I’ve had Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema) since 8 months postpartum with my daughter. I did all the wrong things and ignored it as I didn’t really know what it was and just thought it would go away. Anyway this turned in to a long flare that lasted about a year until I went to my GP and used steroids for maybe a week which cleared it up and I kept it manageable until I had my second daughter a few months later where I obviously started over washing my hands as I was in and out of hospital etc. this then majorly flared up my eczema for a good 6 months leaving me with cracks. I eventually went back to the GP in Feb, asked the to refer me to a dermatologist (which I have an appt with in October) and gave me some steroids again. I used it and managed to clear the eczema and have been maintaining since. However, this week I’ve noticed a couple of blisters appearing and am not really sure what to do, shall I use steroids again now to get it under control quickly? Or should I avoid steroid use?
Things I am trying to do to keep it under control:
- slathering my hands in zeroderm ointment and wearing cotton gloves every night
- washing my hands with epimax cream
- moisturising after every hand wash
- stopped using baby wipes
- wear cotton lined gloves for pretty much anything with water
When it flares and cracks I find daily life unbearable, I feel like I can’t use my hands and I can’t let it get bad again but I really don’t want to regret using steroids as I’ve heard so many negative stories.