HIGH-DOSE ORAL VITAMIN C WITH MINIMAL TOPICAL BETAMETHASONE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MILD POMPHOLYX ECZEMA: A CASE REPORT

Authors

  • Asif Ali Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia

Keywords:

Pompholyx, eczema, Vitamin C, betamethasone

Abstract

Background: Pompholyx eczema presents as vesicular skin eruptions in hands and feet and follows a chronic and relapsing disease course. While topical corticosteroids are routinely used for treatment, long-term use remains a major concern. Vitamin C is known for its role in immunity and wound healing. However, it has not been widely investigated in pompholyx eczema.

Case Presentation: We report the clinical case of a 45-year-old Pakistani male with a 22-year history of mild pompholyx eczema. Eczematous flares in this patient are associated with the use of medicated soaps, dishwash detergents and dryness induced by water. Interestingly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he began taking high-dose oral vitamin C (2000 mg/day). This coincided with a significant reduction in symptoms. The patient was inspired by this improvement and designed a self-directed observational trial in consultation with a dermatologist. He started with one self-inflicted active lesion after using dishwash detergent. He started using 2000 mg/day vitamin C for 8 days and only single nightly dose of topical 0.1% betamethasone on day 6 and 7. This led to complete resolution of the lesion on day 9 and the patient documented the healing process photographically.

Conclusion:

The adjunctive role of vitamin C has the potential to reduce corticosteroid dependence in Pompholyx eczema management. However, further clinical research is warranted to explore the clinical efficacy of vitamin C in eczema.

References

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Published

2026-01-14

How to Cite

1.
Ali A. HIGH-DOSE ORAL VITAMIN C WITH MINIMAL TOPICAL BETAMETHASONE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MILD POMPHOLYX ECZEMA: A CASE REPORT. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 14 [cited 2026 Jan. 19];37(3):387-9. Available from: https://www.jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/14849

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 3 (2026): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE ABBOTTABAD

Section

CASE REPORT

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Copyright (c) 2026 Asif Ali

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