I have a question about the users of Noxema. Do you just wash the area with the Noxema or do you rub it in and leave it on? I too have tried all the cortisone creams and even Prednisone (which I had a bad reaction to) so I am willing to try anything that is not going to thin my skin or drive my crazy. Thanks!
I am 32 and for the last 10 months have had a growing eczematic lesion on one of my legs. Unfortunately I found out too late that it was eczema, and now it's quite established and hard to control. I'm currently using a strong Rx topical steroid and sun exposure (never the two together though!) to control the itch. But I hate thinking about the side effects. I'm about to try essential fatty acids and natural/herbal creams to see if they work. But one of the most interesting finds has been using a simple fan.
My eczema is exacerbated by heat/humidity-it gets worse in the summer and better in the winter, which is I think not the norm. The air flow from a fan soothes and cools my skin, completely relieving the itch. It is a miracle--no side effects and inexpensive. I finally can get a full night's sleep, as long as the leg is exposed to a fan all night. It seems like what works for one person's eczema is different from the next; but maybe my fan experience can help someone else.
Otherwise I understand the psychosocial aspects of being embarrassed in public. I still wear shorts/dresses, but not to important/significant social things. Eczema is simply unsightly; I would react with hesitation if I saw it on someone else, so I don't get upset with people for that. But since I know it's not contagious, at least I can wear shorts/dresses in full confidence that I am not endangering others to a disease. I don't want eczema to rule my life, so I wear shorts/dresses when I can or at least when I'm feeling indifferent enough to the social stigma.
It's great to read everyone's posts. I'm learning things, and also feeling understood about the difficulties of trying to manage what is so far an incurable condition. One day there will be a cure! Thanks everyone for writing in!
I have suffered from exzema for about 20 years, it is finally under control. It was so bad that I was hospitalized for it as a teen and was on prednisone and antibiotics for years. I now have to take probiotics because the over use of antibiotics has messed up my digestion. I have found two things that has helped me greatly in the past couple years.
1.) Shea Butter 100%, not the modified type used in lotions you find in the drugstore or supermarket. I started using this around my eyes, because I was getting eczema under my eye lids. Every time I blinked my cornea was getting scratched. The shea butter help bring down the inflammation. You would have to order it on line or get it from a health food store. Try getting the one that is straight from Africa. I know that there is an American Shea Butter Institute in Georgia somewhere. Perhaps they can guide you in the right direction. The stuff is amazing!
2.) Bare Minerals. The powders are so great that if I'm getting a little red on my face or hands, I sweep mineral veil on the rash and the next morning it's gone. It dries up and the shea butter peels it off. My Ophthalmologist is amazed to how well my eyes and the eczema around it has improved. I feel that it is b/c of the above two products. I hardly ever have to put in steroid drops anymore.
Another thing I had to do was eliminate certain foods from my diet. Most of them did not show up on a regular food allergy test. For example, the allergy test showed that I was not allergic to chocolate, but indeed I was. When I ate it, I flared up, yet I discovered I was not allergic to white chocolate. I later found out that I was allergic to the ingredient that is in milk chocolate and not white chocolate called theobromine. I'm not allergic to dairy all around b/c I can have milk but no cheese, the casein used to harden the cheese is what I get a rash from. It's a lot of trial and error. In the process you have to become very much in tune with your body and what you put in or around it. Hopefully that helps.
Does anyone have any suggestions for eczema around your eyes. My eyes virtually hurt all the time..they are red, dry and rashy. I have not tried a tanning booth, but hope to this week. I live in the north where it is cold and sunless most of the winter. I look 10 years older than I should because of this. I had eczema when I was small and outgrew it except for on my face. If anyone has anything I could use that would work....I would be SO happy. In the summer, I dont suffer with it much..just an occasional break out. Thank you for your help.
Both of my children have real bad eczema. I have controlled my 5 year old's eczema with derma-smooth (RX eczema oil) and she bathes in Cetaphil and uses the moisturizer as well. My son is another story however, I cannot get control of him and I am using the same treatment. I have tried cortizone... coritzone 10, aveeno hydrocortizone, aquaphor, a&d ointment... nothing works. I have a dermatology appt scheduled for next week. lets hope for the best!
Hi, i have had mild eczema occasionally during the last 10 years. I am now 30 years old. Emollients are good but they can also be a bit irritating at times.
My skin is basically fine these days except for the skin around my eyes. For some reason they are very sensitive and i have a mild eczema on the left upper eye region that sometimes gets infected. I have tried hydrocortisone but it hasn't helped much this time. Antibiotics have cleared the infection ok.
I have always found tanning to be an excellent cure for eczema and dermatitis. It only takes a few sessions and as the skin browns the condition of the skin improves. I don't think it is suitable if you do not tan well but it is a definite option for others. Of course there is a small increased risk of skin cancer but as long as you are not doing it every week, all the time, it shouldn't be too bad.
When your skin is red and sore, if sunbeds or sunshine can improve this then it is an option i will always go for. I wil be taking some sessions soon to try and clear my eye region up. I will let you know how it goes.
In the past i have had sessions and it has always cleared up eczema very quickly.
I think i should really be living in the mediterranean!
I have had eczema since birth, now I'm 24. When I was a baby my parents would dress me in cotton tights so that i wouldn't scratch myself to the point of bleeding, even in the hot summer months. I was embarrassed all through school, so to all those younger kids and teens-- I know what it's like.
I used to make up stories all the time when kids asked me, saying I got poison ivy and that it would probably last for a few months. The best thing that has worked for me are the sun and salt water ( being in the ocean) and going tanning (2-3 times per week). I have tried every single cream out there, every prescription and non prescription drug. The other thing is to avoid food coloring, which is unfortunately in almost everything. Also try low sugar foods, and avoid high fructose corn syrup and very acidic foods like tomato sauce.
Cakes, cookies and other sugary foods always made my eczema flare up as well as very salty foods like Doritos and potato chips. Basically I try to stick to mostly fresh foods, many veggies and fruits, as well as yogurts, fish and chicken, and whole grains. Avoid hot showers, because although they feel nice they will make your eczema worse. Lukewarm water is the best and cold water is great too. I hope I can help a few out there. -Vera
A lotion I like to use is Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula (Fragrance Free). It really help keeps it moisturized. But as far as getting it to disappear for a while, sunlight is pretty much the only thing that has worked for me and watching out for irritants in laundry soap and stuff like that.
Hello all! I am currently fighting a losing battle with my 6 month old's chronic eczema. It all started when he was about 1 month old. Since then I have tried every prescription medication you can think of. He was prescribed topical medicines and oral steroids such as prednisone (which makes him mean and cranky and he acts as if he is starving but won't eat). I took him to a dermatologist back a few weeks ago only to be irate when leaving the building.
For starters they never sent the doctor in, I saw the nurse and it just so happened to be her last day there as she had just quit, then on top of that she never asked me to get him out of the car seat and she never took his clothes off only looked at his arm where there is the least amount of rash! Oh and this was after driving 2 and a half hours with a screaming baby in the backseat! His entire back, stomach, left shoulder, and scalp is nothing but a solid red welt, oozing and pussy. I was wondering about the Noxzema treatment, would it burn him and exactly how would I go about doing it, do I leave it on or rinse it off and how long? And if anyone else has any other suggestions they would be greatly appreciated...Thanks in advance!
Hi All, I have lived with eczema all my life also (ha! over 50 years) I realized that most the chemicals in lotions and potions, both over the counter and prescribed by every doctor in the country, agitated my skin. This included cortizones and prescription lotions. At that point I created my own lotion and have been free of symptons. In addition, the lotion also clears up cradle cap and most dry skin issues. It's safe to use even on babies! A couple of years ago I created a cream that I can use on my face without clogging the pores or creating a rashy breakout. I am a legally licensed business and am posting this not as an advertizement but because I know the pain! Priced very reasonably, I'll never be rich but am hoping the world will be a softer place :-) Lotions are cocoa butter based and creams are shea butter based. Please feel free to email me if you want further information. gaiabody@comcast.net
I am 62 years old and just got eczema for the first time, I thought I had a bad reaction to a pedicure. It is over my entire body and I cannot get rid of it or even find some relief from it. Any suggestions will help?
I've been eczema-free for about 2 years now, but I've had eczema since I was about 10 or so. My eczema emerged from the bad decision to use Nair. From the moment I put it on, it completely fried my skin. Thinking that it was supposed to be burning like that, I left it on for the recommended time. My legs were on fire for the next couple days (oh, and not to mention hairy). Eventually, it turned into eczema. I wish I would have just risked getting cut by shaving!
I've been to countless dermatologists and I've been on so many prescriptions for this, none of which worked. I've tried every home-remedy in the book. It got so bad on my arms a couple years ago that my skin was literally hot pink. Finally, I bought Cortizone 10 Plus. It healed my skin within a matter of a week. I've been flare-up free for a good 2 years now.
Once I get out of the shower and dry off, I immediately apply a generous amount of Johnson's Bedtime Baby Lotion to my arms and legs. And that's it until my next shower. The key to keeping eczema under control is to never over moisturize, as you'll trap sweat in the skin and cause a rash, and to never under moisturize, as that will cause dry itchy skin, leading to a flare-up.
NEVER SCRATCH your itchy skin! It might be the most uncomfortable feeling in the world, and the itchiest-itch you've ever had. And it's going to feel great while you're scratching, but just think about how it feels when you're done- the stinging, burning, peeling, and even worse itching than before. I've gotten to the point now where I can completely ignore any itches I might have. It's all mind over matter. If you MUST scratch, use the back of your nails or lightly rub your skin. It's far less damaging.
Im fifteen and I've had terrible eczema since I was two I only had in certain spots like were my joints are but they were so severely torn op from scratching it would bleed and the pain would make me cry not to mention the annoying people wouldnt go near me because they thought it was contagious. I thought it was as bad as it could get at a certain point. I was wrong, last winter I broke out on my face, legs, arms, stomach, neck, and face. It was horrible and painfull i couldnt even straighting out my arms because my skin would rip, I couldnt bathe cause the water stung all my baths had to be oat meal so my skin could stay moisturized. It still didnt help as much as I would like then one day my mom suggeseted a curandera (witch doctor). It was expensive around 400 dollars but it worked I only break out on the back of my legs and a little above my lip to get rid of them I just moiturize and I also own and amazing product Bare Minerals I put it on when im a little red on my lip and by the end of the day I look fine with out the make up. it all came ot to about 472$ but it was worth it. but it you cant afford that I suggested Aveeno lotions not steroid creams there are also herbs you can use to stop the itching and to get rid of redness you can use DERMATEST PSORIASIS yeah I know were talking about eczema but if your broken out really bad it may sting for ten seconds when you first put it on but it goes away. AND THIS IS IMPORTANT IF YOUR CAN BUY SOME NEOSPRORIN PUT IT ON AND INFECTION OF YOUR ECZEMA CAN GET INTO THE BLOOD STREAM.
I have had chronic eczema for 14 years and terrible patches on my legs if I'm exposed to poison oak (not touch, just in the vicinity) which triggered permanent eczema. I recently went on vacation to Italy and after a week of swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, my eczema completely cleared up. I've been back home for 4 weeks and so far I might get minor spots that itch but it goes away quickly. Before my Italy trip, I've been to dermatologists, allergists, and a homeopathic doctor. Nothing they suggested led to any significant improvement. I was following the conventional method with prescription cortisone cream, taking oral allergy medication. The homopathic doctor had me on various "remedies" and going without lotions. I had given up.
I've looked on the internet and noticed that some other folks have described significant improvement after swimming in the Mediterranean and there are companies out there selling Dead Sea bath salts for treating eczema and psoriasis. Both seas have high salt and mineral content.
I'm going to try the Dead Sea salts since I can't afford a Mediterranean vacation every year (though it'd be nice!).
Hi, I am an eczema sufferer myself (have had it since I was a few months old).
Last year, I had the worst eczema I could possibly imagine - I was unable to sit properly (because of the eczema on my back), to lie down and sleep (slept in a praying position for 3-4 months every night) and eat (because every time I opened my mouth, my skin would crack and yellow "water" would ooze out).
Luckily I found a doctor that helped me. He didn't believe in steroids either. What I had was called "chelation", and I still go and get treatments 1-2 times a week. It's extremely expensive, but I'm all cured now except for a little stubborn eczema on my arms, legs and neck. It's tolerable though because I can fall asleep for the entire night within no time now.
I highly recommend you to try out chelation treatments. You can google "EDTA" or "chelation" for more information. Good luck to you on your search for a cure!
I came across this site by accident today because I have really bad itchy red chapped lips and the doctor gave me some dental paste called Triamcinolone, hope it helps but somehow I ended up on this site after typing it in google
Anyways I started reading some of these posts and it was like a major flashback of just how bad Eczema was for me. I basically had it all my life but now I only get it rarely on one hand I can thankfully say.
Let me tell you a few stories of my experience with Eczema then I will tell you THE ONLY thing I SWEAR BY that helped me.
I can go on and on but will only give a few examples of how bad mine was. Mostly on my hands and arms up to my elbow. I feel lucky after reading some of these stories hearing some of you have it all over your body. My heart goes out to you. Eczema is HELL!!
I use to share a room with my sister growing up and when I was sleeping i would scratch my arms so hard all night not even knowing I was doing it and wake up with my arms covered with sores, blood and just a painful mess. I would wrap my arms in High School a lot and say I sprained *them*... well can only use that excuse for so long so I would wear long sleeves during the summer and I live in Southern Calif so I looked pretty crazy half the time.
I also worked in fast food to help my family with income when I was young and one horror story comes to mind. The old days when the fast food chains served REAL ONIONS, one day I went to work and don't worry I wasn't the one cooking the food but was still humiliated collecting peoples money but I did everything in my power to hide it which really didn't work well.
But this day was like hell on earth for me, the boss told me I was going to be PEELING and SLICING onions for my 8 hour shift..... well not sure if any of you have ever had onion juice in areas where you have Eczema but the pain was so intense I stood there crying and peeling those stupid onions wanting to just shoot myself! When co workers asked me why I was crying I blamed it on the onions...
My mom and dad took me to doctors on and off for years and nothing seemed to help I would die of embarrassment to put either hand out to collect change so a lot of times I would just say its ok keep the change to people in the stores and practically run out of the store. Then they came out with those change dispensers and I use to know which places had them and didn't and that is where I would go...
Oh and snow skiing I had to give up, I would take the gloves off and my hands would look crippled up because I knew when I opened them the cracks would break and my hands would bleed.
Anyways I could go on and on but to this day the ONLY THING THAT HAS EVER WORKED FOR ME AND I CONSIDER A MIRACLE IS LIDEX CREAM!! I SWEAR BY IT AND HECK IF MY SKIN GETS THIN BECAUSE OF IT OH WELL! (my opinion) LIDEX, LIDEX , LIDEX!
My hands would be soooooooooooooo bad and I would be in so much pain and when my mom would take me to the doctor (which by the way I would even hide the Eczema from my family if I could) but my sister would be screaming at me yelling stop scratchinggggggggggg your driving me nuts so it was hard to hide but getting LIDEX cream to me was like winning the lottery.
My parents couldn't always afford to take me to the doctor or pay for the medicine so I couldn't have it all the time but when I had it, honestly in one day my Eczema would be practically gone To this day I still get it when my hand not hands breaks out which it still does
So anyone if you haven't tried Lidex cream , ask your doctor, mine didn't want to give it to me because I think their office sponsors another pharmaceutical company but I told her it is the ONLY THING that works for me and I won't take no for an answer.
Hope this helps at least one person who reads this. If it does please post something and I will come back to read it..... again my heart TRULY goes out to all of you but there is hope..... don't give up. I can honestly say when I was young if I had a gun I might have even shot myself because of the pain due to Eczema. I know that sounds extreme and crazy but it truly to me was like hell on earth.
Whether it be Lidex cream or something else , something will help you.... we are all different and our bodies react differently but hang in there....... :)
Thanks for letting me type all of this .....take care all
It is so nice to see all these posts. I am 36 and have had severe eczema my entire life. A word of warning, try to limit your steroid use. After years of using those creams, I have extremely think skin that will tear and bruise terribly. The side effects will happen. I'm still looking for a way to end this misery, and will try several of your ideas. I tried UV therapy years ago, but honestly didn't give it much time. I will try that again. I'll even try the noxema.
Well I have been having eczema ALL my life & I really wish it would go away ): During school in P.E. I would dislike when people staring at my skin asking what is that? I would just say oh.. It's nothing. It's not getting better. My family has many "skin diseases" and I don't like it. I dislike when people are like is it contagious? & we all know it's not. I have "it" ALL OVER my body it has gotten better with prescriptions. I thank all dermatologist that have helped with eczema.
I'm still young, but I hope it will go away. Now I realize I'm not the only one with eczema. I have many scars and now I'm using something called "mederma" for the scars. It's still the first month using it, but I hope it will work. THANK YOU! You made feel like I'm not the only one to have "it". My eczema was very bad when I was 10 and now it's not that bad. I don't want to feel bad about myself. Thank you. (:
I just was diagnosed with eczema, although I've had it for the past 12 years. My previous dermatologist misdiagnosed it as psoriasis. It's horrible, and I feel all of your pain. I can't swim at all. I can get in a pool for 5 minutes and be miserable for a month after... my body will be covered in little bumps that ooze clear stuff, I'll have fever in the areas and I ache all over. Same with if I swim in the lake, only less severe. The ocean seems to help clear up the breakouts. I also break out if I get too hot and sweaty. It's gross, miserable, just horrible. I've got a mixture with steroids in it that really help, and my new doctor has just started me drenching myself in Cetaphil twice a day. Don't know how well that's helping yet. Good luck to everyone with getting this under control. I start college in August, and chose a school on the coast so that I mught can swim. It's too far away from home, but I will try anything to control the eczema.
I am 46 years old and have had allergic eczema forever. I never had any breakouts, I have only had the itching from the inside of my skin until a month ago. For the first time I broke out in weeping eczema (like poison ivy). I itched for a month. It was awful. I had allergy testing done again and the derm did an environmental allergy test (still waiting for the results on that).
I stopped taking my vitamins. They are red and I don't eat anything that has red dye in it. The itching has stopped dramatically! Also, I started using Cerave. You can get it at CVS or Walgreens, or you can go to their website and find the stores in your area. Cerave is different from Eucerin or Cetaphil in that it helps to repair and rebuild the skin barrier that is problematic for people with eczema. It has made a huge difference! The skin that had the little bumps on it is now smooth after two days of using it. They have a cleanser, lotion, and cream. I use the cream on the parts of my body that have the weeping eczema. I use the cleanser all over, except for my hair, and I use the lotion all over, even my face. The price is $11.99-$12.99 for a 12 oz bottle. It is fantastic! I hope this helps someone! :)
My son is 3 and has severe eczema. We are scheduled to see an allergist that specializes in pediatric patients, we have to go to Boston for this. We've found out a few things about this condition that some doctors don't mention and that is that after being on a cortizone cream for a long time the patient gets used to it and it no longer works. Which is what happened in my sons case. There is a prescription called atopiclare that is not a steriod instead it's a cream meant for eczema. Atopiclare is very expensive 150.00 I found that it works well on moderate eczema but on the realy bad spots it does not help. Flair ups from Eczema are usualy caused from an allergy. I believe it's best to figure out the cause first and try to avoid those things. Try visiting an Alergist and get tested for what might be causing your flair ups. Also I've had people recomend Naturopathic specialist. We have one not far from us you might want to check for one in your area. We plan on visiting one if we can't get a solution from the allergist. Hope this helps
I firmly believe in treating eczema internally rather than topically. From the research I have done, treating this disease topically only pushes the problem deeper into your system, meaning it will reappear later on. Topical Creams will only treat the symptoms and not the disease. I suggest finding a detox program that works for you. Depending on your current diet, fasting on fresh vegetable juices may be very helpful. I personally did a series of Colonics (I know many people will not be open to this treatment, but for me it was absolutely the most effective) and consumed 4 ounces of fresh wheat grass juice daily when dealing with an outbreak. As a maintenance program I try to take 2 ounces a day. Dr. Shulze American Botanical Pharmacy has a very good regime for treating eczema, it begins with a five day bowel cleanse, followed with kidney strengthening herbs. He also makes a jojoba and tea tree oil cream to soothe the skin.
I have been plagued with eczema for all of my life. I am now 45 years old. I remember as a young child my father putting cortisone cream on my hand and covering it with saran wrap to help with absorbtion. I have tried everything: essential fatty acid supplements, antihistamines, tanning beds, and Elidel/Protopic. When I have a really bad flare-up there is no way I can even shower. Winter of course tends to be worse, and I smoother my skin with a lotion called Sarna (bought over the counter) - it contains pramosone which is like a numbing agent so you don't feel the itch and burning so much. I've been told that cortisone creams thin out the skin, so I am really trying to use less of them as I get older. After some research, I have learned that vitamin B12 cream/lotion can be quite effective. I searched the internet and found one called BioEntopic B12 creme that I ordered from Valley Farm. It wasn't cheap, but when you are in misery everyday, you will try anything. I am experiencing success! As far as the tanning bed is concerned, I would like to know if anyone has had real success from it. I am so pale that I get burned even if I just do five minutes. This just adds salt to the wound, so to speak. My dermatologist swears by it, but I hate to think I am wasting my time, money, and perhaps contributing to skin cancer. Any feedback would be appreciated!
Wow.... your story sounds like my life story completely and exactly! I in the mean time have also had facial cellulitis at least twice in the last year also because of it. Have you found anything that works? I have 3 children and work full time so as you can understand I have little time for myself let alone bathing etc. My dr's and specialists will prescribe something and its great while I'm using it... as soon as I come off it it my excema comes back within 2 days.
Not only is Eczema painful and embarrassing, but it can also be very difficult to work with. I have had eczema since birth (over 55 years). It was pretty bad as a very young child and later it came back in my teens. I never used anything in those years it just went away by itself. However, about 10 years ago I started having extreme problems with hypoglycemia migraines, allergies and asthma. I started using medication for the asthma and the migraines went away.
I then took 5 years of allergy shots and my eczema came back. First it started on my fingers on one hand then worked up to the wrists, then it started on the second hand at the fingers and slowly up to my wrists. I asked my Allergist if this could be related to the allergy shots I was receiving, he said no, but he did think it was quite amazing that he took allergy shots and also developed eczema.
After a couple of years it started on my feet. It started at my toes and slowly worked up to my ankles. My dermatologist gave me cortisone shots and medication and told me to come back for more cortisone shots any time it got bad. After a year I changed dermatologist and this one prescribed a new medication that literally got my feet so raw that I could barely walk. I had to start wearing very soft open shoes to work, and than the real problems started with my boss. She felt that it was undignified and we had some major problems which ended with me telling her that until you have this stuff you have NO earthly idea how bad it is.
I finally just quit going to doctors for this problem and found a product online called Anastasia. They have a few skin care products, but the best for the eczema is the body cream(anastasia.com). It is rather expensive, but no more so than the medication I was paying for from the doctor. I use it immediately after taking my bath or soaking my feet. I also use fish oil and borage oil 1000mg per day, and have found that I have to AVOID ALL products with high fructose corn syrup. It is not gone, but it is SOO much better. Hopes this helps some others that are having the same or similar problems
I had mild eczema on my inner arms when I was around 7 years old. It only lasted about a year and never came back after that, until now. I am now 22 and this past year it came back and was very severe. At first I didnt think it was eczema because it had been so long since I had had it and I guess I didnt realize that eczema could be as bad as this was. I went to a doctor and they thought it was just a normal allergic reaction, so the treatment she gave me didnt work. I went to a dermatologist who told me that he was 100% sure that it was a skin fungus. He was wrong too. Finally I found another dermatologist who assured me that he knew exactly what it was-eczema. He told me that the most important thing is to stay moisturized. Basically I have to drench myself in lotion 3-4 times a day. Cetaphil is what he recommended and seems to work great. At that point I had had HUGE patches of it on my arms, legs, all over my neck and 2 little patches on my face. It was HORRIBLE and extremely uncomfortable and depressing. He said that he had never seen a case so bad. I figured the treatment would take weeks or months to work but it was all clear in FIVE days! He prescribed me a cream, Triamcinolone .1%, which I put on red areas and seemed to work over night. I also took oral pills for 3 weeks as well as itch pills -Hydroxyzine, to stop the itching at night. I have to say that I am extremely happy that it went away so fast and completely. The problem is that now I have terrible scars from it. In all of the areas where I had the eczema I am left with very white skin. The doctor said that it will eventually turn back to its normal color, but I was wondering if anyone else has this and if they know anything that could quicken the process of turning back to normal? Its better than being red, but its still awkward for me to go out in short sleeves when my arms are all splotchy looking with big pale patches.
Hello...reading all of your comments has really given me hope, and let me know that i am not alone in this. I had a severe allergic reaction on my skin (contact dermatitis) to products that I used at work, and after the allergic reaction cleared up, i was left with terrible eczema! Which i have never had.
Ive always been an allergic person, but my skin has always been fine. I have two patches on my arms that are horribly scarred and have developed eczema on my neck, arms, face, and eyelids. I used aveeno oatmeal bath and the lotion. as well as a steriod cream for my arms. I don't know what to do about the spots on my eyes and neck. i used vit E oil, and it worked the first few times..but after a week it started to irritate me! i have heard tanning helps? but I'm scared to try anything. please help!
Hey everyone, Im 19 and I've had eczema my whole life and for the last 5 months it has been the worse its ever been. I went to my family doctor that has tried everything with me since i was a baby and he prescribed my "Singulair" its a asthma medicine but honestly it works, it cleared my eczema right up and if i dont take it it comes back. I use Glaxal Base religiously as well as bath in Doak Oil. Shea butter helps too. Elidel does not work. Tanning is good, when your really itchy and cant stop but an ice pack on your icthy spot and the feeling will go away. putting vaseline over the cream will help it lock in the cream. and of course 100% cotton. Wool is the worst. Oh and i also got acrylic nails so i wouldnt break the skin when scratching. I also use baby shampoo and baby wash and try to avoid showers, and definately no hot showers or baths. I also have extremely dry lips that peel Alot! and the only thing that works for me is to always have vaseline on them. anyways hopefully i help someone because i know how bad it feels, i am imbarassed to have it and to go into public, people are always asking "What happened!?!" "Did you have an allergic reaction?!" and staring! i hate it! anyways this stuff has really helped me! Good Luck!
hi, I'm 14 years old and i had severe eczema for 8 months. it was the worst time of my life, and for the people that suffer it now, I know what u are going through. i had been to over 10 specialists for treatment, and some of them had no clue what it was and put me on useless diets and medication. i advise to people NOT to use prednisone, it is an oral steroid that is bad for your inner body, and does NOT help eczema one bit, it just makes things worse.
I have useful information that will help eczema, that I learned in hospitals and good doctors: Eczema is a case of severely dry skin, and since it is so dry, it gets extremely inflamed which can lead to it getting open and infected, with mainly infections like staphylococcus auerous. That infection leaves your skin weepy with a yellow substance. So if you experience this, you have to take keflex antibiotics, which is mainly the antibiotic for that sort of infection.
I suffered from eczema the worst on my face, and the whole rest of my body, except my nose. I had to use a topical steroid ointment called advantan on my body, and sigmacort 1% on my face, and sigmacort 0.5% on my eyelids. after i put this on i had to put an extremely thick layer of emulslifying ointment on top of this. once that was done i would get wet bandages and wrap myself up like a mummy. the wet bandages make the ointments sink in deeper to your skin. I can guarantee on my life that in 48 hours after wearing it (all day changing it 3 times a day) u will have a MASSIVE improvement. this has helped me so much and I thank God for helping me every step of the way. My skin is back to pretty much normal now, if I get stressed I get flare ups, but I just wrap myself up again, and I will be better :)
I hope if anyone suffers from eczema, that you will read this and use my advice because I promise it will work. Also salt water isn't good for eczema as salt dries out your skin... and eczema is dry skin, but if it works for you.. go ahead. God Bless, xoxo
I have had exzema all my life on my inner arms and i am now contracting it on my groin area. After much trial and error i have found that keeping the area dry helps to stop itching i.e. using baby powder.
I am still a teenager, and people keep telling me,"You will grow out of it," and I've had this my whole life, and cry almost every day, and nothing i do makes it better. It is really hard to have this the way kids are today. Right now I am in the middle of the worst outbreak I've ever had, and everything is only making it worse.
Something I have learned over the years is that sweat really makes me break out, so my years of being a cheerleader and a softball player are out of the question. Vaseline is what I have decided to stick to, since everything my dermatologist has prescribed to me hasn't worked. I was using elidel about a year ago, and used it for about 4 years.
I had always told my parents it bugged my skin worse, especially when i would be physically active, buy they never listened. I was extremely happy when my dermatologist said not to ever use it again. So i defiantly wouldn't use eleidel. I have al ot of food allergies, and always try to stay away from detergents. I know when I'm at school, and a girl walks in with perfume, I defiantly know it, and my skin shows. If anyone has any other advice, I have SEVERE eczema, everywhere! I really need to know what to do!
I haven't been through the whole process yet, but the people who are doing this are confident that this will clear my eczema that I just got summer of 2007. I have it only on my right hand. This technique is with a Electromagnetic Biofeedback machine that reads all of the cells in your body and then sends messages back to your cells that are asleep so to say and rejuvenates them. Its kind of like defraging your computer or giving your vehicle a diagnostic test. Its a bit costly (525.00-6 sessions) but the success rate is high. Visit their website at www.biofeedbacklifestyles.com I've only had 1 treatment but I'm confident. Hope this helps.
I've had eczema my whole life. I suggest Melaleuca brand lotion. I've tried various Melaleuca (tea tree oil) products, but this lotion works wonders. All natural and is long-lasting. They have a website, I think it's Melaleuca.com. Anyway, I had a horrible outbreak of eczema a couple years ago (brought on by my allergies to cats and cigarette smoke) and it took me a year to get it under control. I tried steriods and everything, but this Melaleuca lotion was the only thing that actually worked and KEPT working. I still use it every day.
Other tips avoid hot water, heat, sweat, anything that you have allergies to, itchy materials, etc. I found that I'm not allergic to our dogs, but one of them has a short, prickly coat. If I hold or play with him too long my arms start to get little bumps on them and itch. His rough coat just irritates my skin.
For all those who have and deal with Eczema, my son has eczema all over his body and I started researching so many ingredients and came up with my "Soy Body Tarts". Since I have started making these I have not had to use any cortizone cream on him in the last year! So far I have them on line on my site and we have been doing festivals and they are also in several stores in my area. These really do work amazingly! There are 6 different moisturizing oils that target eczema and the ratio of soy wax that I use seals these moisturizers into the skin. You can use the tarts solid by rubbing directly on heels or in hands, or put them in a small dish and put on a candle warmer and use melted(lavender and melted is the best for eczema). I also sell them in candle form so you light the candle, let the meltpool form blow out candle and use the melted wax mixture to soothe the eczema. PLEASE visit my site and read more about it. All natural and it works! essentiallysoy.com
Someone recommended using aloe vera juice topically and also drinking it to help eczema. If you are pregnant, please research the effects of drinking it, as I've heard that it may harm the baby.
I had mild bouts of excema off & on when I was younger, then got it on my hands really bad after my daughter was born. The sking between my fingers would crack & bleed. My step-dad told me to use Bag Balm & I never had another problem. When my son was going through chemo for Leukemia, he got excema really bad the first year, especially on his poor little face. Sometimes people would give me dirty looks & ask me if he was contagious because it was so bad. The Bag Balm helped sometimes, but not when it was really bad. Finally, a Dermatologist told me first of all, not to use soap on him every time I bathed him, because it was the worse thing I could do. He said to only bathe him with soap once weak & if I felt I had to bathe him more often, use plain water. Boy that part was rough, I bathed my kids every day! Next, he told me to use Crisco (Vaseline has petroleum, not good for your skin). I got a small can of Crisco & kept it in the bathroom. Whenever I bathed him, instead of rubbing him down with baby oil or lotion, I used a light coating of Crisco. His skin was nice & soft & his clothes didn't get greasy. Best of all, his excema went away. For the next 1 1/2 years of his chemo, he had very little trouble with the excema. Oh yeah, most doctors also tell you to use Ivory or Dove soap if you have excema or sensitive skin. I have always had a really bad reaction to those & so do my mom & kids. We break out in horrible itchy rashes from it!
I think everyone reacts differently, & you might just have to try all the remedies listed to find one that works fdor you -but boy what a list, I'm coing to copy it into a file for future use!
i have eczema. my father had eczema.my father used Right Guard on his arm because it stinged and it would stop the itching. however, since i am only 10 years old i am afraid of the sting as most people are. i suggest going swimming from 6 to 9 o clock so there wont be so much heat and the chlorine will kill the germs. it will clear up the infection and redness a little bit.
I have eczema too and have since I was a teenager. In seeing numerous dr.'s and using lots of creams I finally ran into a dr. that treated the problem not just with topical creams. What you need to look at is food allergies. Wheat and dairy are a major trigger for eczema, it's also considered an autoimmune disease. When I finally was diagnosed with Celiac disease (wheat itollerance that 1 in 5 people have but don't know it) and dairy allergy my eczema seemed to go away. I'l also an esthetician and run into this problem with clients all the time. Try Cetiphil cleanser, stay away from almost all drug store brands. They all contain high levels of Alchohol that will just irritate the eczema. The tanning bed does usually work for someone with psoriasis but not usually eczema. The other thing is that you need to treat it from the inside out and that means taking suppliments like fish oil (pure that you have to refrigerate and not from costco), evening primrose oil and borage oil. A lot of companies sell it as a trio so you only have to take one pill. You could also try www.eminence.com they have the most amazing hungarian organic skin care products. They smell amazing and most of them won't irritate your skin.
I have had extremely horrible excema for about 10 years now. My right breast is completely covered in red, dry , sore inflamation and there are literally hundreds of small red circular patches covering 90 percent of my body. I have tried so many "cures" including zinc skin systems etc. None and I mean NONE of this has worked. A friend of mine recommended Pumpkin Patch soap and Unscented Body Butter from the Rocky Mountain Soap Company. They make natural handmade soaps and "creams". I've applied my first application tonight and already my skin feels less itchy and irritated. I think, if it does work, that it will take a while for it to take affect, but already I feel a difference in my skin. I have read, through research that a chemical called SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE is something that really causes skin irritations and excema. It is in almost everything you use that needs to foam. Soap, Shampoo, toothpast...to name a few. I have decided that I am going to try to cut that out of my life and see if that helps to reduce my excema. I will update if the Pumpkin Patch soap and body butter work
Thanks for the responses, but I did not get a clear answer on the Noxema, do you leave it on or do you just wash with it? I bought some because I am willing to try anything. Thank you
Does anyone have suggestions for treating eczema? My son has bad cases on both ear lobes, so bad that the skin is broken and oozing. I have tried olive oil, tea tree oil, hydrocortizone creams (both over-the-counter and prescription), aloe vera, and sulfur ointments, but haven't had much luck with any of them.
I've also tried prescription Protopic and Elidel, but am stoping those because of the current investigations into possible links between these medicaitons and childhood lymphoma (the medications suppress immune functions to control the eczema, but the effects may be affecting more systemic body processes too; yikes!) Until the docs know for sure if there's a link or not, I'm going to play safe and avoid these meds.
But that leads me with few options. Can anyone help?
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Request: Help For Severe Eczema
Archived on 07/04/2007
I have had allergies, asthma, and eczema my whole life. I just celebrated my 28th birthday by staying home because I am embarrassed to be seen in public. My eczema was very severe from birth until I was about 5. In my teenage years, it was bad on the back of my legs only.
About 4 years ago, I got a severe sunburn on my face, neck, chest, and shoulders. I had to go to the hospital to be treated for it. Now, my eczema is all over my body but the most prominent spot where I was sunburned. I have been prescribed lots of creams and ointments and I am allergic to everything I have tried. Even if something works at first, I seem to develop an allergy to it.
My face just looks terrible all the time. I can't wear makeup anymore. I can apply moisturizer 7 times within 1 hour of getting out of the shower and my face still dries right up. It is flaky and red and I have scratched sores in it from itching so bad. If my face sweats, it instantly makes my eczema go crazy. The dryness in my face has started to cause deep wrinkles and I look much older than I am.
The only medication I have taken that clears it up and makes me look normal is prednisone. I know it is bad for me in the long run and in the past it made me gain a lot of weight but I don't know what to do now. When I take the last prednisone pill, I feel like I start itching from the inside out. My skin will still look normal from the prednisone treatment but it will be burning and itching so badly I can't stand it!
I have done elidel, protopic, cortisone, eucerin, Lubriderm, Crisco, dermatop, mineral oil, olive oil, and a million other things I can't even think of. I also have a baby girl who will be 2 next month. I don't want her to suffer because of my skin. It is not a vanity thing although I would like to feel presentable, it hurts all the time.
There are no more good days and it seems like no one can help me. Please help me if you have any ideas or advice. It is getting very depressing.
Kori
Answers:
RE: Eczema Help
My son had the same thing when he was an infant. Oddly, the breakouts would be confined to small areas of his hand and side of his face. My pediatrician recommended an over-the-counter cream called Eucerin...worked wonders!! (03/04/2005)
By Patti C
RE: Eczema Help
Two suggestions to try that may at least help with the itching: 1) Crisco solid shortening, and 2) Noxzema cream. Good luck!
Tori (03/04/2005)
Here is some information that may help you. I will try to find some more. You may try putting some Noxzema on the itchy ear, or don't laugh, Vick's salve can help alleviate the itching.
Prevention
To prevent or reduce eczema flare-ups, avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, dry air, harsh soaps and bubble baths. Use blankets and clothing made of cotton instead of more irritating fabrics, such as wool, or stiff synthetics, such as polyester. After showering or bathing, pat dry (rather than rub) so you leave a little moisture on your skin. Then apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to trap moisture in the skin. Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air during the winter heating season.
To help to prevent contact dermatitis, avoid skin contact with irritating chemicals, plants, jewelry and substances that trigger skin allergies. If you have severe varicose veins, you can help prevent stasis dermatitis by wearing compression stockings and by elevating your legs if you sit for long periods. Be alert for any reactions within 48 hours of using a medication. Antibiotics applied to the skin and taken by mouth can trigger a skin reaction such as hives on more sensitive skin. If this happens, call your doctor to get a substitute medication.
Treatment
Your doctor usually will review your skin care routine to make sure you are doing everything possible to prevent symptoms. If, despite these measures, your eczema is bothersome, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid ointment or cream for you to use on the affected area. In atopic dermatitis, mild or medium strength topical (applied to the skin) steroids generally are used, while the strongest steroids may be needed to treat allergic contact dermatitis. To relieve severe itching, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine. If there are signs of bacterial skin infection, antibiotics usually are needed.
Sometimes, in very severe cases of eczema, your doctor will prescribe a short course of oral steroids or stronger medications that decrease the activity of the immune system. However, steroids taken for prolonged periods and other drugs that suppress the immune system can have serious side effects. They must be used cautiously. In some people, treatment with ultraviolet (UV) light is another option.
Seborrhea in adults is best treated with dandruff shampoo and, occasionally, with prescription antifungal facial creams or rinses. Cradle cap in infants eventually clears up without treatment, though it can last several months. The crust usually can be loosened by applying baby oil to the scalp 30 to 60 minutes before brushing with a soft brush and then washing with baby shampoo.
When treating a contact allergy in a child, avoid topical treatments containing antihistamines (such as calamine lotion with diphenhydramine) because too much antihistamine can be absorbed through the skin. Some children have a skin reaction to these treatments.
When To Call A Professional
Call your doctor if you have an area of skin that is red and very itchy, or skin that is cracked, blistered or painfully dry. Ask your doctor for an urgent evaluation if you have signs of infection an area of skin that is painful, has yellow drainage or has streaking or spreading redness.
Prognosis
The prognosis varies from person to person, depending on the type of eczema and its response to treatment. For example, most contact dermatitis heals within two to three weeks, while most stasis dermatitis lasts for years. Among children affected by atopic eczema, about half still will have the problem as adults.
Additional Info
(03/04/2005)
My daughter had eczema right under her eyes and in her eyelash line. Her doc told us to try baby shampoo. It doesn't have to be an expensive brand, any baby shampoo will do (I used some unknown brand that was less than $1). She washed under her eyes, as close to the lash line as she dared, and within 2 weeks it was completely gone, and it hasn't come back in the 2 months since. I don't know how or why, but it worked wonders! I really hope this helps.
terry (03/04/2005)
i am 42 yrs old and also right now have a outbreak of eczema ,around my eyelids. the best stuff to use is aveeno. i use the bar soap and lotion on my face. it seems that he could be alergic to maybe a certain shampoo or maybe a deodorant soap you are using.or maybe hot showers could trigger it also. also another lotion is aquaphor, over the counter.and is the makers of eucerin lotion. (03/04/2005)
By soccermom1019
RE: Eczema Help
This condition varies from person to person. Tough call! Cetaphil
to wash and I believe they do make a lotion. Trying so many products could be the source of the problem. My son had white/pink spot on his eye lid and cheek under eye area about the size of a rectangle. It is now more like a square. We used hydrocortizone. We avoided sun when possible and never forgot the sunblock. He still has it but it is more noticiable in the summer as skin darkens. My advice is to seek a dermatologist. skin conditions vary so much individually. I suffer from acne and I use absolutely no lotion on my face, neck or back but I can on my arms, legs, sides,feet and buttocks. Go figure! I use Eucerin lotion and cetaphil wash for face and body. I can use Dove White. But no product with perfumes. Avoid those products. Go with basic products.Good luck! Skin conditions are difficult to control (03/04/2005)
By jjager
RE: Eczema Help
As a baby I was covered with exzema. The pediatrician told my parents to bathe me in epsom salts water. My friends father was told by an old country doctor to mix boracic acid in vaseline and use as a salve.
Sometimes the old remedies are as good as the new ones. (03/04/2005)
By shirley
RE: Eczema Help
www.aloetherapy.com has a cream called Relief cream. The base of this cream is whole leaf Aloe Vera. Aloe has been used for centuries as a medecional plant. Relief cream is very good and inexpensive. good luck. jmouse (03/05/2005)
By jmouse
RE: Eczema Help
Perhaps you could try an antifungal, such as athletes foot cream. (03/05/2005)
By Judy
RE: Eczema Help
I too was recommended Eucerin - over the counter and used on newborns in the hospital, or so my Dr. told me. Also, nivea cream in the small round container is thick and works well. I've also found that St. Ives collegin elastin works wonders. (03/05/2005)
By Kelly
RE: Eczema Help
AVEENO is a great non-stinging lotion. I have a skin disease and this is the only thing I've found that doesn't hurt. It doesn' "cure" anything, but it helps with itching and drying (03/05/2005)
By Mae
RE: Eczema Help
Lynne,
Red Clover is a good substance for skin problems. I am an Independent Watkins Associate, and we carry a product called Red Clover Salve. It contains Red Clover Extract, Bee Pollen Extract, Vitamin E, and Beeswax (to help prevent reopening of any healing tissue) and these are in a base of olive and safflower oils. Lots of folks use this product for eczema or other skin rashes/problems, and it really helps. It's also good for cracked or chapped skin, cuticles, etc. It has a really nice smell to it as well. Let me know if you would like me to send you a catalog.
Trudy Powell
trudypowell@sbcglobal.net (03/05/2005)
I get eczema on my chin. The Dr. prescribed Desonide Ointment 0.05%. This has cleared my eczema completely. (03/05/2005)
By Lois
RE: Eczema Help
My daughter has eczema and the doctor told me to use reguar old petroleum jelly. It worked well, but she has it all over though and the Vaseline would stain her clothes and mine. So I have tried other things and found that Aquaphor and Corn Huskers oil work pretty good as well. (03/06/2005)
By Jennifer
RE: Eczema Help
I am intrigued by Terry's daughter's experience with baby shampoo. This sounds like it's worth a try...so easy, cheap, and harmless.
I'll tell you what worked for me. I lived with mild but persistent eczema on my abdomen for about a year before I decided (having read that sunlight helped) to try a tanning bed. I saw an immediate improvement, and after my third visit, it was completely gone. (I stayed in only about ten minutes each time; the goal is not to get an actual tan.) That was nine years ago, and it hasn't returned. I haven't been back in a tanning bed, either. I know they are not considered safe, which is why I suggest this only as a last resort. (03/07/2005)
By Papillon
RE: Eczema Help
Try" Willard Water", they have a website you can check out. (03/11/2005)
TANNING BED, it really does work! I have mild eczema and it of course gets worse every winter to the point where I scratch in my sleep. 10 minutes 3 times a week in a bed will definitly do the trick. Start off with 7 minutes as gradually move up. Just be sure your not in a ULTRA bed that will burn your son. Another helpful hint, avoid hot water. It makes it worse. In fact my dr. suggested avoiding a "complete" bath everyday. (03/23/2005)
By shaun
RE: Eczema Help
If everything else fails. You gotta try (b)Skin-E-Dip(/b).
I know it sounds like a funky name but it reallyreally works. They have incredible results and testimonials. Its also very safe and has no steriod or antibiotic ingredients.
(03/23/2005)
By Taylor Shane
RE: Eczema Help
I have exzema on my scalp. Anybody have any ideas to treat it without staining all of my bedding? Thanks, Authumn (04/08/2005)
By Authumn
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I've had the same skin condition for years. Ive had it on my back, arm, legs, ankles & head. When i was a infant my parents would take me to the hospital for ultra violet treatments. That helped but not for long. I was also given shots & creams but that too didnt last long. At one time the doctor told my parents to give me once a day some cooking oil to drink thinking that would help my skin. That didnt work. All that did was make me feel ill. Now iam 48 years old & only have a touch of eczema on my hand & finger. My doctor perscribed something new to me. Its called Clobetasol Propionate Ointment. Its amazing how fast this stuff worked for me. There is such a change in the appearence of my skin in one application. It takes so much redness out & smoothes the skin out. Hope this helps. (05/16/2005)
By sandy
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I hope this helps. I have eczema and all 3 of my kids have it. The doctor told me to limit the amount of acidic foods you eat. We don't eat a lot of high acid foods like anything made with tomatoes-- ketchup, spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce. And don't eat too many oranges,lemons, limes, grapefruit and limit the juice you drink from these fruits. You can still eat them but don't eat them or drink them in excess. Maybe you could try it. It worked for us. (05/17/2005)
This link has a lot of information on possible things that are aggravating the problem that you might want to look into:
http://www.health-report.co.uk/eczema_natural_treatment.html
Susan from ThriftyFun (05/17/2005)
Are you sure it's eczema? It might be psoriasis. My sister has had that since she was 11 years old. There are special medications and treatments available for psoriasis - ask your dermatologist about it. (05/17/2005)
I've read that soaking in a bath with dead sea salts in it is very helpful ... (05/17/2005)
By Ela
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
When I was 2 or 3, I had it so bad on my feet i had to wear plastic bags on my feet to keep the ointment on. Don't remember how it went away, but when I was 18, after Mother passed away, it came back with a vengence on hands and feet. Treated it with cortisone shots, about twice a year, but that just made it bearable. Then when I was 23, Dad passed away, and it came back again (ya think it may have something to do with stress?) on my feet. My dermatologist suggested putting smaller injections of the cortisone in the wounds themselves. I had nearly 100 shots on my toes and feet. Yes it was difficult and mildly painful, but nothing compared to what the scratching was doing. I had no top layer of skin. It has been 13 years now, and I have gone thru many more stressful times in my life, but it has not been back. Hope maybe this helps.
(05/17/2005)
By Julie
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I had severe exzema as a baby. My parents just didn't have the money to keep experimenting with meds. An old country doctor said to bathe me in epsom salts.(worked for me). My friends father was told to put boracic acid powder in vaseline and mix thoroughtly. It worked for him. (05/17/2005)
By siris
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Try a nutritional treatment. I have had allergies all my life. That changed when I discovered megadoses of Vitamin C. Check http://www.doctoryourself.com for more info.
Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin. You need to look into the possiblity of spreading an A preparation on the skin. It is possible to overdose on Vitamin A taken orally. Good luck to you (05/17/2005)
I would like to suggest that you use coconut oil.
http://www.coconut-info.com/
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm
Read what they have to say about the type of coconut oil needed.
And if you find it doesn't work, you can always cook with it! The stuff lasts a loooong time on the shelf. (05/17/2005)
By Holly
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Another thing that helps my husb. who came back from the Gulf War with skin problems, flakes and dry, red, itchy. He has 4 prescription shampoos,
lotions gazillions...what helps sometimes when it is
really bad: Oatmeal buy generic oatmeal and put some in a clean white sock and use it while in shower
and in bath use. He gets it wet in bath and applies
it to his arms and such, we buy Aveno too but Oatmeal is cheap and helps.
I had a prescrip. meds called Attarax something like that really helped I scratched my face, arms raw, lots of stress did it to me this med helped and I keep the bottle for emergency.
GOOD LUCK! Let us know if anything helps we are
rooting for you!
Annie (05/17/2005)
try http://www.mercola.com I pulled up 10 pages of articles on eczema on this doctor's site, he is a nutritional expert, very highly regarded. I have gotten his newsletter for years. If I had your condition, I think I would try the fish oil capsules. (05/18/2005)
By Levada
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I have tried many of the suggested treatments, some worked temporarily some didn't. The vaseline made mine much worse,since it has a petroleum base. Hot showers are bad.Zinc supplements work well, my zinc level was very low when tested. Noxzema has worked well for me.Found out I was allergic to soy, much better since eliminating that.Selsun Blue has cleared up my scalp completely, what a joy!Expensive prescriptions did nothing for my psoriasis. (05/18/2005)
Have You tried Aloe Vera? http://www.aloetherapy.com sells several products that will help. There Aloe is grown in green houses and say that you cannot be alergic to it. They also have several Tree Tea Oil products in an Aloe base. Tree Tea is anti fungal and anti bacterial. One of the owners of the Company is a Nurse and practices Holistic and natural healing. They also have a money back if it don't help. Look them up, you can't loose. good luck and god be ith you. (05/18/2005)
I too, have had eczema all my life. I find it is definitely stress related. Also, I have seasonal allergies and I find it is worst this time of year as my body is busy fighting off the pollen I am allergic too.
Visit http://www.ahava.com -- this is a company that sells lotions and body washes made with Dead Sea salt. Always helps me. Also, I find if I am able to visit the beach and stay out in the ocean for a while my skin is always soothed. Good Luck! (05/18/2005)
By Valerie
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Try Elocom. (05/18/2005)
By Lorz
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Hi. I'm 40 years old and have had really bad eczema, allergies and asthma all through my life. I know what you are going through because I was there too. I tried everything and nothing ever seemed to work and got really sick and tired of everyone telling me to try Product X or technique Y because "it works miracles". My only advice is to hang in there. Stress definitely exacerbates eczema. I finally found a regimen that works for me. Keep looking for better doctors who understand the problem and that it's just not a 'skin rash'. I finally found one and it was night and day. Good luck.
Oh yeah, in really really bad eczema, staph infections are a severe problem and can keep the eczema going. If your doctor doesnt' know this, get another one. (06/08/2005)
By Steve
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I'm 19 and I have had eczema off and on for a while. It gets so bad I can't wear anything short sleeved or short pants. I have sores all over my body. I find that neosporin works wonders no joke. It helps clear it up and it moisturizes. After I clear it up I go tanning regularly because the heat keeps my skin from being itchy. Anyways cover your face so you don't get wrinkles. Also use a lotion because it cooks it into your skin. Then moisturize afterwards. Also try removing foods from your diet like milk, eggs, and flour. Do this slowly and see if it makes a difference. Using steriods on your skin only causes it to thin and have stretch marks remember that and use it only as a last resort. OH another thing is I know this sounds dumb. But if scratching is a must either wear gloves to bed or go get acrylic nails. They won't break the skin when you scratch. Satin sheets also help. (06/14/2005)
By Nicole
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I've had eczema now for 17 years. Seems during stressful times or when I get an injury (like a rash, callus, scrap, or sunburn) I develop a new patch. I had one large patch all down my right leg that lasted for over 6 years. I finally go rid of it (all any my new patches) by getting some sun on my leg. It's the UV that does it, so don't use sunblock! I have to be REALLY careful not to burn myself because that would just make it worse, but by getting just a little bit of sun each day (or you can use a tanning salon in winter) and keeping it moisturized, it is completely gone and I have no scars. (06/15/2005)
By Trix
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
i know how you feel, and it can be awful. i have had eczema my whole life. i am 37. it was very severe and spent much of my life on creams and oral steroids and light treatments, naturopaths, you name it, i tried it. at last i have found my answer, sounds weird, but it's noxzema! i wash with noxzema triple clean in the shower and then use the original noxzema as a moisterizer afterwards. i have been almost completely clear for 2 1/2 years now. i am not the only one, i have other friends who are also finding relief with this. as for the prednisone, try getting your dr. to prescribe you a antibiotic instead, i used to get both at the same time but hated the side effects of the steroids i thought i'd just try the antibiotics alone and what do you know, everything cleared up. i believe eczema has more to do with dealing with a skin bacteria rather than trying to suppress our immune system. so i can see there has been alot of ideas floating around here which is great, i hope one of them works for you and you find some relief as i did. good luck and you are not alone. (07/02/2005)
By nicola
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I use unrefined shea butter (make sure it's unrefined - basically just scraped out of the nut and plopped in the jar. do a google search and you'll find a number of places that sell it). It was like a miracle after years of steroids and other lotions and therapies. I've also found that noxzema helps if I get itchy. I do still break out occasionally, mainly from stress, and both of these methods have worked for me. Neither of which were mentioned by my dermatologists over the years. (07/28/2005)
By hennessey
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I understand the embarrassment and frustration you feel. For me Noxema wasn't good and I was severely allergic to that as a child. I recommend staying natural if possible. The pure Shea butter soap and moisturizer are great for the skin. Also, I swear by FRESH ALOE. Cut of a piece and rub your skin topically with the aloe, the gel part inside the plant. It'll sooth, peel the dead, damaged skin off. Do that until it heals. You can also use it as a part of your daily skin regimen. NOte you can take the aloe leaf and blend it in some juice, it's bitter but it serves to clean you internally including the blood, which people with eczema need. If you want add a little sugar and other fruits to mask the bitter taste. I hope this helps. You can e-mail @ g_davis32@hotmail.com if you want to talk further about these methods. I know this works but I'm using the aloe now on my skin and it's health and peeling the dead skin off, including any discoloration from the damage of be scratching etc.
If possible try and soak in a warm bath with dead sea salt, if you live near the ocean, then soak in the water for awhile. I find that this is extremely soothing for the skin, along with the aloe externally and internally. If you take it internally 2x daily for 5 to max. 10 days. If possible try and do it for the maximum time.
Best wishes (08/04/2005)
By Gina
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Dear Kori,
I have a friend who used to have very bad eczema for about 10 years. Recently, she has recovered from it, its amazing! She was so relief at last! She has been feeding herself with probiotic and it works wonders. It not only helped her with her eczema problem but also with her overall health and especially it has improved her immune system tremendously. Remember, powder and liquid form does not work, only the live one works ya. If you want, you can write to celinelimwk @ gmail.com (remove spaces). She can give you more details. Hope you will recover soon! Cheers! (09/13/2005)
By Angeline
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I have eczema on my eyes as well. It is totally different from eczema on any other part of the body. The skin is sooo sensitive!! As of right now I have a horrible patch on my eye, I REALLY sympathize with you. I too have tried simply every remedy. I have found that long term treatment with hydrocotizone will thin the skin, so it is not good to use around the eyes, in fact many eczema products should not be used around the eyes. I am allergic to vitamin E and cannot use one product for too long because my skin will develop a dislike for it. I have been doing this for so long, if there were a cure I would know about it. Prednisone is horrible!! I also have asthma and have taken it every year. I cried when my doctor prescribed it for me again. I will never take it again, I feel like I am not in my own skin. The best thing has been mentioned and that is not to stress, or at least find a way that you can destress. It will have to be your own way. I like yoga, cooking and drawing. Especially cooking ; ) I also like a topical with SMALL amounts of menthol or camphor to help cool it, being very careful not to get it in my eye. Plain yogart also helped me, in fact for a while that was all I could wash my face with. I do Vippassana meditation as well. http://www.dhamma.org/ is where I heard about it. These are things that help me. The nicest thing to know is that we are made up of trillions of atoms that are are rising and passing a trillion times a second. We are constantly changing. This will not last forever.
Drink LOTS of water eat your veggies and fruits and do something you love. It really does help. If you would like to just chat you and e-mail me at nkzaccari @ msn.com (remove spaces). I hope you find some relief.
(09/28/2005)
By Natalie
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
wow, I'm sorry that you have such skin..my daughter is 13 and her eczema gets so bad when she sweats~she is a extreme athlete and it is hard on her~I;m wondering if tanning booths help~ (10/21/2005)
By
help for eczema
im only twelve and i have had exzema my whole life. my skin gets great during the summer but during the winter its horrible. my skin gets itchy and so dry that the skin will start flaking. i started going to a homopathic doctor who has helped me he gives out remedies that work just for you. my skin still isnt as good as i hope it would be but ive been hearing that tanning beds really help so i plan to go to one soon. to help u should shorten showers and make sure they arent real hot, the cooler they are the better and use greasy moisturisers. (11/01/2005)
By Rhiley
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I also suffered with allergies, asthma, and horrific eczema. The eczema haunted me into my late teens. I never eat eggs and I don't drink milk very often. This was true with my late teens so it makes me wonder if I have or had an allergy to them.
My son started out just like me with allergies, asthma, and eczema from birth. Not wanting him to suffer I had him tested for the causes of his allergies. He has quite a list but at the top were eggs and dairy products. He just turned 11 yesterday and has outgrown the dairy allergy but the eggs will set off the sneezing, itching, and a severe eczema break out.
I suppose my point to all this is have you had your allergies diagnosed? Maybe changing your diet will help? Best of luck. (11/02/2005)
By TCL
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I do vinegar baths(sometimes infused with helpful herbs)
and alternate with salt baths ---
vinegar also relieves itching --I have a history of autoimmune problems (11/15/2005)
By patricia
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Hi Kori,
I know about eczema and have had a bit of it myself (not as bad as you though) It is uncomfortable and for you i understand it hurts your self esteem.
The reason I am responding is that there is a product in canada Called UMAC, it is 100% natural and from the pacific ocean! It has worked for MANY others with eczema and psoriasis.
I stumbled on this site because I am on the USA marketing team for this product, at this stage I am sure you are wanting anything to help you out. I am positive this will work for you please visit our website www.umacworks.com (it will redirect you to the canadian site) but I would love to hear from you call me at 1(250).244.3517 Or email me at jesse@umacworks.com
I know I can help!
Jesse
UMAC Rep. (11/18/2005)
By Jesse
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
i can just say that i have been there. it helps me to go to the tanner for a few minutes...at first skin is more inflamed, but next day better. exercise helps too. i also get worse with sweat, but after exercising for a week, and just trudging through the worsening, it really gets better. my thought is that the exercise helps with the stress (life stress or just stress of dealing with eczema). also, confronting and dealing with any anger in your life, is necessary to truly recover for long periods of time. i really think that some people get ulcers, some heart disease, some eczema, as a result of genetics and stress. we can't control genetics (at this point), but we can deal with negative stress to at least somewhat help our eczema. it is not ever really curable, but manageable.
you will wear makeup again someday, i know it! (11/19/2005)
By
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I am 23 and just got diagnosed with having eczema....I can not believe that there are so many of you that have lived with it for years on end. I can not stand the discomfort. I am lucky as I work in a tanning salon and there fore can go whenever I can (as I've heard this helps) They just gave a a cream called elecom but i can only use it once a day!!!! it works for the first hour but the other 23 hrs are terrible my back will NOT stop itching. Are there certain creams that u can use to releive the itch???? and my big question is when tanning are you supposed to use lotion or would that make my sores more sensitive? If any one has the answer to that question pls let me know....u can email bernadett_p @ hotmail.com (remove spaces)
Thank you, and good luck to all of you that are dealing with this and hats off to those that have dealt with it for years......YOU ARE STRONG!!! (11/24/2005)
By bp
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
My mom was told by a friend to try selson blue shampoo. All you do is rub some on the area, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off. You can do it as often as you need. I don't know if it gets rid of the problem, but it really relieves the itching. Also, aveeno oatmeal bath works. I used that for my baby when she had eczema. (11/27/2005)
That is great to hear...I have found the same thing - with no doctor to explain why...it is amazing. It probably numbs the skin...but it must do more..it is better than steroids...and even helps in scalp problems. And for sun burns it is the best too. Really amazing how it works...wonder if it has any negative effects - although I really doubt it is worse than cortisone which is the only other thing which works for eczema. BUT watch out the new "normal/dry skin moisturizer" in the same container and print and everything...is a disaster for someone with sensitive skin. It burns off the top layer of my skin. OUCH. The burn lasted about three days...so I tired to figure out why this had happened. First I thought they had changed the recipe once they finally gave the ingredients... ...but then I found out the real reason. I had been fooled into buying something I had not intended. Original on the label is what one has to look for...NOT Normal. You must carefully read the base of the label to tell the difference. It is very difficult to read even though I have good eyesight. I hope the company changes their labeling of this new and inferior ("normal/dry..")product. I do not know why they replace a great Original product with a terrible one...I guess they do not know - or respect their long-term satisfied customers with very sensitive skin. There must be someone in the medical field out there smart enough to know why for decades Noxzema has worked so well for those with dermatitis ...especially eczema. I have yet to find a doctor world-wide who really understands this problem...although they are learning lots...such as the impact our nerves, stress and allergies and dry skin and opportunistic staph or fungal infections. Most of the doctors seem to still disregard how well Noxzema Original cream works in resolving eczema and preventing breakouts - and easing the itching and quickly healing the broken skin. It allows the skin to heal back to the barrier it should be...and prevents other problems. Customers should be aware that "normal" formula is not the same at all as the "original" version. Why did a good company create this confusing labeling? Go figure. The "Normal" is simply terrible for me...and likely others too. I shudder to think what happens when a busy mom who puts this caustic :normal" formula on their child (who would start screaming!) and did not notice the difference in labeling..and then elderly? Well there is no way they will notice the difference...fully expecting the soothing effect of Original Noxzema...and then wondering why they got burned...literally. It is really easy to make this mistake right now with their present labeling as of Dec 2005. There are so many Noxzema no-name clones that I have had problems with due to their ingredients...but unfortunately now I do not even trust Noxzema due to their "normal" problem. I have requested Noxzema correct the labeling...and hope they do. But in the meantime be careful not to mistake these products. Use original.
cheers...and merry Christmas or whatever is your thing.
(12/23/2005)
By Dog Patch
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Your story is mine.
I understand. (01/13/2006)
By Guest
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I suffer severe eczema, which gets worse in the winter of course. It gets so bad i bleed all over the place. After 3 weeks of tanning the eczema is almost completely gone as well as my acne. Not only has my eczema improved the tan looks great. It works everytime just takes a little time. Each time I tan and take a break the eczema comes back, but not as severe... I wonder if I can kill it off once and for all? Good luck everyone, hang in there. (01/23/2006)
By Jeff
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I am 14 and in highschool. I had eczema as a baby and it came back again last year. I know how it feels, everyone looks at me passing by in the hallway. I using a really strong oil based steroid cream for about 3 days and my eczema has almost completely cleared up. I've stopped using it now and only put some vaseline on my face about twice a day. It hasn't come back yet and I hope it doesn't decide to anytime soon. Good luck everyone! (02/01/2006)
By Krista
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I am so relieved to finally find other people with my same problem! I have had eczema my entire life. I'll be thirty this year. I used to only get it inside my elbows and knees, my doctor always told me it would go away when I got older. He was wrong! Right now I have it on my eyes, mouth, neck, arms, chest, hands and legs. I have to wait a month to finally see an allergist and see what I am allergic to. I have tried all kinds of steroid creams, elidel, mymix( a new one), everything! I can't wear my contact lenses so I'm wearing my glasses and not wearing make-up right now. I know the feeling of being miserable and feeling unattractive. I'm going to try the probiotics. I live in south florida and this is still following me throughout my life! I wish all of you luck, and the sun really does help. (02/15/2006)
By Amanda
Sun & Salt Water
When my sister was married, I talked to her make-up artist who suffered from eczema. He had a dermatologist who very honestly told him there was no real "cure" for it -- it would most likely recur -- but the best thing for eczema was sun and salt water. Because of this, the man took up surfing (we were in CA, so the Pacific Ocean) and his eczema pretty much disappeared. I also suffer from eczema, which is triggered mostly by stress though I also have allergies and asthma. Since moving to the Midwest, I have started taking baths with Dead Sea salts and it's very helpful. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do in the winter to help the fact that the sun doesn't shine as much and I'm layered with clothing. I thought this might be helpful, though, to those of you with access to sunny weather and salt water.
Also, I wanted to add that more than one dermatologist has recommended Vaseline (petroleum jelly) and Cetaphil cleansers to me during flare-ups. These are two products that are extremely gentle and have no allergic side effects. If the itching is unbearable, you might also want to mix a bit of hydrocortisone with the Vaseline in the palm of your hand before applying it. I'm very careful not to use many steriod creams bc prolonged use or use of very strong steroid creams can cause skin discoloration -- after awhile, they even become less effective. I also like Mymix quite a bit. It has to be prescribed but it's non-steroid and the first two ingredients listed are purified water and olive oil.
Some people may also want to experiment with their diet by eliminating sugar and dairy. I've heard it helps some.
Good luck. :)
(02/27/2006)
By MM
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
i just recently got eczema all over my face. at first i thought it was acne which was strange because my skin is typicaly flawless. now my pores are clogged and yellow, my skin looks and feels rough and uneven, and to top it all off, im oily and heavy moistuizing gives me more pimples. nothing has worked yet (elidel, tanning, lotions and herbal remedys) but i'm still hoping for the best, but i think the worst part is how bad my pores looks. has anyone else had that problem? (03/09/2006)
By Steph C
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Hi,
I just wanted to say don't give up! It sounds like this must be hard to deal with on a social or emotional level. I know some days when my acne is bad and I can't get my makeup to cover it with out making myself totally orange I either don't go or arrive late to class. So silly of me.
I have exzima too. Had it when I was a kid used moisturizer all the time then it went away untill this winter. I'm in a very moist climate and don't know whats wrong. Maybe my diet or lack of sun. Its to the point of bleeding on the back of my legs, rashy all over my back and arms and bottom. Lately on my breasts too.... super dry there aswell. Any ideas?
I heard that a tanning session can help.I think I'll try that. It makes sense. I mean ezcima gets better in the summer so sun must play a role. (03/30/2006)
By
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I have eczema as well, all over my shins and on my left arm (for some reason it's more dominant on my left side). What I have found to help is a topical steriod: TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE OINTMENT. I apply it every morning and so far my eczema has been pretty managable. I also have pretty bad skin allergies, so I'm allergic to most lotions, but one that I've found is Eucerin. I'm also trying tanning beds, to see if that helps. But I have a question too:
From constant scratching, I've developed dark scars all over my shins...is there anything I can do to lighten them, that won't cause an allergic reaction (or the eczema to act up)? (04/07/2006)
By Jenna
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Ok, I have a daughter that is 11 soon to be 12 in july she has had severe eczema since the day she was born...i also have done all remedies...the only way to get this problem under control is what i have done.get it from the inside out....she takes on a daily basis 2 antioxidents olive leaf extract and green tea extract, fish oil, omega 3 oil, magnesium calcium and zinc...and vitamin D! Also last november I spent like $400 in drs cause she came home from school looking like she was burned from head to toe..it was another 1 of her many staph infections, she has been miserable...it is all over her body!! allergic to everything...she has been put on all meds..for allergies and eczema but after a while she got imune to it...now we were getting her hair cut in december of 05, and the guys that own the salon was lookin at her skin and said you know we have like 12 people that come in to tan for her condition...so i did some research on it and it is the same thing that the dermotologist uses for light therapy just $65 a visit or more...so she started layin in the tanning bed in dec and has not been on ANY meds at all since...she gets a little red when she gets hot at the bends of her knees and arms but NO where near what it was....no steriods no creams no nothing...has not been back to the dr since....she has to continue with a good lotion but that is its..she does lay in a more expensive bed but it is the ones that block97% of the UV rays...but she is healthier and happier...so i recomend it to anybody!! She lays in it every other day now...and she can play and participate in gym now..so good luck (04/22/2006)
By sandy
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
another helpful info...if you have an outbreak of eczema or just itching...what i have found that only works...before the tanning bed and herbs...and even now if she gets too hot...is soak in a bath of epsom salt, peroxide, and oatmeal...with about a capful of tea tree oil..also you can use vasaline, tea tree oil, and cocoa butter oil and as a rub! Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic so it works for everything... (04/22/2006)
By sandy
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I am sixteen years old and have had eczema for my whole life. . . I found that using Vaseline Intensive Care: Healthy Body Comlextion lotion when I get out of the shower helps a whooooole lot. Also not drying my body and just letting it slef dry helps too. I am also allergic to chlorine so i don't get to go swimming a whole lot either but when I do -using vaseline:petroleum jelly afterwards(must take a shower when i get out of the water) also helps a lot too. I understand how all of you feel I once looked like I had chicken pox and the dermatologist told me that there was nothing that he could do becuase it was just my allergic reaction to chlorine. My eczema eases up in the summer and I think it is from the sun -I live in Kentucky and get a ton of sun in the summer- so I try to lay out and go to tanning beds so the uv rays will clear up a tough break out. They usually work and I think that everyone should know these facts before trying all kinds of crazy remedies--but one that works is grounding up regular oatmeal (like the kind you eat) and then dropping it into some steaming bath water and it will soothe your skin in the winter time. This past winter I have found that Eucerin cream also works- but I only put it on my face because it is extremely thick and irritates the rest of my body. If you find any other remedies or something new to help get through the tough years of eczema please, PLEASE, email me -- LiomaHE@aol.com -- thank you for listening to my information to help you!! (04/22/2006)
By Hannah
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I had eczema when I was still a kid on my elbow and I had noticed that every time I had pineapple it would become very itchy. But reaching teenage it completely disapperared until the last 5 years but this time on my face between my nose and cheeks and also on my chest. Fortunately the one on my chest has gone completely....I really don't know how... but the one on my face has grown to parts of my eyebrows, chin and my ears. Sometimes there is no sign of it at all...as if my skin is perfect but sometimes it will become red, sore and you can even peel the skin off from the areas, fortunately it is not itchy.
I have noticed that household chemical products is one of the reasons that arouse the irritation. Chillies and spicy food are another reasons but sometimes even without these reasons mentionned it will just appear. I have tried many cream like E45, Diprobase but with no positive result. Someone told me to use a paste of honey and cinnamon others would say to use paste of oats, honey and almond oil ....I have tried all but no great result. I have even been to a chinese herbalist who has given me some herbs to drink and some cream to apply on the areas. The cream was quite helpful but the herbs were quite expensive and I dont think it would have cured it so I ve stopped this treatment. Just recently I have been given two cream by a French dr which are very good - Efficort and Ketoderm. They are very good but unfortunately they do contain hydrocortisone. Now to add to my misery the affected areas are turning to a dark surface. It is mostly on my cheeks and nose ....I just hope it disapper just like the one I had on my chest. (04/27/2006)
By Kevin F
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I am 28 yrs old & I have had eczema for 15 yrs. They actually diagnosed me w/psoriasis first. For 10 yrs I was using the creams and medications for psoriasis. So I was drying myself out instead of moisturizing. In 2001, I went to see a dermatologist, and she found that I didn't have psoriasis, I had eczema. I had it really bad on my head. I would have clumps of scabs. I would pick at my head so bad it would bleed. She took my creams away and prescribed me new ones. I was using Protopic, Cutar, and Dermatop. She prescribed me 2 special shampoos. Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo and Nizoral. Nizoral you can get over the counter now. They really worked! The Protopic would burn my face, so she gave me Elidel. That did not work at all and burned my face more! Finally she gave me Dermatop. It does work, but you can only apply 5 days on 5 days off. Since it's steroid, obviously you can't use it that often. I do get Kenalog shots. That really helped! Last year was a bad year for me & I got 4 shots. I was feeling better but I gained 18lbs. Last year was the worst year I have had ever! As far as moisturizer, those name brand items don't work. Believe it or not I use Suave. They have this new one out for Sensitive Skin w/Aloe and Cucumber. They have all different types, but that's the one I use. It works great and it feels awesome. For my face, I use Aquafor. It's kind of like Vaseline. It works! I don't wash my face very often, but when I do, I use Aquafil (ask your pharmacist to order it, it's not prescription) or Johnson & Johsnon shampoo & I use baby wash cloths. They work! I also you the Johnson & Johnson as a body wash. It's soap-free. Also, PAT yourself when you dry. Don't rub your face! My face has been flaring up lately. I'm going to try the tanning thing and see what happens. During the summer, I'm fine, so we'll see what happens with the tanning. If anyone has any other ideas, please email @ shortee_18 (at) hotmail.com. Hopefully one day we'll fine a cure! (05/11/2006)
By Dez
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Please look into Shaklee products for your personal and home cleaning. The personal products are designed to nourish, repair, and help skin with eczema and other issues. The supplements (EPA or Fish oil is vital for healthy skin, and all the B's) are backed by over 80 peer reviews and THOUSANDS of clinical studies. The home care products are organic and highly concentrated and can save you alot of pain (literally) and money. You can check out their website at www.shaklee.com. I am an independant distributor that has had my own results, and everything is 100% money back guaranteed, even if you use it all. You can email me at healthy_home101@hotmail.com or please check into a local distributor in your area!
Kelly (05/11/2006)
For all of you psoriasis & eczema sufferers, or loved ones of psoriasis & eczema sufferer, there's hope. check out my website at sharynthewealth.myarbonne.com. TheArbonne (swiss formulated) ABC baby line is great for healing eczema. All of Arbonne's products are pure botanical product. no mineral oil, not tested on animals either.
If you would like for me to email you testimonials from a dermatologist and a pediatrician in regards to this email me at sharynthewealth@myarbonne.com
NO MORE SUFFERING...Best of luck (07/12/2006)
By
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
My friend Piper has a son Brody that suffered with severe eczema. She didn't even want to have him take his one year pictures. I could send you a free sample of the lotion she used. I will list my name and address: Linda Tully 8371 W. Maya Drive Peoria, AZ 85383. My phone number is 623-362-3982. Email me at tstully AT cox.net or drop me a line and I will try to help.
Linda (08/09/2006)
By Linda Tully
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I have very sensitive skin--it runs in my family. Sarnol lotion from the doctor works well and even smells good. I have to take great care when bathing--hot water makes me break out, so warm is as hot as I can go. Aveeno unscented bath liquid with colloidal oatmeal is all I can use on my body. Baby shampoo works best. Only pat skin dry or dry naturally without towels. Miracle rash repair cream works well, too.
Drink tons of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out.
Good luck to everyone.
I haven't been diagnosed with exczema. I have been told all they can figure out is that I must be allergic to my own blood.
Strange thing is my hubby's leg looks like mine now since he's had a blood clot and an infection.
I'm in remission right now, but reading all this is getting me itchy. (08/09/2006)
By Sandy from WI
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I know how you feel. I know how it is to stay at home, hardly ever meeting anyone and be in constant pain. I have had eczema my whole life. In my teens it got terrible in my face which really affected my confidence. I was depressed almost every day for at least five years. I tried oral and topical steriods, protopic, phototheraphy, homeopathy... I kept asking the doctors if there was something that could be triggering my exzema. In the end I had a contact allergy test done. It turned out I was allergic to nail varnish that I was wearing quite a lot at the time. Once I stopped wearing it my eczema got so much better. I still get terrible break-outs sometimes but it is often associated with a new schampoo or washing detergent. If you haven't got a test done already make sure you get one. Bring all the creams, schampoos etc that you are using and test them as well. Also get a thorough test for food allergies done. Nothing might come up on the tests but it is still worth it. Finally I think you need counselling. Severe eczema is a serious condition. The social aspect is as much of concern as the medical one. You need to get your life back! (08/25/2006)
By ella
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
My son is 4 months and has very bad ezcema to the point that his skin is lighter in spots, we are looking for something that works, he seems to be allergic to everything. It breaks our hearts to see him go through this, he can't sleep well at night because his skin bothers him.We have not taken many pictures because of his ezcema. The doctors are't much help, we get most of our soutions from the internet. So if anyone has any tips we are very willing to hear and consider them. (08/25/2006)
By B. Freeman
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I'ev had ezcema for 28 years now. I had the same problem as Kori (the one that started this thread)... nothing seems to work permanently for me. Elidel was terrible, anything that had the mention of steriod would jus make my skin thin out and turn black. But thankfully I can keep it under control. I have ezcema all over my entire body, but its worst at my joints. So, I started to do some research and lot of tests of stuff on my own skin.
You might be eating something thats causing your ezcema to react, maybe cutting something out of your diet may help ease the problem, for me it was Apples (which I love). Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about this. They can let you know what foods have high acid contents and such that causes ezcema irratations.
Clothing makes all the difference. Try to go for smooth, non texture cotton clothing, wash clothes, towels. Textured fabrics causes irritation and itching, such as well and certain linens. Cotton is very breathable and thats one thing your skin needs the most.
Drink PLENTY of water. Keeping yourself hydrated internally means your skin will have somewhere to draw some moisture from. Oh yeah, NO HOT showers, baths... they just evaporate water right off your skin. Luke-warm water is the best way to go.
Washing is the hardest part , cause alot of the cleaning products out there cause SEVERE skin irritation or tears through your natural protective barrier on your skin in order to clean your skin. CeraVe and Cetaphil make a non-pore clogging hypo allergenic body wash and bar soap. Also there is a orange tranparent soap called Pears thats pretty good. But I would recommend CeraVe and Cetaphil over any other soaps and body washes any day. They don't produce suds and are free of alot of chemicals that other cleansing agents have. You can pick them up at any Rite-Aid, Eckerd, Wal-greens for reasonable pricing. There are a couple online soaps that sell the Pears soap, but they are REALLY expensive for some reason.
Inbetween your regular showers, you might want to think about taking an oatmeal and epsom salt bath once or twice a month. Oatmeal and epsom salt are both natural cleansers that draw toxins out of the skin and help regulate alot of the enzymes in your body. True the epsom salt might make your skin dry, but the skin will be free of some of the pollutants, creams, lotions, etc, that attaches to the skin on a daily basis. Normally I take one about once every three weeks.
What I do is get the Aveeno oatmeal baths and dissolve that into a tub of luke warm water. Have handy about 3 cups of epsom salt (its REALLY inexpensive, so dont worry). I get into the oatmeal bath and take small handfuls of the epsom salt and dissolve it into the water. I do that until i feel the water get slightly salty and tingly. You dont need alot, but take your time and soak and rinse down with the water. Avoid rubbing your skin with a towel while you're in the bath. Use your hands to splash water on your body if your can or massage the water with gentle circles around your body. Rinse, PAT yourself dry and lotion down. Its very refreshing and you'd be surprised at the dirt that comes off your skin.
As far as lotions go, Eucerin and Dermasil are FANTASTIC lotions to use when the weather is normal. You know, not to cold or too hot and humid. They tend to be heavy creams and clog the heck out of your pores, which causes irritation. CeraVe and Cetaphil both make non-pore clogging and water based lotions and creams. The down side is that since its a water based item you might have to use it more than once.
As far as lotions go, the ones that cause the least amount of irritation for me are the ones that are water based and non pore clogging. Oil based ones tend to work better for me in the winter time.
There's a gel made by DermaRest for Psoriasis control.
If you want, once you are done your bath or shower, you can put on the DermaRest on your REALLY bad areas and then use the lotion to cover over your ENTIRE body. This has helped me on days when the winter winds are REALLY strong, the gel helps hold on to some of the moisture and keeps my skin from flaking off.
Aveeno lotions and creams dont seem to do much to my skin, they just seem to sit on top of my skin, but i still feel really dry.
One thing i forgot to mention... avoid ANY foods that have MSG in it. Your entire body will thank you for that one.
This last tip is for people who want a skin "reset". Coal Tar baths. You can only get it by prescription or being admitted into a hospital. You have to avoid being in the sun or any strong UV light for about three to four days, but it will pretty much "RESET" the top layer of your skin. It may even cause it to PEEL off, as was the case with me. Ask your doctor or dematologist if thats ok for you. I've only done it once in my 28 years of being on this earth. I dont think i want to do it again unless I NO other recourse.
Lastly, keep on hand two or three different items from each category that you know works for you. If your skin "stop" respondin to the one treatment, use the other and cycle through them... 1 then 2 and then 3.. and 1 again. Sometimes seasonal, food, pollution, and just plain ol' tolerance to the treatment. But dont worry, switch it up and then try switching back.
I hope some of the suggestions help. Cheers and enjoy (09/12/2006)
By Marcus J.
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
i tried aderma emollient cream ... i never had a rash again ... but i keep putting without stopping ... it's very expensive but it works. (09/15/2006)
By luiz miguel
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I've had ezcema all my life and my son has a mild case now. I use to think Eucerin was the best till I found " BABY ECZEMA CREAM" works great you can find it in walmart or anywhere. It has bathing products and many lotions. Also what I found works like everyone else said was tanning and I'm mixed black and native american and I go 1 or twice a week for about 10 minutes. I have it on my face, hands, arms. They need to come up with a cure, this is huge problem many people don't take serious. (09/30/2006)
By Katie
Feel sorry for the itch
wow! i can't beleive how many people suffer from this horrible thing! my son is 2 and he has had severe eczema since he was born, i have tried everything and feel aweful for him, he digs and sratches everywhere on his body, people have even asked me if he has lice! he makes big sores all over his body ecspecially his arms, i feel so bad for him and i hope he doesn't have to live with this for his whole life. I wish there was a miracle cream! (10/10/2006)
By Leah
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Dear Kori,
I have been plagued with eczema at various times in my life. The latest was a total body coverage at age 62. The itching was terrible. I soon realized that I was trying to scratch someone else who was causing me problems. so as I scratched myself a lot. I was under a lot of stress at the time.
I had hypnosis and learned to take myself to a safe place while using Elidel and finally Protopic. I can understand your feeling depressed about your condition. I was also.
I looked at all the stuff I was using and stopped using anything that had petroleum in it.
I switched to Burt's Bees Baby Apricot Oil to keep my skin moisturized. I cut back on showers. You will find this greasy but can find ways to compensate for it. Baby will love the Apricot Oil on her skin. I no longer use Elidel or Protopic.
I started using the mantra "I Approve of Myself" and said it hundreds of times a day. Finally I began sleeping again and began feeling better.
I've eliminated milk, oranges, and tomato from my diet. I've switched to soy / rice milk.
I buy organic chicken and beef and never eat bacon or sausage or anything that has Splenda or Sweet 'n Low in it, red dye or nitrates. I avoid anyplace hot. I limit my use of chocolate and drink green tea.
It has cleared up mostly - but my legs are still a challenge and as the weather cools I find my skin drying and the need to use more Apricot Oil.
I also exercise as I think that helps eliminate toxins by sweating.
Hope this helps.
Wendy
(10/18/2006)
By Wendy41
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
i have read so many different stories on what different people use on their eczema.
i have had eczema my whole life.
not overly bad.
i used to only get it on the back of my legs from sweating on the school seats (i live in Australia and it gets pretty bloody hot!)!
my mum read in the newspaper of a girl who suffered terribly from it on her arms and legs and her mother put on the typical steroid ointment, wrapped her arms and legs in bandages and then covered with clingwrap (not sure what you yankees would call it - the stretchy, plastic stuff you wrap sandwiches in) and left it over night.
we tried it and i had to sit on a lambskin on plastic seats.
it worked wonders!
i was fine until i got a bit older and used to get it under my rings when i washed my hands and didn't dry them properly.
when i got married and had to wash dishes and kids etc all the time and then i started getting it all over my hands.
i use Dove products (don't know if it is available in the US) as they have 1/4 moisturiser in them. its great as it doesn't dry my skin out and it doesn't irritate my skin at all.
now my son gets it quite bad in his groin and arms and legs. tried heaps of stuff but not much seems to work.
i have been told to cut out chicken (because of the stuff used to clean them with - in other words grow your own!), wheat, milk, tomatoes, citrus, anything with gluten. didn't work.
i have used oatmeal bath washes and creams, steroid ointments, organic creams, hemp creams, aloe vera creams, petroleum jelly and loads of other stuff. some work for a while then lose their effectiveness.
next week we are off to have blood tests run to see what he is allergic to.
to all the other eczema sufferers, good luck and i hope all these overpaid and underworked 'doctors' find a bloody cure soon!
(10/21/2006)
By katherine
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
When my itchy skin gets bad here's what I do:
Avoid petroleum-based products.
Avoid perfumes and products with added fragrances -- shampoos, conditioners, mousses, facial and body soaps, creams, lotions, antiperspirants, etc. If you can't find fragrance-free products at your local stores, shop online -- it's worth it.
Wash clothes, towels and bedding with fragrance-free detergent and fragrance-free fabric softener.
Wear 100% cotton clothing.
Avoid scrubbing the skin.
Take cool showers.
Use Sarna Sensitive lotion, which is fragrance-free and contains a soothing ingredient which acts sort of like aspirin, helping to quell the itch.
Eat more fiber and/or take a laxative: regulating the digestion helps. Some food allergies cause itching skin, so you might consider an allergy test.
Ocean water does seem to help. You could try a tepid bath with sea salt if you can't get to the sea.
Stress reduction techniques are a must. Exercise helps.
Avoid scratching the skin. Wear cotton gloves at night so that if you scratch during sleep you won't break the skin.
Nothing has ever completely "cured" my itching skin. But the above steps have kept me relatively sane during periods of intense itchiness.
(10/21/2006)
Receiving UV Light in a controlled environment such as a tanning bed is an excellent way to relieve the symptoms of Eczema. We have several dermatologist referring patients to us for their eczema. Tanning beds allow you to get a controled amount of UV. Unlike how you became severly sunburnned? I have rhemetoid arthritis and find the tanning beds give me great relief, and as we all know eczema is a form of arthritis. (10/30/2006)
By 98 Degrees Tanning
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I have excema so friggin bad, I stay at home sometimes becuase my skin is so nasty and red and flaky. Now, in the winter it is horriffic! I too have tried all of those steroroids like elidel and protopic and they don't work. The absolute only thing I have found to be an immediate cure is salt water. I used to live in Florida and used to swim in the Gulf two or three times a week and it is almost an instant relief. While the hot weather was bad I counteracted it with the salt water. I am reading posts on the tanning beds, and I think I am going to try that like tomorrow. As for the itching I have been taking a benadryl allergy pill to suffice it. Hope that helps. If ou hear anything else or if sometning works for you please let me know. (11/15/2006)
Fascinating reading all this advice. I'm 33 and have always suffered, but luckily only ever in small areas at any one time. I have tried so many of the same paths as the above, but hope that repeating some of the advice may help strengthen readers resolve. Epsom salts/sea salt and natural sunlight (NOT sunbeds - this only harms your skin!) definitely helps - my feet were cured never to reoccur after 6 weeks swimming in the Caribbean Sea as a teenager. It is probably the Vitamin D and mineral (magnesium mainly) combination. Work out what you need to avoid - for me it's the common: stress (hmm, very hard), dustmites, bleach, soap, biological washing powder, eggs, dairy, wheat, yeast. Eat organic wholefoods as much as poss, I find the best are lots of veg, nuts, beans/lentils/legumes, seeds (linseed, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds etc), brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa (maybe oats, corn and rye, depends on your tolerance) some fruit (particularly soft fruit like mangoes, papayas, kiwis) and honey. I have heard great things about Mangosteens but that's only really useful when/if you are in SE Asia, or can afford to spend a fortune on pyramid sellers Xango juice! Avoid anything with a long list of ingredients, particularly E numbers. Exercise regularly - it will keep your body fighting fit even if the sweat plays havoc. If you have a sit down job, a minimum of 4 sessions of 45mins proper cardio a week- running, dance, team sport etc, PLUS walk, take, stairs etc whenever possible AND don't forget your relaxation: yoga, mediatation, tai chi, and lots of laughing - or whatever works for you. Don't use the "no time" excuse, your health is ALWAYS more important than the TV! Avoid/Don't bother with GPs and most dermatologists - modern science/medicine has no cures yet. Chinese herbal doctors are far more likely to succeed than steroid creams that thin your skin. Anti-bacterial soaps/washes may help, Carex certainly worked for a couple of years for me when it first came out. Either I became immune or they changed their recipe after that! Old fashioned traditional Nivea in the Blue tin is the ONLY moisturiser I can use on any eczema skin, no e45, vaseline, or other emolients, so may be worth a try for you too. Evening Primrose capsules made no difference to me but have been reported to help some people. Make sure your B Vits and Zinc levels are good - take supplements if white spots on your nails. If you eat a good veg and fruit rich diet Vit A and C should not be a problem. Never use cheap eye make-up - eczema on your eyelids is THE most painful thing. Cotton gloves - Body Shop are great, I cut the fingers off - if you suffer on your palms are really good when at the gym, in bed, when coating your hands in oil (tea-tree and almond/olive/castor)and salt (epsom/dead sea/sea) (ow!, stings but helps if you can stand it) Oats are also great but you have to be able to immobilise the area if you are going to slop porridge on it! GOOD LUCK ALL! Keep sharing anything that works for you and maybe this pooled knowledge will one day help us all to eb eczema free! (11/29/2006)
By Samantha
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Hiya, I have a 2 and a half year old daughter and she has recently developed what has been described as mild eczema, unfortunatly it is getting worse the tops of her legs are now red raw they feel boiling hot to touch , she has spots all the way down , they are now starting to cover the whole of her body and her face, I feel so bad for her she is such a beatiful girl and always will be to me but I know how cruel the big wide world is. She is now unable to sleep at night and scratching her legs whilst she does manage to, everyday that goes by I just pray that it will get better but it just isnt, Iam reading everyones advice and am going to try everything I can. There definatly needs to be more awareness of this subject alot of people just dont know the agony of having eczema. (12/01/2006)
By Rachel
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Hi All,
I have had bad eczema all over my body since I was born 28 years ago - here are the things I have experienced:
Gets worse when:
In winter
After swimming in chlorine pools
If use soap on my skin
If I shower too often espeially in winter
After having an allergic reaction it can be bad for weeks
If I get lazy and dont moisturise regularly
Gets better when:
I am in the sun or use a sun bed (although I recognise that there is a risk of skin cancer, wrinkles other skin damage with this treatment)
I sailed dingeys up until a few years ago and found that the sea water made it much much better (even in the winter and without tanning) - found that need a bucket of salt in a bath to replicate the saltiness levels of the sea in a bath so salt in bath not very practical. Some gyms/spas have salt water pools so ask around if you dont live near the sea or it is winter.
I am also a keen swimmer (in chlorine pools) and have discovered that if I cover my body - head to toe- in emulsifying ointment or vaseline before swimming and have shower afterwards making sure to get all chlorine off then my skin feels fine. I think the thick greasy ointment prevents the chlorine from making contact with the skin
Regular exfoliation and moisurising is of course a must - Baking soda is a great exfoliator. Emusifying ointment, silcox base, sunflower oil, plain unscented/uncoloured lotion is good. I never use the same moisturiser 2 days in a row.
Dont shave your legs when your skin is bad. My skin gets bad in the winter when I would not be showing my legs anyway so I just go au naturale. In the summer I make sure I use a good lubricant when I shave or get legs waxed.
I have also found that a weekly cling film wrap can be great when I am particularly bad (usually winter) - cover my body in sunflower oil or olive oil and then pour salt over me and wrap in cling film before going to bed. Looks nuts but does give relief.
Hydrocortisone - The over the counter stuff is brilliant! but dont use it on the face unless absolutely necessary as with use for extended periods it causes thinning of the skin and thread veins.
Other tips:
You would be amazed at the lies on moisturizer/lotion bottles - lots of moisturisers even those which say that they are for dry/sensitive skin are full of things which are really bad for dry skin and irritate it. As a rule never buy anything that smells nice (perfumes are irritants) and dont believe the marketing. Paula Begoun (www.cosmeticscop.com)has a website/books which reviews all kinds of cosmetics including moisturisers and says which contain irritants. Dont waste your money on any expensive moisturisers until you sure you understand the ingredients.
NEVER use SOAP especially BAR SOAP - even if it says that it is 1/4 moisturiser (Dove) this is a marketing ploy and makes no sense. Do you think that you could use other soap if you mixed it with moisturiser? NO!
I use very gentle liquid wash (shampoo for dry hair) but only "down there" and under arms.
Always wear washing up gloves.
Use thick moisturiser after washing hands
Dont wear a watch - things get caught under it and cause irritation around the wrist
Find out what you are allergic to and stay away from it. But bear in mind that this can change over time and so you need to get tested regularly (I do so every couple of years and am amazed how many times my list has changed. (12/01/2006)
I developed eczema at age 8. I am now 21 and believe I have found my cure. I used to eat much meat and little fiber. As a kid, I always got enemas because my colon was clogged. However, they never worked so I stoped doing them. Now, 13 years later, I went back to the doctors to see if my colon was still compacted just for the hell of it. The X-ray revealed that my entire colon wall was full of impacted feces! Since then, I have gotten 6 colonics, and my skin has gotten 80% better! Plus, I am taking pancreatin along with lactibacillus acidophilus, which seems to be helping. Still, my colon isn't even close to as clean as it should be and my eczema is close to gone! I just bought oxy powder and am going to start taking it along with a few more colonics. In my case, I found the cause of my horrible dis-ease... I hope this will help you along your journey. Don't let anyone tell you that eczema can't be cured, modern doctors just jump to conclusions for things they don't fully understand. Also, check out www.eczemacure.info . The dude on this website suffered the same thing as me, a toxic colon! All the best to you.
-Steve C.
(12/17/2006)
By Steve.
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
My 3 year old developed eczema while I was in Iraq. The doctor's treated her with steroids only. As a medic, I know that long term use of steroids is horrible. After using Noxema (original formula) for 3 weeks, it's gone. I use Aveeno lotion products to keep her skin moisturized. She hasn't used the steroid cream in 2 months and has yet to have another breakout of the eczema. I'm not sure if my daughter's case was severe or not, but she'd break out in bumps that would itch so bad, she break the skin from scratching so much. Hope that helps you. (12/28/2006)
By aspenolivia@hotmail.com
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Try Tri-im-cim-ilone I'm not sure how to prononce it but i helps ALOT!
Bad Side Affect- It takes layers off your skin.. (12/29/2006)
By d.
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Tanning will definitely help. When I dont tan in the winter i break out with severe eczema and itchy scalp. (01/03/2007)
By Bill
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I also have a child who suffers from really bad eczema. I wanted to find a way to get rid of the red itchy patches without using steroids and a friend of mine recommended a brand named Mustela. I had never heard of the brand so I looked online and found out that they have a complete line of 3 or 4 products for babies with eczema. So, I found a store that carried it and used them and my daughter's red patchy skin is completely clear! I even use the moisturizing cream myself. I recommend you try this stuff, you can't find it everywhere, but you can find a store on their website- I wish I would've found it sooner. (01/10/2007)
I also have a child who suffers from really bad eczema. I wanted to find a way to get rid of the red itchy patches without using steroids and a friend of mine recommended a brand named Mustela. I had never heard of the brand so I looked online and found out that they have a complete line of 3 or 4 products for babies with eczema. So, I found a store that carried it and used them and my daughter's red patchy skin is completely clear! I even use the moisturizing cream myself. I recommend you try this stuff, you can't find it everywhere, but you can find a store on their website- I wish I would've found it sooner. (01/10/2007)
I suffered from eczema all my life and finally a few years ago read a book by Dr. Perricone. During a vacation I followed his diet recommendations to the letter and used the recommended products. I am totally converted and am told over and over how good my skin looks. Now I am not so strict about the diet though I do generally incorporate more of the foods he recommends such as cantaloupe, salmon, and lots of salads with a simple lemon juice and olive oil dressing. I stay away from inflammatory foods such as orange juice and sugar and eat my proteins before my grains to avoid blood sugar spikes. Now my 1 year old son has dry skin patches and my pediatrician scripted Mymix. I started using it last night and already see results. According to her, the fix doesn't last so you have to use it every day. But I'm hoping he will grow out of it eventually. I also plan to try the Mustela bath products and see if they help. I've already changed all his bedding and pjs to cotton and will keep trying to find the root cause. Good luck! (01/11/2007)
By Christine
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Hello. i have had eczema on my hands and then went to my legs since I moved and got married within three months. On a recent trip to my home province of Alberta I discovered Rocky Mountain Soap Company and they have special body butter for eczema. I figured try it and within days my legs, which were in the midst of a breakout, were cleared and remain clear. Excellent stuff.
Worth it!!!! http://www.rockymountainsoap.com/productList/1015197/1000144 (01/12/2007)
By Irene
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
i suffer too. i'm going tanning right now because it's the only thing that helps stop the itching and it gives pigment to the white spots. creams don't help me. i think i'll go buy the sayman salve cream today...hopefully this cream will help. (01/14/2007)
By Ana
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I know how you're feeling. Right now everyday is a struggle for me. I wake up every morning with an insatiable urge to itch my neck and arms. It takes me so long to leave my house in the morning because I cannot get the itching under control. Even bathing and putting my clothes on irritates me. My neck is red, sore, scaling, and so wrinkled and discoloured. I have been so depressed and tearful lately. I haven't found anything that helps but I have taken loads of information from the other messages. I was feeling so alone until I read all of the messages. Thanks everyone (01/15/2007)
By bianca
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
My 3 year old son recently broke out with severe excema. I tried all of the creams aquaphor, eucerin, cetaphil vasoline with no luck. I heard about a cream on the web that was invented in 1905 called Sayman Salve. I had my local target pharmacy order it and it is amazing. It is pretrolium based with zinc in it. It is clearing his excema up by the hour. I have been only using it for 3 days and most of the patches all over his body are clearing up. I use sparingly and on the excema spots. It has seemed to stop his itching too. It is great stuff. (02/05/2007)
By Tracy
Loss of pigment in skin
well i am only 16 but i am the lucky child doomed with eczema. its not horrible, but its still a pain to live with. my skin is fine then the next morning i wake up and its not. i dont know if i scratch in my sleep or what.
I am so embarrassed because i have white areas where i've lost the pigment in my skin. I HATE to wear short sleeve shirts because i am so embarrassed of it. Over the summer i got nice and tan, but the spots on my arm didnt. i dont know why, maybe it was because i put cortison on my skin in the sun, but no one warned me of the consequences so i used it. i am planning on going tanning in a tanning bed and i am praying it works. it is really depressing when i think about it everyday waiting for the day when i have to wear a shirt that shows it. I dont know if others notice it but i am sooo self-conscious of it. i feel like i am the only one with the spots because i have never met anyone else with it. i tried self tanner....STUPID idea!!! i put it on and broke out (plus my skin was orange!!). in the end i itched and it eventually flaked off. I feel horrible that i am complaining about having mild eczema when others have it so much worse. Every time i think of my skin, i just think there are others with it ten times worse.
It seems like Doctors dont even care about people with exzema but they dont know how self conscious it makes people feel. i mean i only have it mild but everyone that has it worse i cant even begin to know how you feel. I did see one doctor who acted like i was just another patient, but he had no idea how i felt. its strange whenever i go to the doctor my exzema clears up. Well i just hope someone out there can give me advice because i am so embarassed and i really dont know what to do besides wait for my natural color to come back by itself. (03/15/2007)
By Carole
SEVERE ECZEMA -- COULD BE YEAST
Hi there,
I suffered from SEVERE eczema (face, legs hands) for 6 years, and I recently found out it was a result of yeast in my body. Another word for yeast is candida bacteria, and since treating the yeast, my eczema is gone. Search google for candida and eczema to find out if it could be the cause of yours. The treatment is fairly simple, I saw results in 2 days. YOu basically just cut out all sugar for 2 weeks, and take supplements such as acidopholus and caprilic acid. I hope this helps someone. (03/16/2007)
By Cheryl
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Dear Kori,
the fact that your skin looks normal with prednisone but still itches and burns suggests to me that you may have a staphylococcus aureus infection, which the prednisone will not treat - in fact it will be masking the infection and suppressing your immune system at the same time, a double whammy. Go to your dermo and insist s/he takes a swab from behind your ear and has it tested for bugs. A course of antibiotics might help a lot. Bear in mind that as the infection could have been left untreated a long time, it may take several courses of antibiotics to get rid of it. I had the same thing; the first dermo I went to said my eczema wasn't infected (despite the fact that it had flared suddenly and was bright red/weeping/itching much more than was normal for me). He put me on prednisone, and like you, my skin looked better but still felt terrible, dry, itching and burning. The second diagnosed the infection, and a few courses of antibiotics cleared it remarkably. (03/21/2007)
By Stella
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
There are several thing that you just can't eat or drink anymore if you want to try to control your eczema: alcohol, or anything that is fermented, sugar, and coffee have to be eliminated. There is no other choice if you really want to heal your skin you have to stop eating and drinking all of these things. They are hot and will flare up the eczema.
You will also need to consider eliminating dairy but try the first group for three months and see how you react.
Then You need to add a few things; the first is an acidophilus supplement, PB8 is a good one, this aids your digestions which is the one things no one else in traditional medicine will tell you; that eczema is caused by an over active immune system interacting through the digestive tract and acidophilus taken with a small glass Alovera juice three times a day will help counteract what is causing the problem. I predict that in three month you will notice a remarkable change.
Drink lots of water and use a good emollient non lanolin, (lanolin just dries out your skin) body cream. Cetaphill for dry skin is what I have used for the last 15 years and a good sunscreen like Aveeno 50
If you follow this plan your eczema will get better. I still have little flare ups now and then but its much better than it ever was before I started this regimen.
(04/04/2007)
By rhondessa
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
i live in sydney australia and I had eczema in a small way most of my childhood, but it never interferred with my life. a year after i finished school (so 19) it came back very gradually over about 6 months and completely covered my body. it continued to get worse and worse and i moved to the snowy mountains for the ski season and this was the WORST thing i did. the dry air, the partying, the wind and the lack of sleep took its toll and i had to come home earlier than planned because i was physically and emotionally at my limit. i could hardly move at this stage. looking back this was such a dark time for me, where getting out of bed every day was a struggle due to pain and depression. so after seeing doctors, natropaths and dermos which hardly helped, i ended up cleaning up my bedroom and dusting and vacuuming weekly and getting dust mite covers and washing sheets weekly and this helped emmensly. i am lucky i live by the sea because it would help to heal all the cuts i had temperarily and kill the bacteria on my skin. i am now 21 and i this is still a very big problem in my life. i have found that being more relaxed about it (by simply getting used to living with it) has helped and letting my friends know and understand makes me feel less embarassed.
my main problem is dry skin. if my skin isnt dry then i dont have eczema but my skin is ALWAYS ssooo dry and if i go out on saturday night and drink alcohol then i suffer with even worse dry flaking skin for anywhere between 2 -5 days. this is where vitamin B tablets come in handy.
i have found the sun to make my skin drier and found it very interesting that it helps others.
i try to eat fish and fresh foods but its expensive and i spend a lot of money on moisturiser and vitamins. which is a must. i am looking to increase my omega 3 in my diet via vitamins.
i find that getting a lot of sleep is essential because this is when your skin can repair itself. thats if your not tearing it off.
the sadest part i think of having eczema is the premature aging as im only 21 and my skin is already wrinkling from the dryness especially on my forehead. it does also cause a lot of anxiety and depression and self conciousness.
i really believe that in time i will be back to my normal self and that its probably hormonal. but with time it seems to get less bad as i get wiser and better at treating it. (04/10/2007)
By emma
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
The "Cure" for eczema is simple, as for ALL "Dis-eases". You're body is simply too acidic, you're polluted, literally.
You have been purposely sickened by pharmecutical and food companies in order for them to profit off of your sickness.
How many times have you been sick and the doctor says OK Mr. JD, you've got the flu so the best thing to do is to avoid dairy products and any solids etc, right?
Why? Because Dairy products, MEAT, Yeast and especially corn products are EXTREMLY ACIDIC and they will kill you, all of these foods are like CANCER themselves.
It's a slow death, along with those foods you also need to avoid Coffee, Tea, smokes, alcohol, ALL DRUGS.
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In order to maintain proper health you NEED to ALKALIZE YOUR BODY with vegetable drinks - naturally juiced/blended.
If you're experiencing symptoms of any sort of dis-ease, such foods as healthy as apples or bananas can actually hurt you severly if your body is out of balance.
The sugar content is just too high. All sugar content is Acid-Forming even the "good" kind.
symptoms such as eczema, acne, stomach aches, headaches MS symptoms are all minor signs of something serious about to happen in the coming years.
Such as more serious diseases or cancer which will inevitably take your life, if you don't wake up and do something about you're problems now.
your body is talking to you with these dis-ease like symptoms, LISTEN to it, or pay for it, with your life.
Don't use creams or drugs to cover the symptoms, your body is hurt, treat the problem that's causing the symptoms. (04/10/2007)
By Ken
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Has anyone tried oil pulling for eczema? I have been doing it for about 2 weeks. They say it gets worse before it gets better... mine is definitly worse...
(04/20/2007)
By tobbeadryad
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I`m 13 years old an i have severe eczema i have had it sence i was 2..Tanning seems like a good idea but it doesnt work 4 me the sun just makes it worse, an it doesnt help that people think that they are gonna get it if im by them, i didnt know people were so mean cause they have no clue how hard it hurts when they make fun of me...On top of that when my mom sees me itching i always get in troble i mean heck she has no idea how bad it itches..I feel like im they only person in the world that has it cause i cant find some1 with it..But reading that all you your friends thre kids or your kids, it makes me feel alot better knowing that some1 knows how bad it hurts an ITCHES...I really need some tips cause nothing works an if something starts to work it ends up it doesnt cause my body get use to it..I get so mad at myself cause i think im so different then everybody else but like how can i not be i have lots of scars all over from itching+ i have wrinkles an my elbows, wrist, knews, and my ankles i cant find anything that helps with that....WELL I GTG P.S. Thank you guys for shareing your info cause i now know that im not the only one suffering from it you all should be very proud of yourselves..Thank you all!!!!! (04/23/2007)
By Catherine
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
NOXZEMA, NOXZEMA, NOXZEMA... It's cheap, safe to use. It has worked for me for the past 35 years. All those other prescriptions and potions are worthless. Just get back to the basics and stay consistent. It truely works! Even when I do have a breakout, it's not as troublesome and clears up quickly. (04/28/2007)
By lab
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
all of these ideas might be very good, but what about people who dont have hundreds of dollars to spend on expensive lotions and cremes and organic foods? I got eczema on my hand right after the birth of my daughter almost 5 months ago and i've literally scratched my skin off. I'm on a tight budget here and i'm not too much for skipping baths...could i maybe just put my hand in the tanning bed, and drink detox drinks? the only thing that even barely helps me is pure shea butter and even that isnt helping anymore. i drink only water now, i get exercise at work b/c im a waitress, i use gloves when im around water or cleaning products...nothing works my skin is so stiff even when i moisturize that i can hardly bend my fingers and my joints ache so bad some days...i need a solution, but i just cant drop all foods but vegtables and not bathe.. (05/04/2007)
By TaylorsMommy
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Regarding Kori,
I have been through exactly what you are going through. I have had eczema since I was a baby (am 27 now). I had (have) it in all the creases of my body, (i.e. elbows, back of knees, neck, etc.) and still struggle with managing it. At times the eczema would get so bad on my ankles, I would have to soak my socks off because the blood and weeping would cause them to stick. A doctor told my parents that installing a water softener in the house would help us (all my siblings have eczema, too) and so I've grown up with soft water in the house my whole life. When I moved out, to my amazement, my eczema cleared up almost completely. I had to move back to my parents house for while and my eczema returned with a vengance. It seems that soft water makes my eczema worse.
I know how you feel about having no pigmentation in the places where your eczema is. But I will tell you this...you're really the only one who notices the lack of pigmentation. I have no pigmentation on my ankles, underneath my kneecaps, behind my knees, on my wrists (both sides), on my elbows (again, both sides) and on the back of my neck. I do go tanning to help manage the breakouts of eczema on my body and they are more noticeable when I tan, but I'm the only one who notices for the most part. If somebody does notice, I explain and that's the end of it.
Kids are cruel and I did have my share of teasing when I was in school. I know it's humiliating, but if you act confident and don't let it hinder you, then it's less likely the kids will continue to bother you. Once I made the decision to act like a normal kid and wear what I wanted regardless of whether it showed my eczema patches, I was much more happy and the teasing wasn't nearly so brutal. The teasing will continue because kids your age are just scared and mean. They do what they can to make themselves feel and look better in the eyes of their peers.
I now manage my eczema pretty well. My body is pretty much under control by only showering every other day and making sure I moisturize every day. I hate to use lotions and creams, but it really does work. For a while, I couldn't find any lotions or creams that worked for me, so I learned how to make my own (yes, it is possible to make your own lotion), that way I knew exactly what was going on my skin. And I could use heavier oils to make the lotions more moisturizing. That worked wonders. The only reason I don't still do that is that I just don't have the time. My saving grace lately is Cetaphil cream. It's thick and gooey, but works like a dream.
While I still struggle to maintain control with my body, at least I've been able to figure out ways to keep the breakouts under control. Now, I just struggle with eczema on my fingers. I'm currently seeing a dermatologist trying to get them under control. We've tried it all, antibiotics, steroids (still using them periodically), protopic (use that daily) and even an allergy patch test. Through a LOT of trial and error, we've figured out a maintenance plan that helps keep the flair-ups on my fingers down to a minimum. If you would like some more information on what worked for me, please feel free to contact me at keribeam @ gmail.com. Obviously without the spaces! :) Hope this helps some of you out there. (05/07/2007)
By Sunshine
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I accidentally put a posting up for Kori, when I meant to post for Carole, the teenager embarrassed by patches of skin with no pigment in it. Sorry, peeps...my bad. (05/09/2007)
I have also been suffering for almost all my life, about 25 years with eczema. I have stopped going to conventional doctors all together. There are alternative medicines and you should all try to stay away from all those drugs.
It's all because of the toxins in our bodies...thoughts, feelings, negativity, foods, drinks, everything we put into ourselves. You have to find the right way for you to detoxify your whole system.
I go to an Auyrvedic Doctor who gives me natural powders and pills to ease the itching and detox the system inside. I take baths one every other day during the daytime, too early in the morning after getting up and too close to bedtime, both make the skin itchier. You need ample time to give your skin enough moisturizing before and after take a shower, in only luke warm water.
At night time to reduce the itching during sleep I bought some mitten tshirts and it helps so much.
I'm not saying it's completely gone, but it sure helps cause I also feel when I sleep better, my whole body is rejuvenated and heals faster. And remember to drink lots and lots of water to clean your body and moisturize it from the inside....it all starts from the inside out. (05/17/2007)
By amina _ bhimla AT yahoo . ca
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
Hi Kori!
I was just researching eczema for a client of mine and came across your story as well as all of the other responses. I have a product that may work for you. E-mail me if you'd like more info. on it.
skgirouard @ cox.net. I'd love to help you if I could.
:-) (05/21/2007)
By Kim
Eczema around the eyes and on body
I've been suffering with eczema really bad my whol life but it's now all over my face, around my eyes, on my eyelids, neck, torso, forearms, torso, folds of my legs, and groin area. I've tried a lot of different creams, lotions, pills, and other things. The things that have worked are Protopic around my eyes but after using it for a couple months, my eyes are back to leaking white puss (Dermatologist states it's dead skin being discarded from the sides of my eye). To treat the whole body, try two 500mg Vitamin C pills (can be purchased at any grocery store or wal mart) and one Flaxseed oil pill in the morning. Don't forget to pray and ask for healing! (06/24/2007)
By Erik
RE: Help For Severe Eczema
I know for many this may be a hard thing to deal with and I too understand you pain. I myself suffer from this curse.
My mother found out a wonderful way to help me and it was purely by accident. My father was Navy and we had to travel with him. We moved by the ocean. Sea water was the best thing that ever happened to me. I once had it all over my body too but now I only have it on my feet and hands.
We only lived near the ocean for about a year but Mom made the chance for me to swim often. When I get the opportunity I jump to go to the ocean. But I do live far from it. When I do get to go, the sea swims cure me for several months. I wish everyone had the chance to swim in the ocean.
I know there are only temporary solutions for temporary fixes but if you ever have the chance (make it a life goal) GO SWIM IN GOD'S BEAUTIFUL SEA!!! (06/28/2007)
