Severe discoid eczema in teenager

[noonoo67]

My daughter is 15 and has had eczema all her life but in the last few years she has also developed discoid eczema.

We have tried steroid creams with emollients, bath oils , garments, bandaging, wet wraps, and now light treatment and nothing seems to be working. Her skin is just a mass of open oozing and bleeding sores and has been for months. The itching is relentless! Her confidence is completely sapped. Tonight is particularly bad. She's been crying and so have I. Just not sure what to do next to help her.

She also has suspected juvenile arthritis and has joint pain all the time, asthma and acne.

Any advice gratefully received.

[Marcie Mom]

Offering hugs from Singapore, am mom to an eczema toddler girl.

Sorry to hear of the worsening eczema, may also be linked to puberty.. are you seeing a specialist, experienced enough to prescribe oral med if necessary? Also, allergy test taken? I'm so so sorry to hear of the confidence esp for teen, sending more hugs and hopefully, you can find a local support group too.

More hugs,
Mei

[noonoo67]

Yes we're under hospital care finally. I got do desperate last night that I emailed the specialist nurse.

They're talking about cyclosporin next but say we have to have the light therapy first for about two months. Nearly half way through now.

No allergy tests, but I'm going to pay for food allergy testing myself. She has hayfever too.

[Marcie Mom]

Hi!

An extract from my blog on cyclosporin, should not be used with light therapy, do check with doc

Care ought to be taken to ensure that the prescription of Cyclosporine is the right one, as it can be in different form – original vs modified. Different form of cyclosporine is to be mixed with different liquids, so do check with your doctor too. Also check with your doctor on what other medication to avoid, especially those that affect the immune system, such as azathioprine, methotrexate and tacrolimus. There is associated risk with high blood pressure, kidney damage, lymph and skin cancer, so do check with the doctor if your child should take additional sun protection measures, and for adults, avoid phototherapy during the medication. Do not drive as side effect of cyclosporine is dizziness. Avoid contact with people who are ill, and also those who have taken a recent nasal flu vaccine (also check with the doctor before you/ your child get vaccinated).

Hugs!
Mei