Hydrocortisone Not Working

[EvianBaby]

I suffer with dermatitis on my hands which seems to react to heat, so on warm days on when central heating is on. I've tried a few different hydrocortisone creams but none seem to stop the itching for more than half an hour. I've woken up with chicken scratches all over my hands due to scratching in my sleep (I've tried going to bed with cream and cotton gloves before but find it uncomfortable).

Is there anything else worth trying I could get from a chemist? (Docs are miles away and don't want to be asking for time off when I've just started a new job)

[EvianBaby]

Should say its not just through the night it flares up. It's an all day thing.

[pixie373]

Have you tried taking antihistamine? Not always effective with dermatitis, but can help

[EvianBaby]

I've been taking some every now and then recently for a bit of hayfever but can't say I've noticed it making any difference to the dermatitis.

[pixie373]

Ok. I'm sorry. Not sure. Hopefully sqad will be along soon to help. I guess you've tried stronger hydrocortisone?

[EvianBaby]

Thanks for the suggestion though Pixie :)

I've tried varying strengths of HC. Not sure what the strongest is...

[Sqad]

Evian...difficult....very difficult.
If topical steroids are not helping, then a course of oral steroids (steroids by mouth) would seem to be the next step........and of coursae that will mean a trip to the GP.

[EvianBaby]

Hhhmm, looks like I'll just have to make a visit then. Though I'm sure my colleagues will be releaved to hear the end of that hideous other people scratching sound. Thanks Sqad.

[gingejbee]

The only topical steroid available without prescription in the UK is 1% hydrocortisone. There are "stronger" corticosteroids available but they do need a script.
I have patches of a dermatitis which do not respond to hydrocortisone cream/ointment at all, but clear up using mometasone(Elocon) for long periods. Only from the GP however.