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Alternative to Steroids for Rash

Skin Health | Last Active: Feb 6 7:20pm | Replies (5)

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@sueinmn

@mabbs24 The clue is here: "... They came on suddenly after I had C-Diff but I don't know if that's related..." Rashes that come on after a course of antibiotics are often a secondary infection by a different pathogen - these opportunists jump in and take up residence when our immune system is busy fighting elsewhere, or our normal "bacterial flora" (we all have it) are incidentally weakened or killed by antibiotics prescribed for another illness.
Did your ophthalmologist tell you not to take steroids? Or did you just see the warning label on the tube? According to my ophthalmologist, only the warning is meant only for certain types of Glaucoma, but the drug labelling requirements only say they need to list the condition in general, not specific details. If in doubt, ask the eye doc. They may OK a short course of steroid cream.

But, don't be surprised if the relief is only temporary. It could be a different bacteria, or it could be fungal. In either case, the steroid probably won't cure it, just relieve the itch temporarily. It is better to find out just what it is if it doesn't go away in a few days.

It is possible that you have either a different bacterial infection or a fungal infection causing this. The best treatment is specific - a scraping of the rash (or rashes if they are different to a trained eye) are sent to the lab to be cultured - then you find out exactly what it is and treat with the correct medication, either topical or systemic.

Can you call and ask your eye doctor for advice on Monday?
Sue

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Replies to "@mabbs24 The clue is here: "... They came on suddenly after I had C-Diff but I..."

Thank you for your response, Sue.
I have open angled Glaucoma which is the type that shouldn't be taken with Steroids. I will call my ophthalmologist on Monday and discuss it with him. The rashes are on my lower back and lower abdomen. I know that the closer steroids are to your eyes the greater the risk so I might be able to apply a thin layer of the cream on my back and abdomen. I also have an appointment with an infectious disease doctor in 2 weeks because I'm not feeling well generally after 4 months.