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Hi New here. I'm at my wits end. I have had eczema all my life. my skin is horrible looking from all the steroids. In the last year, I got it on my face, I've never had it on there before (im 50) I'm so embarassed to even go out. any way the dr has given me steroid shots and its not helping. so they prescribed cyclosporine. Has anyone ever heard of this being prescribed before? if anyone has it on their face what have you used and has it worked? any help would be greatly appreciated.thanks

My son has been on cyclosporin, then it was azathioprine and now its mycophenelte.

Sometimes Immunosuppressants work and sometimes not, if you are given it, it will take about 12 weeks before you see any difference at all.

I was started on Cyclosporin nearly 3 years ago and then was changed to Azathioprine. It has helped to calm my eczema down but I'm still having to keep to a strict routine of creaming to keep it under control or it flares up very quickly. It's definately not a magic cure but can help to take the edge off in some people. There are side effects which you'll have to decided yourself if they outweigh the existing problem and you'll have to have regularly bloody test. I have mine monthly.

Cyclosporin is used to help manage severe eczema in patients where other methods of treating the condition have failed. Cyclosporin prevents the immune system from sending special cells called lymphocytes into the affected areas of skin. Reduced immune system activity reduces inflammation. Some patients have used Cyclosporin successfully whilst others have not.

This topic is all about your experiences, thoughts, feelings and questions about Cyclosporin.

My son who is 6 years old and has severe atopic eczema has just been put on Ciclosporin. The possible side effects worry me but we have decided to go with it to improve his quality of life. He is on it for 2 weeks and then has another appointment with his specialist. If it has improved things dramatically then they will continue with the treatment for a couple of months.

It is a tough choice I know, juggling quality of life and side effects. We were asked to think about it too for our 6 year old son but have held off for now, so I would be personally interested how you get on. My son is needle phobic so the blood tests would of been an added problem to the side effects. But it is still an option that we may have to turn to.

My son does not mind needles, a good job as had to have IV antibiotics and antivirals a few times. He also had blood taken for Rast tests a few times. I suppose that makes it a little easier whilst on treatment. I will update as we go. I do hope it gives the relief that is very much needed.

Hi

The trauma if IV drip which went wrong and various blood tests all have increased his issues. To the point earlier this year the hospital actually used gas rather than use an injection to put him to sleep for an operation. I am glad needles are ok for your son.

I am so sorry your son has become so afraid of needles, its not surprising though really. To be honest I am surprised James isn't but then most of his bad experiences with needles were when he was around 14-16 months old. They have always gone pretty smoothly since then.

There does not seem to have been anny side effects up to now and his eczema has improved. My son's skin is by nno means clear annd he is still extremely itchy and sleep is no better yet but hopefully that will come if his eczema cotinnues to improve.