By gibon on Monday, July 19, 2010 - 05:36 pm:

Hi Peeps
Im 29 and have been suffering with Eczema for about 6 years or so, have tried so many Emolient creams and found that some of them just aggrivated my condition. Then i discovered Vaseline and am now able to control it better, anyway I discovered vaseline when i had a really bad flare up recently (infact) it was the worst one ive ever had to the point wear i was really very ill. beside having all the normal symptoms i also felt freezeing cold and felt physicly very weak and tired altho could not sleep , or if i did sleep it was broken by scratching, wheeping and burning sensation on my skin on my legs.It was so bad I couldnt go to work( i work with people with disabillitys) so it is vital i am mobile goes with out saying I was off work for three weeks as it took almost 4 weeks to get an appointment with a dermatologist and my condition got worse, eventually i saw one and was so glad i did ,she gave me some steroid tablets/ betnovate lotion/ and Vaseline. i returned to work a week after seeing my dermatologist ,am still sufferung a bit but have mostly healed. My Employer has told me that i might not make it past my probation period because of the time off ive had. Does anyone know what i can do? , ive been thru hell and its like my empoloyer want to make me suffer even more. im just gutted with the added worry of haveing to possibly look for another job in the current climate.

By Adam on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 12:03 am:

Hi,

I used to suffer from really bad eczema, It tore apart my confidence and broke me. My skin was falling apart, spilitting, I was riddeled with it. and I tried everything!! They gave me steroids and anti histamins and 50/50 creams which made matter worse and it came out even more agressive. I nevwer felt worse! I was in tears! I thought my life had finished!!! when I had business meetings or spoke to women it was hellish! I suffered paranoia!!

I then did some reasearch and came across something. I got the mixture made up, with a vasaline base and OMG!!! its never come back.

The very next day the itching stopped, then my skin started to smooth and 4 months into this my pigmentation went back to normal. and my confidence came back! I could finally look people in the face instead of looking at the floor.

it changed my life. Its funny how when we look away from conventional medicine, we find the answers.

iv been helping out fellow eczema sufferers. giving them samples to try out, one of them is so thankful. I get the ointment made from scratch and its all natural!! thats the best thing.

its changed my life!!!

By ezmasufferer on Tuesday, April 06, 2010 - 05:46 pm:

Hello I been dealing with this eczema for about seven years had a really bad all over flareup when i was pregnant in 2004 i went to my primary care doctor in 2006 she put me on a steroid cream call clobetasaol it worked for a while now its 2010 and this is the worst feeling i ever had my flareup it worst than ever sometimes i just lay in bed and cry all day because its so itchy and painful and nothing works for me my son says to me moommy why do you have all those scars on you and i cant say nothing back It s just sad i wish It was a cure not so expensive

By CK on Friday, February 05, 2010 - 12:24 am:

Hello,
I'm 22 and just found out that I most likely will not be able to join the air force due to having eczema, unless i am able to get an unlike waiver from the Surgeon General.
The ironic thing is I just learned how to control my eczema.
I've learned that not eating my 2100 calories needed for my body weight and not getting at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep a day made it so my body would not heal.
In addition to this before i take showers i do exercises to make myself sweat, because sweat removes toxins from your body. But since sweat irritates the skin i take my shower afterward and then medical ointment/moisturize.
Now if i can only just make the scars less visible...

By earthbiscuit on Saturday, January 23, 2010 - 08:34 am:

Hey Rick,

First off welcome to eczemavoice. Glad you found a place where people can relate, bounce off ideas, rant to. Secondly, thanks for serving in our armed forced. Your will to work and never take a day off despite having eczema is a testament to your character and strength.

Flareups work in mysterious ways and I have learned that there is a million things for different people than can set off a flare, calm it, make it worse. Learning to deal and live with it, is the first step which is something I personally struggled with for a long while. I've made significant progress by starting to take flax seed oil. It doesn't work for everyone but for me it has helped hydrate me from the inside out. The only downside (as embarrassed as I am to admit this) is that it gives me really bad gas. So maybe your fellow soldiers could crack jokes about your terrible gas instead of your skin (which I'm glad you are able to laugh along but know that it's not funny when you are feeling itchy and miserable). I take flax oil and put it in my yogurt kefir drink in the morning. If you have access to it and refrigeration, I'd go that route, or start off with capsules but you need to take enough for it to take effect. Hope this helps in some way. Hope you find relief.

By Rick on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - 03:16 pm:

Hello all,
I’m 26, in the military and have mild to sever eczema depending on the flair up. First flair up, (about 5 years ago), was the worst, covering most of my body and face. Everything the military doctors gave me made it worst. Eventually, they put me on oral steroids which worked well, but once off the steroids, my skin would flair up even worse. Oh, and during this whole time I was working about 60hrs a week, mostly outside. This was probably the worst time in my life. I was depressed, in pain, pissed off and mostly just felt sorry for myself. Another thing, if any of you have been in the military you will know that we constantly make fun of each other, and nothing is off limits. It’s all in good fun though, but at the time it was hard not to take the jokes seriously. About 5-6 months after the mysterious flair up began, it just went away.

Since then I have flair ups every now and then, nothing I do seems to control them. I use tons of moisturizer, I don’t like to use over the counter steroid creams, it always seems like 1 step forward, then 2 steps back. I use Neosporin sometimes, coconut oil, I try and go tanning if I’m fairing up in the winter, seems to help.

Well in the past 5 years I have been to Iraq and Afghanistan, and living in a tent with 20 other guys, it’s hard to hide a skin condition so I’m not really shy about it. I take pride in the fact that I have never had to miss work because of my crappy skin, and I have never asked for a day off. For the most part I have learned to live with my eczema.

Right now I am having a bad flair up on my legs that started about 2 months ago after I got sunburn durring an Egypt vacation. WHY DIDN’T I USE SUNSCREEN???? Oh well, Time to put on some more lotion and yell at myself “DON’T SCRATCH, DON’T SCRATCH,DON’T SCRATCH”

To all you guys suffering out there, I feel your pain. Hang in there

Oh, don’t yell at yourself “DON’T SCRATCH, DON’T SCRATCH” in public, you will look like a crazy person.

By Suzanne on Thursday, August 13, 2009 - 06:35 am:

Hi Joannie,

Reading your story made me very sad. It is such a shame that you didn't have the support you needed growing up. If I could I would throw my arms around you and give you a big hug and tell you that you are a beautiful person. I can so relate to not being able to wear the clothes you want. I too worry about what I wear, and look at all the beautiful clothes in the shop windows, especially now, our winter is nearly over and summer is fast approaching. Most people just wake up in the morning and throw anything on, wouldn't that be wonderful!

When I get down about my eczema and lately it seems like all the time! I keep telling myself that I will get on top of this and imagine what I will look like with good skin. I hope you can surround yourself with people who love and care about you, regardless of how your skin is, that is really important. I know this is easy to say, but don't let other people's ignorance affect how you view yourself.

This is a great forum to come and chat to others with the same condition and who really do understand what you are going through. Remember you are not alone, I think it is really important to know that there is help out there if you need it, whether that be emotional or advice/opinions on the latest treatments available. I really hope your feeling better soon.

By joannie on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 11:36 pm:

I was born the second of five children and the only one with severe excema throughout my entire body. My parents thought that I was different from the rest of my siblings. I grew up thinking that I was different in a negative way. People always looked at me different and would call me names. I had a lady to tell me that I needed to take a bath to get that dirt off of my legs. I have been living in disguise because I hate wearing summer clothing. When I am at work, I hate wearing dresses in which my legs would be exposed. I have very dark patches on my legs from the chronic stratching I have been doing for the past 29 years. Since my mother was ashamed of my body, she didn't take me to a doctor so I would stratch my body, legs especially, until I would bleed. Since I am an adult, I have been taking care of my body and buying creams for the itching relief. I have washed my clothing in mild detergents and rarely have flare ups. I just want this disorder to leave so that I can be more confident with my body. I am tired of people staring at me and I am tired of being uncomfortable wearing jeans in 98= degree weather.

By roger on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 04:21 pm:

I am currently taking time off work because of eczema and let me tell you, I feel really guilty because I don't think my colleagues/supervisor really understands the seriousness of this condition.

I believe the only people who really understands are the sufferers themselves. I say this because my mother who has seen me suffer from eczema all these years still believe that its just an exterior thing, but when you get a flare up its more than just the physical side of things. I get very depressed, anxious of going out, anxious of taking time off work, just anxious about everything, but once my skin begins to heal, those feels quickly reside but a new fear comes out. The fear of the next flare up....

By Niki on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 01:58 am:

Hello Elye,
I can relate. I've had tough mornings where I'd sit at the side of the bed and try to psych myself into thinking that I was okay to go to work. Then most of my co-workers at the office would wonder why I came in feeling, and looking, so bad. I would explain that if I took a day off every time it hurt, I might as well apply for disability instead. I would have liked to do lab work, but I knew that bloody fingers would mess things up. I work in an office where I can wear cotton gloves and my co-workers have just gotten used to them. However, I get nervous that if I leave the gloves on too long, my rashes will heal into the cotton and get stuck. eew. *sigh* you're right, we just have to suck it up and earn our pay. It's better to show up and stick it out, than to take too many days off and have everyone think you're lazy. Most people don't recognize E as a serious problem worthy of a sick day. Go in and show them; make them understand that it isn't JUST a problem with dry skin.

Keep pushing yourself to remain part of normal life. I went through 4 years of severe, all over body rash caused by stress. I got myself to work everyday, and even managed to get out with friends on occasion. I currently just have the really bad stuff on my fingers. Having seen me at my worst, my colleagues understand and don't judge me when I put the gloves on, or wear too many bandages.

Hang in, and remember, you're working for yourself, not anyone else.

By Elye on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 03:12 am:

Hi everybody,
Just need to rant, I'm a uni student and am working in a lab. Lab work is not the typical 9-5 job so the hours are ridiculously flexible but the problem is I've skipped many days and gone into the lab at late times since my eczema has rendered my hands a bloody weeping mess. My face is flaking constantly and there's a bloody patch in between my eyebrows. Needless to say, I feel like crap and have zero self-esteem. I'm feeling so guilty about my attendance problem. Also the other student coworker is only paid as a part time but goes to the lab full time, which makes me look even worse and makes me feel really guilty. Sighhhhhh

I've sort of..in conversations...told my coworkers that I suffer from E but I'm don't really talk to them that much since I feel so self-conscious and I get the feeling that they don't think it's that serious...

I know I need to suck it up and go to the lab more but it takes so much out of me just to get ready to leave the house....I feel like I can achieve so much more but E is holding me back so much....

I'm really happy to have found this forum and people that would understand what I'm feeling right now

By SELANGE on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 12:03 pm:

I have had a year of constant agony from an allergic reaction to print .Nothing works from the hospital or creams etc. which people have recomended.Cotton gloves dont work as the ink permeates these,i am allergic to latex so use latex free gloves however these make my hands too hot and its back to square one. Short of cutting my hands off ,whihc at the onset of an attack ihave considered i dont know what else to do.Is there anyone else out there with this ridiculous print allergy?

By Clare on Saturday, April 04, 2009 - 11:24 pm:

I have had eczema since I was a small baby. It was worse when I was a child because I didn't know what caused flare ups and made me lose confidence. Age about 10 I used to suffer on my Face and inner arms very badly. I suffer more-so on my hands now. I find that changes in temperature affect my skin as do extreme heat or extreme cold. I also know that diet affects it. However I am not allergic to wheat or dairy - I think it's mainly sugary foods. I worked as a painter/decorator for three years but had to quit because it badly affected my skin even with gloves on. I am sad that every job I would like to do such as cooking, hairdressing, nursing involves getting chemicals on your skin or frequent handwashing. You have to find the treatments that work for you through trial and error because everyone is different, but creams without harsh chemicals such as Lanolin, perfume, and a neutral PH would help. Knowing you are not alone helps too.

By Irving Shaw on Thursday, November 13, 2008 - 02:29 am:

q8219r8t4a7s560e

By sam_glasgow on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 12:27 am:

Hi,

Does Champori actually work is it just a gimmick?

Thanks
Sam

By imran on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 05:54 pm:

i am imran from u.k 23 years old, and have eczema since i was 3years old, what it is you got keep an eye out on what you eat, like oily food, take food like chillies chicken keema,and from chocolates and drinks such as coke exc, the creams that you get from ur lolcal docters they only work for abit,its burn's the skin,and makes it look dark, i was on the web site looling at these sites CHAMPORI.COM)OR (ABBEYESSENTIALS.CO.UK)i knw how it feels u cant sleep, or wear most of the clothes,ites really hard,

By khan on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 05:36 pm:

sweet

By Funk29ac on Thursday, September 25, 2008 - 05:51 pm:

My name is Annette Cafrine and I have been an Eczema sufferer for 26 years. I suffer with severe Chronic Atopic Eczema since the age of 3.
Since the age of 3 years old, I have been in and out of hospital all my life. I could write you a long list of all the kinds of treatments I’ve use, from creams to ointments, wraps, remedies and all different lotions and potions over the years. I’ve lost count of how many times I have been admitted to hospital. My Eczema has clam down a lot but it’s the aftermath of scars as memories, the itchiness that still constantly continues

Now at the age of 29, I still have Eczema and a flare up can come at any time, but I have learnt how to control my skin and my behaviour towards it.
I would love to share my experiences with anyone that suffers with Eczema or someone that knows someone that does suffer with the skin disorder.

Now as a Qualified Counsellor I am running an Online Counselling Service for anyone that would like to email my there feelings, thoughts, worries, emotions and would like a listening ear for comfort.
I have some great tips on how to control the itchiness; Indian remedies, what to eat and what not to eat which can prevent regular flare-ups.


I do an introduction first email to introduce myself fully to you and after that first initial email, and if you would like to continue, I charge £5.00 per half an hour. You are more then welcome to just pay for one session but I also do a block of 4 sessions for £20.00. My email address is Annette.cafrine@yahoo.com if you are interested.

These tips and remedies have changed my life for the better and beneficial, and has made me realise that it’s not just the steroids (which harms you and your skin in the long run) that makes a difference, its your attitude and behaviour and these simple step by step information given by me that will have you, or your children gain a happier life with Eczema. I feel like Eczema is not expressed as much as it should be because it’s not just your skin that deals with the effects it’s your mental state that also suffers. I feel like sharing your experiences with someone that has been thought it will help you feel like your not on your own.


I look forward to hearing from you all!

Warm regards
Annette Cafrine

By Dorothy on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - 09:31 pm:

Eliane, if you haven't already I recommend that you should try the herbal anti-eczema lotion from Champori.com It works fast and the effect lasts long!! Nothing that I tried for my eczema can compare with champori.

By Eliane on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - 02:51 pm:

Hey.
My name is Eliane and I'm 20. I'm suffering from eczema as well.
It's all over my legs that's why I've never worn a skirt without high boots.
My friends say that I do not have to care about but I think it'a embarassing when you are on the beach you see all these women with a perfect skin and yours is not. When it's summer time you see all the young woman with beautyfull skirt and I'm still wearing a pant.

The worst it's sometimes when I'm really stressed it's on my eyelids it looks like I just had a fight.
I used to treat my skin with Eucerin dry skin but in Belgium they changed the formula, it's with 20% omega, and it's not suiting me anymore. Shame!

So now I don not know what to do

By wheatfreecured on Monday, August 04, 2008 - 05:13 pm:

Hmom,

You have discribed what I HAD two years ago... only to find out that I was allergic.. so to speak to .. gluten... wheat flour... celiac disease.. once I removed it from my diet... I began to heal.. I too was told that I had eczema..for years... and it was not... google; gluten free diet, or celiac disease... too often doctors name skin conditions..eczema and give you a steriod and hope you go away .. and so does it...consider gluten.

By Hmom on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 09:04 pm:

I just recently discovered that I suffer from eczema and am new to this site so I will apologize in advance for babbling on about my experiece! This summer has been a nightmare, as the red blotchy rash has spread over most of my legs, my arms, chest and face. My legs are covered with sores and scabs from scratching and large, raised red patches cover my calves and one ankle. The outbreak on my legs looks very different from the way it presents on my arms, and my chest and face don't look the same as either of those. I have a couple of very clear circle or disk shaped spots on my hand that look just like nummular... Anyway- I am happy to finally have a name for my condition. I'm less thrilled about the chronic part but I will just have to start a skincare regimen and take extra precautions to avoid possible triggers. I am currently on oral steroids and my doctor assured memhat they would clear it up completely. I am on day three and have noticed some improvement in terms of itching but my skin looks the same. The eladil he prescribed has cleared up my face almost completely and I am thankful! I know the steroid are probably just a temporary fix, but I'll take that. My co-workers have watched my struggle with this over the last few months and I have been very open with everyone about my numerous doctor visits and the difficulties involved in identifying skin conditions and allergens. Because it is on my face and chest and arms and hands, my eczema is very noticeable. Everyone at work has shown concern and support as well as sympathy for my constant discomfort and probably for my "new look" as well! At first I worried that people would think it was contagious and I wasn't certain either because I was not convinced that it was all eczema. I am so relieved to have a name for what is going on and to know that there are others of you out there with similar experiences. I have managed to ramble way off the subject of workplace experiences but just want to say that I have had very positive experiences in my workplace in regard to my eczema! Even though it has been somewhat embarrassing to be out in public with my face and chest completely broken out, no one has treated me any differently or showed anything but concern for my pain and discomfort.

By Crescentmoon on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - 10:31 pm:

I have never been able to tell anyone other than immediate family about my condition. So when my skin is bad and I have to go into work, i cover it up the best I can. I don't even know how many times i would look in the mirror before heading off to work still wondering how it would look to the others. I'm sure my co-workers have noticed, just never really said anything. I've been asked why my face is so red a few times and i usually just reply with a "i don't know", "i'm just hot" or something like that. I want to tell them but its hard to let that out and i have a big fear about what others think/feel about me. Just recently I fell in love with a co-worker, who i have yet to tell about my condition. I think she will be understanding but I fear for the day I actually tell her what I have. We are in the talks of moving in together, so it must be done soon. Wish me luck.

By frustrated on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 12:47 am:

My excema has flared up lately. it was bad as a young child and then went into remission for many years though I still had minor flare ups once and again. Suddenly in my 40's I have this uncontrollable itch all over. I have a rash behind my knees and elbows, upper chest neck and worst of all my face. This winter seems to have really taken its toll on my skin. Sometimes the itch is so bad that I can't sleep. I have had cortizone shots, and tried all the creams. My face looks like I have a bad sunburn. Exercise seems to make the itching worse. Alcohol seems to make me itchy. I would like to modify my diet if possible. Has anyone had success? What types of diet work best. Low sugar, low carbs, etc. I am becoming very frustrated with having to explain my red face at work.

By plasmagic on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 03:47 pm:

due to the low humidity, it dry up the skin, is like water evaporate faster in cold places. for me my skin will crack

By ECZEMASUX on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 06:48 am:

It's weird hearing people say the skin is worse in the cold because I am the opposite, I feel so much better when its cold. It is an inflammatory

By Az on Saturday, December 08, 2007 - 12:47 pm:

My Eczema has never seemed to have been an issue with bosses or workmates at any of my jobs so far...I've never felt treate ddiffrently.

But most of the work I have done has been in kitchens - cooking and cleaning, which obvisouly affects it; having to work with good i'm allergic to, and various chemicals.

I work in a pub at the moment, in the kitchen and on the bar. It's been alright so far...I thought it would be weird becuase barmaids are usually pretty and confident and i'm not always that. But all the staff and customers are lovely and no one has treated me oddly at all.


My biggest problems regarding work and my Eczema is my own disomfort with having to take days off and explaining that it's for my Eczema. Most of the time I just ssay I'm "illl" becuase I feel that a lot of people just see my Eczema as a cosmetic thing and don't really realise just how painful and uncomfortable it can be.

I've had to have my first Sick day becuase of my skin today, at this job. I'm so sore and can hardly move my back or my mouth. Bah!

By aman on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 06:53 pm:

Hi everyone I am so glad I have found a site like this! It is so nice to talk 2 ppl who understand what I am going through! I am a 19 year old uni student and have had eczema since I was 10 I have tried EVERYTHING however I have found that the best thing 2 do is 2 help ur immune system by eating the RIGHT foods >> have a balanced, healthy diet and I gurantee u your skin will improve. I do not take any medication now and I have been in hospital 9 times as my skin was SOOOO bad. Eat well, drink water and try not 2 stress!

By itchandsctrachni on Monday, November 27, 2006 - 01:44 pm:

I also think that the winter makes eczema worse.
In my office it is either really hot or freezing cold. The change in temperature is driving it crazy and it is very dry all over my body.

I wish they would turn the DAMN BLOWERS OFF!!!!!!!

By anon on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 01:46 am:

to TheMeatSmith,
I think it is possible that your eczema is brought on by working in a refrigerator since cold weather tends to dry out the skin. I think many people would agree that their skin gets worse over the winter season. As for getting a new job, only you can decide that. There are pros and cons to any job and it is only a possibility that a consequence of your job is eczema.

By TheMeatSmith on Monday, October 23, 2006 - 08:54 am:

I recently got eczema at the age of 22. Not long before that i got a new job working with meat. My doctor said it might get worse durring winter. So i had the thought, could my job be to blame for my eczema? Because i work in a refridgerator at 40 degrees or so for 8 hours a day. Should i find a new job?

By emy on Monday, July 17, 2006 - 11:44 am:

dear jennie

thank you for your advice about being open about my eczema to my colleagues and in many ways i think you are right in saying that people will be more understanding if you tell them about your condition and not hide it away. but it is hard to tell people, i am still embarrassed about it despite having eczema now since my early teens. i read a lot of books about over coming diversity and building self esteem, some are encouraging and motivating but it is different when i have to actually "come out" of hiding and face the truth. but there are people at work who are understanding and they are the ones i usually talk to. i am also thrying very hard to change my way of thinking about eczema - that is how do people really see me? do they really see the rashes, the puffy eyes and the red soreness? or do they see a girl who is scared and vulnerable? i have to say that eczema has changed my life dramatically - physically, emotionally and psychologically.

By Nicole on Sunday, April 02, 2006 - 10:44 am:

Hi there its nicole here i have had excema since birth and had bad impertago on feet as a baby I think my worsened in 7yr cycle because i always was complimented on having nice skin, and i think my skin got very bad in my mid twenties when i was hospitalised quite a bit and was put on cyclosporin( thank god im not on it any more it was a horrible drug and for me i did not want my immunity system to be ruined more than it is,Any way Now i am 30 and i have excema over most of my body but it is not too bad which is good it is itchy and i still have to moisturise,moisturise, moisturise like my dermo tells me, I have bad excema on face and it has left dark circles around my eyes i hope it fades but hasnt yet and have been there for about 4yrs and i have little eybrows. I came onto the work and excema part because i have decided i would like to work, I have not worked for about 2yrs and havent held a permanent job for a long time and i have suffered from depression and isolated myself from people for a while although i do have a boyfriend and dont mind going out in the car but if i am in a shopping mall i become quite self concious. Anyway i want to know how you deal with working like my skin smells at times, u know that bad skin smell and can be toxic smelling, and also those that work in aircondioned buildings how do u stay hydrated i know it sounds strange but i had a bad time when i was on a course in an airconditioned building i was always drinking water and had my water bottle but my face became so dry i could not open my mouth wide enough to eat my lunch. Enough blabbing looking forward to reading your replys

By jennie on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 08:25 am:

Dear Emy
With regards to hiding your skin from your co-workers, I have a different opinion. I have eczema on my hands/face/neck etc. I just can't cover everything up all the time. Fortunately, I have already had open discussions with my colleagues who have been very understanding. I feel less shame about my appearance knowing that they don't judge me. I'd rather have someone say, "she has eczema", as opposed to: "I don't know what it is, I hope it's not catching". I especially appreciate that they accomodate me when I say I can't do something because my body hurts. I don't know if your work environment can be this supportive, but try to open up to at least a few close friends. It's a weight off your shoulders if you do.

By feelbetter on Tuesday, March 07, 2006 - 02:37 am:

hey mantaray-

honestly, i know your eczema is really bad, but drinking and doing drugs IS NOT going to make you better! ive had it for a while too now, but is gradually getting better. im doing a combination of chinese herbs and naturopathy.anyways, the reasons why mine was gettin worse the past year was because of my diet. i was eating alot of yeasty foods. my body does not get rid of yeast properly, and since the intestines cannot get rid of it, it shows up on my skin. so for me, eczema is a total food reaction. not sure if that helps, but honestly, drinking and drugs is just a down wards spiral and cannot lead to anything good. try to surround yourself with supportive people...thats how i got through it, and still am. you gotta be strong!!!!

By Mantaray on Monday, March 06, 2006 - 09:18 am:

Good Day

Im A 23 Year Old
I Have Eczema On My Face And It Has Caused
Me To Become Isolated To My House In The Day
And I Only Go Out At Nite. Not Work, And Hide Myself From The World. I Once Used A Drug Called Erythomycn And When I Could Afford It, Got Allergy Shots When I Was Around 16-18 yrs old. This Caused My Skin To Heal Up Compleatly. And I Was So Happy, I Could Go Out In The Day In Complete Confidence, Dates..The Mall U name It.I Didnt Hide I Shined, I Was Beautiful. When I Turned 18 I Moved, Lost All Financial Stability And Eventually My Eczema Came Back. It Began To Turn My Upper Lip Into A Crusty Bloody Mess. I Was Mortified. I Stopped Dating I Stopped Going Out In The Day, And Spring Break..Forget About It.
Everyone who Sees Me Stares, Its Horrible I Feel Powerless. I Used To Model And Sing, And Was 120lbs Now I'm 155lbs Drink Booze, And Do Drugs To Numb My Pain. I Dont Feel Like Me Anymore..All Because The Eczema Is On My Face, The One Thing Everyone Sees First. I Would Love It If Anyone On Here Can Guide Me Into Were To Go, And What Treatments Are Effective.....Thank You

By reuben-NZ on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 05:47 am:

i dont know if any1 will read this but here goes, im 17 live in NZ and suffer from eczema, these are the things ive used to get rid of it each time it flares, hydrocortizona 2.5% from mexico, VERY strong! and 1% from doctor and im using C.S(colliodial silver) at the moment and emu oil which are nice on the skin i think the best advice is NO ANTIBIOTICS! and only hydro as a last resort its some powerful sh*t and will destroy your skin over time, try a more natural approach emu oil is great its very thick and oily, but myths aside oil stuff on your skin wont turn you into a freak show it just looks like sun cream, but the reason i personaly believe is a high chunk of what eat/come in contact with will provoke it as soon as you identify what it is in you the changes can start occuring, for me its anything diary or acidy, so now i stay right away from those things and BAM it works...for a wile ten flares up again and needs more doc visits, its seems like 90% of the ppl on here say oh ive had this and that for 20 years when they say nothing about going to a derma or doctor for a real treatment after 6 months you kinda would of known that supermarket cures arent going to work, but you can fight it all you want its not going to just vanish from a bottle, we all know that so put that money back in your wallet and buy something to make you happy, not another hope killing cream to stomp on your dream of no rashes on you, and i know the discomfort is high but the pride discomfort is worse in todays day and age ( im sure its no differant in NZ to USA or UK) that we fell like crap walking down the street or into a shop or looking in a mirror with a rash on us when we know we used to good looking, well for me anyway lol, thanks for reading, look out for me on the news- il be the white boy with a confederate flag for a head band screaming mozart at you,
mitz_fitz@hotmail.com email me if you read this!

By emy on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 - 01:06 pm:

hi everybody

this is my first time here at eczemavoice and i am so happy to have found many other sufferers out there! i have been a sufferer now for over 20 years (i am 34 now) and like many others i have been to hell and back (and still going thru it) with my eczema. my eczema worsened while i was working in a lab that dealt with chemicals. i noticed that my skin was getting more and more drier plus the fact that i had to work in a dry cool lab did not help my skin. i also noticed that as i got more and more stressed about things like work, relationship, career etc.. my eczema flared up. the worse it had gotten to was just 2 years ago when my face and scalp became red and extremely itchy. i have had many sick days as a result and consequently my career was affected. i do believe that stress plays a major part in my flare ups and that is why i am currently seeking help from a pyschologist to deal with work and relationship stress. right now im a taking cyclosporin to control the eczema - it was the last resort that my immunologist had placed me on - and it is a blessing! not only does it reduces the itchiness but the calms the redness too however she tells me that i cannot be on it long term which scares and saddens me. i try not to discuss my disease to workmates - i feel that because i live it everyday i don't want to be reminded of it at work nor discuss it in great details when they ask me. so i try to hide the rashes or dry skin by wearing long sleeves or wearing my fringe down and applying lots and lots of moisturiser. when i have good days at work i am usually chirpy and chatty but when i'm ill i am so depressed and unmotivated to work and prone to make mistakes because i am pre-occupied about my health. so eczema has affected my working life in many ways and i too wish every single day that this disease will just disappear and have a normal life again like my friends.

By Roddy on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 01:03 am:

Well I have done countless jobs over the years. I sometimes wonder if eczema causes me to keep moving on or leave. Anyway I'll give you a rundown: Electronics factory(fiberglass PCB's), made my skin weep really bad, to the point I was signed off permenatly from that type of work by my GP. Computer programmer, could kind of put up with it, but always a bit itchy. Then moved office and that didn't help and was stressed.
For the past few years I have worked as a motorcycle courier. Well I think the diesel fumes make me itchy, but it's hard scratch on a motorbike :-)
So I have come to the conclusion that outdoor work is far better for me. Although most of the reasonable paid jobs are inside.

Anyway my tuppence worth is that environment is important(so is diet if it affects you, wheat gets me). Anyone else had an experience like this?

Sorry if I am bending this a bit off topic.

By Vic on Monday, April 18, 2005 - 10:09 pm:

Hmmm...I'm a nurse too, and I have eczema, particuarly on my hands. I think you spoke to someone unenlightened. Besides, there are lots of nursing jobs that are not traditional wash-your-hands-30-times-a-day. I'm a mental health nurse and although my current job IS very hands-on I've done lots that aren't (such as community mental health nursing). Are you in the UK? I would try again if I were you.

By karel on Monday, April 18, 2005 - 01:37 am:

Hi Jess,

It is hard breaking that you are told that you can't be a nurse because you have Eczema. Have you tried Unrefined shea butter. It is very good for Eczema. Try AFragreen unrefined shea butter, you can buy it online at thier website http://www.afragreen.com . They normally sell high quality shea butter.

By ruth on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 10:20 am:

jess - i am a nurse and i don't know of any reason why you can't work as one - i've got lots of friends/colleagues who suffer with eczema - particularly contact dermatitis that comes from having to wash your hands every minute of the day - but if you are having real difficulties with it then speak to your workplace occupational heath and safety rep about this - and if you have no luck here - speak to your employer directly and also your union. It sounds like outright discrimination - but get some advice and don't give up - don't give up something you love doing - it may involve having to make changes to suit you - but not involve being thrown out of a career! hang in there and fight fight fight

By jess on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 12:05 pm:

I was told I couldn't work as a nurse because of my eczema so now I'm in a job I hate and am feeling somewhat bitter about it.I was so passionate about nursing but got no support.Thanks very much NHS

By Vic on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 12:29 am:

put it in a cloth bag or muslin and put it in the bath / under the running tap. I've tried it and it did nothing, but it's supposed to be moisturising. Alternatively make porridge. I recommend the porridge.

By jc on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 08:57 pm:

what i do with oat meal

By Cora on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 10:22 pm:

I thought ginger and garlic has curative properties. Itcychef, have you tried hypoallergenic gloves? My bosses had to provide them when I worked in the healthfield. You might want to check out OSHA guidelines. Frequent handwashing and glove use will even make normal hands raw. You should apply non-greasy lotions like Aveeno after every hand wash.

By FaintlyForgotten on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 05:15 am:

im with taintedmemories.... no salt, no sugar, no ginger, no garlic, no lemon/lime juice or other acids...... i cant even imagine what u eat itchychef.... even fruits have natural sugars and salts...

By kim on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 07:33 am:

itchy chef- have you tried the uv light box treatment with an aquacamphor ointment (made by a pharmacist/chemist). they should have the lightbox treatments at the derm. i have eczema on my feet and went about twice a week for a few minutes and within a couple of months I went down to once a month and now I am in control of my eczema. also, what do your feet look like? Mine were thickened skin (from peeling), it hurt like heck to walk (raw skin- I used to wear two pairs of socks on my feet, the first one inside out b/c the texture is smoother with some Nike slipons), sometimes they would itch like hell and feel hot. Sometimes it was painful just to be awake, but it hurt too much to sleep.
A life saver was Neosporin with Pain Relief. If you have thickened skin, be sure to soak your feet in tepid water for about 5-8 mins, pat dry and then use the Neosporing. It has to be the "With Pain Relief" kind which has Praxamine. This stuff works better than any inti-itch cream I have tried. Its also good since you can get bacterial infections where your eczema is and Neosporin is an antibacterial and better than that - No steroids, so you can use it a lot. After the Neosporin soaked in, I would put a thick layer of a heavy cream moisturizer (and later I found Sally Hansen's 18 hour cracked heel cream- you can find it in the manicure/pedicure section of Sav Ons or Target), stay off of my feet for 5 minutes and then if my feet were really raw I would put a thin layer of gauze before the two sock thing. If my feet were on fire in the middle of the night, a tepid soak with Aveeno Oatmeal bath soak or just plain olive oil (tbsp) until they cooled down helped tremendously (and then do the Neosporin and lotion regime) I have found this routine to be better than ANYTHING the numerous derms have tried to throw on/in me. And I have spent thousands of dollars at the drugstore to come up with this. And it is waaay less expensive than what the derms were perscribing (although the lightbox sessions ran $30 w/ins)

If any doctor gets drastic and tries to put you on a cocktail of Methotrexate and Vioxx, do NOT do it. The combination is aweful and there is a class action law suit against the makers of Vioxx since it is linked to heart issues.

Best of luck to you.

By TaintedMemories on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 10:29 pm:

quick question itchychef..... wut the hell do u eat then?!?!

By itchychef22 on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 09:22 pm:

I am 22 years old and a chef in the Atlanta area. I have been working in kitchens for 8 years now and been in contact with all sorts of different products. My eczema did not develop until about a year ago but since that time has been severe. I have found that foods and products such as salt, sugar, ginger, garlic, lemon/lime juice and other acids (wine, vinegar,etc.) tend to aggrivate my condition.

Because my eczema is on my hands and feet, when the condition worsens it is nearly impossible for me to work. People have been relatively supportive, but I don't think they truly understand how painful or uncomfortable this condition can be. I am often teased or looked down upon for missing work because of a skin condition.

In the last year I have tried everything to treat and control my eczema. Everything from steroids to OTC creams and ointments, benadryl, hydrocortisone, oatmeal and milk baths, petroleum jelly and plastic wrap while I slept...everything I or my doctors could think of but to no avail. I have also been looking for other people in my profession who suffer from eczema but have not found any.

If anyone out there has any treatment suggestions or suggestions to help me to control my eczema while working with irritating food products (latex and vinyl gloves make it worse) please respond. If not...it's nice to be able to talk about it anyway. I wish everyone who reads or posts on this board the best of luck. Thanks.

By Twiggy on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 07:47 am:

rp:
I dont really know anything over the web I could suggest. My dietician is hired by my agency and she isn’t really that experienced in eczema or elimination diets, but a large number of models she has worked with had dry sensitive skin and she just applied really basic ideas. It was actually a fluke that it worked, because my main aim was weight loss.
When I first saw her, my eczema was the worst it ever been. Basically I already had an idea that dairy made my skin worse, so I cut that out along with sugar and wheat (these are the main culprits right?). However I started eating wheat again and I still haven’t had a flare up in 6 months. A huge part of it was getting back into exercise. I was quite unfit at the time and apparently exercise helps the skin to release toxins and stress hormones that can attribute to eczema. When I started working out again, I noticed that I barely broke out in a sweat even though I was obviously working hard and apparently this is indicative of my body's inability to release toxins (or something) properly. But after about a week I was sweating more normally and my eczema had improved heaps. I actually expected it to get worse with exercise but luckily it helped.
Sorry this is long and really not helpful at all. I dont really know what else to say, Im not an expert, but please get in contact with a dietician and dont be afraid to exercise

By anonymous41 on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 01:53 pm:

When I was a student I worked at the checkout in my local Marks and Spencers. After a few days the skin on my hands really flared up because of the nickel in the coins and all the customers used to ask ,what was wrong with them - they were covered in plasters and bandages and stuff. Mosdt people were very nice and sympathetic about it and I never got any hassle fromt he other staff members either. But one day one regular customer came up. She was often in the store and always looked at my hands like theur were poison. One say she asked, really nastily, what was wrong with my hands. 'Leprosy', i said. And she never bothered me again!

By rp on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 12:47 am:

hi twiggy.
i'm not a model, but i do have eczema and i am also keen on finding out information on diets and nutrition. You mentioned that you got help from a nutrionist?. Would you know of any specialist via the web that provide these services, exclusion diets and advice for thoose with atopic eczema..
any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
SE. UK

By migs on Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 12:46 am:

I think I had the same experience as Kate. My eczema definitley flared up due to stress induced at work and was further exacerbated by the office air conditioning system, I had an air vent right above me which was blowing dry air. I changed desks and this helped a lot. Also try to not be stressed at work take breaks, remember to breathe deeply. To overcome this you have to be focused and determined. The difference with eczema from other health problems is that it wont disapear overnight you need to be determined and focus to overcome it for months if not years..getting better requires mental effort not just putting on creams...

if anyone wants to talk about this email migs81@gmail.com

By Kate on Saturday, August 28, 2004 - 06:16 pm:

I think that work caused my eczema to start. I never really had it until I was in my first job and ended up working really long hours in a stressful environment. It started gradually and then spread to my whole body including my face. Work was not very understanding and would not admit any responsibily for it. Despite changing jobs and working fewer hours, it has never cleared up - 6 years later I am a complete mess. Work appear to be understanding but I don't think that anyone I work with realises what I go through. I often get comments from people about how red my face is - they don't realise how sensitive I am about it. I tend to keep a low profile on bad days and don't organise meetings. On better days I am much more happy and friendly and probably get twice as much work done. I am always ashamed at the end of the day when I get up and see the pile of skin near my desk.

By Twiggy on Friday, August 27, 2004 - 10:47 am:

Hey, i would love to talk to anyone with eczema that models. i am a p/t model and it is so embarrasing to need an airbrush machine on my hands and arms NOT because i have tattoos, but becqause they are rashy and gross. they have cleared aLOT but the makeup they use during fashion shows can irritate it. Luckily my facial eczema has all cleared and i no longer have makeup artists bitching that my skin is so red and dry. its just so hard to be in an indusry focused on looks when sometimes i dont want to to even leave the house because of my skin. thankfully my agency hooked me up with a nutritionist who has helped me not only loose weight but have a diet that helps my skin. is anyone else in my boat?

By Eczemagirl on Friday, August 27, 2004 - 08:25 am:

Can I be a nurse or medical lab technician and have eczema?

By jsmith on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 05:20 pm:

At the age of 37 I started to have red itchy inflammation under my left eye and red itchy patches on each of my forearms and in my elbow "pits". Sometimes the eczema causes the skin under my eye to bubble up. Although I am only 40 now, when my face breaks out with eczema (normally about 2-3 times per month) I feel like look like a 60 year old monster. I don't need to wear glasses but sometimes I have to just to cover up the skin under my eye. I am also constantly itching my face and arms.

By sharky on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 01:00 am:

I have Eczema for 6yrs now. I have it on my both my hands and fingers. They would crack and bleed every now and then. I work as a phlebotomist and would be ashame of my hands. People would asked me," what wrong with your hand." I would lied about it saying i burned it working on my car. I have tried all kind of ointment out there. So far, I have no luck. I still have it on one of my finger. I cant wait to get rid of it.

By gloves on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 02:12 pm:

I have had a terrible time at work due to eczema. They make me wear gloves to hide it and they think that my skin is going to suddenly fall off and contaminate the customers. I have never had a problem at a previous job, but now I feel discriminated against and like I am some sort of freak show. Customers now ask questions as to why am I wearing gloves when no-one else is and it is humiliating to have to explain.

By sally on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 09:34 pm:

my condition started when i began my career in hairdressing,my hands are rarely free of itching,broken skin and dryness.at work i choose not to talk about my eczema ,i just get on with it.in a way i think my collegues turn a blind eye to it.

By Paul UK on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 01:50 am:

At last !
I had no idea there were so many people suffering from eczema.
I'm a 39 year old man from S/E UK. I was fine, never had eczema untill I started work when I left school at sixteen. I had a two week break then straight into my first job. By the end of the first week I had a slightly dry patch either side of my nose, verry small. Within 3 months it was getting quite noticeable. Now at 39, I've had several jobs each verry diferent enviroments from each other and My face is covered with constant eczema. It starts as dry flakey skin that is sooo obviouse that I was once asked by a child if I had the plague, what ever that was suposed to mean, never the less, It might as well be leprosy as at times I feel so ugly. And the more I worry about it the worse it gets.
I cannott use soap of any kind now and even Betnovate cream only works for a short while then I have to stop using it for months before it will help again.
Fortunately I'm self employed now but I've been insulted because of it more times than I can count.

By Jasmine987 on Wednesday, July 07, 2004 - 01:03 pm:

I have eczema all over my body. It use to be much worse but it still won't go away. I am 22 years old and it is very frustrating. Sometimes the itch is so bad I can't even sleep at night. I have used everything from protopic, elidel and other prescription creams. Is there anything out there which will at least improve the eczema, if not clear it up?

By Debbie sandford on Monday, July 05, 2004 - 11:43 am:

THE MEMBER OF STAFF AT MY HOUSE AT RIVENDELL HAS GOT ECZEMA VERY BAD BEHIND HER EAR AND SHE SAYS THAT IT IS VERY ICHE AT NIGHT HER NAME IS MARGARET CUTTER

By Ali on Tuesday, June 29, 2004 - 10:21 pm:

EllynA

when my hands are very bad, I use liquid Skin by Germolene [from the chemist on the first aid shelf]. This covers over the cracked split areas which really hurt when touched and helps me get on with the day to day jobs.

By trekcub on Friday, June 25, 2004 - 03:44 am:

I have trouble at work because my boss is always cold and in the winter, the heat is up too high and it's uncomfortably warm and dry. In the summertime, I'm lucky to have the air conditioning on at all. Then she complains about freezing. When I'm too warm, I start getting itchy. Other than that, I love my job, so I don't want to create a problem

By EllynA on Thursday, June 24, 2004 - 01:22 am:

Considering I am a therapist and work in a rehab facility, I do not get a lot of understanding about my eczema. There are times when my hands hurt so bad and are so raw, but I decline to call in sick. I am getting to the point where I would like to pursue another career where I do not have to use my hands or wash them as much. I'm very frustrated as the prescription meds I have been given (including Elidel) only work for awhile. Any suggestions?

By Terry on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 - 01:54 pm:

Shortly after I started my current job I my Eczema became bad enough for me to need to take time off work. I told my boss I was suffering from a cold, flu, sore throat...anything but Eczema. For a long time I have found it tough to talk to people about my Eczema and didn't want to have to explain the real reason I had to take time off, also I hate the idea of people thinking I'm using my Eczema as an excuse (I still think there are people out there who think Eczema is just a bit of dry skin!).

Eventually, as I got to know my boss and work colleagues better, I realised I was being stupid. Now when my Eczema is bad and I take time off work I am honest about what's wrong with me and my boss really does understand and accept that Eczema is a condition I was born with and unfortunately don't have much control over so it is inevitable that from time to time I will need to take time off work.

By jenspec on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 08:05 am:

Im a nurse and living in the Philippines. I work at the Emergency room department well initially i was so frustrated by my condition but then as time pass by i have accepted it and try my very best to control its exacerbation period. The philippines is a tropical country and also a third world country it is so polluted here that I couldn't breath a single clean air and it is also so humid that my skin suffers a lot. We cannot find the total cure for this condition but the main goal is not actually curing it but to control. Regarding my work condition it is a stressful place but then i like the routine and the people i work with they do understand my situation so there are times that i need to take some day off due to my eczema and they are certainly understanding about it.

By migs on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 04:10 am:

Work has been quite understanding of my condition, but at the same time I suspect the air conditioning at work is the main reason for my eczema condition and theirs not much I can do about this

By Anon 23 on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 02:04 pm:

I think I would have to agree with Robert - my employers (I've only had one employer, but thats about to change soon!) have been pretty understanding about my eczema too. I was on UVA light treatment last summer and I used to attend my appointments during my lunch-break, they were pretty accomodating if I was ever late getting back.

By Robert on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 01:43 am:

I must say all my employers have been really understanding whenever I have required time off through eczema related sickness. Saying that the most time I have had off work was about 2 weeks and that was through paranoia due to my face being covered. Eczema is so widespread now almost someone in every family either has eczema or knows someone with it, this makes employers more aware of the problems we face everyday of our life.

By EczemaVoice on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 08:37 pm:

Discussion - Eczema and Work
Were you discriminated against? Was it difficult for you at work or were people understanding? Please share your experience by adding to this discussion
thank you - this will be a theme during National Eczema Week