By tbone on Thursday, September 02, 2010 - 10:18 pm:

First of all let me say i do not claim to have found a miracle cure or anything of that nature, i just want to share some experiences.

I am now 53 years old and about 20 years ago i developed severe eczema on my calves which i suffered with for a couple of years, driving me to my wits end having tried all manner of lotions and potions to no avail.

On a family outing to the south coast i bit the bullet, uncovered my legs and spent about an hour or so playing in the sea with my children.

Over the course of the next week i noticed my eczema clearing up and eventually it disappeared completely just leaving a few small scars. As i had not done anything different i put it down to the sea. I have had no re-occurence of the eczema to this day.

My grandson, now 6 years old, developed eczema on his arms and back of his knees when he was about 3 years old. I told my gaughter of my experience with the sea and we decided to try the same. We spent about half hour in the sea and were astounded when his eczema cleared and there has been no re-occurence.

My second grandson now 3 years old developed eczema all over his chest, back arms and legs about 18 months ago and they tried the usual GP route. They have just returned from a holiday in Wales where my dughter took him in the sea, and his eczema has cleared and we are waiting to see if it returns.

As i said before i can offer no explanation as to how this cleared the eczema, whether it has something to do with the salt, minerals or something else i can`t even begin to explain.

As a past sufferer, and knowing the discomfort and distress eczema can cause, the last thing i would want to do is give anyone false hopes, as i said before i just wanted to share my experiences.

If anyone has heard of, or found, the same experience it would be great to hear.

By trug123 on Sunday, August 29, 2010 - 03:18 pm:

I’m a 42-year-old male and have had seborrheic eczema for much of my life, mainly affecting my forehead, nose, temples and chest. To cut a long story short, I reached an all-time low in 2004 -my situation had escalated, with horrendous flare-ups that often looked like someone had taken a red paintbrush to my face, and even leaving the house was often a real trial. I finally had a real breakthrough when I tried out a range of natural skincare products (Elena's Nature Collection, available online and now available on the NHS) – and no, I’m not doing any surreptitious advertising for them, I'm just a regular and very satisifed customer! With me, these new products took several months to really make a difference, but you have to be patient and persistent – something that will come naturally to most chronic eczema and psoriasis sufferers! They did finally ‘kick in’, though, and I can honestly say that my skin situation has been FAR more stable and I haven’t had a SINGLE major flare-up of the kind I used to get in the bad old days. It still fluctuates a bit, or course, but most of the time it just isn’t a problem any more - often I look in the mirror and can hardly see a trace of eczema, and I'm not exaggerating. I live in Germany, and when I went back to my dermatologist (who’d tried me on all sorts of things, mainly hydrocortisone-based, without success) some years later she hardly recognised me! Not being very open to natural remedies, like many doctors, she was sceptical that a natural product could do that - but I assure you it can!
One of the great things about Elena’s set-up is that you can get a free telephone consultation (it’s a good idea to ask to speak to Elena herself!) advising you about which product or combination of products might be best for you given your particular problem. With me, it was the ‘Trinity Soap and Shampoo’ and the ‘Night Cream Extra’ that enabled me to really knock my problem on the head. I’d advise anyone thinking about ordering to speak to them first.
And it's not just me; the success rate is very high. Yes, these products may not work for everyone but I would urge anyone out there who's drawn a blank so far to give them a try - it's really worth it. So all the best to all you eczema sufferers out there – there is hope!

By Nowis on Thursday, August 26, 2010 - 10:06 am:

Man, am I glad to found this forum. Seriously, I actually cried a bit when I saw some of the comments. I do feel you all and I don’t think people understand eczema not only hurts us physically. Those harsh comments may seem witty to you and belittle me may makes you feel good. I never took it to heart but I always use it as a motivator. You are not my enemy, eczema is. Well, long story short. I want to share my experiences and some remedies I find quite useful.

I had asthma when I was small, grew out of it but came back when I was around 17. Since then, I had eczema. It seriously changes my whole lifestyle. Wasn’t that serious at first but it got worse when I was in year 2 in University. Maybe stress and dealing with a long d relationship, I had the worst breakout ever not to mention the longest. I had to stop my education since I can’t even concentrate in classes due to the lack of sleep because of those crazy itches. At that time, I seriously think I maybe sleep 2 or 3 hours max every night. I find it hard for my 15mins walk to school due to the cracking and weeping. My body took a toll and couldn`t go on. I scratched, I bleeded, I shredded, I gave up. Finally, those corticosteroid creams arrived. Ah, I thought it was the end. Not until I found out those side effects and it wasn`t that effective anymore. After tons of creams and I am still the same, I researched and tried every other way. Moisturizers, pills, strange home remedies. I am still suffering from eczema but I do find some ways to counter it. So, here`s some stuff I found works.

If pills, the most effective one are either Borage oil or Evening primrose oil. You can buy tons of them at a fair price. Facial cream, I recommended Physiogel AI Cream. I think this is the only one that won’t flare my skin up. Or magic cream, although that one is a bit pricy for a small bottle. A face mask when it gets worse helps a bit though; make sure it’s those moisturizing ones. Shampoo is very important, I tried maybe 30 different brands and I find Botanical ones most helpful to relieve those red scalps. Food, the toughest part. I guess it depends on everyone but mine are eggs, wheat, grapes, seafood (crabs BIG nono), soy sauce, preservative food. I take hot showers but always ended it with cold ones. I do smoke and I know it makes it worse so if I’m having a breakout I went cold turkey for those days. I kept a humidifier at my room when the weather gets too dry. I do workout and it really helps a lot both physically and mentally. That’s all I can remember for now, I’ll post more if I remember/find something new.

After all these years of trying, I get to a point that I was so tired I even tried to suicide to get some relief. Fortunately, someone found me early and I escaped death. That’s when I changed my whole perspective on my eczema. If I have the courage to die why don’t I face the eczema? I failed all these years and still haven’t conquered it. I lost several relationships, not to mention job interviews, countless jobs, events because of eczema. I do understand in reality eczema is going to die with me. That’s why I want to fight it and learn how to live with it. Sorry for making this long and hope some of the stuff can help you too.

By mizzbonita on Sunday, August 15, 2010 - 05:11 pm:

I just thought I would update you on my progress.
I found out I am allergic to the antibiotics the dr's had prescribed me for a condition I have. This was my initial thought but they didnt take me seriously and the eczema kept re-occuring around my mouth.
Since I have stopped tasking the antibiotics, the eczema has cleared!!
I just thought I would mention this in case anyone else may be allergic to medication that they are unaware of and perhaps could be causing the eczema if they havent previously suffered with it

By louise england on Saturday, August 14, 2010 - 08:59 pm:

yes i think your right dave its digusting all funding has gone for food allergies and then they wonder why people go else where.

last year i had appointment at chest clinic and they said they were going to do some prick tests great i thought. it then turned out they were only testing for dust etc. i said what about food they said on no you need to be referred to another hospital for that. the chances of getting specific referral for food prick tests is nil. when i was a child they did all this automatically - in cambridge
the help i get now for asthma and eczema is next to none. you have to be on your death bed now.

By louise on Friday, August 13, 2010 - 07:23 pm:

my brother unfortunately had to say good bye to cat because asthma worse.

By Peter on Friday, August 13, 2010 - 11:30 am:

Other than moisturisers, I think creams & ointments can be a short term solution, but their prolonged use can cause more harm than good. I paid good money to see a dermatologist privately and whilst she gave me a name for my condition i.e. Seborrheoic Eczema, her prescribed steroid cream made my eczema far worse and I developed impetigo.
You need to think back and try to isolate the cause of your eczema and then try to eliminate it, by whatever means works for you..

By Daveydave on Friday, August 13, 2010 - 04:08 am:

There is no magic cream for eczema. You have to work out what is causing it. OK, OK, listen to your Doctors when they say ''put more cream on'', and do it, but at the end of the day something is causing your illness.
When I was eight years old I remember going to an old female doctor who gave me a prick test. I was taken off milk, tomatoes and mushrooms. I instantly started growing and my asthma attacks stopped. It probably saved my life. I can remember my Dad arguing with her because she insisted on not taking more than twenty quid. My Dad wanted to give her more. She said she would never retire because nobody was doing what she was.
It is a national scandal that kids are not prick tested.
That was a long, long time ago. But here I am again this time with bad eczema. All my Doctor wants me to do is try different creams. The NHS does not recognise the importance of testing.
I had to pay over four hundred quid to have a blood test on BUPA to come to terms that I am hyper allergic to my cat.
I don't cuddle him any more, and I am much better. He is banned from my bedroom and I have bought new leather chairs. On Monday I am having the house professionally steam cleaned.
I really can't believe this site, good though it is, but all the advice is about bloody creams. If you got stung by a wasp, would you fuss about the sting, or would you stop it from happening again?
It is such a complicated subject, I can be allergic to everything if I am exposed to, in my case I think, my cat. Even when I had a bath, I would react.
We need doctors that are willing to take this on, but they will not. In the mean time I have to watch what I eat and try to work out what's going on.

Dave.

By olicohen23 on Monday, August 09, 2010 - 06:18 pm:

Hi guys, I have had eczema for all my life! I have literally tried product after product. Some helped a little but not enough to make me feel it was under control. I then found a natural aloe vera cream called corium 21. It's completley natural and made from aloe vera. After two and a half weeks my eczema was dramatically reduced and my arms were near to being eczema free!

I would reccomend this cream to everyone as it was the only one that has worked for me. i'll give you guys the link below

corium21.co.uk

By louise on Saturday, August 07, 2010 - 04:02 pm:

my daughter has instant asthma attack when near cats. i was very ill as a child with asthma and eczema despite that my dad smoked and we had cats, rabbit, budgie. now when i look back how ill i was it may have been partly due to pets and smoke. i don,t understand why my family had them if i spent half my life in hospital. if anyone has these conditions i strongly advise goldfish instead. maybe my parents did not know in those days?

i am also have allergies to horses and dogs. very high ig levels.

By Daveydave on Wednesday, August 04, 2010 - 08:58 am:

Handy hint if you have cats;

Don't let them into your bedroom. Ever.
Even on their birthdays.

By Nilz on Monday, August 02, 2010 - 01:58 pm:

Thanks Dave

Will try it soon! It's just one of those things that you feel its unfair that you have got it and don't deserve it but we just have to be strong, keep our head high and believe we can tackle it.

I had wedding celebrations to go to the weekend just gone, on the friday it was so bad i nearly didnt go and was so depressed about it, lying in bed and doing nothing... but thought sod it. Already it was calming down on the way there because my mind was occupied and from helpful support and guidance from family and friends and just genuinely having a good time it dissapeared for that day, then it came back slightly on the actual wedding day (which sucked!) but it wasnt that bad and not a lot of people could notice it until i told them. So what im trying to say to Dave and every other eczema sufferer is be strong, think you dont have it and try and break from this vicious circle you've got yourself in. Im so much more optimistic now and going to look into hypnosis or cognetive behavioural therapy as i truly believe my flare ups are stress related and to do with my mental health.

I hope this has inspired people to believe we can tackle it and we won't let it take over our lives. Take charge people!!

By pony girl on Saturday, July 31, 2010 - 10:09 pm:

I've only just found this site, so lots of reading for me!

I've had eczema for all my 42 years (I was also adopted so double emotional trauma - yipee!); always severe, always full body and always blooming painful.

Some may think that I don't help myself as I have dogs, cats and horses - the doctors hated me when I was growing up as I insisted on keeping my menagerie.
But they keep me sane-ish!

I've used all the creams; steroids, emolients etc. Homoeopathy, yoga, etc and I still have the bl**dy stuff! And am now on antidepressants too!

I'm hoping I may find some little known cure hidden in your pages, but I'm not holding my breath!
Cheers

By louise - england on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 08:12 pm:

dave

i find it difficult to stick to strict diets especially as i have kids.
my eczema is cronic since i went into early menopause, keep getting spots that are very sore.

i think it is infected but i cant take any more antibiotics, because i think they have started to affect other parts of body e.g. chest infection.

try different supplements but feel in the end going mad because do not really no what to do for the best. i had postal blood test this showed slight allergy to hen egg, milk and sesame do not really know how accurate it is though.

By Daveydave on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 11:57 am:

Nilz.

Try my diet for five days. Include rice and maybe a vitamin tablet. What's the worst that could happen? I am now nine tenths better apart from minor flare ups in my joints and face. That is caused by my cat head-butting me all the time.

Dave.

By Daveydave on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 12:06 am:

Nilz.

I have had such bad eczema you couldn't believe.
It has come onto my face now and I am so embarrassed. I don't know how to deal with it to be quite honest.

By Nilz on Thursday, July 29, 2010 - 11:52 pm:

Hi, it's me again. My face has really flared up now with red patches all over and the worst thing is ive got wedding celebrations to attend to. As I am asian, my skin tone has changed since the eczema has been on my face and its turned slightly purple as if im bruised up. Has this happened to anyone else and if so what did they do to get rid of it? I dont care if i have eczema anywhere else just not on my face! Obviously id like to get rid of the damn thing once and for all. Life sucks at the minute and this is just bringing me down even further.

By Daveydave on Thursday, July 29, 2010 - 04:27 pm:

Hey Rashy, have you tried going on an elimination diet? It worked for me. This is what I cut down to;

Bottled water
Sea salt
Beef
Beef dripping
Frozen peas
Vodka
Pears
Lamb

After about five days later my eczema had gone. Now I am slowly reintroducing other food back into my diet.
You should try it.
Dave.

By rashy on Thursday, July 29, 2010 - 12:21 pm:

man I was hoping to avoid being one of the scratchy hordes but I have to face facts that this eczema of mine has become chronic.

Right now I'm on a 5 day retreat from my family wandering around my mum in law's empty house in the middle of winter in my bikini with the heater on, just trying to get my skin out and unter controlle. I am so relieved to read the dark thoughts that so many of you guys have had under the influence of this insidious condition because I thought I was being a drama queen. It's crept up on me starting innocently enough as a patch at 12. Now I'm 39, in a bikini, in isolation, probably freaking out the neighbours.

GP tells me to lather up with the emollient which is like dipping yourself in candle wax, then once a week take a bleach bath, a BLEACH bath, to reduce the bug load on my skin. I am officially disgusting

By Daveydave on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 10:25 am:

My Story.
I have had eczema all my life, but for the last eight months or so it has been so bad I could not go to work. I looked like a burn victim. It was so sore a few months back I sat on the settee and didn't move. I got deep veined thrombosis as a result. My Doctor gave me some cream to put on and sent me to a dermatologist. She gave me even more cream to put on. I even went on holiday in the sun, which usually helps, but it got worse. Every time I had a bath it got worse.
I put myself on an elimination diet (sounds easy, but it is not!) and found out that I am allergic to olive oil. I have not had any for a whole week, and today is the first day that my skin is like it should be, completely eczema free. I am so happy I am crying writing this.
All I want to do now is help other people that were like me. If you have had similar things to what I have had, please let me know and maybe I can join you with your struggle and get you better. I will check these forums now and again to see if I can help anyone.
Dave.

By farlishous on Sunday, July 25, 2010 - 02:21 am:

I have suffered from eczema around my eyes since the age of 7 and now I am 24. In all the years I have had it, it has been it’s worse this year around my eyes. My skin is flaky around the corner of eyes and my eyes are itchy. I wondered if anyone has tried Liz Earles Eye bright and the dry skin Gel for eczema around the eyes. I have been prescribed hydrocortisone but prefer not to use it regularly as it can cause thinning of the skin and would prefer a more natural treatment to keeping my eczema under control.

By Nilz on Friday, July 23, 2010 - 03:57 pm:

Hi

My name is Nilesh and I'm 22 years old. I've had eczema since 7 months old and it has just developed as ive got older. Ive tried everything on the market but everything works for a limited period then plateaus off. My biggest problem is stress, when im stressed, upset or just generally in a bad mood it flares up real bad in a short space of time. The only time when i dont get it is when im on steroids but as everyone knows, too much prednisalone causes thinning of the skin and attacks the immune system. I get it on my face now and just cant get rid of the redness, to make it worst my nose is the only part the face which remains clear so this has put a dent in my self-esteem and confidence especially when im outside wiht people. Does anyone have any similar issues and if so what remedies have you used to get rid of it? (that's if anything has worked!) I'm always open to any new suggestions. Thanks

By Alan on Friday, July 23, 2010 - 12:29 pm:

Eczma Control

I have had real difficulty controlling Eczma for the last 30 years: and despite my doctors’ regular exhortations to use “buckets of moisturising lotion”: have only ever found steroid creams to be effective.
The disadvantage, as you may know if you are reading this, is that steroids cause “skin shedding” after about 10 days, and the cycle begins again, over and over.

Over the years I have tried dozens of moisturisers, and found at best, they slow the 10 day cycle down: but never stop it.

However: I would like to share with you an accidental discovery made while on holiday two years ago.
While slapping on after-sun moisturising lotion towards the end of the holiday, I realised that I had not had to use the steroid creams all holiday.
On return, I continued using this after-sun lotion as a plain moisturiser, and found that it seemed to continue keeping the Eczma at bay.

I stocked up on the product: and have been using it as a moisturiser ever since: and (touch wood) have never had a return of the “10 day” Eczma cycle.

As a result, my use of steroidal creams has dropped from 1 & ½ tubes a month: to a part-tube a year!

There may be something of value in the fight against skin problems for other people?

The “Wonder Product” is

Boots SOLTAN Aftersun lotion

By Belle on Friday, July 23, 2010 - 05:28 am:

To Mizzbonita
About three years ago my stomach got red and itchy. It got so bad I didn't think I could handle it. Through endless trips to derm. and extensive allergy testing, they do not know why I got it and said it is something I will probably have for the rest of my life. Also they say stress. I am on three anti histamines, a pill for the itching, lots of different creams, and trying to reduce stress as much as possible. I too get flare ups for no particular reason and it is mainly on my knees and legs. I do the ultra light treatment and that does help when I need to break the cycle of itching. I quit buying expensive lotions and started using mineral oil to help keep the moisture in.(My derm. suggested this and it does work). It is very strange how this can just suddenly appear, but I accepted it and it is a daily regiment of pampering my skin. Some days are better and some flare ups not as bad as others. Hang in there.

By below on Thursday, July 22, 2010 - 09:00 am:

same! I had to pay for private medical to see a dermatologist. And all he did was prescribe the same cream as my NHS doctor and say come back if it gets worse! Doctors are pretty clueless on this so you are going to have to help yourself.

I developed my eczema Jan 2009 so its still new to me but Iv gone from digging holes in red mushy skin to having the occassional flare up that lasts a day or two but otherwise I dont have it!

Iv found diet is really a good wy of controlling it. Fasting and veg juice fasting are amazing for clearing it up too.

By mizzbonita on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 03:53 pm:

Ok thank you I will try that.
I just find it hard to beleive that I have developed eczema around my mouth and have never suffered from it before, and it is not to do with some type of allergy.
Luckily I am covered by private healthcare and should be having some patch testing done within the next couple of weeks once I persuade my GP to refer me! One of the main challenges is getting my GP to take me seriously.

By below on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 08:54 am:

hmmm I think your drs are wrong....I think it could be something you are eating or coming into contact with that you are sensitive to.

Try using avene moisturizer and their face wash..it is really calming fir red irritated skin, it has made a difference to me. Try just eating really plain food and as much raw food as you can (avoid citrus fruits)....dont eat any cakes or things with flour or lots of preservatives...dont drink fizzy drinks etc. So basically eat lots of veg and drink lots of water and see if you clear up at all.

By mizzbonita on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 - 11:09 am:

Hello

I am 29 years old and have never suffered with eczema in my life and all of a sudden developed it about 3 months ago around my mouth and now around my eyes.
I am on anti-biotics for another condition and I thought it could be the cause but my drs dont think this is the case. I think it could be an allergy to something Im eating, but again my drs dont think this is the case and have attributed it to stress.
The fact I have eczema on my face is stressing me out. I am at my wits end. I wish I knew the cause and cure!
Has anyone else randomly started suffering from eczema? And does anyone have any remedial suggestions? I would be so grateful
At the moment I am using steroid cream that the drs gave me but dont like to use them much. Other than that the only thing I put on my eczema is vaseline as its one of the only things that doesnt irritate it.

By arezai on Monday, July 19, 2010 - 06:50 pm:

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endofeczema.wordpress.com/new-novel-treatment-for-eczema-dermatitis/

I have explained how I accidentally discovered it. I have presented the limited, yet supporting, data that proves the remedy works.

It will cost you very little money and a bit of inconvenience. And you do not have to pay me anything.

If you do use the treatment, please share your experience with others.

I have recently started to spread the news through eczema forums. Please contact me at the following email if you have any question:

endofeczema@gmail.com

Ali Rezai

By daperez24 on Monday, July 19, 2010 - 04:32 am:

Well Everyone,
My husband has eczema and psoriosis VERY bad - over 60 perct of his body. He is 41 years old and about 7 years ago we were able to come across a company that we have taken ALL of the household chemicals out of our home, our detergent, EVERYTHING. They also have an amazing lotion that has been scientifically proven to beat out Eucerin! The visual of his eczema is UNBELIVEABLE. He unfortuantly now has psoratic arthritis and is now taking the Humara shots. I have shared this with many people and that have eczema, open sores, etc.
I don't sell anything - I am just happy to share our story. If you want more info, I am happy to share it with you, just email me! I feel for my husband who never would take his shirt off around our pool.
Take care! Alicia perezt2s@msn.com

By to harley on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - 01:17 pm:

Yeh, although immediately after it can sting a bit so its best to have a cool shower asap and the moisturize. But yeh, its because its helping your body to detox that it helps your eczema.

By Harley on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - 10:26 am:

Does anyone notice their eczema gets better when they're more active? Like exercise ect...

By Sarah Miller on Friday, July 09, 2010 - 02:53 am:

I've had chronic eczema my whole life - I'm 26. Some things I find that help, and that are cheep
Home made moisterisers
olive oil and beeswax. melt two parts olive oil to one part beeswax. pour into a jar to cool. beeswax protects skin, olive oil moisterises. You can also add other essential oils with antibacterial properties such as tea tree or lavender, or also some oils will help with stress and can be added also

Also, for really solid moisterising, plain olive oil works really well. You have to wander round naked for a bit while it sinks in, but it absorbs well, and smells nice - unlike alot of eczema creams.
Here in New Zealand damp is a biggy for eczema suffers. As are dust mites and dust build up.
I've been putting my mattress in the sun to kill off any dust mites - a big allergin for me, and doing really solid cleans of my room really helps.
I find exercising is also helpful as it increases bloodflow to the skin, which promotes healing.

By to louise on Wednesday, July 07, 2010 - 08:51 am:

HI Louise

It don't know if they use it in chinese med.... it's a kind of herby thing.... it's powdered bark of the tree....you mix it with water and you can make tea, porridge, all kinds of things from it, but it's really healing. You should google it if you need convincing. You can 50gs on ebay for about £4. And a tablespoon makes loads.

If you try to eat as much natural raw food as possible, you will be getting hardly any wheat, dairy or gulten in your diet anyway. I think if you try for a couple of weeks at least then you'll be able to be less strict without your skin going mad.

So google raw food diets for ideas about what to eat. Don't go to extreme or it will be impossible to keep up but do the best you can for a couple of weeks. Raw food like veggies wont cause you to have skin reactions, it will give your body a chance to stop be on the defence and start repairing.

Hope that's helpful but if you have any more questions, i'll do my best to answer them

xxx

By louise england on Tuesday, July 06, 2010 - 08:11 pm:

what is slippery bark powder - is this chinese med?
will capsules do the same job
i am allergtic to nuts but may not try coconut milk
what about gluten free

By To louise on Tuesday, July 06, 2010 - 08:50 am:

Hi Louise

It is confusing! I dont have all the answers, but I think giving up cows milk is a must. You should switch to coconut milk.

And give up wheat! Obviously bread, cakes etc because those foods irritate your intestines and stuff...they overload your body with stuff it cant handle and it dumps it in your skin.

Try a day of fasting on water only and then get some slippery elm bark powder which you mix with water to make a kind of porridge. This coats your intestines with a protective film. Use this as a replacement for two meals a day and then the other meal should be natural, raw (or as raw as possible) food....so veggies and stuff. I bet your eczema will heal up....I bet you any money!!!

By louise england on Monday, July 05, 2010 - 04:27 pm:

i am confused. should i give up milk ot wheat. some people mention giving up dairy and some mention wheat and gluten but not together

By Laff on Saturday, July 03, 2010 - 04:23 pm:

Hi I suffered from eczema very badly as a child and mildly most of my adult life, then it just seemed to appear on my hands. One day I came across a website put up by the Cambridge university hospital regarding milk and Soya allergies I followed there instructions to avoid all milk and Soya products which worked amazingly my skin completely cleared up for the first time in my life and only comes back if I weaken and eat the wrong food.
I’d tried cutting out milk and cheese before but as this guide explains milk derivatives are hidden in many foods you wouldn’t suspect so it never actually worked.

I’ve placed the web link below just add the htt?://ww?., they offer some really good alternatives to milk Soya products.
I hope this helps someone eczema is traumatic illness particularly when your very young.

.cuh.org.uk/resources/pdf/patient_information_leaflets/PIN2243_cow's_milk_and_soya_free_diet.pdf

By harley on Saturday, July 03, 2010 - 12:48 am:

Has any one used Dermarest products for eczema?

By face on Friday, July 02, 2010 - 08:57 am:

sparrow, avene products for your face when its not flaring up and calendula for when its red and rough.

i have the same issue but these products mean i dont use the steriod cream too often.

By louise on Thursday, July 01, 2010 - 07:46 pm:

has anyone had reaction to hrt medication upon starting - etogen only type for menopause
my eczema appeared to react badly so am going to ask doctor if i should continue

By Sparrow on Thursday, July 01, 2010 - 04:42 pm:

Hi, I've been using a steroid cream primarily on almost every part of my face for the past few years practically every night. I now know that this is not good for my skin and would really like to discontinue the use of steroids! Any tips to help wean myself off steroid cream? Thanks.

By Helen on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - 08:29 pm:

Hey Guys

I have been suffering from eczema from the age of 13 Iam now 26! And I am only now beginning to get some confidence back. My eczema has improved alot because I am now on a Gluten free and Wheat free diet. my skin is not itchy, bumpy and dry any more.(I do have the odd flare up due to the fact that I'd eaten something with wheat or gluten in it)... so my skin has started to heal it self, the dark patches are not as dark as before. But you can still see the scars.

I have been on this diet for about 5/6 months now, Due to the improvements I gonna stick to this diet from now on. It does get a bit hard when you have to eat out, I miss eating cakes and pies ( I now eat wheat free cakes but they don't taste as good) but if I want my skin back Im gonna have to sacrifice my lovely treats!!

Any way please give this diet a try for about 2/3 months Hopefully you will see a change in your eczema.

Every one keep your head up and stay strong.

By fraser on Sunday, June 20, 2010 - 01:32 pm:

Harley,

I've never looked for it because I have atopic. I live in Canada also. Check out some drug stores - have no idea if it works, but worth a try.

By fraser on Sunday, June 20, 2010 - 01:29 pm:

Lyn,

Have you tried doing anything diet-wise? There is so much you can try. Let me know - I can give you lots of suggestions. Don't give up!! I've had it for almost 3 years. There are things you can do to make it bearable.

By lyn on Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 02:26 pm:

i suffer eczema 5 years now...i used to be out going individual,,full of hope in the future but now i dont care anymore...i just wanna give up...hope in GODS miracle it will just disappear...

By lyn on Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 02:20 pm:

hi everyone hang in there

By Peter on Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 07:39 am:

I know that this is going to sound drastic, but take time off and go around completely nude for week. You may have a yeast infection and your clothes are making it worse by acting like sandpaper. I have kept my eczema at bay by going around nude at the first signs of an outbreak and others on this forum have hinted that it has helped them. Surely it is worth trying almost anything to get relief from eczema and avoid the continual use of steroids.

By Charlene on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 07:58 pm:

Hello all, I'm new to this and don't even know if I will get a response...but my eczema is killing me. I have had it now for 7 months and its only getting worse!!!! Its on my arms, back, stomach, face, neck, chest...ITS ALL OVER!!! I can't sleep, my clothes even hurts me, I can't shower or bath then I itch more..I'm already bleeding from all the scratching..I really can't take it anymore!!! I've been to the doctors and my medical aid is in overdraft..I bought stuff for more than R1600 in one week...I've been on Steroids & Cortisone more than 5 times already and all the salf you can think of...don't any of you have advise for me? charlene@mpc.co.za

By harley on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 07:18 pm:

Hello Fraser:

Do they sell them in local Canadaian drug stores? Any brands you can suggest?

By fraser on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 04:48 am:

Harley,

I read on-line that Milk of Magnesia works really well for seborrheic dermatitis. I think you apply it topically but you can google to see.

Can't hurt to try,

By fraser on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 04:46 am:

Louise,

I would meet you for coffee but I live in Canada - a little too far!

May God bless you and your daughter - you've been through so much. My husband was diagnosed with MS last year, and I know I'd be better at dealing with the ups and downs if I didn't have eczema - it makes everything so much more difficult. I am 47 yrs. old with 3 children also. Everyday is like a battle. I've tried every diet in the book - still can't figure it out. Maybe salicylates or citric acid. Using cortisone once a week or once every 2 weeks, keeps it at bay - I never put it on more than that. The more you use it the less effective it is...it's all I can do for now. Hope you find someone close by for support.

Good wishes,
Fraser

By louise - england on Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 03:48 pm:

hi
back on more antiobiotics for bad skin because gp suggested it. my derm has talked about strong drugs beginning with C. i am scare to take most medication because most drugs have reaction. I have recently gone into early menopause aged 47 - gp
has suggested hrt but i am scare to take that. i am scare to take most drugs because i do not want to end up worse then already am because i have 3 children to look after one who had brain tumour at age 9 and is now in a wheelchair. so yes there is always someone worse of but that does not stop you feeling terrible with the debilitating condition as eczema. because it is and my eczema is horrible and it affects my life more then you would ever know. i was given steriods for asthma when i was a child now i have ostrosporsis in bottom of spine - do not know what that means but i do know that i have not been able to tolerate drugs on market for ostroposis.today i am on a down day because the heat gets to me and i cant go out in the sun. me face is puffy because of antiobiotics.

lets start up a group for support i live near bath in england if someone lives near there - coffee would be good.

i am sick of diets because i cannot stick to them and it does not always make a difference. the secret is to stop statching and picking but i cant because i take my anxiety out on my eczema because of whats happened to my daughter. why did that have to happen to my daughter at age 9 - thats why my eczema has gone out of control. i will always be heartbroken but she still smiles despite all the surgery and treatment shes had to endure and i am angry because the doctors failed to pick up her brain tumour early enough for good outcome. now she sits in her wheelchair with no friends age 12.

i cant make decision about how to treat my eczema.

By harley on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 02:17 pm:

does any one have seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and face?

By lee on Saturday, June 12, 2010 - 03:01 pm:

dont think i should come here whilst on a binge, sorry, the query about vallergan still stands.

By lee on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 07:26 pm:

god now ive started cant stop wish someone was here to myther about facebook, this is something i dont discuss with my friends, has anyone ever found that their mood was severely affected by antihistamines in particular VALLERGAN syrup or pills caused me to feel violent and miserable theyve taken it off the market anyone heard of it, vallergan, detrimental to your mental wellbeing.

By lee on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 07:10 pm:

something is at work on a subatomic level that we will never understand, has an eye for beauty we will never get it take a polar bear for exp no way was that an accident white fur that polarizes light into black skin like optical fibre. period. why didnt like evo suggestes didnt it come out a freak an accident too well worked out like it all is film suggestion mr nobody im sure your all officianadoes of free shit. ta lee

By lee on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 06:55 pm:

massive amounts of exerercice if i can spell diet of mainly fatty fish burn off all the stress and anger sweat hot bath try to look at life as it is an ilusioun not really here. prof paul davies, the mind of god the universe was obviously designed for life for us just count the ratio of calcium bones, iron, heamaglobin, sulphur, btw i know irons a constituant of heamo, seems too well workd out take a bee orchid looks like a bee smells like a bee, symbiosis all im saying is we are out of whack with ghia. what is a star for to look amazing naa warm up dead rocks naa only animal that has become aware of the life and surroundinds its in WE ARE THE REASON FOR ALL THIS ENERGY, try to appreciate it, get pissed and go to the lake district withought a shotgun btw.

By fraser on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 05:20 pm:

Lee, Not being critical...rant all you want, periods or no periods (your sense of humour is like my cousins - love it!)
Just having fun - God knows I need it!!

(This is the most action this website has had in a long time!)

Are we annoying all those eczema sufferers out there yet??

By lee on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 04:37 pm:

i dont take that long to start on my next rant, lifes too short. and yes i do know the difference between a paragraph and a comma im not arrogant enough to think anyone would be hanging on my every sentence and paraphrase.

By fraser on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 03:27 pm:

A period and a COMMA - awesome Lee!!
(or is it too much beer?)

*have you tried Squalene/Squalane?? Anyone???

By lee on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 03:03 pm:

sorry about spouting a load of bs thats what happens when im left to my own devices a pc and a load of beer just feels good to vent sometimes, theres ya period kiddo.

By fraser on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 02:02 pm:

XX,

I know, I kept it going with Lee because I need an active eczema website!!!! I've been so immersed in my husband's MS stuff - loads of active MS websites. Not so for eczema. Days when it's bad it's really nice to find others in the same situation. I don't get really any help from doctors (only cortisone!) so love to confer with others who are battling this...who knows, might find something useful.

The eczema websites are usually pretty lame - use moisturizers! don't use hot water! DON'T SCRATCH (love that one!), etc. Anyway, hope this site gets more active, cause it's the best one out there.

By xx on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 09:02 am:

Hey you two! I check this site every day and its good to see it so busy!!!

Lee, I know how you feel...I was out with my boyfriend one night, having a really nice time and forgetting about my eczema and a guy came up to me and asked me why my legs are so scabby....it really knocked me. I spent ages after thinking of everything Id say to him if I ever saw him again.

Fraser, thanks for all that advice, Iv changed my diet a lot and its really helping, its healing but slowly. I'll look nto histame.

Thanks you two

xx

By fraser on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 12:57 am:

Lee & everyone,

Just a little info on Histame - looks like it has been available in Europe since 2004. Taken from the Histame website:

Histamine levels are very high in popular "guilty pleasure" foods such as pizza, beer, red wine, cured and smoked meats and fish, many types of cheeses and nuts, and various fruits and vegetables. As foods lose their freshness, they also accumulate increased levels of histamine. Unfortunately, millions of Americans have insufficient levels of DAO to process the high levels of histamine in many of the foods they love.

The effects of histamine-related food intolerance can range from common digestive system problems such as abdominal pain and spasms, diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence to headaches, skin rashes, eczema and hives—all due to the body’s genetic incompatibility for processing histamine. Until recently, the only options for those with histamine intolerance included suffering these symptoms or avoiding all histamine-rich foods.

In his interview, Dr. Missbichler recommends that people with histamine-related food intolerance take Histame® from Naturally Vitamins, the exclusive patented source of DAO in the United States and Canada. Histame's DAO was first approved for sale in the United States in 2008. Previously, hundreds of thousands of Europeans had been helped by the same source of DAO since its introduction to Europe in 2004.

By fraser on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 12:44 am:

Lee, You're very funny...but you have to start using periods. Please.

Ok, you know your stuff. I had a vodka martini the other night instead of wine and was fine. Look into low salicylate diet. I know you're probably sick of it all - but hey, what's one more diet, right?

Have you ever looked into "Histame". I"m waiting for it - can't get it in Canada so ordered from the States. Check it out. For people like us who have tried every diet out there: histame.com

It replaces Diamine Oxidase an enzyme that regulates histamine
that can cause food intolerance. Can't wait to try it. I think I have a real problem with that, and maybe that's why the diets haven't been working. I talked with a guy who had a citrus allergy, and he said it works perfectly.

Thanks for all the chatting today. I find this isn't always the most active website, so was good finding someone to compare notes with.I had a great day until I was cooking dinner, and then my neck went out of control itchy. Was it the steam/heat from cooking?????? Who knows. So maddening when I had a great day, and my neck was healing...2 steps forward 1 back, I guess.

By lee on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 12:14 am:

btw no animal drinks milk after weaning on to solids especially another speceise milk designed for its own particular environ and parasites also we arnet fucking mice who eats wheat ant grass we are similar to bears omnivores typical food berries nuts fish and if we are lucky the occasional dickhead for your favourite staff only kiddin

By lee on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 12:06 am:

fraser cardboard sleeves been there steroids by the ton fish and rice till want to kill the eastern seaboard
all the oils you can google all the diets its a shame about alchohol your too right

By fraser on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 10:31 pm:

Also Lee, give up gluten/wheat for 3 days, go longer if you feel improvement. Worked like a charm for me last time. It's really easy - get some gluten free bread, rice pasta, etc. No junk food and stay off the alcohol during that time. I had amazing results!! No guarantees though - different for everyone, but worth a try.

(not so lucky this time though..something else is going on, and I still don't know what it is after almost 3 years!)

By fraser on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 10:27 pm:

Lee,

I have asthma and eczema - my kids do not have asthma. It's been my greatest fear. My son does have very slight eczema on his legs in the winter - but just a spot here or there, nothing like mine. Cod liver oil helped. My daughter did have it for awhile a few years ago - not badly though. Completely disappeared after a trip to Cuba. Salt and sun did the trick, and never to return.

I'm really screwed up that way, especially since I'm one of seven kids and I'm the only one with asthma/eczema. The universe has been very unfair to me! Do you only have it on your hands?...I have it one my hands, arms, shoulders, neck (the worst part of it for me), face, eyelids, under eyes, ears, scalp (sometimes), legs. Pretty much everywhere. I've had a great day today - 2nd day on the low salicylate diet. Try using 100% pure lanolin. Not the synthetic crap - it's really thick, more than vaseline - put it on your hands at night and wear gloves. Might help. I have tons of suggestions if that doesn't work.

By lee on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 09:48 pm:

no sorry im not myself right now, didnt think anyone was paying attention and sod the periods

By lee on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 09:44 pm:

thanks frazier, plz could you tell me have any of your kids displayed any signs of allergy ? could be worse could have a face and hands like tutankahmun

By fraser on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 09:39 pm:

Hi Lee,

Not sure what you were saying since you don't use proper sentences, or periods..."or set on fire as a child of a suspected terrorist could be worse lung cancer....".

I think maybe you're being sarcastic, which is cool cause it shows you have a sense of humour about it all.

Good luck...just couldn't tell from your prior email if you really did want to strangle that girl. Never can tell from an email.

All the best.

By lee on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 09:15 pm:

thanks frazier wouldnt listen to me to intently i have my derek bird moments but soon come out of it i happen to be surounded by famyly and friends who do for god knows what reason put up with my bs shouldnt rage against a universe so magical we are only passing through what if your next few seconds on earth was breathing zyclon b or set on fire as a child of a suspected terrorist could be worse lung cancer maybe while someones petrol bombimg you im obviusly out of it now but thanks

By Fraser on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 04:16 pm:

Lee,

I understand your anger - but you have to let the anger go!! You cannot heal when you are lashing out like that. That girl that you wanted to "wrap your hands around", was just an insensitive person. The bottom line is people don't understand the pain, and anguish involved with having eczema. I don't even mention it to most people - try not to even discuss it with family, because no one can really understand. People think it's a bit of dry skin - people have no idea!!!

You are in a place of anger, but because you are in that place you CANNOT HEAL! The body in a defensive mode cannot heal. You are on a journey, as we all are with eczema. There is a way out but you have to work hard to get there. It's been almost 3 years for me, and every night that I get into bed and can't sleep, I still believe I WILL GET BETTER. Most doctors will not help you - you have to do it. When my 2nd child was born I had eczema for 1 year and when I gave up gluten, it stopped OVERNIGHT! Eczema was gone and did not return for 12 years. The body can heal. Have you eliminated - dairy? gluten & wheat? eggs? dairy? nuts? alcohol? Try these things. They haven't worked for me this time, but now I'm eliminating citric acid/citrus fruit and salicylates. It's hard work, but nothing compared to living with eczema.

You can do this. Let the anger go and ask God to help you. Yesterday I was having a very bad day, but had to go shopping. Was in the grocery story and a man walked by me with his son, who had cerebral palsy. Imagine that? There are a lot of people suffering in this world - stop the anger & when people are insensitive like that girl was, don't be angry - don't pass blame. Be strong - you have one life to live, so do everything you can to make it great and healthy.

This trial can make you a better person, but you can't heal in the state you're in. Even in your suffering send out good, cheerful positivity into the world. Don't let that anger come from you and affect others. There is no reason in the world that a person with eczema cannot find love - it's not the eczema that is holding you back it's your spirit right now. Lots of people with challenges find love, because when the spirit has beauty people will see beyond your skin.

I have a husband who has MS, just diagnosed 1 year ago as well. It's been a very difficult year, but we have 3 children and I say to my husband I don't want our lives to be all about our physical challenges. I want our children to see their parents as 2 people that persevered in spite of it all - I don't want my life to be all about eczema and MS! I don't want us zapping the joy out of our children's lives because of our difficulties.

I see life like this: someday we are all going to die, bottom line. Do whatever you can to make it great, really great - doesn't matter what you're faced with. Married, single, eczema, no eczema it doesn't matter. I hate, hate, hate using cortisone, but you know what - sometimes to make my life great, and to stop the pain I have to use it. Only maybe once every 2 weeks, or once a week, so whatever.

Hope this isn't too lecturey, but I'm not judging you in anyway - I totally understand everything you're saying. Just want to pass on a few thoughts of mine.

Don't give up, hang in there...life is and will be great,
Fraser

By lee on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 03:03 pm:

completely destroyed personality when i was young had a smartarse sense of humour liked me over the years as ive become more freakish introverted depressed angry hatefull not had a girlfriend in 20 bastard years all i can say is fin sick of this, fuming. flaky scaby alien. worst pain on earth having a girl say in a crowded room eewww whats wrong with your hands should have wraped em round her neck ended the bitch there and then.

By harley on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 10:09 am:

Hi Ruth,

the electric itch stopper is a scam

By Ruth on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 04:27 pm:

ps it is an "electronic itch stopper".

By Ruth on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 04:25 pm:

Hi, I am desperate to stop my ezcema itching so much - it's driving me crazy. I have seen a gadget that is supposed to stop the itching for 24 hours - it is called an "itch stopper". Due to regulations on this website I was unable to put the website address on, but type it in Google and it should come up. Has anyone tried this and what is your opinion. Do you think it would work?

By fraser on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 03:59 pm:

Phillip from England,

Do not use pharmacy store sun creams! They are full of chemicals, that may cause skin cancer. More dangerous than the sun!!! Anything like Oxybenzone, benzophenone (words ending in "one" should be avoided). This site wouldn't let me post another website so just google "dangers of chemical sunscreens" and you'll find loads on the net.

I love Aubrey products, and their sunscreen is wonderful. I even use it to stop the itching! There's a green tea one that is great for kids, and adults. It will leave you a little white, but that is what you want. It means the sunscreen is on your skin blocking the sun, not entering your bloodstream. The chemicals are very dangerous - Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat - all of them should be avoided.

Aubrey is wonderful - it's from the States but can purchase in Canada, so maybe you can order off their website if you live elsewhere.

Good luck!

By fraser on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 03:48 pm:

Tamera from California,

I tried the UVB light therapy, and it helped a little at first but didn't help longterm. I'm trying a product I've ordered from the States (so maybe you can get it in your stores), called "Histame". I can't wait to try it - it replaces an enzyme that many people with food intolerances can't produce. I spoke with someone who says it's amazing, and when he eats something that would normally produce a reaction he is totally fine. It's coming in the mail soon, so I'll let you know if I have any luck.

Have you tried to do an elimination diet? After giving up citrus/citric acid I had 5 great days, but then regressed when I ate an apple. Citric acid is not only in citrus fruit/tomatoes, it's in a huge range of food. Try giving it up and see - my throat gets tight like I'm being strangled. Look up Histame on-line and see if it might make sense for you. I haven't tried it yet so can't tell you from experience, but will know soon.

Good luck!
Fraser

By Jay on Saturday, June 05, 2010 - 11:38 pm:

I just recently (wednesday) started using Betnovate Ointment. It contains 0.1% Betamethasone Steroid. I must say the results it has had in this short period of time have been nothing short of miraculous! My face almost feels completely normal! Wow! So now I am not going to use it until I next get a flare up! I also had cracks on the skin below my thumbs near my wrist for years that never repair and a few applications has they are healed as are my chest and neck!

I know there are possible side effects so anyone that wishes to use it should read into that, but I happily risk that for skin like this!

I feel so happy! & have hope!

By Tamera from California on Friday, June 04, 2010 - 06:46 am:

Hi everyone,
I've been suffering from eczema and hives for 10yrs now. I've been hospitalized twice because the swelling closed my eyes, lips and my throat. I combat it with Triamcinolone but it's a mild relief at best. My dermatologist's idea of treatments (PUVA light treatments and high dose antihistamine shots) are too expensive for me to afford. Are there any home remedies or discount medicines for one such as myself?

By harley on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 06:30 am:

I don't have them all over my body, just particular areas like my face, chest and forarms, and they are not area-wide just little random red itchy bumps/spots, but if I scratch them then the whole area goes red. I also get these normally as I have eczema, but they are always really itchy for a while after I take a shower.

By XzemaGirlnBetty on Monday, May 31, 2010 - 09:53 pm:

I get little itchy hives after I shower. Not a rash of them but random ones. Is that what you mean?

By harley on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 06:00 am:

does anyone else ever get itchy bumps on their arms and back right after a shower/ drying off

By philip england on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 - 03:44 pm:

any advise on good sun creams to use
would liike a healthy one
roc unavailable any longer
some make my daughters eczema come out

do - most eczema suffers have asthma as welll. i got both and i have high ig levels

any infor on xoplair - have heard of this but doctor not keen to prescribe

By Sheepy on Sunday, May 23, 2010 - 10:51 am:

Hey Everyone,

I have had Eczema since I was a baby my Dad always tells me he thinks I was born having a flare up, he also believe's my Eczema was caused because I was born a few weeks late! (bless him) well that was 26 years ago and I'm still waiting to grow out of it, as I'm sure many of you are, still must mean we're young at heart!

As the years have gone on my skin has varied and I've tried numerous different things, potions, lotions, diets, vitamins, soft drugs hard drugs, UVB therapy, bandages, cardboard sleeves, the list is endless!

I now at the stage where its going to end my career. I have been an ITU nurse for 3 years and although I have always been aware of the risks involved its not stopped me doing the job I love.

In Aug 2009 I was admitted to hospital with a kidney infection, where I picked up MRSA my skin has been hell since! I've now been started on Mycophenolate and high dose steroids to see if they will help. A previous course of Ciclosporin has not worked so fingers and toes and legs and arms crossed that these will.

I find myself struggling to get of bed most days, not just because of the after effects of the sedating anti-histamine's but also that my Eczema has taken away my biggest pleasure in life- my nursing!

Although I have some very good supporting people my dermatologist Emily is fantastic and my partner is amazing. He tells me everyday that I am beautiful to him and is always proud to be at my side no matter how ghastly I look!

If anyone does find that magic cure can they let me know please!!

Thanks for listening

Sheepy xxx

By TinToronto on Friday, May 21, 2010 - 03:38 pm:

Wow I had no idea there were other people out there like me! Amazing, thank you for this group.

I am now 40 years old and I have had very bad eczema all my life. I spend many years in hospitals and trying to find what would work.

I have been to natural paths and all kinds of doctors everywhere. Here is the deal with naturpaths, the things they give you are herb and flowers I am allergic to both and I am sure most of you are. Would you roll around in grass or eat it if you allergic to it? Not likely.

Colonics, don't put yourself through it. It isn't worth the trouble. Drink water it does the same thing, have a teaspoon of olive oil it does wonders.

I have done phototheraphy, while giving me a lovely tan, did not do anything for my eczema.

I have done all diets including Candida nothing seems to work. I know it makes sense to heal things from the inside out, but it seems impossible for eczema because we are missing some core dna codes which can not just be refreshed.


The basic problem is we are unable to create a barrier on the skin, therefore our bodies freak out thinking there are intruders on our skin and over react. We need artificial barriers and we need something to get rid of the IgE count in our bodies.

Here is what has helped for me, maybe it might work for you too.

Elta cream or any cream that has paraffin in it, any Tar cream to take away the itch. Xolair to get rid of the IgE count and a night sedetive to get some sleep so that my body can heal and I can get some sleep from the itching.

Lots of excercise to relieve anxiety. I am allergic to everything, but I eat whatever I want. If you constantly avoid things that you are a little allergic to you will never build imunity to anything. Stay away from the things that you are very allergic too.

Most of all bath often! It is a myth that you should not bath often. I like to think of myself as a flower, the more I water the better my skin grows. You need the moisture, directly after bathing apply.

Mentally eczema affects your self esteem and your self worth, especially if you grew up with it. Try doing activities that help improve these areas, don't forget it's not just your skin that suffers.

Good luck to everyone and god bless the itchy ; )

Theresa.

By fraser on Friday, May 21, 2010 - 03:10 pm:

Sorry Jay...about the hairdryer. Put it on the itchy area as hot as you can stand it. It does kill the itch for awhile. I keep it plugged in beside my bed at night, so if I wake up I can just switch it on.

Sometimes I'll do it with very hot water as well. I'm sure it's not the best solution, but for a quick escape from the itch I'll put my wrists & inside of elbows on really hot water. Feel amazing. Probably drying in the long run, but I do everything I can to avoid itching (which I'm not very good at!), and the damages that follows.

Although, feeling amazing - hardly an itch anywhere on my body right now...totally strange.

By fraser on Friday, May 21, 2010 - 03:03 pm:

Jay,

I just finished 3 separate posts under the discussion board "food allergies". You know in my last post I mentioned I had red inflammed areas under my eyes, which extended down to my jawline? Well...I hate to share this so soon, because I've been fooled too many times, but since Tuesday I've been completely off citric acid, and this morning I woke up and they are almost completely gone. Overall body itchiness is incredibly better - not completely gone but 70% better. Check out what I wrote. I've been gluten free for a year and a half, dairy free, nut free, sugar free and nothing has done for me what going citric acid free for only 4 days has done!!

I'll post again, but I have to give it a few weeks to really know. It's in everything - it's even grown in black mould (from corn)!

The foundation is just basically a makeup that is used on the face to hide imperfections and even out tone. Best to buy one without fragrance or artificial ingredients - Dr. Hausckha is a good one (expensive though!). I do better with drier creams - calamine lotion, natural sunscreen. Oily, aqueous creams drive me crazy. The absolute best for me is making a paste of the Aveeno bath Collodial powder and putting it on the itchy areas. It is drying, a little but then will follow with a cream or lotion. Can't use things like vaseline - the itchiness makes me insane!

By Jay on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 07:48 pm:

Hi Fraser,

what do you mean by a natural foundation? And Yes my neck is also incredibly itchy at times! Hmm and how does this hairdrier thing work?

I have never cut out wheat! I cut out citrus fruits when I was younger and attended a Natural Chinese Herb Place, where i drank these revolting teas every day! They told me this was a potential trigger! My mum often tells me to cut out a million different things, including dairy, spices etc but there are so many potential triggers I just don't know where to start! Has anybody else had success by cutting out dairy and/or wheat?

Is patch testing worth a shot and has anybody had any real success by taking them? I think if you test 20 things you might hit some trigger but what about the other million potential reactors that you never has the possibility of testing???

Jay

By fraser on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 03:02 pm:

Hi Cut & Paste & Jay,

I did go for one colonic - you're right not pleasant! I was really scared about going, but not as bad as I thought. My naturopath suggested doing one in about 6 weeks. Is there a reason you said to do them 2 weeks apart?

I'm doing this candida cleanse, and was taking the probiotic in the kit, but found out that really I needed a heavy duty one (mine had 2 billion, but was told needed one with 50 billion). During my first colonic the technician said that there was evidence of parasites, so taking parasitic capsules as well.

Jay - I too have red patches under my eyes, which can extend down my face to my jaw line, as well as my eye lids. One thing I find is putting a natural foundation or a natural sunscreen on the patches can really help (if you're a guy you can put it on at night). Creams do not help to heal the area at all and I refuse to put cortisone on my face, which can lead to rosacea (I have enough problems!). My neck is the worst area of all, and looks terrible from my 2 1/2 years of eczema. I have used cortisone here and don't know if it's contributed to the damage, but when it gets bad I find the hairdryer will suppress the itch for awhile.
Lately hydrated bentonite clay has been soothing.

My hands and arms have been calmer, but like you I have itchy legs, but always have and could tolerate it. When it's your upper body it's a whole different level of pain.

I wish you the best of luck, and don't ever stop having hope. Do everything you can, try it all. Thirteen years ago, my eczema was over because I FINALLY did why my naturopath said and gave up wheat...didn't work this time, but something else will.
I have a wonderful adoring husband, and three amazing kids - they are learning about perseverance big time...I have lots to live for, so gotta keep soldiering on - absolutely no other option. I really don't think your pharmaceutic drugs/creams are going to get you better. Do everything, try everything to get to the bottom of it - use them if you have to when it's rough but keep searching.....

By Jay on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 09:38 pm:

Hi,

it is awesome to find that I am not alone, I regularly research eczema on the net, but this is the first time I have come across the discussion boards! :-)

I am 27 and have had eczema since the age of about 7, although it was not severe in my early years i would occasionally wake up with a large scratch down my face after 'having a go at myself' in my sleep! As much as this was embarrassing at school and an effort to hide, it would usually heal in 3 or 5 days and apart from that I led pretty decent existence because my skin was fine apart from that.. (hardly noticable)

However it has developed and is a constant grievance to me these days, worst on my face, but also on my chest and arms, strange, I get a little bit dry on my legs after showers but nothing compared to my upper body! I often think why can't my face be like my legs! lol My face is constantly red and it has become so tiresome! Drinking alcohol aggravates it no end and also leads me to having red swollen and puffy under-eyes! I use a mixture of products at the moment, namely lutsine xeramance plus in cobination with fucidine and the antihistamines ebastel and atarax, costing me the equivalent of about 50 pounds per week! But none of it stops the redness on my face, even tho I'm sure it would be far worse without them!

At times I won't go out for days because I am embarrassed by what people would think of the way I look, I used to be so confident but these days have no confidence whatsoever! I often have thoughts like what is the point in this life, but I love my family far too much to ever take them thoughts seriously!

I am just so sick of not having a life! I have not had patch tests because I was told there are simply too many possibilities and it would take forever to test them all!

I think maybe I will try the fasting thing or the advice of the cut and paste post, I read the post about DORYX and was intrigued but after researching it appears there are some very serious possible side-effects.

Nice to finally talk to people who share my pain!

By ph on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 02:50 am:

Besides being gluten free, dairy free and sugar free, maybe you should include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet. You might be suffering from acidosis.

By cut and paste on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 08:58 am:

Hi,
That wasnt my post, I just cut and paste it from a post in 2008! But I have been following it and its working for me. If you want to see a big difference, go for 2 colonic irriagtions within 2 weeks of eachother. I know its not glamourous and you might feel uncomfortable but trust me it works. It flushes out the candida and toxins and then you can start afresh. And take milk thistle and probiotics. The milk thistle will help your liver function so it can clear toxins without dumping them on your skin. The probiotics will help the good bacteria in you stmoach. You will see an improvement immediately. and after the second, you'll be laughing.

It works.

By Fraser on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 04:02 am:

Hi cut & paste,

Your journey is an interesting one. Similar to mine in some ways. When you said you wanted to die, I can sympathize with you. It's not that I really wanted to die, but I often thought if a "truck were to hit me today", it would be OK - put me out of my misery kind of thing.

I guess my question is - did you do the candida diet and how long before you saw results? I've been gluten free for one year (during my last outbreak 13 years ago, going gluten free stopped the itching within 24 hrs., and my eczema never bothered me until 2 1/2 years ago). Being gluten free for the past year has not helped my eczema this time, but I'm staying on it anyway. I'm also dairy free, and now for approx. 1 month I've been sugar free on the anti-candida diet. I have to say I am feeling better but I don't know if I'm on the road to recovery and it's going to take a long time, or I'm just in a holding pattern. I have to use cortisone at times when nothing else will give me relief. I only use natural products on my skin, eat organic food, no fast food or junk food - so my lifestyle is very healthy, but sometimes the cortisone is the only thing that will get me through the darkest hours. Because I use it so sparingly, I can apply it once and be fine for a week sometimes 2 weeks. I know the doctors say to apply it several times a day for at least a week, but I refuse to when it works so well after one application. I'm hoping I won't have major skin thinning issues because I don't abuse it.

So basically, my last bout of eczema cleared up so rapidly, and I find it frustrating not feeling it immediately. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts about how long the anti-candida diet should take to work, if it is going to work at all?

The diet - gluten free, dairy free, sugar free isn't easy, but anything is easier than eczema - by the way, I have been trying the olive oil on my skin before the bath, and it's been working quite well - although I have to put Aveeno menthol lotion on afterward or I will still itch (I don't really like using Aveeno either - not the purest product, but it seems to settle my flares pretty well, so I use it but would rather use something more natural...believe me I've tried them all and spent a fortune in the process!).

Thanks for any suggestions.

By : on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 04:26 pm:

Ruth

i think you are itchy because as you sweat the toxins are coming out through your skin...so i think all you can do is use an anti-itch cream and have a cold shower as soon as possible after exercising.

Also if you change your diet so you are eating mainly raw foods, you'll lose tons of weight and improve your eczema. Its tough but it works really well.

By Ruth on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 06:03 pm:

Hi, I really need advice on how I can go to the gym and limit the itching - it drives me crazy but I badly need to lose weight. As soon as I get warm my skin itches intensely and I feel like I want to scratch myself to pieces. Can anyone help?

By EHunter on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 02:28 pm:

To Creams don't work - sorry to hear Salcura didn't work for you. i, myself, have used all the creams on the market - oilatum, E45, Vaseline, Body shop stuff, Cetraben, Vitamin E oil, Bio oil, nivea and none of them worked. but you have to keep trying and stick to one cream at a time. i've recently started using Eucerin face cream and its great - i'd previously been using nivea cream on my face and neck (for years) and only recently worked out that its probably the nivea thats been irritating my neck (my neck has permanent eczema that never heals and constantly itches). So far, the Eurcerin is working on my face and neck. i'm hoping that i've finally found the right combination of creams i need. you really need to try and address your scratching habits too - do you scratch out of habit, or bordum or stress? i've recently returned to work after a years maternity leave and noticed i scratch as soon as i answer the phone!!!! Something for me to work on now....maybe i need to doodle on a pad or get an executive desk toy to distract my hands. your GP won't work with you on these isssues - you have to do it yourself. EHunter

By creams dont work on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 06:01 pm:

i used salcure stuff...did nothing for me at all.

By ElaineH on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 03:35 pm:

Hi everyone
i just wanted to share my story with you, but i will make it brief!
I had eczema quite badly as a child, but thankfully outgrew it by my late teens. Unfortunately, at the age of 24, i moved into a flat with a damp problem and the eczema returned.
Since having my two children (the oldest is 3), the eczema has got progressively worse - a new patch appeared all over my shoulders, chest, back and all around my neck, plus a small area between my eyes. Recently, it has destroyed all of my confidence - i don't even make eye contact with anyone when walking down the road and i constantly wear a scarf around my neck.
However, i have found a small relief. my husband bought me a tub of Salcura Zeoderm (£25!!) and, shock horror - IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i didn't hold out much hope when i first started using it, but after 10 days, the itching is mimimal and my skin is finally getting a chance to heal. i am genuinely surprised to find a product that works. I also got a free sample of the Salcura intensive which i used on my neck and it was amazing - very soothing and easy to apply. Gonna go and buy some from the chemist this weekend!
Please, please, if you have not tried Salcura, give it a go (although it is pricey). and make sure you apply it several times a day.
Good luck and be strong - there is a solution to your eczema out there - you just have to find it.

By anne on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:49 pm:

hi - now that summer's coming i need to use
sunscreen/sunblock and i can't stand anything
on my skin.

is there anything you recommend?
i've been using blue lizard products and i
like them but i'm curious about what you think.

thanks, anne

By fatima on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:30 pm:

Hello all.

Please see the 'People and Support Groups'- 'New Research' forum for details on some research investigating the psychological impact of living with eczema.

Look forward to hearing from some of you.

Fatima =)

By hh on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 11:42 pm:

I heard that nightshades (that includes tomatoes) are bad for you... i'm not so sure you want to do tomato juice fasting..? I heard grapefruit is good for the liver though

By Juicer on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 08:55 am:

wow! I have been on it for about 2 weeks and my ears have gone funny! And my eczema flared up last night so I went to bed early depressed, but today it looks really good. I think its the body detoxing...pushing out the stuff that our bodies dont like...like how smokers get a bad cough when they quit....you have to stick at it.

Today I have juiced tomatoes...you arent meant to mix them with other fruit/veggies when you juice them. They are meant to be really good for skin......but I hate tomatoes so wish me luck!!!

By hh on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 04:48 am:

So I tried the juice diet for two days and it seemed to have gotten worse and I was really depressed but a few days later it ot slightly better. Maybe it really has to 'get worse' before it gets better. I'm drinking a lot of camomile tea (apparently it fights infection) with honey. However today I apparently have an ear infection. =( I'm gonna try to stay on the juice diet.

By cut and paste on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 08:59 am:

This is not my post; this was posted by 'Tyson' in 2008 but I have move it to here as I think more people will see it:


Cure first. All that crap about being a long sufferer later.

The Cure:
1) Tablespoon of Psyllium Husk mixed with water every day.
2) Fish Oil (1 capsule)
3) Evening Primrose Oil (1 Capsule)
4) Probiotics
5) Tablespoon of Vegemite (high source B vitamins)
6) Avoid Fatty Foods

NOTE: do not supplement with any other vitamins, minerals etc. If you eat a balanced diet you are wasting your money. Too much supplementation can actually bad for you.

7) Ween yourself off the steroids SLOWLY. I did this by interchanging the use of Tacrolimus and Advantan. I was able to reduce the amount of cream I needed to apply. One week advantan, one week tacrolimus.

The five steps above took about a year. Then:

8) Fast (I was desperate so a long fast wasn't that hard for me) I fasted from Friday all day till Monday.
9) Then on the Monday had a colonic irrigation. Yup. It's a plastic tube up your butt with water flowing. It ain't pretty but I never said this was going to be a pretty cure.
10) Still no eating on Monday but definately kept my fluids up with juice and water.
11) Another Colonic on Tuesday the next day.
12) Ate my first meal Tuesday Lunch.
13) Monday the next week another colonic.

This cleared up most of my eczema almost immediately.

Maintenance:
1) Tablespoon of Psyllium Husk mixed with water every day.
2) Fish Oil (1 capsule)
3) Evening Primrose Oil (1 Capsule)
4) Probiotics
5) Avoid Fatty Foods

I might have a colonic once a year if I ever feel getting itchy again.

The Theory:
(This is my unscientific, unproven theory)
I ate like crap. Not enough fibre and too much oily, fatty processed fast food. This built a coating of crap on my insides. This did two things
1) First of all this crap stuck inside me poisoned me from the inside.
2) Second of all the coating of impacted faeces meant that my body had a harder time absorbing nutrients from food.
2a) I theorise that this is the reason why some people have success with nutrient supplementation. But this supplementation is not needed if you remove the "barrier" to getting all you need from the food you eat.

Treatments I have been on:
1) Cyclosporin
2) Prednisolone
3) Advantan
4) UVB
5) Tacrolimus

Alternative therapies I have tried:
(That I can remember)
1) Emu Oil
2) Anti-Candida
3) Stuff I bought off the internet
4) Stuff I bought off a naturopath

My story:
I wanted to die. Pretty much. I had seen the skin specialist for years and I was getting nowhere. I just felt my condition was spiralling out of control and I was going to be a bloody, skin flaking, terribly itching freak for the rest of my life. I dreaded bed time because I knew I wasn't going to get any sleep. I'd writhe in the night feeling hot but actually being cold. My skin crawled, it felt like bugs or a thousand pin pricks in my skin. Eventually I had to take sleeping tablets or drink lots of alcohol to go to bed. I searched high and low trying to find a cure. I trawled the internet, read any article off of pubmed or google. I tried all sorts of suggestions, taking all sorts of pills in desperation. I almost damaged my liver by taking too many supplements I had to see a liver specialist. I was getting blood tests almost every week to try and find out what was wrong. It was expensive and most of it was wrong. I don't know what it was but it was a realisation that the problem had to be internal. The inflammation suppression was not solving the eczema, just hiding the symptoms. Like constantly prescribing painkiller to a person with a nail in the foot. You gotta go to the source (the nail) before you can be fully cured. So with this internal strategy in mind I came up with my cure. The psyllium husk in water basically softens and gently scrapes away any impacted faeces in the intestines. The colonic irrigation does the bulk of the work removing crap stuck inside. I weighed two kilos lighter after the flush. The joke I tell was I was literally "full of crap". But I am serious about this cure.

I welcome any feedback. All I can say is that I am sorry that I didn't give out this information sooner. But I have now fulfilled my promise that if I ever found a cure I would share it. I'm not saying it will cure everyone. But it worked for me and if it helps one other person that'll be reward enough.

By ray on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 06:10 am:

I am a long-term suffer; started age 14, now 50. I have tried almost every treatment from steroids to herbs to wraps and occlusion therapy. I have been on doses of Prednisone of up to 100mg / day (but try to avoid it if possible). Occasionally the complaint has been so bad I ended up with cellulitis caused by staph infection of the damaged skin and suppressed immune system - even worse than eczema!!!

The most recent treatment to just stop the ITCHING is apply a hot hairdryer close on high heat until it stings; not long enough to cook the skin...the itch is suppressed for a few hours and in conjunction with a gentle moisturizer applied after allows the skin to repair...avoiding the scratching and rubbing that just makes more histamines and allows allergens and germs into the damaged area.

Works for me...not a cure but some relief.

By harley on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 07:24 pm:

Hi Morpheus:

I'm actually using the book right now, how long did it take for you to see significant improvement and what were your scratch counts at the beginning and end of the program? I find it often very difficult to stop scratching, you do need quite some will power to go through with this program.

By Morpheus on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 04:36 pm:

Any of you suffering from chronic itching and scratching and its side-effects (thickened pigmented skin, dryness, repeated skin infections, pain etc) please find this book on Amazon: The Eczema Solution by Susan Armstrong-Brown.

It teaches you how to stop the itch-scratch cycle. I, like a lot of people here, was forever scratching for stress and emotional reasons and not just because I was itchy.

Since using the book, I don't have any 'active' eczema now. Just skin reactions that are related to my allergies and which disappear within a couple of hours after treatment (antihistamines... worst case epipen).

It's a programme of habit reversal - gets you to recognise when you scratch and then try to actively stop it. It may take a while (took me about 6 months) but it can and does work for a lot of people. You keep using your steroids as normal and all your other lotions and potions.

Eczema made my life a misery - I was depressed and suicidal. The doctors were useless and clueless. It's been 7 years since I used this book now and I've had no 'relapses' of my eczema (had it all over my body). I'm left with some scars and slightly drier than normal skin but that incessant ITCH has gone... and I have my life back.

By fast on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 12:47 pm:

look at this site if you are interested in fasting:

freedomyou.com/fasting_book/how%20to%20break%20a%20fast.htm

By Fasting on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 08:52 am:

hh,

Yeh!! I read loads about it too, its meant to be amazing at curing diseases and illnesses. When I was having a flare up I did a water fast for about 48 hours....that's all I could last! But it did help. I think it gives your digestive system a rest and it somehow helps the eczema. Im guna try it again. You can also try juice fasting and seeing as carrot juice and tomato juice is supposed to be amazing for eczema, it might be the way to go!!

I was guna try eating fish tonight (I only ever eat tuna from a can and not that often) for the rest of my eczema, but I actually think Im guna fast for a few days (if I can manage it) and then move on to fish!

Thanks for the reminder!!

By hh on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 08:02 am:

I'm really happy to find this site. I've started having eczema randomly when i was 18 and it worsened when I went to the US. Nothing really worked on it besides oral steroids, and once I got off it, it came back again. It went into remission for some time and I was really depressed when it started again.

I'm reading about the water fasting. Has anyone tried it before?

By anne on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 09:03 pm:

Haley,

I have the same thing. I think it has to do with
the fact that it's allergy season.
Try not to scratch but I know it's hard.
Sometimes non-drowsy allergy medicine takes away the itch.

Anne

By Harley on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 09:12 pm:

for anyone with facial eczema, do you guys ever have very long periods of inflammation that just won't go away? Flareups usually last a few days max for me, but right now my face has been inflammed and slightly itchy for over a month and it dosen't seen to calm down. I have no idea what the problem is as I haven't done anything different. Has anyone else ever have this? Not a full blownout flare up with weeping skin ect., but just the face looks inflammed and is always somewhat itchy and its not going away.

By RR on Monday, April 12, 2010 - 10:56 am:

Hi Jess

Dont feel bad about not feeling more positive, we all have our down days and I know I try to stay positive but I randomly burst into tears when im having a flare up.

I try to eat lots of natural anti-oxidants. You can get a list of them on the net or if you email me, I'll send you the list I have. It does help. Also there is some really interesting info on fasting on the internet. If you google 'eczema and fasting' you'll find a lot of people who say their eczema was cured through fasting.

It all does point to a problem with the digestive system and toxins in the blood.

A nice easy tip would be, eat blueberries and drink cranberry (with apple or blueberry!) juice. They have lots of anti-oxidants.

Hope you see an improvement soon. And when you are sad and you cry about it, that's ok, its your right, but just keep in mind that it is just 'for now', not 'forever'. Eczema can be cured. You just have to heal and it takes time.

Dont feel alone xxx

By Jess on Friday, April 09, 2010 - 08:34 am:

Hi,

I'm 21 years old and have been suffering with eczema majorly since I was 13. The doctors prescribed me tons of creams and anithistamines, which I used, and none of which seemd to make a difference to my skin. I cut out dairy, cut out eggs, citrus fruit and so on. Followed all the tips and advice, but it wasn't budging.

Some of its gone now, thank goodness, but my hands are now the main thing thats affected.

I'm coming to the end of my tether with it all. No matter what I do, it seems that this problem doesn't want to sit quietly and let me get on with things. This morning I've woken up with my left hand (my most predominant hand) has swollen so badly that I can't move it, and my hands started weeping.

I don't know what else to do. It's so depressing when you do everything thats been told and use everything you've been advised to use and nothing works. This morning I woke up and cried. That's not how anyone should be starting a day.

Any tips and advice that you guys have would be much appreciated. There might be a few I haven't been told or a few creams I haven't used.

Looking through these posts, everyone seems to be so positive about the condition. After having it with such aggression for so many years, I'd love to be like you lot; ok with it all. Unfortunatley, I can't get there though, because nothing seems to work. Its got to the point of thinking about ways to take the skin off to start all over again (don't worry, I'd never have the guts to, but the thoughts still there)

Please, anyone, help. It's really getting to me now.

By philip on Monday, April 05, 2010 - 07:07 pm:

have used doxy about 6 courses over last 6 months but every time i finish the course the infection comes back with force. i was pescribed these under nhs.

By KING on Sunday, April 04, 2010 - 05:24 am:

I am 35 years old and a long time sufferer of severe eczema. The eczema is on 90% of my body with high levels of inflammation, in other words, the worse case scenario for having eczema. I recently found a solution that provides a almost 100% recovery from eczema. I take DORYX( anti-biotic) which is a delayed time release pill that is designed to remove certain bacterias that causes inflammation on the skin. The bad news is DORYX at this moment costing $1000 for 60 tablets. The good news is that there is a Generic brand which cost significantly less, I found one sight that sells the generic brand 60 tablets for $50.I Take DORYX 150 mg for 7-9 days , 1 for each day and that's all you need. The DORYX attacks the inflammation from the inside of the body which is HUGE. Then I use Triamcinolone acetonide ointment with Aquafor lotion. The triamcinolone is attacking the eczema from the outside and the Aquafor is locking the medicine and shielding your skin from external forces that might effect the healing of that area. The eczema being attacked from inside and outside is forced out and your skin recovers over that area very rapidly. Do those steps and I Guranteed a almost 100% recovery from eczema. You'll be extremely shocked how effective this works. Within 1 day you'll see dramatic results.

By RR on Thursday, April 01, 2010 - 01:10 pm:

I did a key word search for 'toxemia' and it hasnt ever been mentioned on this site....I think everyone needs to take a look at toxemia and leaky gut syndrome and then have a look again at their symptoms and their lifestyle.

By : on Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 10:34 am:

amen

By ada luna borealis on Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 08:29 am:

warm greetings from Singapore everyone. =D

hello. my name is luna,22 years old and currently working in the retail industry. and yes,i suffer from atopic eczema. this is my story.

i first discovered that i have eczema when i was 19, after a beach party. a few days later, i woke up in the middle of the night just to realize that i cannot stop scratching a damp, bumpy scab on the top of my foot.

the scab grew bigger and bigger into first, 1 coined shaped circle then it spreaded to a few other areas on my legs. i got paranoid and quickly consulted a doctor in our skin center. and yes, the doctor confirmed the matter.

of course, i stopped wearing anything short and resorted to mostly pants. for a few weeks, i kept on being paranoid to the point that even in trains, i would start sweating profusely if someone opposite me,would just catch a glimpse of me. i argued with my parents because they wouldn't take my condition seriously, they would make jokes and say, how i have "tattoos" on my body, i isolated my friends and finally, i was so self conscious that i almost caused a breakup in my 3 year relationship with my boyfriend.

well, after all that struggle, i am glad to say that, eczema is a curse blessing to me. it made me bolder and yes people, funny enough, one of the fashionable ones among my colleagues and friends. i come from a normal family with enough money to get us through every month and therefore, to go for a short swim, i will need to go public swimming pools or beaches. when i go out in my 2 piece, people will start to stare. yes, it hurts to know that other hot girls are talking about me behind my back but they don't know what hurts me more is that most of the people that are breathing beside us, are still judgmental. but, i placed it in a positive way and use my heart instead. i smile and continue what i was doing. i would be delighted if only they prefer to learn and ask.

and why fashionable? because,in my perspective, most singaporean young adults now prefer to look more fashionably polished with high end fashion, LV, agnes b, valentino..etc. but i'm one of those handful who prefer the "rugged look". like faded jeans and a white tattered tank top. and finally, this became my signature, combat boots. =D.

i have written way too much , so in order not to bore you to tears , my dear fellow beautiful beings, you have so much more to share than the skin that you think now is tainted. you have your big heart. now that we've all tasted the harsh reality, we shall all gather together and make the world a better place. help people in need with our own hands and not money, make someone smile when they are down, repay all the kindness that our parents has brought upon us with making them proud. =D.

because, there's no point to hide or be embarrassed. its a pretty interesting world that we live in, so, love it and shoved all the bad feelings aside. =D

i would like to get to know each and every one of you personally. if there's anything, add me up at facebook, luna borealis.

By MaidInIndia on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 07:42 am:

I have been reading all your posts. Let me tell you that I am a recently trained past life regression therapist in Chennai, India, and my first client (guinea-pig?!) was my mother, with a 35-year old history of eczema. Three regression sessions and six months later, the eczema is completely gone now. My mother is still in disbelief over this seeming miracle! Please do not go to an allopath and waste your money. Find a good past life regression therapist near you. Good luck and God bless!!

By Gerald on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 06:20 am:

How I "cured" myself from eczema by ~90%

I've had eczema in my last year of high school. I was prescribed with steroid creams, but didn't take it seriously. I was always reluctant to apply steroid cream because I was lazy, and I knew that it would thin your skin. After about 4 years later in the winter, it got horribly out of control. Even the cream didn't control it. I scratched really bad and started to get infection, and was prescribed anti-biotics - Ketotifen. My entire upper body had been filled with rashes and permanent scars from scratching.

I finally visited a theuropeutic doctor or whatever they're called and they suggested a colon cleanse. At first, I thought it was a money grab, but at that point, I just didn't know what else to do.

I went for the colon cleanse. Was able to clear out quite a few junk as wastes pass through that ultraviolet tube. We also noticed there was a piece of lettuce that flowed through it, which suggested my body wasn't digesting food properly.

After the process was over, the doctor prescribed me some supplements that would help me digest. He also told me to give it a month or two before noticing any effects. When I got home, I could immediately tell that the bottom portion of my stomache was much much more cleaner - like a fresh new baby.

A few days passed, and I had already noticed results, but was still getting break outs.

I visited my family doctor for like, the 100th time and he finally convinced me of one thing:
The side effects of eczema break out is FAR worse than applying the steroid cream.

So I finally took his words and I think it does make sense. Chemotherapy causes hair loss, but what are the side effects of cancer without it?

I began to apply the steroid cream, and now, my skin is up to 95% better. Not only that, but I hardly get any break outs, though my skin didn't entirely clear up from the rashes and scars, but it definitely made my skin a lot smoother and itch free! Though I wouldn't say I have completely cured myself, but I doubt it's possible unless doctors come up with a cure. But I haven't even though of the word Eczema for a long time.

So I would definitely suggest you follow the steps.

1) Get a colon cleanse!

2) Just apply the suitable strength of steroid cream. The side effects of not applying it and letting your eczema take control is far worse! You only have to apply it every once in a while, and to be honest, the cream hardly things your skin that much at all.

3) Don't listen to all that bullshit on the
internet, like Evelyn Lim's relaxation tea and crap. Her website is only meant to generate ads so she can make money off of your clicks.

Note: I don't find dieting really helps much. I eat like an animal and I don't find much side effects. But I definitely notice that chocolate causes break outs for me. Wearing clean clothes and keeping your bed sheets and pillows clean is also a bonus.

I hope my experience has helped anyone who has read this message!

By Louise on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 03:37 pm:

I have used aqueous cream before and it always made my excema worse. I saw the article and it wasn't really a surprise to me.

By harley on Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 11:59 pm:

does anyone take biotin supplements?

By RR on Thursday, March 04, 2010 - 08:52 am:

Anyone read the story in the daily mail, Tuesday, March 2, 2010???

'Eczema cream could be making your eczema worse'?

Basically you must not use aqueous cream as a moisturizer. You must only use it as a soap substitute. Use only rich emollients to moisturize.

Also,docs are only given 'a couple of weeks' training in skin at medical school, even though skin complaints account for about 20% of all GP consultations'....

Some aqueous creams are 'less likely' to cause irritation: douclebase, epiderm, dermamist, hydromol, dexeryl and emollin.

Hope that's helpful to someone!

By resc on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 10:29 pm:

Greetings,

I too have suffered my entire life from eczema - I have had it practically everywhere on my body and have tried otc products as well as prescription meds. such as steroidal & non-steroidal treatments for flare ups.

I understand your pain and frustration and applaud your strength and courage...I would like to share with you a little of what I do for myself,that has worked well: Please share this with other eczema sufferers and always remember to conduct your due diligence and seek out the Advice of your Medical Doctor!

::Therapeutic Mineral Bath's - Phytonutrients- Special Moisturizing Cream etc...

After returning to school a few years ago to obtain my Esthetician's License, I continued working on my All Natural Treatment Cream (Available 2010)In hopes of helping not only myself but those afflicted with Eczema...For more information, please email me @ rebmaelykinquiries@gmail.com

Be Well~

By sham on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 08:48 pm:

I have a son who is now four years old, he has had ecxema since he was 6 months old. we have tried various creams and steroids over the years. Finally last year we insisted that he be allergy tested at the hospital, we found he had an allergy to wheat, eggs, fish, and nuts. Although his ecxema has improved slightly, it is still quite aggressive on his face and neck. I would suggest to anyone to go and get alllergy tested it may not be a cure, but it will deffinately help.

By Peter on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 02:52 pm:

I hope that those who have been visiting this site for sometime will forgive me for once more mentioning my discovery, but it may just help Alan.

I normally go around the house and garden completely in the nude. However during the Winter 2004/05 for the first time in ten years, I wore clothes at home virtually continuously and it was not long before I developed quite severe seborrheoic eczema with the worst areas being my lower legs and elbows, although I did have small areas on my upper thighs, chest and waist. In the past I had noticed that if I wore clothes for more than a couple of days I developed spots on my legs, which would disappear once I went around nude again. On this occasion I developed spots around my ankles, which my doctor and I both initially thought were cat flee bites, but leaving them untreated they progressed to full blown eczema: I have since discovered that acne type spots can be a symptom of eczema. I had been prescribed various steroid creams, but all they did was exacerbate the condition. I believe that clothes encourage yeast spores, which it is thought may be factor, to multiply and when the skin becomes sensitive the clothing acts like an abrasive. There has been a marked improvement once I have dispensed with clothes and just applied moisturisers such as Dermol lotion or Zinc & Castor Oil cream. In my case sun and air seems to be the best solution. I have not experienced any serious itching for some time and since I have been able to spend time in the sun, my eczema has been limited to just a “dirty” appearance to by shins. Whenever, I get the first indication of itching or red spots, I dispense with clothing at the earliest opportunity and, so far, I have kept my eczema in check. If I am away from home, I find that just an hour nude in my room will help, but I am aware that there is a fine balance and it could flare up.

By alank on Monday, March 01, 2010 - 09:34 pm:

hi all, i am new to this site, alittle about me - i'm 26, have a twin and am a student.

for the past 7/8 months, i have been suffering with spots, coming and going, but mostly staying and at the start i was told it was flea bites, then i was told it "might" be scabies, and all that i have been doing is going round in circles. i tried the lyclear crap that my doc prescribed me for scabies and it hasn't cleared up at all, infact it just seems worse, even tho my legs look fine aside from the various spots....
i have come to conclusion that it is atopic ezcma, however im not an expert. obviously i'm not an expert, but something is bothering me.
as i mentioned i have a twin...he has exactly the same spots as i do, small red spots, some slightly bigger and more bumpy. the bumpy ones are usually on my bottom. and both my legs, bum and arms can get very itchy, and sometimes my back will be the same - tho my back isn't that bad at all. so back to the point. my twin was recently diagnosed with DVT - deep vein thrombosis...my father had it and died from it when he was 32. i have come across 2 type of ezcma from researching and i would like to know, if anyone has an idea of what the ezcma i have could be? i say it maybe atopic cos my sister and my nan had it, and then there is my dad who had DVT and that is also hereditry. so i could either have one or both of these things. anyway, i was just hoping someone could offer some help or advice, i will be contact my doc tomorow to refer me to a dermatologist, have had enough of it now to the point i could easily turn the disc saw in the shed on and cut both me legs of (and mybum cheeks) lol thanks for any help.
thanks for listening,
alan

By salemsky on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 04:10 pm:

I have had chronic acute eczema for the last 8 years. I have spent thousands of dollars on so called cures....allergy tests etc. I used to breakout severely after showers and baths. Today I have no eczema and zero rashes/hives and the only thing I changed was switching from tap water to reverse-osmosis water and detoxed from heavy metals with original liquid zeolite. I am convinced it is all the chemicals in water that makes us toxic.

sincerely
jen

By anne on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 02:24 pm:

does anyone get bloody noses?
when i was a child they thought i was picking it
but it was from the same eczema thing,
dryness and itchiness.
my nose had to be cauterized a few times.
my mom always called february "bloody nose
weather".
another nuisance to deal with.

By philip on Monday, February 22, 2010 - 07:51 pm:

does anyone get bad throat and chest when there skin gets bad.
i am of to consultant next week - what will they offer. is it wise to have steriods or cyscporin if you have on going infection.
sometimes i feel they does offer the same drug to anybody that walks in the door. does anybody feel the same

i have large like blister spots that keep swelling up and down

By Jenn on Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 08:25 am:

Hi philip,

I understand the pain you're going through and how aggraviating it is when no one will just listen and empathsize. Where are you from? Is there anyway to get to another hospital or GP? I know it's hard to disagree with doctors but we have to stand up for ourselves when no one will. Stay strong, people here understand

By James Glasgow on Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 04:00 pm:

Hi Everyone

Just been reading some of your messages and it does help to know I am not alone. Generally I can keep on top of my eczema but at the start of this year I started training for a half marathon and my skin just hasnt behaved since, I think its the increased excercise/sweating and consequently more showers, its REALLY doing my head in because I want to get in shape but my skin is getting in the way. Its weird as Im a 24year old guy living in Glasgow for 6 years and I havnt met anyone with eczema as bad as mine and it would kindof be nice if I did! Anyone from Glasgow out there? Anyway, good luck to everyone, hope your not too sore/itchy,

James

By RR on Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 09:07 am:

Just an update to my last post...... I didnt take painkillers yesterday and havnt taken any today and my skin looks better than it did yesterday, its not irritated today, just a dry. And my shoulder has completely stopped itching and its not hot now, its just very dry. I dont know if it would improve that quick from not taking painkillers or if its just a coincidence, but I thought I would post just in case anyone else has experienced anything similar.

By RR on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 01:20 pm:

I have been braggin about my healing eczema for the last month and a half..... last week I was playing with my niece and nephews and I pulled/trapped something in my shoulder and have been in pain.... so I have been taking ibroprofen the last 3 days and now my eczema on my right shoulder has returned!! Its hot and red and itchy and flakey and bleeding (you know the drill)....I have put some HC 1% on it cuz i'm at work and its unbearable, but im thinking maybe the pain killers are putting stress on my liver which is making my eczema flare up. DOes anyone else experience flare ups from pain killers? I know they are meant to be anti-inflammatories, but pain killers make ur body produce something which is toxic to your liver (obviously im no doctor and this is all cobbled together from bits of (mis)information from the internet! lol Please let me know though!! thanks

By harley on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 08:46 pm:

has anyone had success by cutting out meat from their diet?

By anne on Monday, February 15, 2010 - 12:43 am:

Hi, so happy to have found you.
I live in nyc and I've had eczema my whole life,
I'm 50+ years old.
No one understood when I was young and they still don't.
It's hard explaining to people why I scratch
constantly.
Can't wear makeup, jewelry, hands
are awful, have it everywhere.
It gets better/worse depending on the season but it's always there.
I suffer from rosacea in the eyes too,
lots of allergies.
Other than this mess, I have a great immune system and I'm healthy.
Thanks for letting me rant.

By Artquill on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 05:07 pm:

swollen Neck and groin
I dont see the usual signs of iffection Large infected red spots i have some spots but them seem to be recovering.. im quite itcy at the momment not sure if the starts the antibioitcs or not!
face is red
Neck seems to be bellowing out heat
Under arms and groin are where the intiching starts
and temples of head
feeling tired after work canceling meetings

By poppet on Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 02:24 am:

Hi,
I have had eczema for about 25 years mainly on my shins. I have gone through many attempts to try to make it go away. My attempts are along the lines of:

1. Stop Scratching
2. Apply strong creams (Elecon, Fatty Ointment)

After I have done the above for a while I am still left with a red area that does not seem to diminish. I have a couple of questions:

Are there different types of redness?
Could my redness be permanent?
Are there any creams that target the redness?

Thank you.
David.

By philip on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 01:33 pm:

yes i have swollen glands when my eczema gets bad in different places, recently on back of neck and groin. i have had very bad infection and this is a sign of infection, it is also very painful. I am struggling to be treated by hospital for eczema and they consider i am routine and not urgent despite the fact i have now been sat in a chair for 6 months with infection and no energy. i am concerned how far this has to go before they will listen to me. i have just had a big row with my gp who keeps pescribing antibiotics. the hospital i choose to be treated at stated they are not seeing routine patients - apparently one of the professionals told me they get paid more to see skin cancer patients - we don,t matter in the scheme of things. some skin cancer patients will have the cancer removed then they can get on with there lives whilst i am sat in a chair week in, week out. Who wants to campaign for eczema patient rights. I think it is disgusting the way we are treated. My throat also swells up at the back but they tell me i have a cold. I know it is the infection and i have read if the infection gets out of control it can go to your heart. I have had a temperature for months on end.

By Andy on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 06:14 am:

Has anyone ever had swollen lymph nodes (anywhere on the body) and do you think it's connected to eczema?

By Andy on Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 11:32 pm:

Adding to the post below, I should mention everything basically aggravates my eczema. If I touch water or wind, wet or dry, I will become inflamed. I have filters on all my faucets and showerheads, didn't help. I've taken oatmeal baths, worked in high school, only made me itchier recently. I've done acupuncture - nothing, or at least I think. Basically I need to be in a bubble in order to not get worse, and then sometimes still do anyway. I live in Southern California so it's pretty dry. I think I would fare better in places like the UK, less sun and a little more humid, but then others might want a place drier like Southern California. Blah blah, thought I'd share.

By Andy on Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 11:22 pm:

Okay, this might be long and rambling, I'm sorry. I've had really bad eczema my whole life, I'm almost 25 now. During college I had a period where I was clear, then about two years ago it came back with a vengeance, and the worst was on my face and neck and chest, which basically made me stay in my room 24/7, missing life and not having friends, no job, etc., luckily I have a supportive family and my girlfriend has put up with me not able to do anything. Absolutely nothing worked to help me.

I wanted to share my pain and frustration with having eczema everywhere on my body, but this week it got better really quickly, I think because along with vitamins and fish oil, I drank a bit of oolong tea, put some triamcinolone acetonide with a petroleum base on my skin, and took half a prednisone just to help. And oddly, my face, neck and chest, which have been bright red for half a year now, basically cleared up. This is odd because I've taken steroid creams and whatnot most of my life, and eventually they just stopped working, then started to thin out my skin and cause other problems. But I've never tried triamcinolone, and I'm very worried that it'll have adverse effects on me, but for now it's working amazingly. Also, cutting out a lot of foods, not drinking sugary drinks, and working out a little can help, too. I know working out is nearly impossible because it just plain hurts, plus the sweat burns the eczema, but I think sometimes you have to brave that just to get some exercise, to kickstart your immune a little bit. And also, getting sleep between 11pm and 3am is very important, according to eastern medicine doctors, as those are the hours the body heals the appropriate parts needed to help the inflammation of eczema. And adding gobo into your diet is good, too. I think you can find gobo in japanese or chinese markets, it's a long stalk, like a root, and you can skin it and cut it into strips and eat it like that or fry it a little. It's a natural antiinflammatory I think.

Doing all of this simultaneously might seems like it'll shock the system, but most of it is natural, besides the prednisone and cream. Now, will my eczema come back next week? Maybe, but it's worth a try. I'm someone who's had bad eczema forever and nothing worked, so finding a routine that maybe works makes me happy.

My original intention was to whine to everyone that I felt all your pain, and I have, but this is the first week in two years where I've had some clear skin, so I thought I'd share.

By moderator on Thursday, January 28, 2010 - 10:24 pm:

Please start using this thread from January 29 2010