New to eczema and I don't know what to do

[missauthor]

Hi! I'm 14 and recently, after many months of chemical patch testing and mis diagnoses, I have been correctly diagnosed with eczema on my face, specifically on my eyelid. My doctor prescribed desonide, a steroid, but after I applied it when I first noticed a flare up, my skin burned even more. I immediately took it off and applied aquafor, which instantly relieved the burning sensation. Since then, I've been gradually trying to apply the desonide and its been burning less as I've been using it, however my eczema has gotten worse. I don't know what to do now! I've been researching the cream and I've seen many bad reviews, as well as unwanted side effects from continued use. I questioned whether or not it was the cream or my facial wash, moisturizer, etc., but there are no irritating ingredients in the products I use (Cetaphil and Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Moisturizer). I'm not sure whether to stop the use of the desonide or keep using it until my flare up is gone. I don't want to cause any more damage to my skin, but want to get rid of the flare up as soon as possible! Are there any products that would be good for my under-eye eczema that won't irritate it any further and will heal my skin? Thank you so much to anyone who responds!

[Marcie Mom]

Hi!

For eyelids or areas that are thinner, doctors may prescribe a cream like protopic that is non-steroid, some reported it stings though, but overall, seems effective as an alternative to steroid for maintenance. I've written on this in my blog eczemablues.com , can't publish the link here, but extracted below for you:

"So What’s Protopic and what does it do?

According to its website, Protopic is a topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) that is available upon prescription. Calcineurin activates the T-cells of the immune system, which when over-produced attacks the skin leading to inflammation (read more in this post). Protopic, whose drug name is tacrolimus, belongs to a class of drugs known as calcineurin inhibitors and works to decrease the effects of, or suppresses, the immune system."

Take care, keep us updated,
Mei