Your Stories - Foot Eczema

Nothing seems to work for my daughter's foot eczema - J O'Sullivan, Islington, UK

My daughter was born in 1987 and was diagnosed with eczema but was not told which type she had. Our family doctor prescribed hydrocortisone cream but did not warn us there would be side effects and that one of them was weight gain. When my daughter was younger she only had it on her arms, legs, and face but over the past few years it has come out on her feet so badly that she cannot leave the house and also cannot wear any types of shoes. Her feet are blistered so badly that they weep and bleed so much, and swollen that she can't get any type of shoes on. Even though she moisturises them daily it makes no difference. We've been to the doctors numerous times and not once has he referred her to see a dermatologist because he thinks her feet are not bad enough. We had to demand through my daughter crying in pain to be referred to see a dermatologist. He has prescribed so many creams, moisturisers, bath additives and antibiotics and anti-itching medicine, although we have told him that they don't work, which he can see for himself that they don't. We have seen in the chemists a few different types of cream for itching dry skin. My daughter tends to cry herself to sleep at night time because of the pain and this is not something a 22yr old nearly 23yr old girl should have to do. We are now running out of options of what to do. (February 2010) Contact J O'Sullivan

Finally my foot eczema is under control -- Sammie, Milton Keynes, UK

Firstly, I sympathize with anyone who is an eczema sufferer. And know of the pain and frustration that comes with this disease. I have suffered from Hand and Foot eczema since I was 16, where the soles of my feet would blister and the palms of my hands. I would have them in bandages for weeks at a time. For the most part I would have no skin on on my hands or feet and would bleed and weep excessively. I have used various steroid creams, that have only given me temporary relief. After having patch tests, I found out I was allergic to fragrance. I do not use any forms of fragrance, this includes, shampoo, soap, washing powder, deodorant, washing up liquid. Because I used steroids for many years, my skin is now hypersensitive; and have found I have other allergies, animal fur is just one. I now have my eczema under control, I occasionally have a few blisters in the summer, and bath in oilatum plus and do not use any forms of steroid creams. (February 2010) Contact Sammie

Foot Eczema - Loreto, Philippines

I got this eczema on my feet since 2003. Come and go on different spots on my feet, sometimes on the left side, sometimes on the other. I've tried Betamethasone cream, gentamycin cream, clobetasol cream, and medicines like prednisone and cloxacillin. But just like they've said, it still has no cure. Now I got it on both the left and right side. Knowing that there is still no cure, one day when my eczema launch an all out itchy attack, I fought back w/ my full force scratching counter strike... Skin peeled and then bleeds. So what I did was, I treated it just like a wound. I put BETADINE (povidone-iodine) on it. For over a month now, not an itch or flakes. Now I'm waiting for my other foot to unbearably itch and I would do the same strategy... (December 2007) Contact Loreto

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