By 499u6g,Gumbert on Saturday, May 16, 2009 - 03:04 pm:| By 499u6g,Gumbert on Saturday, May 16, 2009 - 03:04 pm: |
| By izsbss,Gumbert on Saturday, May 16, 2009 - 02:05 pm: |
| By nzgirly on Monday, May 11, 2009 - 05:17 am: |
Its the title of this chat that has made me want to write to you all. Love it, and how many times have we had to say that to doctors/specialists/friends etc!!! I've often thought and on the odd occassion said to specialist "what are the new treatments you are using on the kids these days, cause that might help you try something with me as an adult with atopic eczema". Usually no reply
I am 39yrs, atopic eczema, alopecia totallis. 2 years old i believe i had first asthma attack and life got pretty hard after that. Although I have tried to never let it control my life, i've always felt my quality of life for me personally was slightly less than others, but in saying that there is always someone sadly worse than me.
Last year i suffered a stroke and for the first time found it very difficult lol being in hospital for a so called " real reason" , i had to be like everybody else. Had to understand perhaps but when you are in hospital over the years with eczema, asthma or allergies you are usually too tired to worry about much which gets rid of frustration in hospital.
I have three awesome children who touch wood only get little bits of hayfever, eczema - nothing like their mum.
I struggle some days with the pain of my skin, but i relish the days i have nice skin and can hold my head high.
Thanks for listening. And thankyou for what you all write, its a real honour to be able to have an insight into others lives similiar to mine i guess.
regards to all.
| By jenna on Wednesday, May 06, 2009 - 11:24 pm: |
i have had eczema since i was born and im so happy that i have found this site .the years of tears and upset of suffering with eczema .people just dont understand when they are talking to you you know they are looking at the eczema thinking whats that! i have eczema all over my body so there is no way i can cover it .my boyfriend is very good because we have found that some of his aftershaves and mens product can cause a bad reactions .i always say to people that dont suffer with eczema you should look after your skin because what we would give just to be able to slap any old cream ,make up without thinking am i going to a flare up is my skin going to swell the next day
| By MR on Friday, April 10, 2009 - 02:34 pm: |
I have had eczema since I was little...I am now 22 years old.......I have honestly never met anyone with bad eczema like me. I feel that everyone around me doesnt understand what I go through. but after seeing this site I understand that there are many people who feel the same way. It makes me kind of feel better.
I have the worse eczema on my face and it started about 2 years ago and hasnt gone!!
I think this is the worst place to have eczema as you are totally self conscious all the time!!
Thats what my life is like.... always having to see if my eczema on my face is ok before i can go out anywhere socially etc. It always makes me feel so depressed! I dont know what to do.
I dont think doctors help, as I have been to loads private and NHS.
The thing is it comes and goes on my face and I have no idea what triggers it. I know its not food and I know what im allergic to..(dust, animal hairs) and I try and get of them. So I just dont know what makes it come back.
I feel that there must be some thing on this planet that can help me get rid of it....I just need to found that thing!!!!!!
thanks for reading (I think i needed somewhere to complain...where people dont say ''oh poor you'') :D
| By chrissy on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 11:20 pm: |
Aderma epithelial cream (30ml) size not the 40ml is brilliant for my hands and body. it has healed my skin. The only problem is it is no longer available in the UK. you have to order it online from France.
Please give it a try I know it is an answered prayer from God.
| By chrissy on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 11:18 pm: |
The body shop has some great products. Aloe serum and aloe soothing day cream for my face. I use them everyday and it just cools down all the inflammation. My face has improved dramatically.
The good thing is they contain no steriods
| By Dags on Monday, January 26, 2009 - 08:18 pm: |
The advice I have after 28 years (and I'm still dealing with this):
If you have eczema on your hands, and they swell, find a Dr. who will prescribe you .5mg of dexamethasone, 40-50 pills will get you through a year. If your Dr. is hesitant (and many are) ask if you can come in and be seen immediately the next time you have a flare up. Take 1 pill the moment you realize your hands are inflamed, and if they are still inflamed 4 hours later, take 1 more pill. The generic pills are VERY cheap ($15.00 for a year's supply) so those without prescription insurance need not worry about cost.
When moisturizing your hands and experiencing increased itchiness, first - be careful what you use! I really like Aveda's Hand Relief and Eucerine's Calming Cream. Aveda's Beautifying Composition is also great. Johnson and Johnson's baby lotion (the pink bottle) is the WORST THING EVER to use!! Never use this product, it is immensely irritating. My mother tried it when I was a toddler, and I SCREAMED in pain when she did. Use nothing that hurts when you apply it - petroleum jelly or jojoba oil should not cause any pain at all. My advice - quickly apply the moisturizer, and then immediately put your hands under cold water to stem the itch (the moisturizer will protect your hands from the water.) Take hands out of water, gently pat dry, and re-apply cream/jelly/oil.
If hands are out of control, swollen, cracked, and painful, it is time for drastic measures. Buy cotton gauze bandages (the kind on a roll used for binding wounds)and wind the cotton around your hands after applying a generous amount of neosporin. Treat it like you would any other injury that requires such extensive measures - do not wash your hands, make someone else do the cooking and cleaning, use a sanitizer like Purell that doesn't require water after using the restroom. Take the bandage(s) off 1 hour before bed, let your hands air out, and then reapply immediately before bed. This method usually heals most of my open wounds within 2 or 3 days, and greatly helps with the pain. And I'm not joking about the dexamethasone - it is amazing at fixing the swelling right away.
Luke warm shower water is the way to go, and shower as infrequently as possible. Use Cetaphil and oil to dry-clean yourself between showers. Train your hair to be washed every 2nd-3rd day. Most volumizing sprays for hair will help control the excess oil. If you have hard water, get a water softener (ideal) or a water-softening attachment for your shower head. Please remember, if this is a baby or child suffering, and you the parent don't suffer, your child doesn't understand that water isn't painful for everyone, and has likely never experienced bathing in any other water. A water-softener is not a luxury for someone suffering from eczema - it is medically necessary. NEVER use Ivory or Dial soap. Way too harsh. Cetaphil in the shower works, I like Oil of Olay, and Dove. If bathing an infant/toddler, or taking a bath yourself, add a few drops of oil to the bath (baby oil, pecan oil, etc.)
Dryer sheets are the devil - never use them (even the free-and-clear ones.) Only use free-and-clear detergent. Bleach loads need an extra rinse cycle. Avoid fabric softeners. Never wear wool.
If sports bras set you off (they do me) try a too-small cotton stretch tank top, and layer it with a second slightly tight tank top. This will eliminate the pressure of and moisture trapping band around the bottom of the bra. I am fairly busty, and find this works fine for me.
Finally, the most extreme piece of advice. Do you live in the Midwest? If so, GET OUT! Yes, it is hard to leave family and friends. Absolutely, it is tough to find a new job. Sure, it seems extreme to uproot your life. Moving away from the Midwest is the best thing I ever did for my eczema. Things that trigger eczema in addition to chemicals, stress, and food allergies are: 1) heat + humidity; 2) cold + dry; 3) extreme temperature changes; and (often) 4) hay fever. Two generations ago you would have had no choice but to move to a healthier climate. Now that we have so many medications, people think there is no reason to move. Take it from one who knows, if you have extreme or severe eczema, it is worth trying. Find a location with a mild climate. I did well in the Southeast, even though it was hot and humid the stable temperature made a big difference. I've also done very well in the Pacific NW. I honestly wish that my parents (neither suffer from this) would have moved me when I was a child. I could have been spared decades of embarrassment, pain, and "medicine fog."
I hope that this helps someone out. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can answer for you! (I am not a Dr., I'm just a life-time eczema sufferer who has been willing to experiment to manage her condition.)
| 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!
| By Pank on Tuesday, May 03, 2005 - 10:44 pm: |
It's always refreshing to know that I'm not the only person out here who knows the first-hand effects of eczema. I have found what works for me is DRY BRUSHING...a good link to read up on this is: http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm
Keeping my skin dry brushed, in moderate climates (avoid extremes like the plague), keep skin lubricated with a thick lotion--really helps. In fact, once I started dry brushing I have found that I have less need for lotions & steriods. Now, if I can only do something about this hyperpigmentation. Suggestions?
| By Sarah on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 06:05 pm: |
Hi Nikki,
I've had eczema just about everywhere at some stage, though at the moment I just have it on my hands, face and legs.
Do you have regular baths with a bath additive such as Oilatum/Aveeno oil? I find this really helps when my eczema flares up on large areas.
Also, if the steroids you are using are not making any difference maybe you could go back to the dermatologist and see if they could perhaps give you something a bit different?
Hope this helps you, totally know how you feel, it can be so uncomfortable and embarrassing but I'm sure that you will find something that works for you
| By Momma on Friday, April 15, 2005 - 07:19 pm: |
For Nikki - My daughter has had eczema since birth - since is is genetically passable - her father and grandfather have it, too. Sea salt - course seal salt in a tub of water is great for Eczema - (or getting to the shore better yet) Locoid is fat better than Elidel - and Neutrogena cream (small white bottle with a blue strip on it) really helps also. Taking small doses of prednisone twice a year makes all the difference in my daughters skin as well. She has no adverse reactions from it at all. Hope that this has helped you some.
| By Nikki on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 11:44 pm: |
Hello, My name is Nikki and I'm from the U.S. I'm glad I'm not the only one dealing with this unbearable and depressing skin disorder. I have eczema I didn't get Eczema until I turned 19 and working at a fast food restaurant. I been to two derm and well only one helped. Right now my skin is clearing up from my face, legs, arms, and neck but I have one big problem and its embrassing to say but I don't care I'm going to say it. I have eczema on my buttocks and I don't know how to get rid of it. I don't know how it got there but I went to my doctor and she told me to try some steriod medication but its not seeming to work. I don't know what to do I'm down to my last straw. I feel like if this mess don't clear I don't think I want to go and be intimate with my b/f because I have this crap on my butt. So if anyone have any suggestions or medications I should tell my doctor about so this can go away I would appreciated it very much!!! Everyone on this message board is very strong!by dealing with eczema and for me it made me a stronger person and knowing who your true friends are when having this disease. -Nikki
| By Hev on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 07:59 pm: |
I've been trying this thing we found on the internet called linatox. Its an oily drink thing 6mls a day and i really think its helped my skin feels so much better. It took a while but am starting to see the difference now.
| By lydia on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 03:39 am: |
Hello Jacky
I am a fellow Malaysian who has facial eczema as well. How long have you been using Elidel? If you'd stopped because of the initial side effects, give it another chance. The same happened to me and it seemed to work very well now. However, try not to expose yourself to the sun when using Elidel.
Protopic is available in S'pore already.
| By jacky on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 04:47 am: |
i suffered severe eczema on my face (red,dry,flaky)...elidel can't work...i think protopic may help but i can't get it in my country malaysia yet...i was so sad...sometimes i can't go out cause of the flake out on my face...people around start looking at me like one of a kind...it is sad...can some1 help?where can i get protopic?pls email me to advice...thanks
| By as1234 on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 04:25 pm: |
In the past year I have developed what I think to be eczema on my breasts, and as time has gone by its started spreading to my stomach and my sides. Its some sort of scaly skin that has developed on my old (pregnancy) stretch marks....
Just wondered if anyone else has this sort of thing. Thanks.
AS
| By Playmate_519 on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 02:07 am: |
I have a 10 Month old baby boy with serious eczema and he claws his head during the night
me and my husband feel helpless because we cannot make it go away
helpless in Canada
Ps any suggestions email playmate-519@hotmail.Com
| By playmate_519 on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 01:58 am: |
OOPS I have a question is there a over the counter Cream that works
| By playmate_519 on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 01:57 am: |
I have a question is there a over the counter
that works
| By Hev on Thursday, November 04, 2004 - 08:18 pm: |
Hey I've just found this website and its so amazing to find that there are so many of you out there who cry yourselves to sleep at night with pain and understand how much eczema affetcs your life even though 'its not a serious illness'! Anyone else get that a lot and feel bad for making a fuss? I'm in a sticky spot at the moment because i'm training to be a nurse, but all the handwashing and latex gloves are playing hell with my skin. I've had loads of time off my curent placement because of infection control, and they're threatening to fail me because of my attendence. Its really upsetting me and its affecting the rest of my life as well. Oh and to top it all off my car gotbroken into last night and i really wanted to pour my heart out to someone and the internet seems like a good option! Sorry to bore you with my woes hope you're all well
Love Heather
x x x x x x x
| By healer on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 06:53 pm: |
Hi
I had eczema when I was younger covered head to toe! Not nice, but my mum found this new idea on the tv (taking evening primrose oil), so we gave it a try and over time it cleared up, you also will need to cover in bandages with your cream this helps healing and keeping in moisture, another tip with dry hands try disposable gloves( make sure the breathable ones! put some lotion on (aqueas cream) and cover you will see 100% improvement!, I now only have it on my hands occasionally, I hope this helps!
Julie :-)...UK......
| By Jennifer on Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 06:45 pm: |
I have had eczema since I was 3 months old, so 23 years. Over the years it has changed dramatically, where it once was all over my arms and legs, now I am an adult I seem to mostly get it on my face. Ironic, huh? I work in a shop where I have to wear makeup, and we also have air conditioning, which dries my skin out. For the last two years I have been taming regular breakouts with Elocon, but I am very aware that I should not be using it on my face. Does anybody have a any suggestions? I also use Hydrocortisone, which doesnt seem to heal it, but stops it from getting too dry.
| By Chris on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 12:36 pm: |
Hello folks, I've suffered from eczema for 53 years and only recently have I found a regime which keeps it at bay...
A shower every morning, and then a mixture of "Neutrogena" and "Eurax" applied all over...
Better check out what your doctor thinks.
Works for me - hope the same for you!
| By Farhana on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 11:33 am: |
Hi everyone,
Just found this site. I've had eczema since I was six years old. By my teens it was almost everywhere, completly out of control. I tried every conventional and alternative therapy until I promised myself I wouldn't put myself through any more new treatments...Until I found The Eczema Solution, a book by Sue Armstrong-Brown. It changed my life! It's based on a programme designed at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital. It's revolutionary message is that the itching has got to go for the creams to be effective. It is possible, honest. I itched all the time, but using their technique I hardly ever scratch anymore. My skin is now 90% clear of eczema! I'm trying to get the word out on this book, because I suffered a LOT, and I can't sleep at night knowing that people are still suffering. If you want more info. or want to chat e-mail me. This book really can help sufferers of chronic atopic eczema, read the reviews at amazon...see for yourself. P.S. I'm not selling this book, I don't get commission, honest!
| By gelfi on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 08:50 am: |
anyone know of anyway/medication to reduce the redness or visibility of those darn eczema?I have been having the E fr like 2 years plus now...nothing seems to help..jabs or pills n creams are useless..its flares n it stays!I've got it all over my back and neck..awful site especially fr gals!
| By lemmy on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 04:00 pm: |
I am a 20 year old male, I saw a dermatolagist about my eczema and he perscribed prednisilone and said to get more of my gp,
next week i went to my gp and they refuse to give me medication as they say it'll go on its own
| By lee on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 07:37 pm: |
heard a story about a young girl who was getting inject with some sort of bacteria every month it worked probably cause it gave her immune system a real threat.
| By lee on Friday, March 05, 2004 - 11:43 am: |
been prescribed anti depressants recently seem to work but they make me itch like crazy, isnt god proper funny!
| By lee on Friday, March 05, 2004 - 11:39 am: |
pookie its a load of BS that youl grow out of it they keep upping the anti from 12 to 18 to30 last i heard ill grow out of it when im 40, then ill probably grow into some new and equally depressing disease.
| By lee on Friday, March 05, 2004 - 11:36 am: |
has anyone been prescribed vallegan? either syrup or pills and if so how did this affect you mentally.
| By Pookie on Friday, March 05, 2004 - 09:29 am: |
I've had eczema all my life and at 22 i've still yet to grow out of as promised by doctor after doctor after doctor who saw my case as a mere inconvience to them, never mind the pain i was going through!! Its good to know that there are others out there who feel the same. I guess i'm quite 'lucky' in a way, i suffer from seborrhoeic eczema which isn't too painful at the best of times. the real pain is from having people staring at you because you have got a really red, flaky face and what appears to be bad dandruff!!! I have found that good old E45 mosiutriser helps on the days when the eczema isn't too bad, i try to avoid seriod creams as they can cause a change in pigment colour on the skin, especially delicate skin like the face.
| By MELINDA on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 10:02 pm: |
There are alot of creams and lotions to help us we just got to find which one is for us.
I personally like Avena, St. Ives, Oil of Ole, cocoa butter. For the ointments i like to use Triamocinolone, A+D, and hydrocortisone. oh and cortaid.(try not to use lotions with too much Alcohol)
I was prescribed Benidryl to help me to stop scratching so much in my sleep.
I switch from medicines to medicines so my skin dosen't get too ammuned to one medication. that helps.
If you guys find other good lotions or med's for your eczema tell about them
| By Justme on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 05:55 am: |
Hello again my wife found some good from a Acupuncture.So go give it ago. She found out that stress from worrying about what she looked like.So she got no stress now & eczema is almost gone.All the best & hope it works for you to...
| By s@z on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 04:33 pm: |
hello, ppl,
as a fellow eczema sufferer, reading all your msgs has made me think i am not alone! although it annoys me when people say you'l grow out of it...i live in hope!! hopefully we'l all grow out of it or discover some miracle cure. until then
ppl keep smiling and try not to let things get u down as this is the only way i have learnt that i can deal with it. its not easy but we'll get there in the end. good luk to u all. xx
| By s@z on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 04:33 pm: |
hello, ppl,
as a fellow eczema sufferer, reading all your msgs has made me think i am not alone! although it annoys me when people say you'l grow out of it...i live in hope!! hopefully we'l all grow out of it or discover some miracle cure. until then
ppl keep smiling and try not to let things get u down as this is the only way i have learnt that i can deal with it. its not easy but we'll get there in the end. good luk to u all. xx
| By michey on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - 08:16 pm: |
I'm a 42 african american and I just went to the doctor today after going through this since childhood about my skin condition. First, the eczema would be only on the palms on my hands now it's the outside of my hands and on my feet and ankles. I was to embrassed to talk about it and my mother never addressed the itching and picking I would do to my hands to the doctor. The itching sometimes is just unbearable. I apply cocoa butter for my scaring and it seems to work for me. The doctor has given me a prescribtion to try for 3wks then return if it doesn't help. I'm so embarrased to show my hands from the the picking I've done to my skin. I keep my hands folded under my arms most of the time. I hope everyone who reads this gets better soon.
| By NOMOREITCHING on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 07:10 pm: |
I've had eczema on my hands for almost 10 years now and it has gotten worse over the years. I recently noticed though that if I used Elocon and Diprolene together, it clears the blisters and itching in a matter of hours. I keep my hands moisturized by using the johson and johson baby oil gel-- with the green cap aloe and vitamin E. (it's greasy but it keeps my hands moisturized). So, I only put just a very tiny dab. I hope this helps someone as it has helped me. And also, I only use Dove unscented soap and uses baby shampoo for my hair. I don't touch detergents / household cleaners at all without any vinyl gloves (as I am allergic to latex). Use cotton gloves at night after applying a liberal amount of the baby oil gel. And also, I take a tiny bit of benadryl (children's dye free allerygy liquid) at night since I itch a lot at night. It has helped so far. I take half of the recommended dose as I don't want to be drowsy the next day. I know how frustrating the itching can be. I have cried many many times. I pray that my eczema stays in remission forever!!! I thank God that my husband has been very understanding and supportive. Take care.
| By Chris on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 09:40 pm: |
Hi everyone.
Finally managed to find a messageboard on the web for eczema sufferes.
Sorry if i posted this in the wrong section of the forum.
Just after a bit of advice with the application of protopic on the face. I currently use the emmoilient cetreben (not sure on spelling) on my face. I find it works best using it as a soap by massaging in to face with water, then rinse off face and dry. But my problem always has been when i wash my face it always goes dry really quickley so i then have to put the cetraben on as a moisturiser without water afterwoods.
I was just wondering when the best time to put the protopic on is because i've heard you have to put it onto dry skin and not use a moisturised on untill 2 hours afterwoods. What im currently doing is using cetreben with water as moisturiser, rinsing off and drying and then waiting a couple of minutes and putting the protopic on rather than applying more cetreben. I was just worried i might be doing this wrong and was after any tips of how others appply it on the face.
Many thanks,
Chris.
PS. Can i just add that Justin Wilson Rules and is going to tan everyone on the starting grid in his new Jaguar! What out Schumacher, there's a young brit ready for the challenge!!!
| By Itchy on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 06:40 am: |
Hey, Anonymous:
To answer your question, atopic dermatits and eczema is the same thing; atopic dermatitis is the medical term for eczema. Though there are nor cure for eczema at the moment yet, there are promising medications which help to improve the symptoms of eczema such as Tacrolimus. Eczema is thought to be caused by genetic defects, in our chromosomes. Patients suffering from eczema often found that they are allergic to something in the environment such as dustmite. It is a good idea to do a patch test to see what you are allergic to, and might help to reduce the itches. Hope this will help.
| By Justme on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 12:25 am: |
Hi guy's my wife as it all over & she is 36.Its getting so hard now she is so bad with it.She cry's her self to sleep.Can somone tell me if the pill is good for it as i think its a hormonal thing.
thanks.
| By michelle on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 09:22 am: |
Thanks "anonymous". It's good to hear stories about kids who haven't got eczema. I guess there are so many things to worry about with kids that if you worried about everything, you'd never get anywhere. I have also heard recently that giving kids probiotics early in life can reduce the intensity of eczema. I guess we will just have to wait and see. Thanks again !!!!
| By Itchy scratchy on Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 05:14 am: |
Does anyone have a husband or significant other that will scratch your back for you? Mine does & it feels so nice. In fact, he'll scratch any weird place my eczema itches even if it's on my hands or fingers. It just feels so good when you have a person with normal skin that itches your abnormal skin. It kind of feels like I've died & went to heaven. Know what I mean? But I do make sure his nails are always trimmed with no jagged edges so I won't get an infection. And even if he wouldn't itch my skin, it still wouldn't matter because I would just itch it myself. Or I would find some object to itch it with. So let's be honest now, I'm sure most of us have done the same thing.
| By anonymous on Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 04:58 am: |
Michelle, you were wondering about starting a family with your eczema. Go ahead, you're children probably won't get it if you breast feed them for as long as you can. There's something about the breast milk that fights infection. My dermatoligist told me that. I tried breastfeeding both of my boys as long as I could. At least a couple months anyway, and they don't have it. Their skin is perfectly normal. You can even tell that when you look at them. However, my 17 year old son has allergies & hayfever. Those are both related to eczema. If I just had allergies & asthma, then he would have probably gotten the eczema. My youngest son has nothing so far. He turned out lucky. If your husband has no allergies or skin diseases & his family doesn't either, then you have a pretty good chance that your children will turn out okay. So don't worry about it. Just pray to God that your children won't get eczema & they probably won't. That's what I did & both of them don't have it.
| By anonymous on Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 04:43 am: |
I've tried Kenallog shots too, but they didn't work. Plus I've tried Diprolene, Triamcinolone &
Fluocinonide. None of them worked. I'm still using the Triamcinolone & Fluocinonide, but I still have outbreaks alot & itching everyday. I'm 44 & have itched 44 years of my life. It's miserable! If eczema wasn't known to be a skin disease, then we wouldn't worry about it. But it is & we have to accept it until there's a cure. It's also not a little rash either. When people say this, they're not being honest with themselves. Also, scientists won't come up with a cure either if they think some people aren't serious about this & think that they've already found the magic treatment. Afterall, scientists are getting paid good money by the hour to treat this disease, let's let them do their work. How would they like to itch & itch all day long from morning till night? How would they like to go in public places with open sores all over their bodies & people staring at them? Then what about the blood on our sheets from constant itching & scratching, not to mention hands that look like they're 100 years old. Sometimes my nose will look beet red even in the winter. That's from my eczema too. Plus, I also am allergic to latex, eggs, bananas & certain fish. These food allergies go hand in hand with my eczema. So does asthma, animal dander & hayfever. Now do we want a cure or not for this? I do! I have suffered enough.
| By Linds on Saturday, July 05, 2003 - 07:27 am: |
Hello all. Im a 20 year old female from Colorado and the past few weeks have been absolute hell. I have had E for about fifteen years (according to my mother) and I dont recall it ever being as bad as it has been lately. I had to go to the after hours clinic yesterday because I could barely walk. I have it one my feet (where it is the worst) arms, back, chest, stomach and legs. Its horrible and the wrost part is is that my job just doesnt gget the amount of pain I am suffering everyday I stand on my feet for eight hours with them weeping into my socks. Its so frustrating but is such a relief to find others with this condition who arent afraid to talk about it. Thanks for listening to my ramble
| By Michelle on Friday, July 04, 2003 - 08:55 am: |
THANK GOD !!! A site that allows eczema sufferers a voice. I am a 31 year old female and have suffered all my life. I have tried every cream, lotion, potion, ointment and therapy and guess what, it's still there. I have just read all these letters and cried. It is so good to hear other people talk about their condition and realise that I am not alone.
I am slowly starting to deal with the fact that I have eczema. Yes, I have had it all my life. Yes, I have spent countless days in bed crying over the state of my skin. Yes, I have had the "rash" comments from the unknowing, and the knowing for that matter. Yes, I scratch when I am in public. Yes, my sheets and pillow case are often covered with blood in the morning. Yes, I believe that eczema can be a physically, emotionally and mentally debilitating condition that is not recognised as such.
But, eczema is part of who I am. If I didn't have eczema, would I be the same person. I often think of the statement, "That that doesn't kill us only makes us stronger." I think I am a stronger person because of my eczema.
It is winter here at the moment and I am going through 'scalym, dry, itchy' skin. When summer comes around I will go through the 'sweaty, inflamed, weepy' skin. But at the moment I feel I am in control of my skin, something I as you all know can change very quickly, but life is about taking the good with the bad and I am going to enjoy the good.
Again, THANK YOU (whoever you are) for creating this site and allowing me to express 31 years of frustration.
My husband and I are considering starting a family and as some other people have mentioned, I am concerned about passing it on to my children. Does anyone have any experience with this or heard any research ?? It would be great to hear from you.
| By Ellie on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 12:54 am: |
Hey there - I've had eczema since babyhood, and the doctors thought I would grow out of it too. First they said when I was 7, then 14, then 21 etc, etc. There was some premise that every 7 years the skin renews itself...I have no idea whether this is the truth or not!!
Still, I'm 35 now and it is much better than it used to be. I get it worst on my face...the skin is quite delicate there and ofteh the slightest thing can set it off, and I get this hot glowing sensation, the skin goes roughish to the touch. Also dry and flaky.
I have tried various things over the years, be it medical or alternative. I have 2 things going for me at the moment. ELIDEL is something a consultant put me on recently. And although I was unsure at first, as when I first used it my face felt as if it was having a bad flare up (all hot and burny) and I stopped using it, I went back and perservered and I am now sure it does work for me. It also seems to clear up the dryness. I did start using it every day even when I didn't have a flare up (kinda as a preventative measure), but the doc did say, no, don't do that, just use it when you get signs of the flare up.
Still, seems to be doing good. (Though, some times the skin still drives me potty as I have to wait to feel the tingle before using it, and I still have this reflex action which says, don't use to much to often, left over from steroid days. I do worry I have thinned the skin on my face from the times when it was really horrid. I am so glad that ELIDEL isn't steroidal!)
The other thing is that I try to drink bucket LOADS OF WATER A DAY!! LOL...seriously I know as a general health thing people say drink 8 glasses a day. Well, I have VERY dry skin and I try to drink a glass an hour whilSt at work, and some more in the evenings. It works wonders at clearing up the dryness. It can be quite hard sometimes to remeber to drink enough, but hey its for my own good, and it only side effect is needing to visit the little girls room more! I figure the water is moisturising me from the inside out...though I do still moistrise my face day and night, and like to have moisturiser on hand during the day. I wanted to post this, as it may not work for everyone, but then again, it may work for some. And it is so easy to do, compared to other treatments, thatif you don't drink alot of water at the moment, it might be worth it to try it. The only thing I am not sure of, is that someone onece said that when you start increaing your intake, your body may try and get rid of impurities through the skin, although this would only last a short while, while your body detoxifies - I think I read this in a beauty mag, not to do with eczema, and I can't recall if it happened with me. Just one thing to think of I guess, but water is not on prescription, and thus a lot cheaper than somethings! Some people here have mentioned saunas and humid countries, so maybe drinking water is the same sort of thing, just in reverse as it were!
It used to be I was never confident meeting people cause I would never know how I looked, flake wise. Well, I'm still not confident, but I think that is ingrained now!! But at least if I keep up my routine, I can help minimise the flakes!
Sorry this is so long - I have never posted to an eczma forum before, and I guess, I am waffling a bit!
| By Want to shout!! on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 11:07 pm: |
Anon, thats a very good question. One we hope all our clever little scientists will hurry up and answer!
| By Anonymous on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 11:10 pm: |
If anyone is saying that they used some natural kind of remedy for their eczema & it is completely cleared up, I wonder if they really had eczema to begin with? Because I'm 44 now & I still have it. I eat right, exercise, take vitamins & tried all those natural approaches, plus the new drugs out like Protopic & Elidel. Guess what folks? It hasn't gone away. I have atopic dermatitus, maybe that's alot different than others. I heard it's more serious than just eczema. But doesn't really matter if it's plain eczema or atopic, there should still be a cure for it since it is a disease! All diseases should have cures! So why doesn't eczema have one?
| By chuy on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 - 08:17 am: |
hi everyone
I glad to know Im not alone whith this problem on the skin. Ihave 40 years old ,6 years ago stared to have eczema very bad I used a lot of creams but i still have eczema,the best thing it work for me is a inyection of kenalog it clear me for two monts
| By eczemasucks on Thursday, May 22, 2003 - 06:12 am: |
22 year old male college frat guy in U.S. here. I have asthma and allergies all my life. The eczema was always associated with my asthma, but as I reached my teens the asthma became more mild with each year, as so did the eczema. But around two years ago, the ezcema started acting up and hasnt stopped. It comes and goes, I have little patches here and there, and its so annoying. There is a cream that works for me- Diprolene AF. I got it years ago and put it on the rash for a couple days and it goes away.
I have never associated eczema with my face, though I have had mild acne growing up, and still have to regulate it with washes. But Ive noticed my face looks dry alot, and by reading others posts, I am going to go to the dermatologist.
I am a health freak and always include a wide variety of veggies and fruits in my diet. Tomatoes are always included daily, which may be a factor.
I have a question- Those who are effected with ezcema, do you get canker sores(not cold sores/Herpes Simplex 1, canker sores are ulcerations of the skin inside the mouth). This may as well be due to the foods with high acidity, like tomatoes.
| By Zeah on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 02:08 pm: |
I've found that climate indeed plays a role in my eczema. While I was in Malaysia, I found the humidity helped to keep my skin soft, and allowed me to reduce my applications of aqueous cream. Unfortunately my eczema didn't completely heal, likely due to allergic reations to certain foods.
I have now returned to the UK, and my skin has been coping badly with the climate change. My face especially has suffered. I now have to apply aqueous cream very regularly and I always wake up in the morning with dry tired skin. Sometimes I just can't be bothered getting out of bed because it means having to deal with the problem. Ocassionally I use a steroid ointment if I flame up too much, but only very rarely because I don't want my skin to become dependent on it.
Argh, I miss the days in Malaysia when I only worried about what I ate and not about how I moisturised.
| By Lex on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 06:11 pm: |
I'm so glad I found this site. It's comforting to know that there are other adults with eczema, who are having the same issues I have. I live in New Jersey, and the hot muggy Jersey summer days are becoming frequent already.
I am so self-conscious about my arms because I have constant patches in my under-arms, and on the inside of my elbows. I also have scars from using a steroid cream for too long. It's almost impossible to wear long sleeves most days here. I might be able to get away with sleeves, except my classrooms are so hot, as they are in some very old buildings.
I have noticed that I'm more irritated when I'm stressed out, and the end of this semester has been particularly hectic. I can't wait till I'm home, and with my family so I don't have to feel like I should offer an explanation for my bad skin. My parent's are very supportive, and helpful, and understanding. They've seen me when I can't stand to move anything because even moving makes me itch.
Oh, this is so much longer than I intended, it just feel good to know that there are people who know what it feels like, who can offer some support when it's really bad.
| By Fee on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 07:56 pm: |
I suffer from v.bad scares on my arms and legs due to 20 years of scratching, and when my legs arn't all cut and scabby (sounds nice I know) and I feel confident enough to show them I find that I can raise my confidence more by making a kind of tinted moisturiser out of what ever moisteriser I am not allergic to at the time mixed with a little foundation. I not sure how much this hides the scares but it makes the skin look healthier and makes me feel more confident.
I would also like to say how much this site has helped me this evening. My skin was so bad this afternoon that I called in sick to work (I work in a pub which means I have to talk to a lot of people) tonight because I cound not bare to go out the house and have everyone see how red and blotchy my face, hands arms and neck are (and those are just the bit you can see) I was very up set and this site has calmed me down which means that my skin has also calmed down, yay! Just knowing that there are people out there who understand is such a comfort.
| By Suz on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:54 am: |
Hi everyone!
This is my first time onboard, and I'm really relieved to find other sufferers!
Have suffered from eczema for only 2 months-plus... But I've been very depressed and self-conscious all this while.
Used to love wearing mini-skirts and sleeveless clothes... Now, I've to hide my entire body, 'cos even though the eczema is no longer inflamed or itchy, there are these AWFUL scars all over my legs, hands and body. And they are worst on my legs... large patches of brown stuff all over.
I didn't get it as a child... I'm 24 now, and spent my birthday feeling disgusted with myself..
Does anyone have any way to deal with these awful scars? Would appreciate it very much!
Thanks!
| By Zeah on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 03:46 am: |
Hiya,
I wrote earlier about the humidity in Malaysia helping my skin. Well, I'm still in Malaysia (been about four months) and I feel that the climate here has really helped my skin out a great deal. Even a friend from the UK (who happens to live here now) commented that my skin was so much better!
The eczema on my face used to be especially bad, with my cheeks being constantly red and the area around my mouth being really dry. But now things have eased up.
Before, I couldn't tell which types of food were bad for me because I couldn't make out the difference in my skin. But now that it has healed a little, I am able to point out whether I have any reactions to some food. So far I've figured out I'm allergic to seafood (which happens to be my favourite type of food! Argh!).
But there are also a couple of bad things about the climate here in Malaysia. One, the sun is extremely strong and sunburn/tanning does absolutely no good to my skin. And two, the constant sweating is beginning to irritate my face and makes me more prone to acne. But I guess these things do not outweigh the goodness that being in this this country has brought me.
Thanks for listening
| By Blue on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 12:21 pm: |
Hi LM
like u iv also suffered from it all my life- its sumfing that just wont go away 4me.
How do u think it affects ur social life?
Do u tend to put urself down and wonder wot others think?
Love blue
| By LM on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 05:38 pm: |
HI everyone, its great to find other people to talk to about my eczema. Im 21 and have suffered from atopic E all my life. Ive been in and out of different hospitals and used lots of creams tablets etc. I have recently started using Protopic and it seems to be calming it down alittle on my face.
I just wish i could be clear of it all together as its all over my body. Maybe one day!!!!
| By anon on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 06:49 pm: |
hi peachy! GUESS WHO?
| By justme on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 04:27 am: |
Is any one here from n.s.w australia....
If so please e-mail me at sgammo69@hotmail.com
love to chat.
Thanks Steve.
| By hev on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 01:54 am: |
Hi there
I am 37, and expecting my first baby in June. I have had eczema since age 2 and still have it - it has moved about but never gone away and I too am fed up with people calling it infantile eczema (atopic). I am also fed up with people asking me if I have seen a doctor about 'that rash' when I have seen about 15 doctors and 4 proffessors also heaps of dermatology nurses and various 'alternative' therapy people. Still I walk around with a bright red blotchy face - one huge blotch round each eye and one round the mouth. Make up just sinks in and then I get a face full of flakes which fall everywhere. Yup - disgusting I know but you guys know how I feel - thank God somebody does! I was given protopic - and IT WORKED!! but to be given a miniscule tube and told to 'apply to all of body twice daily' is a bit pants - the tube would last about a day! Bonus - I am pregnant so I get free prescriptions. Typical - coz I am pregnant the doc refuses to prescribe it as it has not been tested during pregnancy. Bummer! - and no it has not cleared up even though it does for most people during pg. I have been viscopaste bandaging myself almost daily since I left hospital (Dermatology - flare up) in November and boy is that messy. I just hope and pray junior does not have eczema - if it is the one hope I have left.
| By AK on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 08:49 pm: |
Steve,
we all know how you feel here.
Have your wife tried cod liver oil? That worked for my sister after she read it here, not for me though. I'm now trying probiotics, she could try that too. Fingers crossed for us all.
| By Justme on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 07:42 pm: |
Hi guys im Steve my wife Kerrie suffers eczema also & she is 37 its getting worst i just dont no what were going to do.she as had all the allergie test.nothing works.i just had 1 big cry reading all your message i feel 4 you all.love Steve
| By gerri on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 02:07 am: |
I have just found out that I have something that is like eczema my dr said that it was a kind of eczema. My mother has suffered for years with it. I cant remember what he called it but it hurts on my face like all get out
| By kate on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 04:41 pm: |
I live in the uk and i have got protopic on prescription which costs £6.20. Have been using it for a month now and its cleared the eczema up on my face pretty well, the redness has reduced as well. Have also found that giving up chocolate and orange juice has stopped the itching
| By Micki on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 06:11 am: |
Is protopic not covered my medical insurance in australia? In the US, it's not too expensive.
| By Micki on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 06:08 am: |
Zeah!
I am there with you! I have wondered whether or not it would just be better for me to adopt kids in the future so they will not have to suffer what I've been through. In my bad periods I really think about how eczema has changed me, how many dances and other activities I have turned down or avoided, how many excuses I have made, the way I think about my future sometimes and fear what inopportune times my skin will decide to rebel on me. Sometimes it feels impossible to carry on a normal conversation with someone when you think that all they see when they look at you is your skin and you imagine pity and revulsion in their voice. I love this site because it really hits me that there are others who understand that eczema isn't just a "little skin problem". Sometimes my parents just tell me I am making too big an issue out of this, that I don't look SO bad, that there are people out there worse off. But I know how I look, and I know how I unconsciously appraise people when I meet them and how they probably do the same with me. But also think about how you would treat somebody with a skin problem - you could probably look past it and love the person you are talking to - remember there are many blessed people out there who can do this - your friends, for instance.
It's great to know that others understand! And it's also so amazing to see how many things we have in common like compassion and an intense appreciation of the valuable things in life. Like it or not, eczema has made us who we are, and I like who I am inside.
Somebody wrote that with eczema they have learned who their real friends are and thus have become good judges of character. I think this is a fascinating idea and I share the trait!
I love kids and I love the idea of raising a child to be compassionate and kind - I don't know if I think it's so important that the child be biologically mine. Maybe eczema is a kind of recessive trait and if you just find a spouse with really good skin it'll be ok
Lots of luck to you all out there! It's important to remember that EVERYONE has their own problems.
| By Peachy on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 02:46 pm: |
Zeah - to help reduce scarring, Try neem Cream. It's a bit smelly but works well. I think it's available from good health shops. Good luck.
Tomatoes play havoc with my skin too and I was interested to read about humidity helping your skin. I use the steam room at my local health club and that really helps my skin.
| By Syique on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 08:27 am: |
Hi All,
I am new here and find it soo pleasing to find another site dedicated to ezcema sufferers.
I have had Ez. since I can remember and this year has been particularly bad. I have heard also that you grow out of it. Well im 25 and still suffering. Everyone else I know does not suffer from it anymore. Bugger.
Recently my doctor finally recommended me protopic, which I quizzed him about a while ago, but didnt seem to be aware. In Australia unfortunately it costs in the hundreds of dollars.
I would like to know what the price range is in the uK?
| By Zeah on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 05:49 am: |
Hi,
I'm 23, from the UK, but at the moment I'm taking some time away in Malaysia. What I've noticed is that the humidity and constant sweating has been beneficial to my skin, and helped to moisturise areas that I thought would never get better.
I've also been experimenting with food, by reducing the amount of spicy/tomatoey food that I eat, and by eating a lot more vegetables. I've also been drinking much more water everyday (maybe ten cups or more). What I've discovered is that for the first time, my face (which gets irritated easily) has become clearer and fairer, with much less skin contrast compared to the rest of my body (which suffers from milder eczema). I need to experiment more to find out exactly what it is that causes these bad reactions.
I also find it greatly beneficial to cleanse my face every morning and night with Oilatum and a piece of cotton wool. It helps to keep my face clean and also reduce any acne outbreaks.
Does anyone know of any way to get rid of eczema scars? A while back, during a particulary bad phase, I almost scratched all the skin away from my forearms. Well, the skin has healed now (relatively speaking), but I'm left with dark patches all over my arms, especially inside my elbows. Is there a way to get rid of the darkening, or will I have to live with it all my life?
Just one other thing. Even though I'm still young, I'm afraid to have any kids in the future in case they all develop eczema. I don't want them to go through what I went through, because at some points my eczema has been so bad that I just wanted to die. I don't want to pass on the agony. Has anyone else ever felt the same way?
| By Rose on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 06:29 pm: |
I haven't been on since July and there's a very good reason. Over the course of the summer I was in a horrible state. My eczema was getting so bad I actually intertained the idea of killing the nerve endings in my hands and legs so I wouldn't feel it any more. Well I went to yet another dermitoligest to get some emergancy protopic. That is where I belive I've found what I was looking for all these years. Why do I have excema, and how can I make it go away? He told me that there was nothing much he could do for me short of giving me some prednizone and protopic to stop the pain. I was ready to take a seringe from his draw and reak havoc to just stop the pain when he told me his family suffered from the same thing and that there was a cure. Many people who have excema suffer for so long because they don't know what causes it and dermitologists really can't figure it out. It turns out that alot of them had a desies called Candida. Basicaly your body is not able to handle certian preservatives and other bad things founf in our normal eating habits and toxins build up in the body. The only doctors I know of equipped to handle such things are holistic chiropractors. Now I know half of you just stopped paying attention because holistic means alternative treatment, but think about this. "Would you be any worse off if it didn't work? and more importantly what if it did and you could be rid of the pain?" I went to this Holistic Chiropractor and much as I suspected my immune system was in shambles. She set me on a regiment of ajustments like any other chiropractor, then removed the foods from my diebt that were agrivating the problem. (Basically everything but brown rice and vegetables because I had it so bad. But hey anythings is better than exzema right?) then she gave me some vitamin suppliments to combat the fungus infection and the rash on my skin. She also told me I had to excersise everyday to held drive out the infection through my pores. At first it got a little more agitated because I was forcing the cause of the problem onto my skin. But then.. then it just stopped. The pain, the rash, everything. It didn't happen over night mind you. It took about a month or so for the worst of it to be over, and even now I'm still on the diebt, but I don't have excema any more. Not to mention the fact that I'm sleeping better. The hardest thing to get rid of was the infection in my fingers. My family knows alot about herbs and since my fingers were infected I soaked them in hot water saturated with sage to draw out the infection. I decded to post this for everyone who it could help. Think about it, many doctors recomend saunas. The sweating helps drive out the infection but it won't go away completely unless it's done right. I really hope that at least some of you will look up some holistic chiropractors in your area. It's not a fast proccess but to be completely free of excema it is worth it! Please look into it.
| By Anonymous on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 11:27 am: |
I had eczema as a child on my arms, when i was 18ish it moved onto my face especially round my eye and down the sides of my face. I'm now 22 and in the middle of a nasty flare up. i have bright red patches round my eyes and down cheeks. I've tried all the usual steroid creams but nothing seems to work. my dermatologist has asked my doctor to prescribe protopic so fingers crossed, i've heard lots of good things about it. Has anyone else tried it? What were the results like?
| By chichenscratch on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 06:34 pm: |
Hello. I am a 35-year-old female who has obviously not grown out of her eczema, which I've had since infancy. I am currently flaring up again, so I went to the net to look for answers... this is my first visit to this site.
I have read some information on essential fatty acids, but I AM allergic to fish (although not seafood, oddly enough.) Does anyone know of any sources other than flaxseed?
As for the sun, my dermatologist told me that it can do nothing, make it better, or make it worse. It makes mine worse. The dryness from central heating also makes it worse, but living in the middle of the Canadian prairies means that I have no option.
The dermatologist also told me to only use soap on dirt, i.e., that showers or baths should be rinses. As well, he told me to rinse my clothes twice, NEVER use fabric softeners, and wear only cotton (it breathes). I have found this advice very helpful.
| By sarahm on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 09:47 pm: |
Hi, I dont know if this will help anyone else but it seems to have worked for me. Only last week i was complaining how bad my eczema was on my face, It was red, blotchy and cracking in places so i bought myself a facial tanner (about £40 in the sale at Argos or Index) and bought some hemp body lotion from the body shop (£7.00 for a fairly big pot) and my ezcema is vairly visible now.
All I did was use the facial tanner 3 times for 10 minutes each time over a week then immediatly after washed my face with cool water and applied the cream. I also used the cream every time i washed my face (I used to apply E45 instead)and it seems to have done the trick.
I definatly recommend the cream as i have tried a lot of things and this is the first thing that has worked so quickly.
I hope this helps someone
slmarsden@hotmail.com
| By sarah on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 05:35 pm: |
The winter is a time when everyone uses their central heating. Central heating blows around the house dust mite and this irritates eczema. Central heating, not the cold weather is the culprit.
Does anyone find that their energy levels and sometimes co-ordination are affected by eczema? Do you think you have malnutrition due to food allergies associated with eczema.
I noticed that a lot of people can not spell the word eczema. Do you have dyslexia? Are you allergic to fish? Have you heard of essential fatty acids and are you aware of the link between Dyslexia, dypraxia, childhood hyperactivity and ADHD and the lack of certain nutrients in fish, eggs, nuts etc. I would be interested to know
| By X on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 12:25 pm: |
Hey there SarahM I totally understand how you're feeling at the moment but hang in there. I only ever get the dreaded condition on my face and it has taken me into my late twenties to finally find something that appears to be working. I've been using 'Doublebase' cream, apparently you can get it over the counter, it's very mild and doesn't leave you looking greased up. Anyway don't let the Eczema stop you living, I've been there and its very lonely and very boring, so get out and rock and shop.
| By Pam on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 09:26 am: |
Dear Sarah M,
I'm 32 and have had eczema on my face and body. I found evening primrose capsules very good for my face, you need to take a high dosage for about three months. And speaking as a fellow shopoholic, don't let eczema put you off shopping I found it makes me feel ten times better.
Good luck!
| By SarahM on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 07:31 pm: |
I am 20 and have always suffered with ezcema all over my body aprt from my face but in recent years my face is the only place I get it. I find myself getting upset (which really doesn't help my skin!)and refusing to go out if I can get away with it (and for someone who's a born shopoholic means i get more depressed!) I only really suffer this in winter but it really gives me a downer. I have tried almost everything but it doesn't seem to work if anyone can suggest something which is mild enough for the face i'd be gratefull
Please email slmarsden@hotmail.com
I just want to be able to shop again!!
| By wacy on Monday, October 28, 2002 - 08:50 pm: |
By wacy on Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 03:38 pm:
Hi all,
I used to feel the same way. No confidence, only go out at night etc. I found doing the following helped my facial Eczema clear up by 90%.
Following the instructions is important to minimise irritation. In the morning was your face with cold water, then cream a little bit of emulsifying cream in your hands and cream on your face then pat until your face is moist. Only usethat towel on your face. Thats important to minimise baterial transfer from other parts of the body. Also use that face towel for a max of 1 week. When your going out wash your face again with cold water and pat dry. Rub a little emulsyfing cream in your hands until it becomes translucent (clear) them smear on your face. During the day I take a small towel with me and repeat this routine when I feel my face getting dry. At night wash your face with cold water, cream a little emulsyfing cream and wash face with it and pat face moist.
I found this routine became habit after about a week and the improvement in skin was better than any doctors prescibed treatment. But if you do find that you need something stronger for an infection go see your doctor as soon as you can.
Hope this helps someone. Let me know if it helps.
| By Tony on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 03:18 pm: |
Alright people with eczma this site looks interesting all you lot drowning your sorrows but dont worry i have had eczmz since i was 3yrs old i've had my bad times and my good times, i've tried a lot of stuff, proffessionals telling me use this and in a matter of time everything will be ok but i gave up on any medical treatment i'm know sticking to using one cream until i know there is something out there to help my skin, I think this cream called emulsifying ointment helps stop the eczma growing any worse but what can you do about it, i get it from my doctor, even though they do my head in, only if they knew what they were talkin about. I'm thinkin of going to one of them chinese herbal shops they look interesting enough to try out, u get me people
| By tennessa on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 07:02 pm: |
I am 21 and haved lived with eczema for a long time. I live in MI and where i live none of the dr. know what they are doing. they told me that i would grow out of it haha very funny. i have a 2 year old son that has it too. there are very many sleepless night in my home. my husand and 4 year old daughter try to help us out as much as possible. But it is hard when you can't find any thing or anybody that can help. what i am asking of you is to find some helpful thing for this ishing,infected, ierritated pain in my skin.
| By littlegem on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 10:50 pm: |
I find my skin clears up when I have been on holiday in the sun. I have bad excemea on my neck, but I find if I get sun burnt on it, the skin peels off and redness goes away for a while. It is not a permenant solution as it usually comes back in the winter but it helps for a wheil. does anyone else find that their skin gets beter in the sun?
| By blotchy! on Monday, September 09, 2002 - 10:55 pm: |
Hi everyone,
I feel so blessed to have found a site like this one. I wish that I could have found it in my teenage years! I am a 25 year old woman and have lived with my best friend, eczema, for all of 23. I also have 2 older sisters who have struggled with it in the past, but I had it worst. I was so excited to find this site that I couldn't decide whether to call myself (as I have done in the past) "Skin Snowman" or "Flaky Jake." Hahaha. As you see I have developed a sense of humor about it and of course have learned so many valuable lessons from having this disease.
My eczema is not as bad as it was in childhood and adolescence, but as you can tell by my name, I am blotchy. My norman skin color should be reddish brown but sometimes it looks like ash and on the inside of my arms it looks like cowhide...It's interesting to meet someone for the first time and see their eyes give you the once over. But a smile really does make a difference and once they see that my attitude is positive, it's no big deal with them. Actually, one blessing of having the big E is knowing who your real friends are, and being able to see IMMEDIATELY what kind of character the person you are meeting has.
I've been working with a nutritionist lately and she has found that my body does not absorb conjugated linoleic acid and fatty acids very well. Also that I have a "stuck" liver and a very dried out gallbladder. In fact, my body is very very dry all over and deprived of essential fatty acids like omega 3 and 6. I've been feeling much better after nutritional supplements including: phosphotydlcholine, conjugated linoleic acids, omega-3, flax seed oil. My nutritionist even told me to coat my skin in oil (like flax, olive, grapeseed, etc.), all over the body, incl. hair and scalp, and sunbathe as naked as possible under the sun. This is actually quite good for the skin--just don't stay out too long. I tried it and have found that it feels very good, very hydrating, and really has helped me to sleep better at night. The supplements have also helped me to have better and more frequent bowel movements, which helps a lot.
I've tried a lot of alternative therapies, so if anyone would like to know further or share their own experiences with me, please let me know.
Hope this helps. I apologize to those of you who may not be able to laugh at my humor at this time. But I've been there and know too well what you are going through. My prayers are with you.
| By shell on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 06:48 pm: |
I'm 22 now and have had eczema since I was a baby too. I wasn't having any flare-ups until I made a trip to Malaysia with my family. During the trip I experienced the worst breakout I'd had in years. My neck, face, ears, and lips were all burning, itching, and oozing (is that the 'wet' eczema I saw else where on the site?). It was very difficult to have a pleasant time, but I did my best. I saw a doctor and was given oral steriods and a hydrocortizone cream which cleared things up for a bit. Anyway, I'm back in the states now but things still haven't cleared up more than a month later. I'm so glad that I found this site. I had no idea at all that so many people also had eczema.
In one week I am going to start student teaching in an elementary classroom and am a bit apprehensive about what my students will think of the large red, peeling patches on my face and neck, but I'll address it immediately when I give my introductory speech and I'll even read some of the comments from this site. Thanks for being a great support and resource.
| By Anonymous on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 08:59 pm: |
I'm a 30 year old female whose had ezcema all my life. It was quite severe through childhood and early adulthood but seems to be quite mild now and has been for the past 5 or so years. I only have occassional outbreaks a few times a month that are easily controlled with topical creams. My only real concern now is whether or not the scars will ever go away. My legs and buttocks are covered with brown discolorations everywhere. I've tried applying hydroquinine creams on the affected areas but they provide undesirable effects. The discolorations have faded somewhat but it's been years now and I was wondering if there was anything else I can do to speed up the process. In the meantime, I go to tanning salons to try to diminish the the appearance.
| By paul on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 10:56 am: |
his is all very good and interesting stuff. I've been struggling aginst the gradual encroachment of excema for the last two years, I had it as a kid and then have always had it in isolated patches. But, during the last two years it has gradually worsened until now I'm loking at 70% coverage. It seemed to get a lot worse when I began using Eumovate - I'd used steroids before but this time they didn't help anything. Last week I decided to stop using them completely and am now only using some awful parafin moisturiser that makes me feel like I'm joined to my clothes. Needless to say the excema is worsening!!!
The big problem seems to me to be working out if the problem is caused within your body or within your mind.
Anyway I've not much help to offer anyone, no advice, but I've found it helpful to look at this site and see that there are people in the same boat, sometimes people without even a boat, lets hope we all get better.
Paul.
| By Rose on Monday, June 24, 2002 - 03:23 pm: |
I completely understand Morgane. If it's not one thing it's another right? Even Protopic has it's down sides. Wasing the irritated spot in salt water might be a good thing to try. It'll dry out the skin, but it won't allow an of he more painfull outbreaks like weeping or cracking ones. Aloe is good for little dry patches, but for bigger ones protopic is more than worth the iching it invocs. Actualy I think the chemicals lossen the infected sky and allow us to sctracht it off. But I'm not a docter so I wouldn't really be sure. Good luck with your daughter.
| By Morgane on Monday, June 24, 2002 - 02:50 am: |
Rose,
What you said about moisturizer is very interesting. I have a daughter 16 months and recently I suspected some sensitivity with the moisturizer, then she had a flare up and I took her to the dermothologist. The dermatho told me NOT to use moisturizer because of the preservatives and chemical and to bath her with a cream (50% emulsifying ointment 50% water) and to apply hydrocortizone ointment on the red patch. I tought her skin would become so dry but was suprised that actually the skin is dry but less irritated. The bad thing is, if I apply a moisturizer now she tend to develop heat rash... it never end!
| By Rose on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 09:31 pm: |
I've had eczema since 3rd grade. At first I just thought it was a rash. Then came the long list of doctors and medicatins I can't pronounce. I'm sure you've probably been through simialr things. I'm still hopeing I'll grow out of it. Theres a very good chance people will untill their 25. I recently found out that eczema is prety common, and I'm so glad they have support groups because it's hard to go it alone. Out of all the various pain I've experianced in life I think
eczema is the worst because you really can't ignor it.
Isn't it anoying that when you try to go to sleep the eczema starts iching? I hate that.
Now I was going to ask a question. What wa it again? Oh yes, Dose anyone else find that regular mosturizores sometimes irritate your skin more? Dose any one know a diffrent mosturizing tecniquie I could try when I'm not on medication?
| By sheri on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 02:58 am: |
Thank you everyone for giving me advice on my eczema and you too Madam Flakey. I appreciate it.
This is a great support message board. What would I do without it? I'm also sorry I'm late with this message, been kind of busy. I've left another message regarding vitamin E oil & virgin olive oil. It's helped a little anyway. Still hoping that someday there will be a cure!!
| By Rose on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 01:46 am: |
I've noticed that my eczema goes away in the summer when it's hot and sticky. I live in New Jersey and it can get reallly hot in the summer sometimes. I think the costant mosture in the air helps alot. Mabey steam rooms would be a good thing to try.
| By Marie on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 02:42 pm: |
I know going away on short holidays or rejuvinations trips, as I like to call them (well the ones i dream about them) are an expensive way to treat your skin. But imagine if you put all the cost of all those lotion and potions together, some of us must have spent thousands upon thousands of pounds!! Okay buying things in small amounts and forking out 300-500 pounds a time is not the same. I think the thing is to have a 'sick skin account' and put some money down every week and go away at after the first six months of saving!!
Actually thats not a bad idea. A small group of people get together knowing they all have the same ailments and just deal with each other hopefully without as much hangups as if a ordinary trip away. Things that make you think Hhhmmm.
| By Marie on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 02:19 pm: |
Hello everyone
i am not sure where you are all sending your messages from. But i am from England born and bred. Anyway a few years ago i left the shores of Britain for a few weeks to go to Africa. I made sure i would wear the clothes that i am unable to wear over here, because of the weather and my lack of confidence. Anyway i was sitting in the van one day and i could feel the heat of the sun on my hands. so I looked down and what i noticed was that my skin had cleared up. Obviously the environment was much cleaner and the the fact that you are always perspiring contributes to the healing effects. This all happened after the first week over there and from then I felt liberated!! I backed off my thin summery cottons so i could feel the heat and the cool breeze on my skin for the first time. It was amazing. Of course i had to be careful of sunburn. But it was an amazing experiece. When came back home this form of "therapy" lasted for 5 months and then the eczema came back.
till later
| By lee on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 09:16 pm: |
it is exremely heartening to see that everyone on here has a sense of humour about what can seem at times to be a never ending nightmare homour comes from recognition
| By lee on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 09:12 pm: |
to cam LOL
| By lee on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 09:08 pm: |
to anonymous I dont think the pschological effects can be overstated i have found that they pervade almost every aspect of day to day life even though i consider myself to be a perfctly well balanced and dare i say otherwise good looking 31 year old male peopls reaction over the years has left me feeling constantly like aself conscios adolescent
| By Anonymous on Friday, May 24, 2002 - 10:15 am: |
It feels good to know you're not alone. sometimes even loved ones can't help. I know they try but it just isn't the same. It hurts to make up reasons why I can't go out with family and loved ones during the day. I think they wonderwhy I can only go out at night and why I prefer darker lit areas. Somedays I know there are people with problems worse off than "us". Other days, I just feel so alone. The first thing I notice about other people is their skin and how they should thank God they don't have to deal with this problem on a day to day basis. I just look forward to the day, where I can sit in a field wearing a sundress in the middle of the day and not worry about my skin. ... To all those who dream this with me.. my heart is there with yours. Good luck and God bless.
| By Norma on Saturday, May 18, 2002 - 08:17 pm: |
Quite agree with the comments about most sites and organisations being ,child-centred' and this is why I gave up my membership of the excellent NES. I began eczema at the age of two months and I am still with it in my fifties. I think we need a special magazine for adults - there certainly seem to be plenty of them on this site!! Otherwise I am the only person I know (not counting those with the two centimetre rashes) I also have icthyosis - which makes it all harder to deal with. Dry, cracked skin at all times whether it is inflamed or not. I always have inflamed, streaming eyes - and do not get much help for that. Any ideas anyone???
Norma
| By Mary on Saturday, May 18, 2002 - 02:09 am: |
Janis, your email is self explanatory,
your husband is contributing to his eczema by his life style, which is his choice to change and he could start by giving up cigarettes. You seem to be the one making the changes he needs to help himself.
| By Madam Flaky on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 02:23 pm: |
Dear Sheri,
I don't know if you're aware of my story (look up Madam Flaky if you want to), but I'm 26 and have suffered such terrible eczema I still cry when I talk about it. I have found my own little way to beat it, which could be different from you (once again, look me up here, lots and lots of posts!) but I can sympathise with the aging skin thing. I had wrinkles on my face and neck (especially around the eyes and mouth), my hands looked like they belonged to an old man with a hint of elephant (saggy baggy, crisscrossed). The thing is, it is slowly but surely returning to normal. Sure, it will never be the skin of a 26 year old, and the elasticity is not what it was before, but I find that drinking heaps of water helps to rehydrate and therefore plump up the skin and hide the wrinkles. The bonus is that my skin is now alot tougher and can handle more abuse. Since I am now desensitized to cats, but stil react occasionally, I can play with my friend's kitten and not suffer half the injuries he has. You have to take the good with the bad. My lines and wrinkles you only see on before and after plastic surgery shots are all but gone, and before I was too afraid to look at anyone for too long.
Just drink heaps, stay cool and read my posts on my own struggle with the eczema beast, and how I managed to tame it.
Be happy and positive. Half the struggle is with yourself.
| By Sheri on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 01:51 am: |
I don't Care what anyone says, but there still
needs to be a cure for eczema! It's a disease
for crying out loud just like any other disease.
So there should be a cure! In fact, there should
have been one a long time ago. I'm 43 and still
suffer from it. Eating right, different
medications and exercising don't cure it.
It's caused by abnormal cells which aren't
producing normally in our body. Even when our
skin looks clear on some days do you still
notice all the lines and wrinkles in it. My
husband does and he has normal skin! Even
strangers do to. "Why do your hands look so old
and cold looking?" They'll say.
| By Janis on Friday, March 08, 2002 - 12:30 am: |
I've been surfing around trying to determine what is making my husband so itchy and have decided that it is a combination of several things. Does this analysis make sense to those anyone?
1. We recently moved from a fairly mild climate to a place where it is very cold.
2. He is working in a tempurature controlled office rather than from home.
3. His home office in our new house is dusty and poorly ventilated (in the basement) with old carpeting placed on a concrete floor.
4. He tends to chainsmoke while working downstairs and has a fan and air filter on 24/7.
5. Since his initial outbreak he has been taking several long hot showers a day.
6. His itching bothers him more @ night while in bed.
7. He was severly allergic to just about everything as a child.
Do you think that all of these factors combined could be the root of his itching? At first we thought it could be mites or something but I am almost positive it is a combination of these things. I have tried to get him to use eucerin lotion along with either cortizone ointment or gold bond creme, while switching to allergen/perfume free laundry detergent. I also bought some oatmeal bath stuff for him to soak in. Does anyone have any suggestions of what else I can do to help him?
| By David on Thursday, March 07, 2002 - 11:39 am: |
I grew INTO eczema. The literature is generally inadequate in discussing the development of Atopic Eczema in adulthood, concentrating as it dopes on childhood atopy. This can unfortunately lead the reader to suppose that Atopy cannot first manifest in adulthood - untrue! It is quite possible if one has the gene for atopy and the gene for eczema, that skin problems will not actually show UNTIL one gets older and the skin naturally tends, with age, to produce fewer lipids. I did not have real problems with ezema until I was in my 30s.
| By feed up on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 09:22 pm: |
Has anyone tried the new non steriod call TIMS?
Is it safe for the face?
| By Scabby-chick on Saturday, February 09, 2002 - 11:53 pm: |
Thank goodness for this site! It is obviously not only me that heard the rubbish about growing out of it every seven years. Well, I waited 7, 14 and 21 yrs and it has not happened yet! At the moment, the only thing that keeps me feeling normal is realising that other people are out are there feeling similar things. I have just been made redundant and am feeling a bit lower than normal because I am dreading interviews with the way my face looks at the moment. I realise that people mean well, but the horrified questions about what I have done to my face are wearing thin! I read last week of a new non-steriod cream (Elidanol??), does anyone have any experience of this yet? Many thanks in advance
| By Sarita on Thursday, February 07, 2002 - 02:50 am: |
Well, it's reassuring to see that I'm not the only one who's an adult suffering with eczema. As an African-American, dry skin is a way of life but to compound it with allergies and eczema is quite challenging. I look at models on tv or friends and family with spaghetti strap dresses or swimsuits and wish I could wear something like that without feeling out of place with my skin condition. I'm not giving up. I will beat this!
| By Cam on Tuesday, February 05, 2002 - 09:32 pm: |
I too was constantly told,dont worry you will grow out of it.I never did and my ezcema is now worse than it has ever been.I dont think people appreciate that it is a disease and something that is very difficult to live with.People kind of smile and say "ah never mind,I too brake out in a rash occasionally"(!!!!!!) I wish I broke out in a rash occasionally!
| By Elaine on Sunday, February 03, 2002 - 05:11 pm: |
I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way!
Fortunately eczema in children does not often last into adulthood!
But for those of us who do have eczema in adulthood, it can be difficult to deal with.
I absolutely hate it when people I know say "oooh I've got eczema on the back of my leg [the patch being about a centimetre in diameter on inspection] - where have you got it" or something similar. People like this don't always appreciate that some people with eczema get it all over and it would be easier to tell them where we DIDN'T get it!
I hope that both are you are in control of your eczema at the moment and that you aren't having many flare-ups.
| By Micki on Saturday, February 02, 2002 - 10:10 pm: |
Yeah, really. They don't even mention what to do if doesn't go away by puberty or age 6 or whatever. Sometimes people try to commiserate with you by saying, "Oh yeah, my little baby has a rash too", but you just know they're going to get better. It's almost like it's ok for a child to have bad skin and it's a common problem, but once you grow up people look at you like, "Don't you know how to take care of your skin? Why is it so bad?". My parents told me I'd grow out of it by the time i was 18 too but I haven't. I just wish I could go swimming and take showers and everything and not have to worry about putting on lotions and peeling all the time. Aaah. I'm glad you're out there too. What about the adults who are expected to wear skimpy dresses sometimes and who have jobs and whose parents aren't there to comfort them all the time?
| By sienna on Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 12:27 pm: |
does anyone else find it frustrating when searching the internet etc. for information and help that some places seem to completely ignore the fact that eczema happens to adults too? they always seem to give a tip and say "do this for your child" or "this can be frustrating for your child".
what about me?
| By ella on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 09:06 pm: |
to blue, I'm 40.
| By Blue on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 09:03 pm: |
How old r u ella?
| By ella on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 09:01 pm: |
I too did not grow out of my eczema. I had some years where it considerably subsided, but it's been back for awhile. I've sat here with tears reading some of your postings, both of compassion and comfort that others understand. For no matter how loving and supportive our loved ones are, only fellow sufferers fully understand. We must be strong, but also not stuff our feelings down. When people make ignorant remarks it's perfectly fine to politely tell them that they do not know what they are talking about. A good cry once in awhile is therapeutic too.
| By ella on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 08:39 pm: |
I've found using sunblock greatly helps breakouts from the sun and the baby sunblock spf 45 doesn't irritate my eczema. Long sleeve white cotton shirts also help in the Summer while driving. And speaking of cotton; Do any of you also have the need to always wear clothes that are at least 80%cotton?