steroid creams & resting wrist splints

Wonkylegs
Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
edited 22. Sep 2010, 09:59 in Living with Arthritis archive
Just wondered if anyone on here has needed to use steroid cream on their arms and also wear resting splints at night?

in my huge parcel from the chemist today I have betnovate RD ointment, which says that is shoudn't be covered as you can end up getting too much of the stuff. :roll:

GP said to leave at least 2 hours between putting on the cream and wearing the wrist splints, but I'm just a bit worried that I might make things worse rather than better :roll:

Trying to work out how to use all the creams & lotions i've been given in the best way, without it taking all day :? :? think I might have to go back to the pharmacy and ask them for advice .......

but any previous experience would be welcome!

thanks
WOnky

Comments

  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi wonky can not help with this but wanted to bump it back up to top good luck thing chemist best place for advice good luck val
    val
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    valval wrote:
    hi wonky can not help with this but wanted to bump it back up to top good luck thing chemist best place for advice good luck val

    thanks Val .... bless you :wink:
  • lizzie7ne
    lizzie7ne Member Posts: 154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky

    I have a resting splint and find it quite good, it keeps my wrist nicely aligned and lets my fingers rest comfortably, I use it at night when watching TV, havent been able to successfully sleep in it though.

    Good luck

    Lizzie
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky :D

    sounds as though you've been given everything they could think of to deal with this rash and itch.

    It might be good to get some tubigrip (dressing) to put over your hands and arms before putting the splints on?.. the tubigrip comes in different sizes depending on which limb is being covered; it's on a roll and you cut the length needed and slip it on... it would cover your hand and arm after you put the creams on....and the splints then wouldn't come into direct contact with the steroid or your skin. you can buy tubigrip but also get it on prescription.

    My son R had severe eczema and a lot of what you've been given he was once using too.... that's how I managed the steroid & creams applications for him.

    No harm in asking pharmacy or your doc for advice about this.

    hope it clears up soon Wonky.
    (((hugs)))
    Iris xxx
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks Iris

    I do use the tubigrip already as otherwise my arms get really hot and sweaty :oops:

    it was all the warnings about not covering up the creams that got me a bit worried .... I will do what they say and read the things :roll: :roll: :wink:

    I put the betnovate on earlier, so now it's the bath, the ointment and then bed, but the doc said that it will take quite a while for the ointment to soak in :roll: so hope there is a good radio programme on :lol::lol::lol:

    night night

    WOnky
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    ... if you put a 'blob' of the ointment between your hands and let it warm up it'll go on easier and absorb quicker too. :wink:

    night night oh slippery one . :lol::lol::lol:

    Iris xxx

    ps... forgot to say... put a wet towel in the bottom of the bath so you don't slip....even mats get slippery with the ointments. :roll:
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky,

    I really hope all this stuff will help you and help you soon!

    I use betnovate on my elbows and have long sleeves on my shirt so on a technicality mine is covered and well I don't do it and leave it uncovered... I do it and straight away I have sleeves on.

    I think Iris's idea about tubigrip is a good one and wroth a try. Sending a bucket of hopes and more of the special make Wonky better drafts. Slurps and ((( )))'s Cris xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 15. Sep 2010, 06:17
    I've used betnovate for 40 years and I have never worried about leaving it uncovered. Rub it in well - but you do only need to use a small amount. Your skin can only absorb what you have applied. I hope it does the trick for you. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,786
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky

    Hope it's wrking and hope it works soon - sounds a right faff :roll:

    I had eczma on my palms once and that was a nightmare - it said 'wash hands after use...' I didnt :lol:

    I reckon give it as long as you can to be honest - are you ahving to do it three times a day or only once?

    Love

    Toni xx
  • rebecca1
    rebecca1 Member Posts: 30
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi!
    I use splints at night because I find it helps the pain in the morning. I was given them by the rhumi nurse but although they do help I find them very sweaty and the velcro between the thumb and wrist is quite uncomfortable. Can anyone tell me if there are any enclosed ones that are easier or softer to wear. I also find the bar sticks into my palm.
    I don't sleep very well (as i'm sure we call all relate to) and often find my hand sweaty and sore. I would be grateful if anyone can help.
    Thank you.x
    ps...I hope everyone is as well as is possible.
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I hope this dosn't sound silly, but it helped me with someone I was caring for who had lots of skin problems. What it was is a chart with the names of the creams and the times of day they had to go on, when each one was applied we ticked a box also with highlighters we marked each med on the chart and also used the same colour on the tube. It did help at the time, but I know you are in a different situation, but it can be confusing as some creams have similar names . Just a suggestion. I hope the creams work for you. Love Sue xxxx
  • cebeem
    cebeem Bots Posts: 472
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Watching this post with interest...as I go to get some night splints tomorrow.
    Bit wary cos I had a wrist splint years ago and my wrist fused vertually over night.
    Have you tried just aqueous cream Wonky?
    *CB*
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonkey,

    Might be best to ask to make sure. Looks as if you have a long night to look forward to. Hope there is something good on the radio to keep you company.


    Lv, Ix
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI everyone & thanks for all your advice.

    might not remember who said what :oops: but it is all good stuff.

    I like the chart idea .... might nick that one :wink:

    Splints - the ones I wear at night are the special ones made to measure by the OT, from special plastic that they put in a water bath and it goes floppy just long enough to be shaped, and then sets solid. Much more comfy than the 'bog standard' ones that the rheumy nurse give out usually. Worth asking to see an OT if you haven't already.

    DD - think you said about not putting on too much ... .great advice but tricky, as my stuff is pre-mixed with liquid and soft paraffin .... so is tricky to spread thinly as they want ... but I'm getting there :wink: and warming it up first is working for that and for the ointment, so thanks IRis.

    TOni - the ointment was supposed to be 3 times, the steroid cream twice, Aqueous cream to wash with, and the other cream if I couldn't stand that ointment ..... so I'm using the ointment at night and the cream during the day as the ointment soaks into your clothes horribly. And the betnovate morning and mid-evening.

    phew ...... when I get to the end of the day having taken all the pills and used all the potions, it is a big relief :wink:

    I do think the bath oil is amazing ... it really did zap the itching really quickly ..... some sort of anaesthetic in it :D .... so looking forward to using that tonight. Thanks for the warning about the bath mat .... but as I'm using the bathlifter, I don't need a mat, although I am aware that the seat is slippier than usual. I am careful honest :wink:

    gosh this has got a bit rambling ... sorry :oops:

    thanks for all the advice

    Wonky
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi wonky, it does take a bit of getting used too! Just drift a fingertip across the top - assuming it's in one of their big pots, or, if in a tube, squeeze half the amount you think you need. For the sake of your hands I hope it's the big pot option. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    Hi wonky, it does take a bit of getting used too! Just drift a fingertip across the top - assuming it's in one of their big pots, or, if in a tube, squeeze half the amount you think you need. For the sake of your hands I hope it's the big pot option. DD

    OH DD ......... you guessed it :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

    it's the tube :x :x :x well for the Betnovate anyway!

    been trying to find one of those gadgets that can help you wind up tubes of toothpaste etc but not found one yet :roll:

    have found that I can put the other ointment (the one like lard) on using a plastic spatula I found in the kitchen drawer. :lol::lol::lol: by the time I've finished I feel I should go into the oven at 200 C to bake for an hour :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

    wonky
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    OK, useless DD hint here: for the tube, when my hands are playing up I use pressure from my elbow to dispense what I need. It takes a bit of practise but I can cope quite well that way. OR: dispense the whole tube (or get someone else to do it for you) into a small jar that has a lid you can cope with - oh and that you can get a finger into!

    I remember as a child being dumped in the bath with emollient stuff then taken out, patted dry (never rubbed and it took AGES) then I was smothered in aqueous cream and bandaged. I looked like a llittle mummy, I was smothered in eczema from head to foot, cracked, dry and bleeding hands and feet, oh it was hell for both mum and me. She would then tie cotton mittens onto me so I couldn't rub at the bandages in trying to scratch myself. Happy days.

    Are the creams having any effect wonky? Is your skin feeling better? I certainly hope so! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • marion1952
    marion1952 Member Posts: 963
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky

    How are things with you? Any signs of the creams working??

    Marion
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    marion1952 wrote:
    Hi Wonky

    How are things with you? Any signs of the creams working??

    Marion

    HI DD & Marion

    sorry, didn't get on here yesterday at all and only on very late today :roll:

    the rash is being held in check by all the lotions and potions I think, but I can't see how it can get better until I stop taking the med that they think is causing it :shock: :roll: :roll: The bath oil is calling me as I type ........ as the itching is starting again!

    GP said to give dermatology 2 weeks to have written to rheumatology, then ring the rheumy secretary and ask what to do, as it is ridiculous keeping taking the leflunomide and not having the MTX, when the MTX wasn't at fault and the lef is presumed guilty ..... so I have a plan ...... and await next Monday with interest :wink: I should be getting a copy of the letter myself, so that will be interesting too.

    DD - your description of what you went through made me realise that although I am fed up with it all, I have it easy compared to many others with worse conditions. And thanks for the tips .... I'm with you on the use of elbows and heels of palms :wink::lol::lol:

    hugs & Thanks

    WOnky
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I didn't mean it like that! I just wanted to show that I know exactly how tiring and frustrating and painful the whole bl**dy performance is! Even now I seem to spend a large part of the day smoothing on and rubbing in various lotions and potions - the habit lingers on. It also gets my goat, all the extra stuff one is given to sort out the side effects of the stuff one is given: I am on BP meds now to control my high BP as a result of the humira and prednislaone. This one little tablet has tipped me over the edge from feeling OK-ish to 24/7 low-grade nausea. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. Anyway, I am glad the skin stuff is working - I can't remember if they know which of your meds is causing it - do they, do you? DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI DD ...... yup ...... they do know (or think they know :wink: ) and there is news today.

    Dermatology think it is the Leflunomide at fault (Ive still been taking this but missing the MTX for 6 weeks now)

    they appear to have finally appraised Rheumatology of this, although the rheumy nurse who rang was under the impression that the LEf had been stopped too :shock:

    upshot is - MTX restarts tomorrow ... I take no more leflunomide ... and hopefully when I see the rheumy consultant on Oct 20 he will get me sorted towards the Infliximab infusion.

    progress of sorts :wink:

    now all I want is to reduce the lotions, potions and pills a bit :wink:

    an impatient patient is I :lol::lol::lol::lol:

    hugs & well done on the David A thread for Cris ....had me in hoots you are so clever!

    WOnky
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    So lef may be the culprit? Strewth thse drugs are foul, aren't they? Lef caused enormous headaches for me, I think I lasted about two months on it then I asked to stop it as I couldn't stand the headaches any more. I hope your skin starts to clear soon and that the meth does what it is supposed to do, ease your joints and make life more tolerable. Thank you for your compliment about Sir D Attenborough, I am glad he kept you entertained! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Rainbow77
    Rainbow77 Member Posts: 275
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky

    I am glad that finally all the departments seem to of caught up with each other. Hopefully the rash will settle down when you stop taking the culprit!!! May take some time though for it to come out of your system.

    Take care - you still have a great sense of humour left after all the trials you have been through in the last few weeks.

    Take care - ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

    Fayann xxx