Eczema and IVIG

Husband has ITP from past years of benzone exposure. His platelets usually hang at about 25k. He only has IVIG prior to a surgical procedure and other than that, he's not treated on a consistent basis.It's been 2 yrs since he's had IVIG.

A couple months ago, his feet looked as though he had a very bad case of athlete's feet. When they started splitting and bleeding, he called our derma dr and got in the same day. His diagnosis is dyshidrotic eczema or dyshidrosis. Apparently, it can be a side effect--can be either immediate or delayed--from the IVIG. The treatment is Clobetasol ointment and Vaseline. That didn't get it under control so now he's having UV light therapy 2x a week but he's still getting new breakouts.

This is a horrible disease. It is also common to get it on the hands but thank goodness that hasn't happened yet.

I was wondering if anyone else has this or perhaps has it and never connected it to the IVIG.

I had eczema for years on feet, legs and hands, but not from IVIG. Hands were the worst. My fingers would split and bleed and ooze. Trying to do dishes or any other cleaning was horrible. It burned and itched like crazy. Wearing gloves didn't help because my hands would sweat and that also caused itching and burning. I walked around with all of my fingers wrapped in gauze. It did go away for some reason after I'd had it for 25 years.

I tried so many things, OTC creams and prescription creams. The ONLY thing that ever worked was getting shots of Kenalog (steroid). It would literally heal before my eyes. I'd eventually get another outbreak but that was the only thing that ever helped.

I tried Vaseline too but that just made it itchier. I hope your husband finds something soon.

My daughter had ITP as a teenager, and had eczema on her hands from childhood. I didn't know until we were dealing with ITP that eczema is also an autoimmune disorder. Her eczema was worse when her platelets were down. I could sometimes tell from the hands that the next count would not be good. She used Eucerin cream at night, with treatment gloves. It's not a cure, but it gave some relief. You might try Eucerin with white socks at bedtime.

Norma

Dyshidrotic Eczema is a surprising diagnosis for two years subsequent to IVIg... that is quite a delayed reaction!