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Suggest Remedy For Thinning Of Skin With History Of Eczema
Hi, My wife has been suffering from eczema for close to 20 years. She has seen her dermatologist who would inject her with steroids to resolve the severe itching she would get from time to time. Unfortunately, the long term use has affected her skin. It s become very thin and she bruises easily. I ve learned that their may be nothing that can be done for her. Is there anything that doctors can do to help restore and strengthen her skin and bones, which I believe were also affected?
Tue, 9 Feb 2021
Hi,
The unfortunate impacts of using potent steroids long term to treat eczema can be devastating to the patient; thinning/atrophy of the skin is one of them. The best and most effective measure to prevent and treat the thinning is to stop or minimize the use of steroid in first place. If there is need to use steroid, mild steroids must be considered. Avoid using harsh chemicals on skin, use very mild and ph balanced skin products to prevent flare up of eczema and irritation to the thinned skin. The use of human copper-binding peptide GHK-Cu has shown some benefit in repairing the skin that is damaged and thinned, you can discuss the possibility of its use with your treating physician or a dermatologist.
Moreover, the frequent use of steroids for almost 20 years necessitate the use of bone protective medications like bisphosphonates to prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Your treating physician can conduct bone density scan, and then depending on the results bone protection therapy will be prescribed. In addition, calcium and vitamin D supplementation maybe required depending on the lifestyle and diet to help maintain healthy bones.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ayesha Shareef, General & Family Physician
The unfortunate impacts of using potent steroids long term to treat eczema can be devastating to the patient; thinning/atrophy of the skin is one of them. The best and most effective measure to prevent and treat the thinning is to stop or minimize the use of steroid in first place. If there is need to use steroid, mild steroids must be considered. Avoid using harsh chemicals on skin, use very mild and ph balanced skin products to prevent flare up of eczema and irritation to the thinned skin. The use of human copper-binding peptide GHK-Cu has shown some benefit in repairing the skin that is damaged and thinned, you can discuss the possibility of its use with your treating physician or a dermatologist.
Moreover, the frequent use of steroids for almost 20 years necessitate the use of bone protective medications like bisphosphonates to prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Your treating physician can conduct bone density scan, and then depending on the results bone protection therapy will be prescribed. In addition, calcium and vitamin D supplementation maybe required depending on the lifestyle and diet to help maintain healthy bones.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ayesha Shareef, General & Family Physician
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