UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi

I'm new to the forum and just wanted to ask a quick question about the treatment of an eyelid rash that has been bothering me.

I was diagnosed with keratoconus about a year and a half ago, and my vision deteriorated quite rapidly after the initial diagnosis!
Luckily, I was able to seek immediate private treatment, and I now use GP contact lenses which have vastly improved my eyesight.

My life is pretty much back to normal now - I'm able to get back on the road and my improved vision means I now have no trouble with my every day duties.

Anyway, back on topic - the only problem I have had recently is the appearance of an eyelid rash (mainly my left eye - which is the eye most affected by keratoconus).
I mentioned this when I went in for a check-up at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and was told that this is a common problem with people suffering from keratoconus. I was told to book an appointment with my local GP as they would be able to prescribe an effective cream.
I have been to see my doctor who prescribed a Diprobase cream and also a steroid cream (not 100% sure of the name).

I had a quick read-up on both of these, and I'm now a bit wary of using any sort of steroid cream due to the potential side effects.

I was wondering if anybody else had suffered from this same problem and how they went about treating it.
The Diprobase cream seems pretty harmless, but will this be enough to clear the problem?

Thanks!

Hi Lewis and welcome to the forum,
The only time I had a rash on the outside of my eyelids, it cleared after a week or so of using an aequous cream and E-45. Hopefully other people will be along shortly with more experience.
Anne

Hi Lewis

It does seem that over-reacting skin disorders go hand in hand with Keratoconus. Eczema, allergies and contact dermatitis are commonly associated. Like we don't have enough to worry about ... anyway, what you've been prescribed is perfectly okay and you sholdn't worry about the steriods. If you were using them for months and months, side effects like thinning skin are concerns but using them in the short term is not a problem. Diprobase should also help calm things down. I use a Zinc Oxide based cream if I get skin irritations (e.g. Sudocrem) but stick with what you've been prescribed.

If, though, things don't get resolved don't hesitate to ask your GP for a referral to a dermatologist. Sometimes you can end up trying this- or that- and it doesn't actually fix the problem and you really need specialist advice. So set your own limit on what you're happy to put up with and ask for a consultant who thoroughly understands skin disorders if that's what you want.

Fingers crossed though that the rash will calm down with the treatment you're using.

Best wishes

Chris

Thanks both for your responses

Glad you mentioned the steroid cream Chris, that was my biggest concern but I will give it a try and see if it helps clear the problem.

Cheers for all your help!