Sensitive Skin, Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis - Oh My!
Posted on March 27 2013
Sensitive Skin, Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis – Apparently, I’ve had it all since the day I was born. I’ve struggled with dry, itchy skin, rashes, and redness my whole life, but six weeks ago, before I had my 3rd daughter, my eczema flared up like never before. My face and most of my body were red and blistery and unbearably itchy and dry. After I had the baby, Mark Cuban invited us to do an appearance with him on The View, so for vanity reasons, I called my dermatologist, who gave me a potent steroid cream to use for 3 days only. My skin cleared up almost instantaneously, just in time to look eczema-free on the show. I stopped using the steroid cream the morning of the taping, and twelve hours later, my eczema went into overdrive. I had never seen my skin look that bad.
To make a long story, short, I'm convinced my skin is addicted to topical steroid creams. I used them on and off throughout my life when my eczema would flare, but who knew you could become addicted to skin creams? I am under the care of a dermatologist, who says the only remedy is to "withdraw" from the steroids. The upside is that he says by withdrawing or stopping the use of all steroid creams, steroid injections, and oral steroids, I will be completely cured of eczema. The downside is that I will look like a burn victim and have intense eczema flares for at least 6 months to as long as 2 years!!! Since one's skin is the largest organ of the body, it may take a long time to recover from this “addiction.” Another thing that makes it difficult is that I need to stay out of the sun and keep my body cool for the time being. This should be quite a feat considering I live in Southern California!
I have consulted many dermatologists over the years and thought long and hard about what to do about my persistent eczema, and I’ve decided that going through this God-awful withdrawal is my only option. Right now, I look like I have 3rd degree burns all over my face and body, and it goes through a different phase daily - red, oozing, burning, extremely dry, etc. Everyday is so unpredictable. I go between getting chills and sweating profusely and it's uncomfortable to wear clothes, so I have not left my house except to see doctors. Thankfully, Lollacup headquarters is in my home, so I am able to work and I have a precious newborn to love and care for, so that has been my saving grace. It is going to be a long year, but I'm hopeful that this doctor is right and my eczema will be gone after the whole withdrawal process is said and done.
I know that this is just temporary, and I am so very thankful that I am healthy otherwise, but I feel compelled to write about my condition to alert those of you with eczema or children with eczema to be very cautious of steroid use. I am not an expert or a physician, so I’m not saying that all steroids are bad, but I think it’s important to know that one’s skin can become addicted to topical steroids and the side effects of these creams are quite scary.
FYI, this is the non-profit organization (itsan.org) that is trying to get the word out about topical steroid addiction. It wasn't until I stumbled upon this website that I realized what was happening to me.
84 comments
I always refused to use steroids on my infant for the first few months. As her eczema got worse from mild to chronic, my husband and I found a specialist in Asthma/eczema. Dr. Tottori gave her a 5 day oral steroid and ointment steroid. The best advice he gave us was to give her two 20 minute baths, twice a day, everyday! He recommended to stop using Aquafor instead we used Eurecin Original Cream twice a day. Within that same period of time, my mom gave my daughter skunk jerky to help with the eczema. I don’t really know what worked to heal her skin but for over a year, thank God she has not had another outbreak.
Like you I have suffered from itchy rashes my whole life and used various steroid creams and ointments that I couldn’t live without until they just stopped helping. My skin turned bright red and burning hot and I realized that my only choice was to stop using all steroid medications. It’s been almost 9 awful months, but my new friends on the ITSAN website have told me that I will heal eventually, so I am slogging through. And I hope you will too.
I did go through steroid withdrawl, not sure if that was clear or not on my post.. Anyhow, I have been off of all steroids for 3 years now and am almost totally all better although I still have a few slight issues.. I took a look at your sippy cups.. I am going to get one to give as a gift…
Thanks for the tips! Willing to try anything at this point.
Thanks for the tip! Will have to check it out.
Glad I could be of some help. Good luck with your child’s eczema.
My comments didn’t show up yesterday but I would think bleach baths very dangerous!
An oatmeal bath is much better.
I saw on TV this past week that using bleach for anything persons (touching skin) was very dangerous.
SO glad to hear your little one has been eczema-free for a year! Thanks for sharing what worked for you.
Same story here! Let’s hope we heal sooner rather than later.
Thanks for your support!
I am torn about the bleach issue. I am guilty of trying them, but they do sound scary.
My son had horrible eczema as a baby. We tried steroids at first, but then switched to lotions (Eucerin) and natural treatments. I don’t see it mentioned here, so I’ll offer my two cents, too — calendula cream. Our chiropractor studies natural remedies and he recommended it to us. My son is 6 now and we still use calendula to clear up his occasional red patches. Boiron and California Baby brands are usually easy to find. Good luck!
I have heard of calendula cream being good but have yet to try it. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Oral steroids for an infant?? My goodness those are some big guns to pull out. Bit dangerous too.
Love this post!!! I too am going through withdrawal after using steroid creams for 30+ years. Not a fun ride – had to leave work for a month and have only left the house once in the last 3 weeks. Hoping I can return to work but this is a long process! Thanks for sharing this much needed information!
I posted here yesterday but not sure what happened to it. My mother invented an all natural/herbal cream called Apolonia B. One of the ingredients is calendula. This cream is used for eczema, psoriasis, risacea and many other skin ailments. Please see the testimonials on the website. Hundred of people have found relief and even permanent resolution to their conditions. My mother passed away a few years ago but truly wanted to help people. I am positive this can help you! I can be reached anytime at (218)349-0293 for any questions. I also would be willing to send you a free jar to try. Please let me know.
Have you tried simple sugars products? I hope you heal soon!
Please see my comment below about trying Apolonia B Skin Cream- calendula is in if the main ingredients. I kind it would bring you incredible relief!
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