New Dermatologist, New Medications

I like Dr. Hartman. He's a doctor after my own heart. He is conservative and is a fan of tried and tested "ancient" medications as opposed to other doctors who like to give us experimental drugs.

He told us first off that because of Bambino's compromised skin barrier (due to the absence of a protein called LEKTI), we couldn't use just any topical medications on him. He specifically mentioned Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment as being a big no-no because of the susceptibility of his skin and the dangers of systemic absorption. UCLA doctors has been trying to convince us to give Protopic a shot. I'm glad we didn't give in despite our frustrations with the itching and lack of quality sleep.

New products that Dr. H. wanted us to try:

Albolene - Marketed as a make-up remover, it has been around for 45 years. I like the fact that it only has 2 or 3 ingredients. No strange components that I can't pronounce, let alone understand.

Tetrix cream - Formulated for hand eczema. After a severe break out, Bambino's extremities (ie: hands, feet, scalp) are always the last ones to heal. Right now, he is mostly clear except for those three parts. His hands look like an old man's they itch a lot. I'm going to try it on him starting today.

April 18, 2009

Fluticasone Propionate Cream 0.05% - It's the generic for Cutivate, a corticosteroid that Bambino has been on for a while now which I use on affected parts of his body (but not during a severe flare up). Right now, I use it on his hands and feet in the hopes that it will help with the itching.