Hydrocortisone long term use

[LouiseBird]

My daughter developed ezcema at 3 months old which I managed with emollients until she was 2. She had a bad flare up at 2 and the doctor started prescribing hydrocortisone. A few months later we were on Eumovate. This kept the flare up under control but she was on it for months (as advised by her GP). I have managed to step it down to hydrocotisone again. At the moment I am just about managing a week without it. I am really worried about the fact I am using it on her face & eye lids (again under the supervision of her GP). I have had conflicting advice. My GP has told me to using for longer periods is fine whereas a dermatologist we were referred to advised against this.

I am focusing on hydrocortisone but needless to say this isn't the only line of attack. We moisturise three times a day (Dermol cream & Epaderm Ointment, Skinnies suits, probiotics etc.). Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,

[Jimbob]

We have always been advised not to use any topical steroids on the eyelids and not to use anything stronger than 1% hc on the face. Is your daughter still under a dermatologist? We are extremely happy with my son's specialist at RMCH but we have seen other specialists that were not so good. GP's don't tend to have a lot of knowledge about eczema and allergies in my experience but I am sure there are exceptions.

Kelly

[Marcie Mom]

I have to look up Eumovate.. likely the meds you have may have names different from where I live. From my personal experience, GPs don't carry creams suited for children because they don't see that many.. so seeing a pedatric specialist is best, for their experience and also the range of products they have on hand to prescribe. My toddler sees at children clinic in hospital, with allergy test available too.

Take care,
Mei

[LouiseBird]

I got referred to a dermatologist but unfortunately our first appointment was during a week when her skin was better than it had been for a year. I normally try and manage her skin care regime so that appointments are towards the end off her non hydrocortisone week but they moved my appointment so she had only been off it for a day. Her skin tends to deteriorate quickly once we stop using it. She also had chickenpox at the time which she got really badly and the doctor told me to dose her up with priton. I think because it made her drowsy she wasn't scratching her skin in the night so it looked good. Wasn't impressed with the dermatologist I found him quiet dismissive he wasn't interested at looking at the photos in her ezcema diary just said her skin looked alright and to stop using so much hydrocortisone. I tried to step it down and it flared up again.

The GP I see is reluctant to refer because so long as she is on hydrocortisone her skin is under control. I actually got the referral from the nurse practitioner at my doctors. The cold weather is causing us problems though. I am struggling to manage a week of Eumovate, in a couple of days her eyelids and face are looking really sore. Don't know my hydrocortisones but the GP says this is the strongest he can give a 3 year old. It is clobetasone butyrate 0.05%w/w??? it is made by GlaxosmithKline. Think I will go back and press for another appointment with a dermatologist.

[Jimbob]

I would definitely ask for another referral. Do you live near any of the children's hospitals? My son is treated at RMCH and his specialist is fantastic.

Kelly

[jrobinson0731]

We at one point fluctuated multiple steroids for long periods of time. I found that after a week of using CLn body wash on our daughter we were able to FINALLY get rid of any and all steroids. She had been on steroids more often than not in her first two years of life. When we found CLn two years ago and stopped using steroids we have not had to use ANY since.

Please let me know if I can offer more info or advice on these products. My husband and I fully believe in how well this wash works. We use it ourselves and on all 4 of our kids

Jess

[Jimbob]

I really would not continue to use topical steroids on your daughters eyelids. If this is what her gp advises then I would change doctors. Please get another opinion.

Kelly