Derm visit: New strategy, UVB & Clobetasol - Help

[nomobties]

This happened today. Maney of you know that I have been undergoing light treatment since late last spring. For the most part I am clear except for some areas on my shin and calves and elbows that will not go away. So my derm, the Skin Nazi, said that those areas needs help.

I am to do an occlussion of Clobetasol on a three days on and a three days off regimine. This occlulsion is an all day thing. No...not overnight...but all day. What suprised me is that he said I should use duct tape for the occlusion. What!? Silly me, why didn't I get him to elaborate what he meant by duct tape. When I think of duct tape I think of a product that is used for the household. Any other time I have seen it used is when a crriminal in some crime drama wanted to shut someone up, they'd place it over the poor guys mouth. Dosen't duct tape tear apart skin layers when pulled away? Dosen't it hurt big time?

So what is your take on this? I was once told you never occlude the "big guns" like Clobetasol. Here I am, I got the orders for occlussion. What about "duct tape"? What did he really mean? Remember this is an all day occlussion. Its gotta last. What say you all?

[jdeldrid]

I'd think duct tape would really hurt.

My derm has me occlude clobetasol with saran wrap. Can you wrap the area in saran wrap and then pull a knee high sock over it? I use socks to hold the saran wrap on my feet.

I'm curious as to why all day rather than overnight? If you put it on when you got home from work it'd be about the same amount of time, and overnight seems so much less inconvenient than all day. I'd ask.

-- Jaye.

[grannyfranny]

I don't think you should put ANY tape on your skin except Cordran,,,which is made for that. Use plastic wrap and some kind of tape to hold it in place.

Maybe the doc thought it would be too uncomfortable for sleeping is why he said all day. I use to do it when I wanted too,,,leave it on 8-10 hours or less if it is unconfortable.

Cordran tape is good for using right on the skin,,,has a steroid on it and you have to cut it to size,,,,,pricey, but your insurance should pay.

[nomobties]

A steroid impregnated skin adhesive tape over a steroid? Isn't that overkill? Also if insurance pays for it I am assuming I need a perscription? Also would the Saran Wrap fall during the day, even if its the cling type?

[daytonaflyer]

I have used saran wrap and duct tape on my P. The saran wrap has to be taped to stay in place. On areas like my legs, I always had difficulty keeping it up; it would always stretch out and slide down. On areas that bend, like knees and elbows, it has a tendency to stretch out and loosen. That's why I wore it while sleeping, so I wouldn't move as much.

The duct tape never seemed difficult to remove. Most places it fell off on it's own throughout the day. I think the oils and perspiration from my skin loosened it. It never hurt to remove it. The only part that stuck was the hair on my body. I would shave the areas that I had to wear it to remedy that problem.

I never used it with steroids. I just used it with aloe vera gel to remove scales. I left it on over night and in the morning, gently wipe off with a towel. The scales came off much easier. This is not recommended on a regular basis as it can irritate the P. I only use it if I'm having trouble getting medicine to the P area.

[ouchyk]

Sounds like it " might " hurt Mario....I think I'd go for Jaye's idea of the sox over saran wrap!

Here is a link about duct tape

http://www.octanecreative.com/ductta...ook/index.html

Hope that the lights and topicals work out well for you!

Karen

[ct69646]

I'd use the cordran tape. I get two boxes for $35 through insurance because it is name brand. It really does work though. It is actually safer than clobetasol and tape I dare to say.

[ron5937]

I've had good luck with both Cordran tape and occlusion with plastic wrap. The Cordran tape is very expensive and my insurance made me jump through hoops first.... I think the saran wrap with the clobetasol is a better idea.. I wonder why not just overnight though? Hmmm.

[lenraphaelcpa]

for blisters. sounds painful to me. i asked at my friendly ace hardware and they nodded sagely and said what they've sold for is "gaffers tape". i passed.

[nomobties]

Update: I am using cling wrap from the saran wrap company. It works well for occlusssion. I hope its not a porous product, i dout it. this thing has stuck and stayed on my legs all day. not a problem.

[ouchyk]

Mario,

Are you seeing any difference yet? I hope I hope....

Karen