OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Understanding Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) and My Personal Experience

7/9/2025, 5:10:36 PMMale25-34

**Living in the UK, supported by the NHS** **Since birth, I've battled severe eczema that affects my entire body, yet I've often felt confused about what it truly is. I have a few inquiries regarding my condition.** **At the moment, I'm on a combination of methotrexate, Adtralza injections, along with steroids and creams, all while taking allergy medication each morning. My diet is poor due to being a coeliac and a picky eater, which has resulted in nutritional deficiencies. Still, I maintain an active lifestyle and my body is large but not deemed overweight. In general, I lack detailed knowledge about my eczema, as physicians have primarily focused on treatment rather than explanation. Although this condition is quite bothersome, I’ve managed to adapt to it. **Will it ever resolve completely?** I have a weakened immune system, but it’s unclear how this impacts my skin health compared to illness. I frequently suffer from cold sores, which I believe are related to herpes. They occasionally spread but not often enough to be alarming. I have been advised to seek IV treatment before, but I’ve handled most issues on my own, although I am profoundly afraid of needles despite regular blood tests and bi-weekly injections. **How serious is herpes if I’ve been advised to get urgent IV treatment?** I don’t fully comprehend what my doctors have conveyed over the years, as I tended to tune out during numerous appointments, letting my mother handle discussions. However, I believe I was informed about having a stressed liver and was cautioned against alcohol consumption (the extent of which is unclear). Currently, I take methotrexate, presumably at a dosage of 12.5 mg, and I wonder if this contributes to my liver issues. I undergo blood tests several times a year, with another one approaching soon. **Is it safe for me to drink alcohol at all, or should I limit myself? Recently, I have indulged more frequently, especially since completing my exams. While on holiday, I’m on a break from drinking, but previously, it wasn’t unusual for me to consume over 12 units on several nights each week. I’ve researched liver conditions but am uncertain how to determine my liver health without blood tests, the last of which seemed satisfactory.** Presently, I am utilizing a second-to-last resort medication after numerous failed attempts over the years. I was informed that this treatment is the final option before they consider oral medication, which they prefer to avoid due to increased heart and brain risks. Thankfully, I’ve been on this regimen for about a year and a half, but I worry that, like previous treatments, its efficacy will diminish over time. **What does this ultimate option entail?** I am apprehensive but need to understand it better. Additionally, I recently received a diagnosis of sleep apnea and was prescribed a CPAP machine. My AHI was only 7, but I experienced 54 awakenings an hour, which they poorly explained. Since starting the CPAP treatment, my sleep has somewhat improved, and I wake up less frequently with aggravated skin, although it still happens occasionally. **Could any of my current medications or health circumstances be linked to my sleep apnea?** I’m eager to find solutions, but guidance has been lacking. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this. Responses to any of my questions would be appreciated; there’s no need to address every inquiry—any insight is better than none in this situation.

LupusFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders

Answers (1)

Cony

7/9/2025, 5:10:56 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns about your eczema and overall health. Managing a chronic condition like eczema can indeed be challenging, and it's important to have clarity on various aspects of your health. I'll address your key questions while considering your treatment and lifestyle situation.

Main Points:

  1. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) may not completely resolve, but symptoms can be managed effectively.
  2. Alcohol consumption should be limited due to methotrexate and potential liver impact.
  3. Understanding your medications and their effects is crucial for managing side effects like sleep apnea.

Eczema Overview:

Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by inflamed, itchy skin. It doesn't usually resolve completely, but many people find ways to manage their symptoms through a combination of treatments, lifestyle changes, and avoiding triggers. Understanding your condition better can help you advocate for yourself in medical appointments and improve your overall management strategy.

Addressing Your Questions:

  1. Will Eczema Resolve Completely?

    • Unfortunately, eczema is often a lifelong condition, though many see improvement or periods of remission. Working closely with your healthcare provider on your treatment plan can help optimize your management.
  2. Safe Alcohol Consumption:

    • Methotrexate can affect liver function, so it's generally advised to limit alcohol intake. Given your recent history of consuming over 12 units per week, it would be wise to reduce this significantly or avoid alcohol altogether, especially until your next blood test results confirm stable liver health. Discussing any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider is important.
  3. Ultimate Treatment Options:

    • Your mention of being on a second-to-last resort medication likely means that your healthcare team is optimizing treatment. If you are considering oral medications next, they may involve systemic treatments that can address the inflammation more aggressively but come with potential side effects that need monitoring. Understanding these options can help alleviate concerns; consider scheduling time with your healthcare provider to discuss what the next steps entail in simple terms.
  4. Impact of Medications on Sleep Apnea:

    • Some allergy medications can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms, but it’s essential to evaluate all medications with your healthcare provider. Sleep apnea can also worsen skin conditions due to interrupted sleep, so ongoing management of both conditions is crucial.
  5. Liver Health Monitoring:

    • Regular blood tests are key for monitoring liver function while on methotrexate. Since you have been advised against alcohol and have concerns about your liver, maintaining regular check-ups will help you stay informed about your liver health.

Next Steps:

  • Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your treatment plan, ask clarifying questions about your medications, and express your desire to understand your health better.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol to support your liver health and improve overall wellbeing.
  • Keep a symptom diary for eczema and sleep patterns; this will provide valuable information for your healthcare visits.
  • Engage with a dietitian (if possible) to address your nutritional deficiencies due to being a picky eater and being coeliac. Proper nutrition can support your immune system and overall health.

You are taking important steps to manage your health, and seeking clarity is vital. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your appointments. Your understanding is crucial for effective self-care and treatment. If you need more detailed explanations or have further questions, feel free to ask.

Related Questions

Possible Causes for Throat Clearing, Sinus Pain, and Nasal Mucus Changes Beyond Allergies

Patient Information: - Age: 39 years - Weight: 250 lbs - Symptom Location: Sinuses - Duration of Symptoms: - Throat Clearing and Mucus Alterations: 2 years - Sinus Pain: 7 months Medical Background: - Existing Conditions: Hypothyroidism, recurrent bacterial sinus infections, obesity - Current Medications: Armour thyroid medication, Sprintec, omeprazole, multi-vitamin ____________________________________________________________________________ I have been persistently clearing my throat for the past two years; this was my sole symptom until January. I have tried various solutions for my sinus problems, GERD, and allergies, encompassing numerous antihistamines, home remedies including increased water intake, and several courses of antibiotics along with a steroid treatment of prednisone. Unfortunately, none of these approaches seemed to bring about any change. I consulted with an ENT specialist who concluded, merely by examining me rather than ordering tests or imaging, that my issues were not sinus-related but stemmed from silent reflux, prescribing me 80 mg of omeprazole along with advised lifestyle modifications. However, two weeks into this treatment, I've yet to notice any improvement, even though I understand it may take some time to see results if the medication is effective. With the onset of throat clearing, I also observed alterations in my nasal mucus. The quantity reduced significantly, transitioning from shades of green and yellow to a white color. Furthermore, my nasal passages occasionally feel dry, and the use of nasal sprays hasn't enhanced the moisture levels. Unfortunately, using a humidifier leads to rapid onset of sinus infections for me. In January, alongside the throat clearing, I began to experience persistent pain and pressure throughout my sinuses. Since then, I have had two episodes of bacterial infections (which falls within my usual frequency of infections). The ENT attributed these issues to allergies and recommended Allegra; however, about two weeks into this medication, my discomfort intensified. The pain is relentless, fluctuating from mild to severe, often interrupting my sleep, though it hasn’t reached emergency levels. I am currently seeking a CT scan as an alternative to continuously receiving random medications without a clear understanding of my symptoms. I am uncertain whether all these symptoms are interconnected, but I wonder if there is a singular underlying cause that wouldn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments. Notably, the onset of these symptoms was sudden, devoid of any triggering events such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19.

LupusThyroid DisordersEndocrinology
Male25-34
6 minutes ago

Can I Use Compression Garments After My Surgery?

I'm a 35-year-old woman, weighing 60 kg and standing at 170 cm, who has just been discharged from surgery. Due to concerns regarding Factor V Leiden, I have been prescribed blood thinners and must wear compression socks for a duration of four days. My question is whether I can wear Spanx or similar abdominal compression garments tomorrow for additional support. In addition, I have an allergy to lidocaine, so I wasn't able to receive a local anesthetic for my incisions. I've also been sent home with a prescription for 30 mg of codeine for pain management. I would appreciate any soothing recommendations or tips anyone might have to help during my recovery.

FibromyalgiaCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
16 minutes ago

Unusual Rash on My Inner Thigh

I am a 32-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 135 pounds, currently in my 14th week of pregnancy. This rash has appeared for the second time in the same location, specifically on the upper left side of my inner thigh. The first occurrence happened just after I recovered from the flu, while this latest event followed a bout with strep throat. The itching is quite intense, and it can become painful if I scratch it excessively. Does anyone have any insights into what this could be?

LupusFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Recurring Bruises: What Could They Mean?

At 29 years old, I find myself dealing with unpleasant, reappearing bruises on the back of my right calf. These marks show up at intervals, roughly every few months. I do not take any medications, but I've always been somewhat prone to bruising, though not to this extent. Typically, I don't sport many bruises, and certainly not ones that resemble these. My skin is quite fair and sensitive, and I maintain a regular exercise routine. It's worth noting that this tendency may run in my family, particularly on my mother's side, as she mentioned that fragile capillaries are common among them. The initial images illustrate the progression of the same bruise over the past 9 to 10 days, while another image taken last year showcases a similar experience. I underwent a complete blood analysis in September, and the results were normal. Additionally, a Doppler exam came back with promising results. Lately, I’ve found myself at a loss about this bruise, especially as it appears increasingly red while healing. Fortunately, these bruises aren’t painful; one did cause a slight discomfort, but that's the extent of it. There is no swelling or itchiness, and I don’t feel unwell—in fact, I have been feeling healthier than ever and have finally started gaining some healthy weight and muscle after years of struggle. It’s also worth noting that this particular bruise developed after a period of reduced activity due to exams, during which I found myself sitting with my leg tucked beneath me. I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations, as I'm feeling somewhat apprehensive. Could this simply be a matter of increased sensitivity?

LupusFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Understanding the Discrepancy: White Blood Cell Count and Infections

I’m seeking some clarity regarding an observation I have made about my white blood cell count and infections. A while back, I experienced my first urinary tract infection (UTI). The symptoms were unmistakable, leading me to believe that something was definitely wrong. Despite my tendency to ignore discomfort, I opted to get it checked out to avoid potential complications, like a kidney infection. After a few days, I visited a doctor who conducted a urine test and informed me that my white blood cell count was perfectly normal. This took me by surprise, as I was under the impression that I was dealing with a significant infection. Nonetheless, based on my reported symptoms, the physician confidently diagnosed me with a UTI and prescribed antibiotics without waiting for additional lab results. After taking the medication for a couple of days, I returned to feeling normal, which affirmed that I had been battling some bacterial infection despite the normal laboratory findings regarding my white blood cells. This made me curious about the seeming disconnect between my symptoms and my white blood cell count. Most recently, I believe I may have experienced an infection akin to viral meningitis. The onset was marked by severe headaches and migraines that surpassed anything I had previously endured. Normally, I manage pain fairly well, but these were different – I felt sudden, intense tightness at the back of my skull that would vanish after a brief period. Additionally, I had a fever hovering around 101°F, a progressively stiffening neck, and sensitivity to light, which prompted my family to notice my condition. I didn’t exhibit other flu-like or cold symptoms, distinct from my prior experiences with illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu, which I’ve had multiple times even after full vaccinations. A COVID test returned negative, which aligned with my usual symptoms of that virus. As my fever and other symptoms persisted for a week – although the headaches and neck stiffness showed improvement – I decided it was time to seek medical attention at the emergency room, where I arrived with a fever still around 101°F. After conducting blood work and administering IV fluids, the emergency physician informed me that my white blood cell count was again within the normal range, despite my slightly inflamed throat. They advised that if it was viral meningitis, it would resolve on its own – and indeed, my fever finally dissipated around the tenth day. Given my history with influenza and COVID-19, this fever was notably more severe, raising my concern that I was indeed dealing with a significant infection, yet my white blood cell count did not reflect this reality. Is it typical for my white blood cell count to remain stable during illness? I don’t believe my immune system is weak. Despite several bouts of illness this year, often from social gatherings at college, I have typically recovered without lingering effects, while some friends experienced prolonged sickness. This leads me to wonder if my body, generally capable of overcoming infections, is still generating adequate white blood cells for defense. I’d appreciate any insights into this matter.

LupusInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
2 hours ago