My baby boy was born 3 months ago. I had a skin-healthy pregnancy with mild-to-moderate eczema. Since giving birth, my eczema has stayed in the mild to moderate range, leaning more on the moderate range.
Possible Protopic Withdrawal Effects
I wonder if my worsened skin is a reaction to my hormone changes or my having to back off a bit from using Protopic. I still used Protopic the last three months, but was low on it for about 2-3 weeks. I’ve since gone back to liberally using Protopic and my skin has been improving. I’ve heard Protopic causes withdrawal effects; it’s something that makes me nervous.
Skin Condition
In the last two months, I’ve been flared up on my forearms, triceps, elbows, shoulder blades, lower back, hips, hamstrings, calves and ankles. There’s bleeding, painful showers and through-the-night scratching, but my face has stayed healthy, so I am grateful.
Current Eczema Treatment
I’m still only on Protopic and I don’t plan on backing off at this time. I don’t want to go back to Dupixent yet if Protopic is keeping my skin from having severe eczema. I worry about Protopic side effects, but also worry about Dupixent side effects. Eczema is an autoimmune condition. I don’t think I’m going to like any medications, because they suppress my immune system and the immune system has a very important job. That said, I don’t want to live with severe eczema. It’s a dangerous game of balance that I am playing. For now, I will not change things and will keep putting my trust on Protopic (as I bite my fingernails nervously).