Anyone with Eczema? Do you take oral steroids?

[hierobryan]

I have minor eczema, and I use hydrocortisone cream (the weakest stuff) for minor days and clobetasol cream (the strongest stuff) for flare ups. I've been trying to get my doctor to give me prednisone (or other oral steroid) more often than one prescription every 3 months because that's the only thing that completely clears up my rash. It's like a miracle drug that gives me baby soft skin everywhere.

Are any of you able to get oral steroids for "minor" eczema? If so, how? Is there anything I can say to my doctor to convince him to give me a long term oral steroid prescription?
I know the oral steroids have stronger side effects, but seriously, I'd rather live a shorter life WITHOUT rash than a longer life with rash. If I had to cut my life short 15 years for the pills I'd still take 'em. That's how much they improve my quality of life.

 

[Peterkro]

I've had Psoriasis most of my life and have come across loads of people who have used systematic steroids,my advice do not use them, even today when dosages are much lower than previously it's not a good idea.The best suggestion I have is to find a good Chinese herbalist,they won't effect a miracle cure but definitely will be able to help. I also understand the psychological pain caused by having a disfiguring skin disease but please stay away from steroids.

 

[neonblue2]

Only cream for me because it's never been that bad. In fact I didn't get eczema at all for about ten years (since I was 5) until very recently when it's flared up again.

I reckon it's mostly just stress during these last few years of highschool. At least I'm not getting it on my ankles anymore, just my arms.

 

[donga]

I have minor eczema, and I use hydrocortisone cream (the weakest stuff) for minor days and clobetasol cream (the strongest stuff) for flare ups. I've been trying to get my doctor to give me prednisone (or other oral steroid) more often than one prescription every 3 months because that's the only thing that completely clears up my rash. It's like a miracle drug that gives me baby soft skin everywhere.

Are any of you able to get oral steroids for "minor" eczema? If so, how? Is there anything I can say to my doctor to convince him to give me a long term oral steroid prescription?
I know the oral steroids have stronger side effects, but seriously, I'd rather live a shorter life WITHOUT rash than a longer life with rash. If I had to cut my life short 15 years for the pills I'd still take 'em. That's how much they improve my quality of life.

consistent use of hydrocoritsone works for me. i like otc stuff since it saves on the hassle of doctor's appointments and does the job.

i don't know what to say about the oral steroids. you could doctor shop if you wanted to. maybe represent your case to the doctor again, but i'm sure you've already done that.

 

[0098386]

I sometimes a minor bout of a rare form of eczema on the side of my index finger, for that I just take some steroid cream and it's usually gone within a couple of days. Oral steroids... Sounds a bit overkill if its minor?

Hydrocortisone. That's the one!

 

[biker74]

I hadn't realised you could get oral, but then we're on the NHS here so its probably to expensive.

My skin is generally ok, but recently it has been flaring up, tried the usual steriod creams, going from the strongest down to the weakest, and that usually works. However, I am now being referred to deremotolgy at the hospital to receive light treatment. Had it before and it really does the trick, plus you get a bit of a tan, but quite a natural tan, as its UVA opposed to UVB (I think) cant remember how it works.

But hopefully it will clear up the current issue.

 

[janyte]

excema and prednisone

When my excema gets everywhere, the only thing that will help it quickly is prednisone. I think you're lucky you have someone who will prescribe it every 3 months. I find myself going completely crazy with the raw, itchy skin. Right now I'd kill for a 5 day course! Instead I keep using OTC cortisone creams that help a little, cold compresses to stop itching for 5 minutes...and avoid mirrors. You'd think there would be something out there to help. I've had excema since I was a little kid - I'm in my early 50's now.

 

[Signal-11]

I self medicate prednisone but unless you have a reason, it's better to not have the temptation.

You should ask your derm about Protopic.

 

[jeremy h]

Used to suffer a fair bit as a kid - pretty much grown out of it now but still get it in a minor way.

For those with minor problems - I always found salt water helped. (Swimming in the sea etc). Chucking quite a bit of salt (Sea water has got a surprising amount of salt etc in it) in a bath sometimes helped me. I do it now sometimes if it flares back up. Might be worth a try?

 

[jsgreen]

I went through the steroid creams - and they helped, but I've actually had really good results with Nivea Creme - the really thick stuff, sold in dark blue plastic jar. I don't know why it works, but I thankfully haven't had to use steroids in years because of Nivea.

 

[sulah]

I have minor eczema, and I use hydrocortisone cream (the weakest stuff) for minor days and clobetasol cream (the strongest stuff) for flare ups. I've been trying to get my doctor to give me prednisone (or other oral steroid) more often than one prescription every 3 months because that's the only thing that completely clears up my rash. It's like a miracle drug that gives me baby soft skin everywhere.

Are any of you able to get oral steroids for "minor" eczema? If so, how? Is there anything I can say to my doctor to convince him to give me a long term oral steroid prescription?
I know the oral steroids have stronger side effects, but seriously, I'd rather live a shorter life WITHOUT rash than a longer life with rash. If I had to cut my life short 15 years for the pills I'd still take 'em. That's how much they improve my quality of life.

My husband has extreme eczema; been to 4 specialists; even had biopsies; all suggest oral steroids but we've not gone that route due to potential serious side affects but he is reaching the point that he really doesn't care because his suffering level is over the top. He has it everywhere. No creams relieve the itching..including clobetasol and eucrisa. He had a serious reaction to the OTC topical steroids; learned those have preservatives in them. We are at the end of our rope. Nasty stuff....its likened unto a plague.

 

[Peegee10x]

My husband has extreme eczema; been to 4 specialists; even had biopsies; all suggest oral steroids but we've not gone that route due to potential serious side affects but he is reaching the point that he really doesn't care because his suffering level is over the top. He has it everywhere. No creams relieve the itching..including clobetasol and eucrisa. He had a serious reaction to the OTC topical steroids; learned those have preservatives in them. We are at the end of our rope. Nasty stuff....its likened unto a plague.

Can totally understand !! My husband is the exact same, nothing works for
Him either. Also considering the oral steroid, has your husband started these yet?