By SALLY on Sunday, November 09, 2008 - 09:14 pm:

I have had excema since i was 9months old(am 43 now).The drs said i would grow out of it..but guess what i didnt..i was prescribed steriod cream from an early age and when i hit 13 the dr decided that the sreriod cream i was using wasnt "safe" - so stopped prescribing it. I went on to have horrific withdrawals and ended up in hopspital for several weeks.The hospital visits went on throughout my teenage years..and was finally prescribes oral steriods-which worked wonders. I went on to have 4 children..during my first and second pregnancy my excema flared up to the stage that i couldnt move my limbs it hurt so much..once the pregnancy was over my excema calmed down..i was older when i had my other 2 children and sailed through with no excema worries what so ever. My excema now is alot better..i have found that white petrolium jelly is fantastic along with various emoillents. The PROBLEM i have now is that my skin is so thin due to all the steriod cream i have used over the years,that the slightest knock brings me out in blood blisters...this goes for my face as well.I just wondered if there was anyone else who have this problem and how they deal with it?

By twinkletoes on Saturday, October 25, 2008 - 04:38 pm:

oh yeah does anyone find that sometimes when your skin is extrememly bad putti ng anything on it just irritates!! i always get told to moisturise it constantly but sometimes it just makes the itch so much worse!!!

By twinkletoes on Saturday, October 25, 2008 - 03:44 pm:

hi i hear you all totally!! Peter i totally agree wherever you look its all about children with eczema and it always says most people grow out of it... as as the title of this forum says... i'm an adult and didnt grow out of it!!! ive had eczema my whole life too.

I'm 24 and have just started teacher training at uni... its a really intense one year course. we're 6 weeks into the course and my skin has flared up out of any control, and ive had 2 very bad infections since we started. This week ive been into my placement school and could hardly walk - i couldnt straighten my legs or stand up straight!!! it hurt sooo much!! but i just had to carry on! having a bath is the most painful thing ever!!! I cant do this course like this.... i cant see me ever finishing it cos its just not going to clear up...my placement is so far away too theres just no time for anything!!. i went to the docs and finished the cream she gave within 2 days ... it hasnt improved so i have to go back!!

anyone else had to give anything up before because of it?? i'm soo worried!!

thanks for reading this!! i had to have a moan!!

By peter on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 01:19 am:

Hi all, I have had eczema all over my body since I was born and I was always told that it was infant eczema and every few years I was told a different age that it would disappear. For that reason I always assumed it would eventually disappear and so would all the associated problems but 21 was my last hope for it to disappear (as thats when your defiantly not a child anymore) and guess what I am 22 in a few months. So now I feel it is here to stay, and it is more difficult as an adult to deal with eczema. It is easy to have an 'eczema routine' when your a child as your life is simpler and all you have to do is go to school. But now as a university student with quite a hectic life it hard to fit in time to have a long soak in the bath every night and put creams on my whole body a few times a day when these creams take an hour or more to dry into my skin properly, so that I don't look really greasy. I think I am equally as conscious of appearing to have really greasy skin from the creams as I am with having really dry flaky skin (I think this may be because greasyness looks unclean?). So I have not been taking the best care of my skin over the past few years but I just don't know how to fit in the routine I had as a child into my life now. So at the moment my eczema is not great, but there seems to be no help or advise from doctors or web sites for adults coping with eczema, its always for children and how parents can deal with it. I feel no one has an understanding the impact it can have on your life as an adult, as I worry about my appearance all the time,I cant shave at the moment so I have to put up with a beard which makes me feel scruffy, and I never smell nice as you guys know you cant use any products with fragrance in them. Also I am really envious of people who can just hop in the shower and be out and dressed in less than 30 minutes, washing for me is not that simple. I could go on for hours about my eczema and the impact it has had on my life like having problems with suncream and getting really itchy when it gets hot and been unable to were man made fabrics and being unable to do sports as I cant just shower after and having wrinkly skin at 21! as I said the list could go on and on. But this as really helped, it has not just allowed me to have a moan but typing has took my mind off the fact that I am itching like hell at the moment lol! Thanks for reading this

By joanne on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 07:15 pm:

thanks louise and nevergiveup...i needed the encouragement...i just cleaned up my room and tommorow,im gonna go for a jog...and jess,yes eczema hurts your elbows too...lol!thanks guys

By jess on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 01:38 am:

i believe that excemaa hurts ya elbo tooo!!!

By nevergiveup on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 01:23 am:

Couldnt have said it any better, even though its easier said than done. Ive found that any mustard seed of self confidence can be grown, and that same self confidence is a beautiful attractiveness that many friends, family and even strangers find refreshing.It is not a vainful attractiveness, but one like a fresh rain on a hot summer day. Someone once said beauty is only skin deep. Now i finally understand.

By louise on Monday, July 21, 2008 - 02:07 pm:

Hi joanne. I understand how you feel. I was invited to a party the other week and at the last minute I cancelled because my skin was bad. Its not just how it looks, its how it FEELS too, that and the fact you think everyone is looking at it. There are times I've shut myself away, especially a few years ago when I got eczema herpeticum and my face was a really bad mess-I wouldn't let anyone see me!!! The fact is though that life has to go on. I've now got young kids to get to school and I can't stick a bag on my head on the walk to school! The more you let eczema control you, the more depressed you will be. Try to maintain simple routines-could you learn a new skill or take up a new hobby that will get you outside more? What about volunteering at a local school or hospital? As for friends and relationships- anyone who only looks at your skin is shallow, pathetic and not worth the time. My hubby loves ME. He does't care what my skin looks like. Everyone gets old and wrinkly in the end anyway!!! Please don't let your eczema hold you back joanne. Make some resolutions of ways you can change your life and take control!

By joanne on Friday, July 18, 2008 - 05:39 pm:

Hi all...I'm 22 years old and have been suffering from eczema since i was 2. I dont know why it never occurred to me to look for a support group before this.According to my parents, when i was diagnosed,they gave me an allergy test and came to a conclusion that i was allergic to 4/5 things they tested me for.But growing up I only refrained from seafood. I remember having bouts of really bad rashes where my whole body was covered in pus(thank god that doesnt happen anymore)I used to have to be bandaged so i wouldnt scratch...I have loss of pigmantation on one arm cos of steroid creams.as I grew older, there were times where the eczema didnt really bother me that much...and there were times it got so bad i stayed in my room for 3 months not letting anyone see me...as of today i have been stuck in the house for about a month cos of my latest bout of skin reaction...i dont pick up my phone calls cos i have no mood to talk to anyone...no one understands really...they think its a simple illness which will go away by bathing 10 times a day and taking medication(i actually had someone say this to me)I want to go out ,I want to see my friends...but at the same time,i dont want them to see me like this...does anyone understand?email me anybody...I just want to talk to someone who understands

By nevergiveup on Monday, July 07, 2008 - 02:31 am:

Abinthe ICT,
for many many years, i took birth control pills, and these are the vitamins it depletes from your body...Birth control pills: vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc. (do a google search using the words birth control vitamin depletion, and you'll find alot of info. Funny how these same vitamins are essential for the skin. I never knew this...the doctors never told me either.

By abinthe ICT on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 03:23 am:

Has anyone made a connection between birth control and eczema?

By abinthe ICT on Monday, June 09, 2008 - 01:16 am:

Jeannine,
Thanks for your comments. I have researched Celiac rash and I do not believe that is what I have been and am currenrtly experiencing. I most definately do wecolme any suggestions and will research any topics that may help me. I did find some releif when on an alkaline diet, which I honeslty have been not adhering to as I should. This time of year I get so desperate to try prevent major breakouts, especially since it is concentrated on my face and neck. A couple of years ago I found a Chinese eczema tea that cleared my eczema up 90% or more, but after about 6 months of use it seemed by body became immune and my symptoms came back full force. I would like to throw it out there in case it does give someone longterm relief...go to TeasToHealth.com and check out the teas for the skin. I would love for someone else to benefit!

By wheatfreecured on Sunday, June 08, 2008 - 04:03 pm:

Morpheus.

Thank for your words and your support. I wish that I had stumbled on this site years ago. If I had read that what I was eating could be my problem... the light would have went on.
Pass along your words and experiences. I know that from just a mention of my story... I have helped a couple people find relief and health. Not trying to be on a soap box, just trying to turn on a few lights.

thank you again.

jeannine

By Morpheus on Sunday, June 08, 2008 - 08:51 am:

I wouldn't be surprised if most people with eczema who gave up wheat/gluten saw an improvement in their skin. I certainly have even though I don't get the typical skin lesions because of it.

But yes, not everything works for everybody. However I don't quite understand Ellie's panic about eliminating wheat/gluten from one's diet. The diet suggested by Jeannie of meat, eggs, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds etc is hardly restrictive and consists of whole foods that many would benefit from with or without allergies. A child fed such a diet would be strong and healthy. Wheat products have to be fortified because they are such a poor source of nutrition and are the mainstay of most people's diets.

The problem for most people regarding wheat/gluten is the 'inconvenience' it will cause in removing it from the diet rather than any perceived nutritional deficiencies.

By wheatfreecured on Saturday, June 07, 2008 - 03:24 pm:

Ellie,

It is WHEAT Flour... not water.... an old fashioned diet of Fruits and Vegetables... grains: corn and rice... fish and meat and chicken... is not going to kill anyone...

All I am saying is, sometimes it is what is going on inside of you... to cause your skin to react...

When you have a baby you introduce foods one at a time to see if there are any reactions.

Celiac has many rash like conditions... if you go on the simple foods... ( no breads, cakes or cookies) for a couple of days and your ITCH is less and less... then it could be that.

I lived with the label of eczema to explain my skin problems for 45 years... only to find out it was the gluten in wheat,barley,rye etc.. that was causing it.. now my skin is clear and my digestion is fine.

so relax... this is not a diet to eliminate all foods and water... it is just something to consider....
by the way, I had someone contact me directly from this site, who did consider trying this and has now discovered that she does have celiac and is on the road to recovery, both inside and out.

So, if my blogs on this help just that one person to consider and research what is going on with them, instead of excepting what the doctors say with the Label of Eczema and all of the lotions that can buy... everyone take control use the internet and research what ails you.. you may find your answers.

jeannine

By Ellie on Saturday, June 07, 2008 - 11:53 am:

Hey everyone,
I googled celiac rash and it seems to be quite a specific kind of rash, usually located on knees, buttocks and elbows. While cutting out gluten obviously helps some people, I would think it would be quite a dangerous thing to do without medical advice, as it could cause nutritional deficiencies. My eczema sounds nothing like this rash anyway, but if i did suspect wheat allergy I would get myself tested by a doctor, rather than changing my diet unnecessarily. I appreciate you have seen a wonderful improvement in your skin and wnt to share this with others, but reccommending that EVERYONE who reads eczema voice cuts out gluten seems dangerous, especially children who are growing and need nurtents for bone growth and nerve development.

By wheatfreecured on Friday, June 06, 2008 - 03:36 pm:

abinthe ICT,

I suggest that you eliminate wheat gluten from your diet. Google: celiac rash. Do you have digestive problems...? Dry scally elbows...the itch and flake..? Bloated ?...
Do you have problems digesting dairy products?

If yes, please consider that you have celiac disease... and you can feel wonderful once you go on the diet. I would recommend everyone on this site go on a gluten free diet... and see how they feel... it is back to the basic eating, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, corn and rice.
If yes to any of these.. you can email me directly @ jean9v@yahoo.com

By abinthe ICT on Friday, June 06, 2008 - 01:52 am:

I have been experiencing eczema for about 10 years now. It used to be that the winter time was the worst for me, but over the past 4 years or so the summer has been very hard for me. I think the summer is the worst for me now because my allergies have worsened. The summer is when I experience terrible eczema on my face, more specifically my cheekbone area and around my eyes. I'm trying to be careful what products I use on my face...any suggestions?

By Peter on Thursday, May 22, 2008 - 03:30 pm:

If you live in the UK there is a possibility that something can be done. About 15 years ago or more members of our church had a daughter born with a lot of her digestive system missing and we prayed for years for her very survival. Now she is a strapping teenager! I imagine she was treated over a long period, at a specialist unit, probably at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Surely your son’s paediatrician and your GP are ensuring that access to the right treatment is put in place. If you live abroad your doctors could make enquiries at Great Ormond Street, but I imagine it would have to paid for and involve a mammoth fundraising effort. Good luck!

By raghavendra on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 03:10 pm:

my baby has born with no passage for passing his body impurities . Intestine growth is not complete.Now doctors have made a small passage to near by his stomach . Can somebody help me. If you can , send email to the following address.
raghu_sunagar3@yahoo.com

By Humblebee on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 - 02:38 pm:

Wow, guess I'm not alone. There's a lot of messages here and I didn't have time to read them all now. So I apoligize if I'm repeating information here. I believe eczema is brought about by many conditions, both mental and physical. Stress will show on your skin. Skin is an organ and it's letting you know something's out of wack. Here's things that I have found that have helped over the years, I'm 42y.o. Vitamins...a lot. B- complex, vitamin C, Calcium and Magneisum, Omega - 3's, a good multivitamin. Lots and lots of water. L-lysine can be helpful, but you need to research it first and check with a doctor. Lastly there's a product/spray by The MerryClinic called EcDermald, I use this on my face and also on my children's bodies when the come out of the shower, it has helped dramically and it's very soothing. My children are 7 and 4. There's eczema on various parts of their bodies. The children only use the spray and take the normal prescribed vitamins from the Peditrician. I must say their skin it silk like now because of the spray. I hope this helps someone out there, and remember stress is a big factor with skin conditions so...do you best to focus on all the things that are going right in your life.

By sumana on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 01:09 pm:

Hi all, I have been suffreing with eczema all my life. I hate speakin about "it" cos it's an emotional topic.Yes I have had really bad moments , teasing ,being bandaged up at some points the flare ups were so bad that i couldn't walk or bend my arms and living in south africa does not help either .Like everybody else i have been to many docs.i was told to stay away frm meat, stuff with msg the list goes on.the doc prescribed creams & i have found that once a certain cream works well and clears the eczema up i find that when i get a flare up that cream is not as effective, does anyone experience this? On the up side my eczema gets me out off doing daily chores. I hate washing dishes!!

By Peter on Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 04:10 pm:

“Another” I notice that your eczema seems affect the parts of your body you keep covered e.g. your legs. If it is caused by yeast you may find it would improve if you left your legs bare to enable the sun and air to get to them. During the Easter holidays try going around bare-legged and see if there is an improvement- you should notice within about ten days and you will have lost nothing either way.

By wheatfreecured on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 07:44 pm:

Dear Another...

16... have you been tested for allegeries... such as wheat, corn etc... food.... do you have any digestive problems... stomach cramps etc...

You are describing my problems until I was diagnosed with Celiac.

By another on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 12:12 pm:

i have suffered from eczema since i was bandaged up to the head at 3 years old.
luckily my eczema has never reached my face but always comes back on my legs & arms.
i am now 16 & in a year long relationship & still cant let him see my legs.
Even though now and again i can clear them up the frustration of the apparent scars unmotivates me & i scratch deeply.
i do not eant to go on holiday or swimming as i am so paranoid about them.
my parents also told me i should of grown out of it, to be honest im to embaressed to even show my doctors because i feel that people are disgusted about it.
i have used boots leg make-up but end up using a whole £15 can in a oner, tights dont cover unless i put about 5 pairs on.
i have been slagged "scabby" and so on, but in the end their not worth it.
i was in london not so long ago and was stopped a couple of times my model scouts but for obvious reasons declined.
i have always wanted to model, but until the scars on my confidence and my body are gone i couldnt.
i am currently thinking about skin peels but not sure if i will be able to at 16.
i have tried too many creams & to be honest i have probably given up.
sometimes i have the determination & have stopped using the creams & used hemp body butter from the body shop as it doesnt make me flare up and seems really natural.
my story is a lot less than everyone here but i do hope you all find happiness & make exzema the smallest part of your life xxx

By Cantfixitmummy on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 11:16 am:

My four and half son has just being diagnosed with Pomplyx (hands and feet). It's a nightmare come true. We have the most horrible time at night, with him basically clawing at his feet and hands. They become red raw and hot. I have tried all the creams, patting with lotions (with wet washer to try and get hands and feet cooler - this has had some effect, but not for long)and many sleepless nights. I was speaking with a friend the other night and she mentioned cornflour with water (into a paste)works a treat (old wives tale)Her mother used it on her when she was young (also a sufferer). So, being desperate, I tried this. It was a very messy experience. I applied it over his hands and feet. First my son was crying and saying it's still itchy mummy. But in around 10 seconds, he stopped crying and said it wasn't itchy anymore....IT WORKED!!! He even went to sleep and wasn't at all restless as he usually is. I had to reapply once more that night, but went to bed around 1.30pm. He woke in the morning and was a little itchy as I hadn't applied since 1.30pm, but his hands and feet were no way as red or affected as the other nights. There are still blisters, but not as bad. I know this isn't a cure, but if it helps relieve the pain, thus relieving the effect of the itch...I'm all for it. I'm just giving this information to any other mums or sufferers out there who wants to give it a go. Let me know how it goes. My email is ptc2@bigpond.com.

By Mel on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 06:09 am:

I was feeling very down today because of the emotional and physical scars I have from having a life long companionship with eczema. Finding this site gives me comfort. For the most part, I deal with this alone and don't allow family and friends to know how much it has hurt me and then I catch myself going into depression when summer is here and friends and family want to go camping. Recently my husband invested a lot of our money into a camping trailor and I've been so bitter about it. I realize that my bitterness stems from the negative thoughts about dealing with my eczema outside the comforts of my home or a hotel or somewhere that I can manage my condition as I'm used to. It angers me that I even have to consider it. I also have so many scars and who wants to wear pants in the hot sun. It's nice to know that I'm not a lone with this and I hope to snap out of this poor me attitude soon.

By eczemaa on Saturday, July 07, 2007 - 02:48 am:

I have suffered from Eczema all my life and I have found the answer is simple, less is more! you do not need to use creams. wet wraps etc, they dont work and only make it worse!! The only thing I put on my skin is pure ALMOND OIL and my diet is very simple. Does your skin clear up when you are unwell and unable to eat for a few days? I only eat home made food, no ready meals etc. Try it, once you start to monitor what you eat you will be able to find out what makes your skin worse, if you want any advise I would be pleased to help eczemaa@gmail.com

By karen on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 02:44 pm:

thank u for all the advice u guys my lil girl is only 5 and suffers from severe excema on her hands and body is very red inflammed and cracked,my heart breaks 4 her as noone wants 2 play with her in school they look at her and say euh ur dirty,weve tried lots of creams noone have worked am gonna try some of the things i heard about on this site and hopefully it will help her cos shes only a wee child i wish it was me suffering instead of her.thank u take care.........

By danielle1976 on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 03:41 am:

hi my son has suffered with this problem since 8 months old. he is now 8 and we have tried absolutely everything. naturopaths. allergy clinics, aae (advanced allergy clinic) , pawpaw cream, dermatoligists, gps, Proffesor Murrell (very high up in ezxema treatment from st george hospital ) , creams, teas, oils, etc, has anyone tried something different, or have any tips on how i can elp him. he scratches all through the night, doesnt sleep properly. most days his skin is so bad that he limps because his knees are so sore they cant bend. i feel absolutely helpless. we have spent thousands of dollars on every thing. its so frustrating, it is the year 2007. you would think someone would have divised a simple cream or something by now. interested in hearing about any releif remedies at all. probably tried most, but desperate to hel p my little one. thank you , danielle 1976.

By MayWong on Sunday, June 03, 2007 - 11:31 am:

I have this thorn in my flash for 35 years and I had asthma. Thank God I grew out of asthma. But not so for eczema. I find that food and stress generally triggers the problems. The western doctors will prescribe antihistamines and steriod creams and maybe steriod jab (come with cataract warning, gastric bleeding etc.) The chinese doctors will tackle the food intake. You must make sure you are not so heaty, don't eat fried food, seafood e.g.mussels (dirty), ice cream (milk is heaty), no barbecue food, no alcohol. Generally, don't take processed food that contain MSG (sometimes found in chips or tratarzine found as food additives). There is no sure way to cure this irritation. Who can be without stress? I am currently using Jorubi, Aloe Vera Gels, Jergens Ultra healing, Eucerine products and even trying out the diaper rash cream Destini with Aloe and Vit E. I am taking primrose oils, Honey and lots of plain water is good. Taking COLD baths is good. NO hot water bathing. If REALLY possible, try not to apply too much steriod creams it thins the skin. Taking too much antihistamine (becos it is medication) is harmful to the liver in the long run. Take a lot of vegetables. I find that I have this problem at certain season. If you know your condition, a change in environment when it strikes you at certain periods of the year, get out of your comfort zone.

Sometimes we have to give up certain things to work around our problems. I love those heaty food....

By mike on Friday, May 18, 2007 - 04:07 pm:

I have finally got my eczema at level so as not to affect my everyday life. but the price for this is taking tablets that are used in kemo therapy which are called methatrexate, theres a risk of liver damage and several other side affects but my consultants makes sure i checked regularly tomake sure everything is alright. but the longer i take these the higher the risk, but the thought of going back to the eczema i had before scares me more than the thought of the side affects.

over the years i have found it hard to find people who understand how bad eczema really is, even family friends and partners tend not to understand properly. I think alot of this is because it's not life threatening illness and to them it isn't a serious illness. i also think to many eczema sufferers but not all this is a life sentenance for some of us, i know i will never totally be cured and have been told this. because my form of eczema is genetic, gene therapy would be the only way to cure it but it is many off yet.

sorry to sound so depressing
just having one of those days and need to let off steam.

without eczema my life would be perfect, i have a loving family, partner and kids and enjoy my job, i shouldn't really be unhappy, i should be thankful, i've got more than a lot of people.

By Simon on Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 07:19 pm:

Hi,

I suffered from it for years. I now use Acadia Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff Spray. So long as I put it on daily my eczema stays under control. I gave some to my sister in law who has eczema all over her body. It works for her too.
The stuff is made in the US and they are on
1 888 981 7700.

You can tell them that they guy who buys it in Spain told you about it.

By cins347 on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 12:11 am:

Hi all ty for the remedies some have told me about, and to J no his dosent look like that but ty for info..cins347

By absynthmind on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 07:05 pm:

cins347:

im 20 years old and have been battling this magnificent stressful irritating disease for all 20 of those years. its obviously not going away in hurry. ive jumped skipped and hopped from one md to another, dermatologist after dermatologist, allergist to allergist and back again. they all agree its eczema... give me one "miracle cortizone cream" after another, and then act terribly suprised when none of them work... its a never ending completely exhausting cycle.

but in the time that ive been fighting all of this ive come across a few things, new and old, that help me when i cant seem to feel any better. it will never be ok, but with some practice, maybe one day it wont suck so bad.

1) most doctors recommend quick cool showers, absolutely no baths, and very gentle soaps. i say doctors are quacks that have never dealt with this on themselves. take a bath if you want, stress only further irritates your skin, but i recommend that prior to your bath you stop by the baby department of your local store and pick up a bottle of Huggies Extra Sensitive Skin Body Wash. that stuff is amazing.
2) again, general consenses amoung doctors is not using fabric softeners when washing clothes. what do they know?! I say use All Free and Clear detergents and softener sheets. they help cut down on all things allergy related.
3) a wise doctor of mine once told me "you know your skin better than anyone", so my advise? find what works best for you, and dont let your doctor tell you otherwise. the problem with doctors is that they are trained to deal with "normal cases". problem with that is there is no norm when it comes to eczema. each case is so drastically different. your best trying your what you think might help, finding what works for your specific case, and sticking with it. in my case, putting my Temovate cream on first and then covering it with a water blocker skin cream helps clear me up.
4) pay attention to your bodys warning signs. notice small bumps under the skin in places you usually break out. these are usually the sign that in a couple days and plenty of hours of scratching, your going to have an outbreak. catch it first and it is less likely to be a bad one.

i also recommending investing in honey guy waterblocker skin cream. its my cream of choice to lock in the moisture of my prescription creams. it isnt oily, it isnt shiney, it absorbs quickly into the skin and locks in the moisture for hours. research it at honeyguyproducts.com

hope i could help a little. until next time, happy scratching.

By jean9v on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 02:45 pm:

Dear Cin..

Does his rash look anything like this:

cut and paste this site to open:


csaceliacs.org/dh_symptoms.php

Best of Luck

j

By cins347 on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 02:50 am:

My son is only 9 and suffers from chronically rubbed eczema, we have tried 100's of creams ,lotions,antihistamines,you name it we've used it and now the dermatologist has went old-school remedy,adding champhor and menthol to a lotion,while using hylira.Its on his legs ,top of feet and elbows, kids pick on him ,it's really heart breaking.They are sending him to Duke over the summer to a skin specialist,any thing people could tell me would be great ,ty,cins347

By geeta on Saturday, March 10, 2007 - 02:51 pm:

Hi everyone

im just wondering if anyone knows of any eczema support groups in or near manchester?

Im 25 and sufferred from this condition since birth, resulting in severe scarring pretty much all over my body. This has shattered my confidence and self esteem for a long time and i was just wondering where i could meet people with similar experiences.

Many thanks

By cbigmike on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 10:09 pm:

Hi Susan-Jamaica, I've just been reading the old posts and saw the one reference your daughter and Dove. Been there had the rashes, after Dove I went to Simple soap that lasted for two three years then I had to switch to Aqueous cream for washing. Haven't used soap now for at least 10 years. My orange treatment is certainly working for me - been an absolute great winter sleeping at night without waking up scratching ever half hour. I have found the juice of an orange segment needs to be well rubbed into sensitive areas on a daily basis. I wish you well in the hunt for your cure.

By Susan-Jamaica on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 02:55 am:

BigMike this is interesting,I will try the orange
juice. The thing about eczema is that you don't
know what will work for you unless you try all that could be of help, independently of course.
I will let you know if it works for me, if it does'nt I know there must be some one else who may benefit.

By BigMike on Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 10:20 pm:

Hi folks, I’m looking for re-assurance and wonder if anyone can parallel my experience with eczema. Until I was aged about 40 life was perfect, then I developed an allergy to soap and so haven’t used it for bathing/washing for 20 years. Then about 10 years ago I started to develop ‘winter’ eczema, each September / October I started to get itchy scabs mainly on the legs and small of the back and this continued until April/May when heaven returned. Each year it started slightly earlier and covered more of the body and lasted longer into the new year. Last year all my body had patches, my GP has taken samples and prescribed steroid creams but as that can only be used below the shoulders it didn’t ease the patches on my face.
Ok now for the weird bit, this year summer stayed late so September found me still in shorts when the first of the new season’s scabs appeared and I developed a new habit. After an evening in the garden I would sit down at my computer and read my emails and also munched an orange. One evening I had an accident whilst peeling the orange and my thigh got covered in orange juice, being a lazy bloke I just rubbed the juice over my leg and finished the orange by which time my leg had dried (surprisingly not sticky) and I noticed I had covered a new scab with the juice. The next day I noticed a distinct change for the better in this scab so I deliberately re-applied some orange juice to it, after 5 days the scab had vanished. Following this I have used an orange segment daily applied to each of my problem spots and all have responded such that I am now scab free and ohh the bliss of wonderful scratch free nights!!!! Now I have an evening chore of rubbing each leg with an orange segment and rubbing the juice in and it seems to be working. Unfortunately it is a bit messy and I wonder if there is a more appropriate oil/cream to use.

Mike
With apologies for long post.

By eczema1 on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 11:07 pm:

hi lizzie

the itch scratch itch cycle can be broken.
get a copy of a book called "the eczema solution" and that will teach you how to stop that cycle. It worked for me, and that means it can work for anyone.

By Lizzie Lizard on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 01:08 pm:

Now 34 I've suffered all my life with eczema, but there have been good and bad patches. When it is bad I can get really angry very easily and am unbearable to be around. One of the worst thing is knowing how much better you would look and feel without it, which might sound vain but it makes me cry with frustration. I want to treat the eczema but I also want to go out looking nice in normal clothes and make-up, not smothered in moisturiser, clutching a cold compress and wearing a cotton kaftan, even if that would feel better! Sometimes the itching feels as if you are not in control of your own body, you know you should stop but the pleasure of scratching is intense, even seeing that Im making myself bleed isn't enough to stop me.This is when I wonder how much is in the mind and is there any way to stop myself. Could eczema be a mental illness.
I felt I had it under control when I could catch a flare up early with Elocon steroid cream, Cetraben moisturiser and the antihistamine Benadryl. However now I am pregnant, which is a joyful thing obviously, but my skin is making me miserable, it is worse than ever and all I can do is take cool baths and moisturise, but the water and moisturiser make me itch like mad afterwards.
Has anyone else found that pregnancy has made their eczema worse and can they help me, I'm worried the added stress of scratching is going to harm the baby. Also when the baby comes how am I going to have time to cope with my skin, I spend about 3 hours a day bathing, moisturising and waiting for itching to stop.

By Cassy on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 11:42 pm:

Has anyone expereinced pigmentation loss as a result of prolonged steriod cream useage? Here is my story.

I have had eczema all my life and I'm in my 40's. For the last ten years I have never been able to get rid of it on my hands. I have used a range of steriod creams for years. Last year I noticed a small area of pigmentation loss. My doctor said this sometimes happens with the use of steriod creams but the pigment will return to normal. I was relieved as the contrast of the pigmentation loss aginst my own dark brown skin (I am a black person) was very obvious.

Since January 2006 the pigmentation loss has continued and spread in almost every area/ or near every area where I have used the steriod creams i.e. hands and lesser extent, my knees and elbows. As well as having excema I have now been told I have vitiligo but no doctor is prepared to say this has any link to the use of the steriod creams.

If you have expereinced anything similar please let me know.

By Susan-Jamaica on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 05:58 am:

Hi, me again, my little girl's eczema is getting better after forcing her to take codliver oil and
the only other thing new is that I am using dove unscented soap and plain old vaseline on her skin
I can honestly say the dove soap has made her dry skin so soft,I dont know if it is the combination of everything or the codliver oil by it self but someone please try this and see if there is improvement. I have spent thousands of dollars,used even protopic, but I'm afraid of the cancer implications and I hope and pray this healing of her skin continues.If anyone tries this and there is improvement let me know, if not please dont give up, keep trying, all the best.

By Raw Meat Feet - AKA Chris H on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 11:11 am:

Hi Jill,
So sorry to hear about your little girl. It must be very hard for you to see her suffer in the many ways that eczema can cause. But while she is having to deal with the ignorance of her classmates, she is also learning an understanding and tolerance for other people's problems which will serve her well in later life. And hopefully she will come to understand that it's not their fault - most eczema sufferers I have met knew little about the condition until it affected them directly. I have been reluctant to shake hands with people cause of the unsightly blisters. Luckilly it's not always totally aggressive. And she is lucky to have such caring parents. Hope you all get through it and the dreaded E subsides with time. Good luck.

By jllw on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 07:46 am:

hi my daughters hands and feet are so bad too,her feet are as you say raw and swollen we have had a great problem in the last few months wearing shoes!as they rub againgst her feet and yes she has trouble walking with it as well she is only six years old and i feel so sorry for her but there doesnot seem to be an answer.some of the children at school will not hold her hand or even play with her as they are scared they will catch it off her i have spoken to the school and some of the children but she gets understandably very upset by this i tell her its because they dont understand. vallergan has been our life saver sleep wise! i give it to her on the weekend as she is too sleepy for school if she has it during the week so we are up every other night an average of 5 times which is hell!but i am sure you know what i am talking about i am on this site everyday just about as it does help to know we are not alone. it actually helps to get it off your chest so to speak and talk to someone who is in the same situation as your self. take care everyone

By Raw Meat Feet on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 07:58 pm:

Hi to all fellow itchers and scrathchers. Like everyone else, it's good to find a site where you realise you're not the only one going through the torment of debilitating skin disease. Mine is mainly on my feet (two blocks of raw meat) and hands (bloody blisters). It can get frustrating when nothing seems to work. Most people seem to think you're making it up when you tell them eczema stops you walking. I hobbled for the past few months. (Yes. Not limped...hobbled). But while our only respite may be the longed-for steroid jab, that surely can't be the answer. And as the (supposedly) best solutions threaten your liver....try this one for size.
I reckon that while allergy can be a root cause and stress can be a trigger, the real problem is almost certainly billiary. If your liver is only doing part of its job, then where are the toxins going? In our case to our hands, feet, faces and almost anywhere else possible.
Having read all your messages, I believe that dealing with eczema must make you a bit tougher. And there are worse things happening to other people every day.
And everyone please remember:
"The more you itch, the more you scratch and the more you scratch, the more you itch."
I have now lost count of the creams and lotions I've tried. Vallergen (LEE) has been essential to give me a bit of kip since last Christmas.
It's not ideal but it helps.
All of you, thanks for your experiences. Sorry this message is so long but it's kind of weird and comforting at the same time to say anything and know the people reading it know how you feel.
All the besyt of luck to everyone dealing with the dreaded E. And if I find anything that works I'll drop a (very brief) line to this site.

By Old Owl on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 01:45 pm:

Elisa,I can understand your concern. There are a number of posts on this web suggesting that yeast may be a factor and possibly clothing can exacerbate the situation. Furthermore there has been some research that indicates that bras may cause problems
healthresearchforum.org.uk/sunlight.html
moth.freeserve.co.uk/page46.html

By elisa on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 01:52 am:

Hi I have suffered eczema all my life I have been traveling with my husband to a tropical weather it is being very hard for me I had developed eczema in both nipples and drives me crazy I went to the gynecologist but he refered me to a dermatologist I have seen 1000 in my life. This is making me very depress since my husband seems to be very caring about skin and apperance I know he is a good man but still. My main concern before my husband is brest cancer can anybody advice on this.Thank you so much

By treacle on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 12:56 pm:

after 25 yrs of suffering with eczma and pomplyx (which is eczma that attacks hands and feet)i have had food intolerance tests done and found im allergic to wheat eggs all dairy products including goats ive cut it all out and for the first time since birth im nearly eczma free im going to get my 10 monht old daughter tested asap as she suffers to

By Susan-Jamaica on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 06:58 pm:

Hi I'm Susan,
My baby had chronic eczema from she was three months old. tried steroids her skin tone is messed up.Tried protopic it worked, now theres a cancer risk I hear in using it, Is there anything
that is relatively safe for babies that really
work?.

By mike on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 04:21 pm:

hi my name is mike i have suffered with acute atopic eczema for the last 30 years since i was 5, i have tried different diets, medicines, healers. unfortunately the disease runs in the family, at the moment i am trying methatrexate tablets (a drug used in cancer treatment) i have had some success with this treatment it does ease the symptoms. i want the doctors to higher the dose but unfortunatly there is some risk to your liver, so they can only do it slowly. i only tried the treatment because i was becoming desperate, i knew i couldn't get rid of it but if i could keep it at a level that was manageable i would be happy. eczema is a part of my life for the rest of my life, but it is only a very small part of my life. my 3 beatiful kids, partner, my family,my friends and work is a much bigger part of life and is what keeps me sane. don't let your eczema rule your life. enjoy life. i enjoy nice food, going out drinking and clubbing, going on holiday. i your enjoying life, i'm sure you'd feel better.

By Hev on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 10:22 pm:

One word... Azathioprine! Wonder drug! My dermatologist put me on it and my skin is amazing! Its beter than its ever been. Its a drug usually used in transplant patients (immunosuppressant) so its pretty strong stuff but its brilliant! A year ago i was suicidal cos of this and now i'm so happy this drug has actually changed my life! Good luck everyone!

By Gabrielle on Thursday, November 03, 2005 - 11:58 am:

I was talking to my mum about my eczema recently, we were fighting about the summer bathers I refused to wear.
I thought she understood that I want to be covered up- but then I discovered my mum had only developed eczema a couple years ago. She had a life before eczema, she had kids, she had a childhood without it...My mother does not know how lucky she was for her life, her fortune in its timing…
I just wanted to share my story, to all of you who were also fortunate.

By suesellars on Sunday, October 16, 2005 - 10:53 am:

Hi all. Found this site and will add our bit to it.Hubby broke out in feet about 8 weeks ago, terrible within 3 weeks, also went to one hand, so put him in hospital and no-one in there had seen anything like it before.In hospital it went to the other hand. He had infection in hands and feet in a really bad way.Celulitus? Anyway after 3 weeks in hospital trying to fight the infection they said all was well and he could come home, but to watch it.Within 2 weeks it was back not so bad tho, so off to specialist, and he said eczma/Dermatitus/ Explosive eczma.The bug that gets in there is hard to shift. So frightning. So trying everything the specialist says to do, but not working,very well at the moment.

By Gemstone on Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 10:32 pm:

I have devolped eczema after having my twins. I only have it bilaterally on my two ring fingers, and i sometimes get it on my nipples because the skins sensitive there i suppose. Embarrasing.

Does anyone have inflammation with there eczema? Ive been given a quite strong steriod and im a bit worried about using it too much or too often but it seems to come back once its gone with the steriod cream so im using a mositurising barrier ointment thats called diprobase in the UK. The inflammation seems to come more in the night so Im going to buy some anti-allergy anti- dustmite duvets and pillows.
I heard once that chronic inflammation can lead to cancer as the chronically dammaged cells can become abnormal. Has anyone else heard of this?

By nasreen on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 01:09 am:

hi,

i always thought that only i felt the utter fustration and loneliness of being a lifelong ezcema sufferer. I suffered and i dont use the word lightly - but i learnt to love my self and not let the eczema control my life - on a bad day i have a wobbly moment but i take strength in the fact that i have survived far more pain than a regular person. Thanks for sharing your trials and best efforts and thanks for reminding me im not alone with my eczema.

By anonymousteen on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 09:35 am:

i really don't want to share this but here goes. i went to the dermatologist yesterday and she told me that i have chronic dermatitis. it's not really that horrible. but when i was showering this morning, my left butt cheek was darker and it was itchy. i don't know if this is eczema. does anyone here have the same problem?

By Pank on Tuesday, May 03, 2005 - 10:50 pm:

BTW, in addition to dry brushing...I have eliminated ALL dairy & wheat/gluten/flour as I have found these things in concert to be my triggers. When I explain it to people I have them imagine a baker in the kitchen making bread...which is made from yeast, flour, and water. For some reason, that is what was making me so bloated and miserable...as I was ingesting HUGE amounts of flour (loved some sandwiches)and drinking plenty of water...and I noticed I itched like the dickens right after I ate for the next 3-5 hrs. Once I did proces of elimination I noticed that my skin cleared up after feeling like pure hayle for about 2 years. And we're NOT even going there with the dairy (the symptoms and itching were out of control--it wasn't pleasant)It's not what the dermatologist did for me...it what I did for myself. And yes, I count this as a healing!