Full body random flare up that won't go away

[IndigoDown]

I've had eczema since I was born which mainly flared up when the seasons changed and was situated on the insides of my elbows, back of my knees and corners of my mouth, but about 15 months ago I got a flare up that hasn't gone away. It started as a small patch between my shoulder and neck on the left side while I was in the shower, then spread mainly to my neck and down my arms but has since gone pretty much everywhere on my body. I've tried a few different steroid creams, moisturisers and emollients, as well as antihistamines and antibiotics and have tried cutting dairy and wheat out although it was for a short period of time, but nothing has made whatever has caused my skin to flare up go away. It's mainly bad at night, waking me up at least twice due to itchiness and has done for months now and I can't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep.

I've seen my local GP a bunch of times, each time just getting steroid creams and moisturisers, but am going back to my university doctor for the third time next week to tell her that the antibiotics and antihistamines haven't worked, plus the wet wrapping technique she recommended only worked for a couple of days. I'm going to book an appointment to see the uni nurse too about getting a blood test but other than that I've run out of ideas. At first the steroid creams calmed my skin but now they're almost useless and this needs to be sorted. It's not just that I'm embarrassed about the redness and dryness on my neck and face, whatever is going on makes me feel hideous and I can't sleep properly so I'm tired all the time and that makes working and being happy more difficult.

If anyone has any advice, anything at all, or just some words of encouragement I would be eternally grateful.

[Marcie Mom]

Hi!

Sorry to hear that eczema is worsening. Have you tried a skin prick test? It can be done before the blood test, and the results are faster, within 15-20 minutes. It is also more accurate in certain aspects.
Do see a specialist, and see if they can help you interpret the tests results.
The other thing I can think of is chlorhexidine, it kills off staph bacteria which is persistent on eczema skin and promotes inflammation, reducing the effectiveness of topical treatments in that way.
Hope above helps, and look forward to your update!
Mei

[ellsaroo]

I would try and get your gp to send you to a dermatologist prooerly- I had massive issues with mine as gps dont want to spend money on skin etc.but I was lucky because I actually worked in a dermatology department and the head dermatologist basically wrote to my.gp telling them I was under her care from now on. the helped massively. its still not great but im not at sea without a paddle.
I also changed my gp to one that had a.skin.and eczema specialist as a partner. these guys work in hospital some days and normal gps the rest.
basically go and make a nuisance of yourself to the gp and if that doesn't wprk as a dermy nurse told me- then take your mum! !

[ellsaroo]

also get some antihistamines to help you sleep. you can get boots ones over the counter. the non drowsy are better for things like hay fever but ita the drowsy ones like piriton that help with skin allergies. I take about two or three before bed and it makes sleeping a hell of a lot easierxx