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Crohn's Disease and Eczema

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/25/2009 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
I love this forum. Tons of helpful info on it. I am wondering if anyone else has eczema as a result of Crohn's Disease? I have horrible full body itching, but no rash. Skin is red and inflamed, though. My dermatologist says it is eczema induced by Crohn's Disease. He said CD is causing my skin to become inflamed and itch maddenly. I am unable to sleep and it is driving me crazy. So far, no over the counter or prescription medicines have helped. Currently on 20 mg prednisone, but it is not helping at all. I will be starting Cimzia injections on 7/31/09. I am hoping Cimzia helps the skin inflammation. I just want to be comfortable and be able to sleep. Sick of having yet another symptom to have to learn to live with.  
Posted 7/25/2009 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
what drugs are you currently on?
Posted 7/25/2009 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Only 20 mg prednsone right now. I start Cimizia injections on 7/31/09
Posted 7/25/2009 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Loobylou,
I have had eczema in the past, but just a tiny patch of it. This is on a whole other level. This is over my whole body and no rash. Just reddish skin tone (think sunburn) and itching. Thank you for your response. Hopefully the Cimzia will help the skin inflammation.
Posted 7/25/2009 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like an allergic-like reaction caused by IgE (immune globulin E). Antihistamines might help the symptoms. Benedryl may be worth a try. The IgE can also be inhibited by taking vitamin E and vitamin C. The vitamin E has an inhibitory effect on IgE production and the vitamin C both regenerates vitamin E in the body and inhibits histamine production. Try 400 - 800 IU of vitamin E and 2000 mg of vitamin C - take it as calcium ascorbate since you will not absorb enough regular vitamin C because of its acidity. Tell your doctor when you get to see him about the vitamins/benedryl.
Posted 7/26/2009 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
I think my problem is similar. It never used to happen in bed so much though, but when it did happen I had full body itching along with a light red tone to go with it. Mine happens usually when I'm around some sort of heat source, or when my body temp raises. I found that my CD symptoms have a relation to it. When I went on 20 mg Prednisone, it was enough to end my CD symptoms, and shortly thereafter the itching stopped as well. Now that I'm on 5 mgs and symptoms are starting to come back, the itchiness is back, but it isn't so bad yet. I take a Zyrtec everyday in the morning in hopes that it will help.
Posted 7/26/2009 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all of the ideas. I am definitely going to check them out.
Posted 8/5/2009 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
If something works for you, be sure to post it! I am curious to know!
Posted 10/25/2009 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
I get dyshydrotic eczema, aka, pompholx. It's excruciatingly itchy and then the skin peels off. I only get it on my hands and feet. Dr prescribed Oluz cream and that stuff is a miracle! Now when I feel that tingly itchy starting I cream it up and stop it in its tracks. Haven't had a bad outbreak in 4 years now. Thank heavens.
Posted 10/26/2009 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I've had problems with Eczema all over my body when my Crohn's has been active. When I watch my diet, it seems to get much better. During the times when it is really bad, I take a benadryl before bed just to be able to sleep. The benadryl helps a bit with the itching, but -- as I said -- mostly works as a sleep aid. The itching can range from annoying to being as bad as poison ivy.
Posted 10/26/2009 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
As a kid I had horrible eczema (so bad it looked like flesh-eating, it went deep and I was constantly oozing pus and blood) I didn't have CD until much later in my early 20's, by then my eczema was much more controlled and way less severe, just the odd spot here and there that would get a little rash so I'd use RX cream on it and it would clear up fairly quickly.

You could try using an anti-histamine, when my kids had the chicken pox they never scratched cuz as soon as they developed chicken pox I gave them anti-histamine and bathed them in baking soda.


:)
Posted 10/27/2009 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
2000 mg vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) and 400-800 mg vitamin E have worked wonders for me. I posted the original post and these two (thanks to another poster suggesting them) work wonders. I also use Neem Oil and avacado oil.
Posted 7/29/2010 11:59 PM (GMT 0)

I had eczema for almost 20 years and it actually got better when the crohn's got worse. My gasterenteralogist said they were not connected but I disagree. They are so similar. One is  on the outside and one is on the inside. Very similar things going on with the tissue. For awhile I was having fevers everyday. That is when the eczema cleared up the most. Now the fevers are gone and the eczema is back a little on the hands.

Someday there will be more answers. They are only beginning to study these things.

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