Brief Answer: Chronic eczematous skin condition Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same . Now your problem is that of a chronic eczematous skin condition. I have seen the attached pictures . You basically have an endogenous eczema. Since you have this skin condition since almost twenty years now, you must be aware that in this skin problem , our aim is only to keep it under control with treatment . Our skin tends to become allergic to something and reacts with development of these eczema patches. All we can do is to treat the condition when these patches appear. Now the treatment that you are taking is sufficient for this skin condition but the only problem is that the steroid ointment which is dermovate should be used minimally and should only be used when very essential. As soon as the eczema patches tend to heal , you should stop it's application while you can continue to the the other moisturizers and oils. This will help in prevent any side effects due to continous use of steroids. We do not have many alternatives to the usage of this steroid although you can discuss using something like tacrolimus with your treating doctor. Hope it helps Please ask if you need any further clarifications Dr Geetika Paul

---

Brief Answer: Long term use of topical steroids Detailed Answer: Hi again Long term use of topical steroids can cause side effects like thinning of skin with development of bruises along with skin atrophy. But in your case , since topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment , so an optimal use of steroids has to be done. There is an approach called weekend off therapy. You can use the topical steroid cream over the affected areas five days a week and then avoid using it on Saturdays and Sundays . This way you give a break to your skin and the side effects due to its continous usage are minimized. Even the cream does not lose its efficacy when you give it a break. Although tacrolimus has been widely used for short periods in your condition so as to give a break to topical steroids , but since you are quite apprehensive regarding its usage , so you can avoid it. You can simply the use some good moisturizers over the weekend. Also it is not related to any food. It is not a food allergy , to be specific. But yes , a diet rich in vitamin a would surely help you. You should try and include more of carrots, green leafy vegetables , lettuce , apricot , fish and fruits like mango in your diet. Vitamin a helps in normalisation of the skin development and has been found to be useful. Hope it helps Please ask if you need any further clarifications Dr Geetika Paul

---