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PLEASE ADVISE WHAT CREAMS ARE SUITABLE - these patches come and go. Mostly I have used chemical free moisturizers but also am trying Timodine given for anal probs.

Dear Ruthie,

it is not uncommon for eczema on the top of the foot. I would firstly try to avoid any irritants such as soap and use Dermol cream as a soap substitute regularly. Dermol contains an antibacterial agent which helps.

Adding a topical steroid such as hydrocortisone or eumovate cream would not be a problem and may help if th patches are more stubborn. However of the patch is only on one foot and does not respond to the topical steroid creams it is worthwhile considering a fungal infection called tinea in which case a trial of lamisal cream (twice a day for 2 weeks) may also help.

I hope this helps.

Feel free to feedback later this month!

Best of Luck
Jonathan

A good all round cream is one that contains a bit of steroid plus a bit of anti-fungal. Something like Daktacort is a good one. Dr Webberley

Dear Ruthie,

I agree with my colleagues. It sounds like dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis or possibly fungal infection (tinea). I would probably suggest emulsifying ointment a few times a day (or if it is too greasy - cetraben cream more often) and 1% hydrocortisone cream (or eumovate cream which is stronger) daily for 2 weeks. Don't use Aqueous Cream because sometimes it can make eczema worse. New evidence suggests that you should not use Dermol or Eczmol cream continuously for longer than 2 weeks at the time. If it fails, I agree, it would be a good idea to try terbinafine (Lamisil) cream twice daily for 2 weeks.
If this also fails you may want to see your GP or dermatologist.

I hope this is helpful.
With best wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff CCT(Dermatol) FRCP(UK) FAAD FRSM
Consultant Dermatologist and Senior Lecturer
Member of British Association of Dermatologists
De Montfort University, Leicester Spire Hospital, Leicester Nuffield Health Hospital, Bedford BMI Manor Hospital
www.alexandroff.org.uk