Last week I had a really bad eczema flare on the tops and ankles of both my feet. It's nearly impossible not to scratch or at least rub the intensely itchy skin, and I've used steroid ointments for so many years that said itchy skin is paper thin. It tears easily, bleeds easily, and of course it gets infected easily.
That's what's going on right now. My skin is angry red, painful, and weeping clear fluid. Even more alarming, last night I developed small red streaks climbing up my right leg...it's a little bit scary. Not to mention disgusting looking.
Of course I called my doctor first thing this morning and he immediately called in prescriptions for antibiotics (oral and topical) and a round of prednisone. And he didn't make me come in for it, bless him. He knows how much I've struggled with this skin problem and he does his best to help. The last time I saw him he told me I have the most stubborn case of treatment-resistant eczema/dermatitis that he's ever seen.
Anyway, I feel bad. I hate the way this feels and I REALLY hate the way it looks. It's disappointing that with all the changes I've made this year to take better care of my health, this keeps happening. I get mad at myself when I can't stop scratching. It's my own fault that things have gotten this bad.
At least I've started on antibiotics now. I picked them up on my way home from work. Maybe by tomorrow I'll start feeling a little better.
34 comments:
Nothing worse than an itch you can't/shouldn't scratch. Hopefully you'll be feeling better soon!
How I hope this round of dermatitis is gone soon.
Hope things work out. I work with two men who both have it, one of them terribly bad.
Oh dear Jennifer. I hope this passes quickly. I have a very good friend that gets it too very badly and she has it covering her legs and arms. I can't even imagine the itching.
Poor you! I can’t imagine how frustrating this must be! I hope the steroids kick in quickly and you turn a corner! - Jenn
I'm so sorry! It sounds utterly miserable and frustrating. Dealing with the problem over and over would get me down.
I hope you feel better soon and that the red skin and itchiness cease & desist soon too!
It really does get me down sometimes. I know it's not the end of the world, but it's uncomfortable and unsightly and I can't seem to rid myself of it. The problem has been ongoing for years.
Thank you Jenn.
The itching will drive you mad! Sometimes it seems to itching down to the very bone. Thanks for the kind words, Maddie.
It will work out, and after a course of prednisone it may even retreat for awhile...but it always seems to come back.
Me too!
Thanks Bob. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be on the mend.
Thank you! I'm waiting until tomorrow morning to start the prednisone, taking it mid afternoon is a recipe for insomnia! Once that's in me things should improve rapidly.
You don't deserve this Jennifer. I am sending you a virtual Yorkshire hug. There, there honeypie!
Eczema (and the itching) is maddening. I imagine it does get your down. Hope the antibiotics and steroids help.
A Yorkshire hug sounds like just the thing to make me feel better. Thank you Neil.
Poor you! I am not surprised that this makes you feel down. Something that keeps returning no matter how hard you have worked to make changes must be very frustrating. Hopefully, the medication kicks in quickly and you can soon leave this episode behind.
I don't know why you say it's your own fault. It isn't. Have you thought of being tested for allergies? The answer could be as simple as avoiding one particular food. You have my sympathy. x
I feel for you, honey. I have eczema, too. Not scratching is nearly impossible. Please don't be so hard on yourself.
Love,
Janie
It’s not your own fault. NOT scratching is an impossibility I’m sure. Hope you get quick relief.
It's no fun, that's for sure. Thank you Debby.
Thank you Meike. I know that there are far worse things than eczema to deal with, health-wise. I try to remember that it could be so much worse.
Yes, I've done allergy testing although not with food. I'm allergic to mold, grass, dust, and cats. I've been taking allergy shots for two years now.
I say it's my fault because I give in and scratch, and then my skin gets broken and I end up with a skin infection.
Thanks Janie. Eczema is a bitch.
Thank you my friend.
Not that is a special kind of hell. I am so sorry. May you get sweet relief and may it come quickly.
It's not your fault when the itching is unbearable, Jennifer. Hope the meds help quickly and you fell better soon.
I'm so sorry! I used to get it on my hands and around my eyes. The itching is wicked.
Thank you Mary.
Thanks Ellen. I always feel slightly ashamed when things get this bad because I know scratching makes everything worse.
It is wicked. Perfect word for it.
I hope you feel better. Certainly don't kick yourself for it -- it's not like you willfully CREATED this problem.
I hope by now you are feeling better.
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