can flare ups be hormone related

[ruthp1970]

My eczema is now pretty manageable - I underwent about a year of steroid treatment and phototherapy and it's like I have new skin. However I do get flare ups, especially on my face just before my period - is this to do with hormones? Can it be prevented?

[Dr Nisith Sheth]

Thanks for your post. Eczema that is made worse just before periods has been reported but is rare. This can be due to an autoimmune response to your own hormones such as progesterone or oestrogen. Intradermal tests can help conform the diagnosis. If you do have this then sometimes hormone directed medication such as tamoxifen can help but the diagnosis needs to be confirmed before starting this