Please help--I am pretty worried about taking this steroid cream the doctor prescribed?

Question

He took zero medical history, only filled out form with name and address and insurance. No assistant took any medical history.

I was told I have eczema..I broke out in an extremely itchy rash on my calves after remodeling. He concurred it was probably an allergy (to the dust or possible mold stirred up) that went to eczema.

Natural treatments I tried did not help. I want to get rid of it as it is unsightly and itchy but I am worried about potential problems.

He ordered a steroid cream (betamethasone dip aug .05% cream) for 6 weeks. He said it would be a lot better in a week but if I discontinued it before 6 weeks, it may come back.

I have just been told I may have high blood pressure, I had a fasting blood sugar of 151 (but ai c was 5.9)..this means I am prediabetic they said, Also I have developed severe gout and have arthritis. I am also clinically depressed and long felt I had adrenal insufficiency due to high stress for 20 years and symptoms of this.

I read this steroid cream

cream can cause blood glucose to raise and be not advised to take if one has high blood pressure or diabetes. Also it interferes by increasing inflammation which may hurt my gout/arthritis and can exacerbate depression. It causes weight gain and redistribution of weight (in a bad way). If used more than a week, it can cause the adrenal glands to shrink and may cause a rebound effect if not gradually tapered off. It takes the adrenals about 3 months to start working right again and producing its hormones (I think cortisol).

I have a phobia about medicines and almost never take them but I am afraid this eczema rash on both legs will never leave if I don't use it, I am angry this doctor did not ask me one medical question or get any medical history. I recently was forced into an HMO) and he is the only doctor I see who is an approved dermatologist. The office was packed and I was only with the doctor about 4 minutes..It was fast for everyone it looked like. I am used to doctors

who spend 15-30 minutes with me and they always take a history..I am unsure if I should take it. Do you feel it would be safe? Would he have prescribed it if it was dangerous with certain medical conditions? Does anyone have any experience with taking a steroid cream like this.

I have had this rash since December several problems getting in sooner and two doctors didn't know what it was, but they were not specialist like this doctor who took no history and glanced at the rash a minute.

Answer 1

get a second opinion. See another doctor. Explain to them that you are wary of this cream because of your health history. I only read into the first part of your additional information because I'd read enough right there to know that the doctor made a mistake. Any time you have to watch your blood sugar or blood pressure a doctor should NEVER prescribe something that can throw your body for a loop.

The new doctor should take your medical history into account and either prescribe something to help keep your medical conditions in check (less preferred as this can cause problems, too) or even prescribe a different treatment for the eczema (preferred). Or he might find that it isn't eczema at all.

Good luck, and hopefully you'll find the right answers.



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edit:

Reading further, and I apologize I missed this, since you've been forced into an HMO, call the insurance company and explain the situation. REPORT THE DOCTOR TO THEM! this kind of negligence needs to be noted. They should be able to assign a new dermatologist for you as well.

Answer 2

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Answer 4

I'm quite surprised you've been given betamethasone, if this is your first try with steroid cream; this is quite a strong one, and I've only ever been given it (as Betnovate / Betnovate RD) , for short periods after weaker ones have failed.

I was recently in hospital to clear up my eczema, and even there, I was only on Betnovate for a short period, before I was moved down to Elocon (mometasone furoate).

The most important thing is keeping the skin moisturised... I use DiproBase, plus Unguentum as a soap replacement.

There is an alternative to steroids, Tacrolimus, but as this works as an immune suppressant, it cannot be used if there is an infection, if you are exposed to UV or are having light treatment, or if you are having vaccinations for holiday.

One answerer above mentioned Sulphur, this is an ingredient in a shampoo I have been given (Meted) along with salicylic acid, so it may be worth investigating further ( I don't use it on my legs so no idea how it works there! )

Also, at this time of year, presuming the Northern Hemisphere somewhere, central heating is coming on more often. This really sets eczema off, so however tempting a warm cozy house is, turn the thermostat down so you're not drying out.

Answer 5

You know that cream will not hurt you. It will help your hands. It will keep the skin from cracking open so that you do not get an infection. It's wise to use it. Also, try to take some zinc. This is great for the immune system and can clean chemicals out of the body that might be hiding. Also for high blood pressure take some magnesium and when you take these vitamins chew them up, instead of swallowing them whole. I hope that your doing good today Janie. I haven't seen you in a while. Missed you girl. God Bless You.

Answer 6

Hello there. Doctors know any other treatments for eczema except steroidal creams. Stay away from them. There are non-traditional (or - rather - traditional) remedies on the market. In my case the anti-eczema cream and spray from http://www.champori.com proved very effective: my skin cleared in just under 3 weeks! It is herbal (steroid-free) and works well. Try it. If it doesn't work for you - it's free: they offer money back guarantee.
Best,
Bernadette

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Answer 10

Let's see....adrenal insufficiency, stress, phobias, eczema, gout, arthritis, high blood pressure and the ever popular, depression.
I think a small dose of lead to the head would solve your problems in a flash. May I suggest a dosing larger than a .38? This may provide assurance that one dose is all you'll need.
It has been my experience that you need to stop a doctor in his tracks when he seems to be indifferent and affirm yourself to him. However, considering your lack of common sense reassurance in our medical evolution on medications, I suspect you may be some sort of ever constant complainer of illnesses, (hypochondriac). In that case, if you are, please allow the REALLY ill people the chance to see a doctor and minimize your visits.
I may be wrong, however, and if so, I guess you need to start taking your medications and kicking yourself for letting things get so bad!