Confusion with skin condition described as 'papular eczema'

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Kingsley Sanders
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Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2020 2:39 pm
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by Kingsley Sanders on Wed Nov 18, 2020 3:22 pm

Confusion with skin condition described as 'papular eczema'

After living my adult life without any skin issues, last year, at age 50, and during a very stressful time, I began having problems. Since then, for the last ten months, I have been suffering from itchy hives / papules emerging randomly around the body on a daily basis. These have to be continuously treated with Elocon - left alone, they grow, spread, multiply, and blend together, until the site resembles the choppy surface of the sea in windy weather, and exposed. The condition has been described as ‘papular eczema’, but there is some confusion:
- I was told by one specialist that the cause was a bacteria, and I had to take a long course of antibiotics; while another specialist said he saw no signs of bacterial infection.
- One specialist prescribed strong antihistamines.
- Another said she would consider prescribing a ‘bleach bath’.
It is thus not clear why the eczema has begun, and what its causes are. Is there a bacterial infection that needs to be treated? Is there an allergic component? (And if there is a possibility of an allergic reaction, why have I not been tested to identify the allergen(s)?)
Meanwhile, since the problem began, I am no longer able to consume sugar, or fruits, as they exacerbate the condition. I had thought this would be a strong indication and clue towards the cause, and a possible cure. But the specialists I have seen return a blank stare. In the period leading up to the onset, I was consuming a lot of honey (some of it ‘raw, unpasteurised’), almost with every meal. Could this have contributed to the onset, and brought about an intolerance / allergy to sugar?

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Dr Anton Alexandroff
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Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:11 am
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by Dr Anton Alexandroff on Sat Nov 21, 2020 10:23 pm

Re: Confusion with skin condition described as 'papular eczema'

Thank you for your questions. So sorry to hear about your skin problems!
It sounds like you have a type of eczema/dermatitis. I do not think it was brought by eating honey. Rarely eczema may be made by foods but unfortunately, as it was discussed at an evidence based meeting about eczema, currently there are no tests for food allergies relevant to dermatitis. Perhaps you could talk to your dermatologist about the next like treatment such as UVB phototherapy or oral immunosuppressive medication.

I hope this is helpful.
With Best Wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff FRCP(UK) PhD CCT(Derm) FRSM FAAD
Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer
The British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
London, Cambridge, Leicester and Bedford

https://www.alexandroff.org.uk/

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Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD

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