u/Sea_End_2676

I have eczema in arms, legs, neck, uppper chest, back

I’ve been using Elidel (pimecrolimus) for almost 3 months now because it was prescribed by my dermatologist. He also told me that I could replace it with tacrolimus/Protopic if I wanted, but I’m still unsure about the difference between them.

To be honest, I can’t really tell how much Elidel is helping because I still get flares sometimes and I still need to use topical steroids from time to time. So I’m wondering if switching to tacrolimus 0.1% would make sense.

The main reason I’m considering switching is the price. Tacrolimus is around $10 cheaper where I live.

I’ve read that Protopic/tacrolimus is usually used for more severe eczema, which made me wonder:

• Can Elidel be replaced with tacrolimus 0.1%?
• Do they basically have the same effect?
• Has anyone switched from Elidel to tacrolimus and noticed a difference?

Who is exited for the results tomorrow like me?

I’m 18 and eczema started suddenly around 8 months ago. Before that, I lived a completely normal life with no skin problems at all. It first started on my arms, then spread to my legs, neck, and upper chest.

The confusing part is that I can’t figure out the trigger because nothing really changed in my lifestyle around the time it started.

Right now I use a normal cheap laundry detergent, but I’ve seen many people here say switching to a fragrance-free detergent for sensitive skin helped them a lot. The problem is those detergents are like 8–9 times more expensive than normal detrgents.

So I’m wondering: does changing detergent really make a big difference for eczema? Is it worth spending the extra money to try, even if I was using he same cheap normal detergents before getting eczema?

Hi everyone, I have eczema and I’m trying to figure out what is triggering it.

I heard about patch testing as a way to identify possible triggers. Has anyone here with eczema tried it?

Also, I’m specifically looking for affordable places to do patch testing in Sharjah. Does anyone know a good clinic or hospital that offers it at a reasonable price?

Hi everyone I am 18m

my life was pretty normal until about 9 months ago. It started with small eczema patches on my hand and leg. At first it was mild, but over time it slowly spread.

Now it’s on my arms, knees (both arms and legs), neck, upper chest, and armpits, and it’s even starting to show up on my biceps area.

I’ve been trying hard to figure out what triggered it, but honestly I can’t link it to any clear change. Nothing really stood out around the time it started, no obvious changes in food, skincare, environment, or routine. That’s what’s frustrating because I really want to understand the cause, but I just can’t pinpoint anything.

I came across patch testing, and I read that it can help people identify their triggers. The issue is it’s expensive where I live, and I don’t have insurance. So it would be a big investment for me, and I want to make sure it’s actually worth it before I commit.

For those who did patch testing, did it actually help you find your triggers and improve your eczema?

Would you recommend it, or are there other ways that helped you figure out triggers without spending that much money?

Like do you go and talk with anyone on the street and be friends or how

I’m looking to do a blood allergy test (IgE panel) to check possible triggers. I want a test that includes a wide range of things like food and environmental/general allergens (dust, pollen, pets, mold, etc.). If anyone in Sharjah has done this: Where did you do it? How much did it cost (roughly)? Recommend any cheap or affordable hospital/lab that does a good panel?

Quick background: I have eczema on my arms,leg, and neck and I’m using Elidel + moisturizer.

Lately when I wake up, I find wounds exactly along the crease lines in my arm (between forearm and biceps). It’s not random scratches, it’s literally following the natural lines.

I don’t really remember scratching that much at night, and I even put Vaseline before sleeping. But recently I’ve been sleeping with a fan blowing closer to me.

So now I’m confused — is this from dryness (like the fan air), or from unconscious scratching while I’m asleep?

Anyone had this before?