Hand Dermatitis constantly on my mind, I think I'm depressed.

I know how you feel chris, its a very debilitating and stressfull thing to have. You constantly think people stare, which in actual fact they dont, because you hate having it so much, to you itl be extreme, but to other people it wont look to bad. I have the same condition on my face and now on my hands, and sometimes i dont want to go out in public, my friends say its not that bad but i cant even look in the mirror, it effects my mood too, and dnt quite know how to cope, but i do know that when im less stressed its not as bad, so maybe try goin for a relaxing swim, bath or a walk, every day, or listen to reiki music, and also apply the cream that works for you and see how you get on. I hope this helps, as it has done for me in the past.

Cheryl.

Hi Chris - sorry to hear of your eczema problem. I don't think you are depressed but instead distressed and frustrated at the lack of control you have over your condition and the fact that as yet no medications are working. You need to return to your dermatologist and explain that the current medication is not working and ask for something else - do not be fobbed off! There are many alternatives by way of topicals, PUVA/light therapy, systemics and biologics that can be tried until you find something that is suited to you by way of clearing. Sometimes it is a long road that you have to travel but there is always light at the end of the tunnel but you need to keep focussed on believing it will be cured at some time in the future. I can tell you categorically that the more you stress over your situation the worse it will become because I have been there, am still there but I have now adopted a new positive mindset in order to survive and rationalise my situation and give myself the best chance of ridding myself of this hideous ailment! Whilst I appreciate that this is easier said than done you really need to find a way whether this is through positive thinking, distracting techniques or looking to see how you can make the most of your current physical limitations. If you cannot do lifting then use different equipment at the gym which doesn't involve using your hands, ensure you go out regularly and enjoy a good social life. Your studying will take up a fair proportion of your life. Do you know yet what career/profession you want to follow? Don't think of yourself as different from your friends, work/play within your limitations, join new clubs/societies. I have psoriasis on my hands and severely on feet limiting my ability to walk/exercise etc due to the cuts and splits and it has now broken out on my scalp and other parts of my body. Like you I went through a gamut of emotions but I have learnt that it is up to me to make the best of a bad situation - que sera sera but of course this is not easy and will take time, do not expect instant miracles. I am due to start methotrexate at the end of this month on - this may or may not work but I am going to try to tolerate it. If not I will just have to go on to the next thing. I could suggest many creams/lotions and potions you could try but don't want to overwhelm you. If you would like some ideas then please message me and I will do my best to suggest some things that might help. I am trying magnesium lotion at the moment after much research but today is the first day of using it so cannot comment as yet. I will think of you and send positive vibes for improvement. Let us know of your progress and don't be afraid to ask questions or for help.