Eczema on Hands

[sparrowhawk]

I suffer from sensitive skin and have had eczema on my hands for about 40 yrs. I have had patch tests which showed I am allergic to formaldehyde, caine mix and a couple of antibiotics. Cannot use anything perfumed or any make up as it causes eczema flare up. By avoiding these things and wearing gloves for washing up and housework I rarely get eczema on my body or face, but the skin on my hands is so damaged that I am rarely without eczema and they swell and split constantly on my palms. I use Unguentum many times a day on my hands and Betnovate at least 3 times a week. I was given protopic 0.03% and nizoral to try. The nizoral just irritated my skin and to be honest the protopic frightened me as I understand it switches off your immune system, i was reluctant to use it as I have CFS/ME and Coeliac Disease and so my immune system is already compromised.
I worry that the constant use of these creams has taken my skin to a point of no return, but it really is getting me down now as I am so limited in what I can do before my hands get really sore and it affects my sleep and makes ME worse. When I wear rubber gloves my hands swell and get really itchy even though I wear cotton gloves as well.
I asked about food allergies when I was referred to a dermatologist, but was told they do not test for such things and as it is only on my hands, it is unlikely to be food caused.
I would be grateful for any advice as I am not sure what to do.

[kkrybeiro]

Hi there, have u actually received any feedback on this post sparrow hawk?
I believe an answer will also help my son, but can't find it anywhere.
Thanks

[Wendy Green]

Hi Sparrowhawk,

Could I first refer you to my reply to a previous post on hand eczema: viewtopic.php?f=497&t=4953#p14551 - as this covers several topics that may be helpful to you i.e. stress management, as well as diet, supplement and food allergy advice.

Also I notice that you've used betnovate cream, but you don't mention having used hydrocortisone cream; I've used this to successfully manage my eczema flare-ups for many years; if you haven't tried it already it may be worth giving it a go, using a 1% strength preparation initially. Again, I've already posted some information about using hydrocortisone cream safely here viewtopic.php?f=497&t=4988#p14685

I hope you find this information relevant and helpful.

Good luck

Wendy

[Carina Venter]

Hi Sparrowhawk

You mention that your hands seem to get worse when you wear rubber gloves - have you been assessed for latex allergy? Do your lips swell when you blow up balloons?

Have you ever had an itchy mouth, tingling/swelling of lips or tongue when eating avo, banana or potato?

What happens when you peel potatoes - do you have itchy hands?

Thanks

Carina Venter
Allergy Specialist Dietitian

[sparrowhawk]

Hi thankyou for your response.
I was tested for latex allergy when I had my patch tests and I was not considered allergic. The gloves i use for housework are from Boots and are latex free, I also use cotton gloves inside them. I think it could be the heat that causes problems, but just gloves without the cotton ones causes soreness due to the friction when vacuuming or dusting and as i am allergic to dust mite I cannot go without anything on my hands.
I eat potato and banana regularly without tingling lips. when I peel potatoes i always have rubber gloves on as the water and soil irritate my hands, so I don't come into contact with raw potato.
I have asked about being tested for other food allergies when i saw the dermatologist, but was told that it is not available on the NHS and as my eczema is on exposed parts ie hands and face, it is not likely to be food cause and also that it is usually only childrens eczema caused by food.
I did consider using a postal food testing allergy service, but have read that they give false results and tell you to cut out many things and as I am already on a restricted diet due to coeliac disease, it would not be wise to cut out anything else without NHS help.
Would you agree with what I have been told? I would be grateful for any other advice.

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

Dear sparrowhawk,
your eczema/dermatitis sounds dreadful!

I have a number of patients in my clinics with very difficult hands and/or feet dermatitis (which can be so disabling!).
Have you discussed with your dermatologist phototherapy (PUVA) treatment?
I also found that alitretinoin (Toctino) tablets (which do not affect your immune system!) usually get it under control. Have you discussed Toctino treatments with your dermatologist? Of course Toctino treatment still has to be monitored and in particular you should not get pregnant before and during treatment with Toctino (but this would be discussed with you by your dermatologist).

I hope this is helpful.
With best wishes,
Dr Anton Alexandroff MRCP(UK) PhD FAAD FRSM
Consultant Dermatologist in Leicester and Bedford
www.alexandroff.org.uk
twitter @bedford_skin_dr
blog: http://privatehealthnews.co.uk/category ... rmatology/

[Carina Venter]

Dear Sparrowhawk

Thanks for getting back to me. If your latex allergy test was negative and you eat foods cross-reacting with latex without a problem (which you do), then I agree, it is highly unlikely that food allergies are involved in your hand eczema.

Thanks

Carina Venter
Allergy Specialist Dietitian