbrel, but thankfully, I've not experienced skin problems.
I'd contact your rheumatologist and speak to them. They may want to see the eczema patches and reassess medications.
With regards to Ovarian cysts, they are common in young women and I had them for many years, before I became pregnant. I started the Enbrel afterwards, so there was no link with the biologics but I had been on methotrexate for many years. The cysts subsided after pregnancy and although they returned for a short time, I haven't had the discomfort I had before pregnancy. I'd mention it also to your rheumy. The more information they have the better.
I hope you can get things sorted for your daughter. xx
Thank you so much. Problem is my daughter's ovarian cysts are Dermoid Cysts which are solid and do not shrink, they just grow bigger and if not removed the ovaries will burst. Therefore she has had two Ops so far to remove the last op was 6 months ago and they have already started to grow back. Crazy! I wish there was a way of slowing down the growth, but not even the Gynaecologist can suggest!
Have you looked at complementary medicine given your daughter hasn't had any success after her ops?Also, I suppose the question is why are they growing back, what is the trigger? I know they are common, but surely there comes a point when they stop growing. Can I ask how old your daughter is please?
Eczema and some skin rashes are a symptom of the immune system misbehaving. RA is the immune system, so it could be caused as a side effect of the RA not the drugs. I had mild eczema before RA so maybe it was a sign that my immune system was compromised. I find Cetraben lotion good for eczema small patches.
Thank you that makes complete sense too. Will note what you have said. Many thanks
Just back from the GP. She thinks that it's probably eczema and has given me Hydrocortisone cream and Epimax moisturising cream to use twice a day. Wants me to go back in 2 weeks if it hasn't improved and she'll send photos to a dermatologist but hopefully this will sort it.
I am pleased you have seen GP and she's given you a course. Can you please let me know how you get on. Is Epimax a steriod cream as well or just a moisturiser? I will of course let you know when my daughter hears from the Photo Dermatologist. Thanks so much
No, it's just a moisturizer.
I am on Cimzia and had an allergy test back in September. Since that day I have been plagued with eczema (diagnosed by a dermatologist). I think it may be the RA, but it's getting so bad I fear I may need to change the Cimzia to something else. Eczema indeed can be driven either by the disease or by the drugs we use to fight it. I do find that ibuprofen helps; if your daughter hasn't tried ibuprofen, it might be helpful. Seems to calm mine especially at night.
Thank you for your reply. Is your eczema painful? is this the reason why taking the ibuprofen helps?
No; it just itches and burns. But its origins are inflammatory and the ibuprofen calms inflammation.
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