By lisa on Monday, December 26, 2011 - 05:37 am:

hi, im lisa i hav had eczema since birth i am nox woried coz ma leg has scars n my eyes av dark eye circles plis help sugest creams oils lipbalms shower gels and lotions

lisa

By b0SamueL0b on Friday, September 09, 2011 - 08:31 pm:

+z$8frZdyL%68pSU/:>w<:E3.lG-!XIB

By proteus on Sunday, August 07, 2011 - 04:33 pm:

Has anyone had any success by using less moisturisers? Realise a lot has been said about the importance of keeping skin from becoming dry, but from time to time I dip into articles about how moisturising can prevent the body from producing it's own oils and the next thing you know you have become dependent on using moisturisers. I havent used lip balm for years and now my lips are rarely dry - it was hard to stop using it as as soon as I stopped applying it my lips felt like sandpaper, but didnt take long to adjust. Ditto my legs - stopped using gallons of moisturisers and started skin brushing techniques, seemed to get natural moisturising going again. Now the thing is my face and neck with eczema is another matter..wouldnt put a brush near it half the time. But there are times I will just scratch off moisturiser from face and neck, other times skin will tolerate happily the same moisturiser. Need to judge this and at times when I'm not sure I allow my skin to be dry and unmoisturised (doesnt necc make it itchy), maybe allowing it to breathe and maybe giving natural moisture more of a chance? I dont know, but just to say I dont always ensure skin is moist. I'm going down the diet route at the moment, but do understand the need for soothing creams. Just getting a wee bit suspicious of the money made by the skin care industry - we wont hear the message 'less is more' from them.

By Chez on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 10:02 pm:

I've been suffering from eczema since I was a child and now and again I have major flare ups... I started using Aveeno a few years ago, and I must say, it has been so good to moisturise my skin - hands, legs, face, neck. and the best thing is it doesn't sting.

By fabz on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 04:48 pm:

mazzy123-check woth ur derm if u have an underlying skin infection otherwise u will react to every lotion or potion. u may have to take antibiotics i took doxycycline for 3 months i am half way there. i used lavender and green tea toner at night to kill any germs

By fabz on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 04:45 pm:

mazzy 123-i recommend salcura im 31 and have skin problems in similar relief. and have tried lush products. salcura has desinged its ingredients around certain skin conditions such as psorsis, dermatitis and acne. i purchsed the derm treatment pack the spray is excellent. and if u not happy u can have a 30day refund.

By fabshabz on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - 02:23 pm:

i have fcial dermatitis with rosacea and skin allergy. i made a homeade toner with green tea 1 teabag per cup let steep for 5 mins let it cool then add 2-3 drops of lavender oil. i used this for 2-3 weeks lavender has alot of skin proprties it is antiseptc and anti inflammatory. this was done after cleansing. green tea is an all round toner. this can be then reduced over a period. i am now using salcura facial treatment pack for dermatitis it has seabuck thorn oil fragrance free except the essential oil scent check their web. pack inc a wash, gentle spray (leave for 10mins) then hyrdator. its stops itching asap therfore reducing redness. u can purchase some of their stuff from boots.

By Nicole on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 03:30 pm:

The one ointment I can say works everywhere the quickest and see results in 24hours is Lucas Papaw ointment!!! You may see girls using it as lip gloss but I have tried every single thing for my skin and it doesn't work. I've had eczema since birth and has gotten worse as I have gotten older and at 22 for some reason when I lost my virginity my whole body broke out and it covered 90% of my body, blistered and cracked. The worst I've seen it and after hitting a wall and falling so low I happen to try this and within a day it helped so much.  I now cover my body in it wen I go to sleep, it's sticky and sucky but it heals me quickly especially on my face. Just so my body won't get use to it I use vitamin E cream as well as a sensitive moiteriser but on my face I usually always use Papaw cream and Rosehip oil, I get it bad around my eyes and top lip but rosehip helps cracking and takes the redness away after a hour or so. I use a natural soap in the shower that has special honey, m anuka honey  in it which smells nice and doesn't make me itchy or one of the bath oils that's made for eczema I use while showering. Just please trust me and use Papaw, its the thing that has ever worked and has taken the suffering eczema gives, the emotional feeling of knowing it works. Always try new things, there are scar and skin repeating oils which I'm also testing out and so far it helps. When I'm healed I still like to use it on the scars that the sterolid creams caused. Hope I helped and Vaseline also helps but it only helped me for a little while then stopped working but worth a try if ur really bad but trust me peoplle Papaw. If it works spread the word so others can have the same releif. If u want to chat about it or if it works please email at gettinglost@live.com I'm here to talk to if you need a friend
Nicole

By Hailey on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 07:28 pm:

An excellent sensitive facial skin cream is the Weleda Almond Soothing cream or lotion. It doesn't contain any fragrance, is natural and toxic chemical free. Skin feels very soothed and moisturised after use but your skin can still breathe.

I use that and mix a drop of A'kin Rosehip Oil or Golden Silk Oil for a real skin treat - these are excellent skin tonics/ healers/ moisturisers - especially for eczema.

I recommend this site:

eco-essentials.co.uk

for skin friendly sensitive skin & eczema products.

By Goodbye Eczema on Saturday, March 05, 2011 - 08:04 pm:

Going natural is the safest way when it comes to facial moisturizing, especially if you have eczema on face. Here are some of the best natural products you can use for your face eczema:

Ecream

An ecream is basically a moisturizing cream which contains vitamin E. Vitamin E is a natural skin moisturizer. Even though it can be taken as a supplement, you can also use an ecream along with it for application on your skin. Not only will vitamin E moisturize your skin but it can also improve your skin's health. Skin health is important if you have eczema because it helps your skin more resistant against skin irritation.

If you want to learn more about the proper application of ecreams and other facial moisturizers, you can visit:
goodbyeeczema.com/eczema-on-face/

Emu Oil

Emu oil is another great natural face moisturizer. You have to be careful when buying emu oil though. Make sure that it is "pharmaceutical grade" and "refined" so that you won't suffer from adverse effects like an outbreak. Emu oil will not only protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun (making it a great moisturizer for people with phototoxic contact dermatitis), but it can even be used with the presence of face eczema. Emu oil is rich in omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 and omega fatty acids have been proven to be effective in reducing rashes.

If you want to learn more about how emu oil can help you, visit:
goodbyeeczema.com/emu-oil-eczema/

By Sarah on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 04:06 pm:

I've been using the body butters from Seaweed Bath Company for the last few months and they work better than anything else I've ever used. They have a website: Seaweedbathcompany.com. The body butters work great for keeping your eczema moisturized, and I've found that the seaweed bath powders really minimize my outbreaks as well.

By LondonE1 on Friday, February 04, 2011 - 11:02 pm:

Hi there, I wondered if anyone else used Boots brand "Expert INstant Soothing Cream"? I have used it every day for around 10 years ago and really considered it to be a miracle cream. Although Boots Expert Instant Soothing Cream is not listed as being Eczema specific, it kept my face extremely hydrated (when Boots said Instant Soothing they meant it) and saved me from a great deal of embarrassment. I went in yesterday to purchase more and Boots have discontinued it ! Does anyone else use it? Does anyone know why they have discontinued it (Boots Head office were able to give me no info...) I would love to hear from you on this forum !

By jane on Saturday, January 29, 2011 - 12:33 pm:

Hi kate

You should try the recuperating cream Its the best cream I know and I have tried a few. good luck
I think you can buy it on dermatique .co.uk

By Insight on Wednesday, November 03, 2010 - 07:24 pm:

Hello,

We are hosting a paid market research “shop along” in affiliation with a popular lotion used to treat Eczema. We are looking for women in Chicago and Phoenix to go on a “shop along” with us so we can learn about their Eczema and how they buy and use lotion to treat it. The research will consist of 15 minutes of shopping at a local pharmacy, followed by a 45 minute interview at a nearby coffee shop. The study pays $100 for a total of 1 hour of your time. In Chicago, the research will take place on November 16th and in Phoenix it will take place on November 18th and 19th.

If you are interested in participating, please go to icgsurveys.com and click on the “moisturizer study” link to see if you qualify.

Thank you for your help and interest!

Insight Consulting Group

By Madam Flaky on Tuesday, September 07, 2010 - 09:51 am:

I need to find an eye cream that doesn't contain glycerin. I don't want to use steroidal creams anymore because they are thinning my skin and aging me suddenly very quickly. I cannot seem to find one without glycerin, and I can't use one with glycerin because my skin doesn't like it. Any suggestions?

By mazzy123 on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 11:03 pm:

Hi All, I have had eczema since I can remember nd I'm now 32. About 4 years ago I started to get a dry (sometimes weepy) red raw rash, which also sometimees went tight and cracked, which looked awful between my nose and top lip, I had not really suffered with eczema on my face this bad in all my life. The rash was constantly there and more often than not a topic of conversation with people always saying ahh what have you done, which really knocked my confidence, over the years I think I have tried every potion, lotion, diet and doctors creams out and all would make the rash go, I would feel great then give it a week and it would be back again, but at Christmas I tried which I hope was my last chance, touch wood, since then, the biggest flair up I've had is the area will go a bit red but I can calm it down in a couple of hours then it's gone, enough talk anyway, here is what I did/ do, hope it works for someone else too:

At the beginning or at a flair up:
Wash face with UltraBland (from Lush)
Moisturise with DreamCream (from Lush)
on the area apply HC45 (1% hydrocortizone) (sorry ant spell that)
Once that dried apply gloves in a bottle (I got mine from ebay)
I do this 2 to 3 times a day
When My skin is calmed down I only use the Ultrabland and Dreamcream.
I also never put any makeup on that area
I hope this works, may seem a bit to spend to begin with but I still have the same gloves in a bottle, dreamcream lasts about 4 to 5 months, HC45 around the same and ultrabland about 6 weeks a jar

Thannks for reading xxx

By farlishous on Friday, July 23, 2010 - 01:24 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 farlishous on Friday, July 23, 2010 - 01:04 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 Rick on Monday, December 21, 2009 - 02:57 pm:

Has any one tried 'EzcemaFreeForever' cream?

Thought I'd ask peoples' opinions of it before I get scammed. :-)

By areomint on Saturday, December 19, 2009 - 10:40 pm:

Hi All,

Boots the Chemist have brought out a new range called Organic Surge. I have brought the night cream & the super intensive moisture cos it's on offer @ the mo. I have extremely dry/sensitive skin on my face, most creams either "sit" on my face or irritate it. These products don't contain any nasties (parbens etc) & are reasonably priced. I feel that the cream is
1.making my skin that little bit softer
2.it's not greasy
3.there has been no reaction
4.it allows my skin to breathe
I still have to keep re-applying the cream throughout the day tho, so although it's not my solution it maybe somebody's else's????? I will keep on using it until I find something better.
It's worth a try
Skin Food by Weleda is all of the above. :-)

By Helen on Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 08:51 pm:

I'm 58 and have had eczema for years, some horrible stuff on my face and eyelids. I sometimes had to slather my face with hydrocortisone ointment and just stay at home till I could bear the wind on my skin.

I have managed nicely for years with emulsifying ointment for cleansing and makeup removal (yes, my skin has settled so well, I'm able to wear normal makeup again!) and hydrous ointment for my main moisturiser. It's lovely stuff. Only snag is, you usually have to get the pharmacist to order the big 500g tubs for you. It all seems to be made in one small town in Ireland - Clonmel.

The emulsifying ointment gets smeared all over my face (and any other bits that are itchy or sore), then rinsed with a clean wash cloth and tepid water in the shower. This even takes off waterproof mascara without irritating my skin. Then I blot the skin and slap on the hydrous ointment. It's very cheap so I can use plenty and gently wipe off excess after a few minutes.

I can't use aqueous cream on my face at all, but it's a reasonable body cream after a shower. I make my own lip salves or use Vaseline. I would be scared to use the commercial stuff now.

Hope this helps someone else too - eczema can be miserable, but mine is non existant now.

By Larry on Monday, June 01, 2009 - 12:01 am:

I would strongly recommend two things:

1. Baby Eczema Cream (Disney's) -- this is great for both children and adults, and has helped control my eczema, especially around my eyes and face.

2. Taking 2,000 - 3,000 mg of Vitamin C a day to boost my immune system.

The cream is available at Amazon.com

By eliz on Thursday, March 26, 2009 - 07:36 am:

I too have had a long, frustrating journey with my eczema throughout my life. Currently, it is around both my eyes and I have no idea which cream to use. However, the main reason I'm writing is to let those of you with eczema around your mouth know that I found toothpaste with tartar control to be a huge culprit in my own similar eczema. Hope that might help at least one of you!

By kbmn on Friday, January 02, 2009 - 09:56 pm:

Hi Tish, i can imagine what you are going through!!!well, i havent suffered from eczema,but my two months old has it and its been very distressn to me!!!shz had it on her face, scalp,hands and her back!!very itchy too!!i tried to research so much abt this terrible disease!!but the good news is that i have heard her eczema under control!!first thing i did was to identify anythn that could possibly be causing it!i searched all possible allergic things that cause eczema...from food, to baths, to lotions to,the environment and finally realised that she was allergic to milk!!!!Formula and milk that i was taking because i was breastfeeding too!!once i got rid of all the formula and i gettn rid of taking milk, only do breastfeeding!!!this clearly got rid of her eczema and all she has is a dry skin probably due to the winter!!!All i do is i keep her skin moisturized every 2 to 3 hours with CERAVE MOISTURING CREAM. its a great moisturizer and recommended by dermatologists!!i had tried hydrocortisone on her but that thinned her skin and dint do any good!!Baby Eczema Cream was great too and am sure adults use it too coz i have a friend who does and its great on her skin.My babyz doctor recommended derma-smoothe/fs but you can only get it with a prescription.Am to use it only when she gets a flare up and for not a prolonged period!!am sure its great with people suffering from dry itchy scalps too!!!But all in all, try identifying wats causing the allergy!!!that will save you all the headache!!!and then keep a good moisturizer by you always to get rid of the dry skin.Try having a humidifier in your home during winter, keep away from hot showers and avoid using soap on your skin sometimes!!I use CERAVE hydrating wash on my daughter once in a while other times i just give her a shower with plain water and use the wash only on her very lower parts of the body!!!Apply the moisturizer immediately after a bath!!!try havn a bath just one time in a day.Am sure by taking these steps you will have the problem under control!!!My girl is doin great now and her skin that had gotten flaky and very dry is now nice and smooth and she has stopped scratchn.Shz a happy girl now.Wish you all the best....but try identifying the root cause because however much you treat the problem when the cause is still there, then nothn good will come yo way.....hope this helps

By chris on Thursday, December 25, 2008 - 06:44 pm:

Try aLOE VERA SOOTING day cream and the aloe serum from the body shop its brilliant for the eczema on my face

By Tish on Friday, December 19, 2008 - 09:26 pm:

Hello Everyone,
Although I don't wish eczema on anyone I am relieved to know that I'm not the only one suffering from this terrible skin problem.My eczema started 3 yrs.ago with a brown patch of scaly skin that itched terribly right above my lip and last summer the bottom of my feet and my hands became so irritated and began missing skin from me scratching them so bad I thought it was calluses but now know that it was eczema all along.Also last summer i got brown patches on my right arm.I thought that by me using a thick lotion would help my hands and feet so I started using Gold Bond Ultimate restoring lotion but it seemed to make my skin become really thick,flaky and itchy.I just recently bought Dermarest Eczema medicated lotion and it seems to be helping and it's not thick and greasy and my skin is not as itchy but if someone knows of something better please let me know.Also if someone knows what to use to get rid of that brown patch above my lip please,please let me know it would be very appreciated.

By fabshabz on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 05:03 pm:

i have just seen my derm after persistent visits to my g.p, every cream, lotion i tried for my seb derm, particularly around the lips, would flare up after a month's use, i have 3 whole drawers full of tubes and boxes!which had becom very expnsive.derm prescribed me ecostatin-econazole nitrate 1% cream as she suspected skin infection.after a couple days i felt relief, as around my mouth would flare and burn up, which made it hard to eat talk,socialise,etc.i feel more happier, i just hope this cream has killed all fungal bacteria.i will let every1 know how it goes.this is fine for pregnant women as it isnt absorbed into skin which is perfect for women worrying bout using steriods.

By Craig on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 11:49 am:

I've had good results with Eumobase (Might now be renamed as Eumocream) where most other creams have been ineffective or exacerbated my eczema. It's not overly cheap, but it's available at Boots.

By fabshabz on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - 04:03 pm:

a good moisturiser that im using at the mo foir my facial seb.dermatitis is simple derma intensive lotion 3.19£ at superdrug and boots or a cream version for those who prefer cream to lotion which is a pound cheaper. it says it works within 4 days, after 1 application i def seen a improvement, i think every1 should give a try, i kept getting allergic reactions to dermol 500 when used as a moisturiser and not as a face wash, aquous and diporbase.i thought being a commercial brand it might not do what it says but it was worth the 3 quid, however i am only on its 3 application, it says for maixmum results use 3-4 times a day.

By jennn25 on Saturday, September 13, 2008 - 09:07 pm:

Hi. I am 27 and started getting ezcema 6 months after I had my son. I knew what it was because the same thing happened to my mother, and my sister has had it since birth. It wasn't too bad, until I got pregnant with my daughter. My arms, legs, face, stomach all flared up. I knew I couldn't take anything being pregnant, so I tried all differnt lotions, Eucerin, Aveeno, Vaseline, Tar onitment, you name it. Nothing helped it. So now, I had my daughter last month, I went to the dermatologist. he prescribed protopic, and Cloderm. has anyone had great success with these? To me, it seems like what works for you, may not work for me. Everyone seems to have a procedure to go by. I just need to find mine quick. This is just terrible

By Carlw on Friday, September 05, 2008 - 04:33 pm:

Hi

I have just discovered Bio Oil. I think its an awseome product, i mix it in with my diprobase or aqueous cream, and also use about 10 drops of Bio Oil in the bath.

It is really helping me.

Carl.

By Evevebrib on Monday, September 01, 2008 - 12:15 pm:

Authentication Error

By charlie on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - 09:12 pm:

Ive read loads of stuff on this site over the years but never wrote anything!

I have flare ups about twice a year, this time its stuck around for 2months, ever since i started planning my wedding! eak!
Its on my face and hands, and elbows. I also have acne, joy.
Treat the dry skin= more spots.
Treat the spots= drier skin.

So i stopped putting anything on it and only washing every other day.
I noticed how oily the t zone was, yet it seemed dry too..
So whilst searching the shelves of boots i ended up at the clinique counter and had a consultation. Every thing they said made sense.. lack of hydration (being one of the things eczema does best) over production of oils trying to get the barrier back etc..
So ive just started the 3 step cleanse/exfoliate/moisturize.. so far it feels fantastic. I'll report back soon!

Ive found aloe Vera does not help at all.
Simple have a newish range out which was good for a while but clogged my pores.
Anything with Tea tree just drys it out

By Theresa on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - 05:54 pm:

I use a calendula salve that has helped dramatically, pure coconut oil and neem oil have also helped. I also started listening to meditation podcasts, I've found that stress reduction helps calm my skin down too. Anyone have rosacea along with the eczema? Having a harder time keeping that under control.

By danny on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 12:06 am:

for my face i use a make called AVENE, i use the "skin recovery cream".
its like 70% avene spring water (some springs in france) which is really nice and calming for the eczema. it doesnt leave any grease and leave my skin really nice and full!

i think most pharmacy/skin product shops and websites stock it.
iv had really bad eczema and this is my faviourite one! (ha and believe me ive tried alot)
danny

By Louise on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 05:41 pm:

Im 13 years old and Im going to Tenerife in two days and I have really sore eczema on my feet and I am really paranoid of them and I just need them better Ive tried everything and Its making me extremely unhappy and made me not look foward to my holiday what can I do? =[

By Calvin on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 11:54 pm:

Hi. After bathing I usually put on a jelly like Aquaphor or Vaseline onto my face to keep my skin moisturized. It has helped a lot; however, I read on here that jellys like these do not allow my skin to breathe. Also, they make my skin sticky and glossy. It is uncomfortable to sleep with these on, and I would rather not go out in public looking like I have just ran 10 miles. Is there an intense moisturizing cream/lotion that I can apply to my skin a few times a day to keep my skin moisturized? I've tried Aveeno and Cetaphil and they're not as strong as I would like. I am in the US. Thanks

By Stella on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 08:26 pm:

Hi everyone, haven't posted here in a while. I've been having lots of avocado guacamole and chicken to feed my skin with natural protein and fats and oils. My eyelids healed up nice. However, I'm recovering from sunburn now and my skin is like sandpaper every morning and then flakes very heavily.

So I've bought Udo's oil and upped my juicing intake. Staying out of the sun helps too!

By nancy on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 01:20 am:

I've been getting some awesome ideas from all you guys, but never really added any of my own till now. I'm 50, having eczema most my life.Its covered any area i could reach to scratch. Main triggers are stress and different "forms" of MSG, yeast and gluten.Trial and error, conventional and alternative methods. am currently using Flaxseed oil, Probiotics (Natures Way is good and inexpensive). Protopic and triamsinolone when neeeded, but try to steer clear of these, preferring more natural remedies. I use Burts Bees conditioner only(shampoos are irritants) for hair care, mixing a few drops of pure tea tree oil (Walmart carries this cheap) in my hair and scalp with it to soothe and heal. I only use soap where needed, the water usually cleanses the rest. Less time in the shower the better, and towel dab, not rub after. Apply the lotions/creams within the first 3 minutes. My skin cannot handle regular lotions, and my derm said the less ingredients, the better. If you cant pronounce the ingredients, be careful of those chemicals. I use triamsinolone,vaseline, Emu oil,extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil(most large grocery stores carry these cheap) with drops of 100% pure rose or tangerine oil mixed in the bottle (for fragrance) wherever the body likes it. My face cant decide what it likes most yet.Any intense itching is quickly remedied with apple cider vinegar mixed with water,start with mixing 50/50 because full strength stings any open wounds. 100% Shea butter itches me so does Jajoba or vitamin E oil. Run a cool mist humidifier for moisture in dry air climates. Also,for washing machines, greasy clothing ruins the seals more quickly so every so often run an empty cycle set on hot to preserve the longetivity of your machine.We live by a Co-op, but for those who dont, try online ordering. Do research on the product ingredients so your $$$ arent wasted. Good luck, and God bless.

By pesi on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 12:18 am:

To anyone who uses modrasone oint/cream and has been told that there is a problem getting it, well i got in touch with pilva one of makers of it and they told me it was now sorted, and to get in touch with my chemist,i did this then they got in touch with there supplier and gave him the information that i was giving, and iam glad to say i pick it up from my chemist tomorrow after trying to get the ointment for 7mths.

By mouse on Sunday, February 24, 2008 - 08:52 pm:

hi its really comforting to read all your messages, ive felt so depressed and unable to leave the house lately because im so worried about people looking at my face! i think im slowly killing my relationship aswell with my acute paranoia! just wondering if anyone who uses modrasone face cream has been told its been discontinued and what is the best alternative? thanks, vicky x

By HAPPY NOW on Saturday, February 23, 2008 - 12:10 am:

i havent been on here for awhile. i'll get to the point. i've been misdiagnosed! i had a doc check me when it all started he said i have eczema, WRONG!!! thats why nothing worked. i decided last year to see another doc after so many years because i just gave up. the doc thought i may have psoriasis, WRONG! i have what you call PLC(pityriasis lichenoides chronica).the mystery was finally discovered after a biopsy. i've had this problem since i was 13, now i'm 30. going through my teens years and high school and so on was not great. being a female and covered up during warm/hot weather was a blow to my self esteem/body image.

i tried what most of you guys tried to find my own way to help/cure myself. PLEASE be sure that you are diagnosed correctly. get that biopsy done if available. ask your doc if UVB (narrowband) will help you. its light therapy. thats the treament i've been doing since june of last year. you start slow and gradually increase the light power (joules) then stay at that level once you think your clear. the first and second month was a little difficult because it made me itch. this may not happen to you. some of the patients i met didnt itch. this light therapy helped me alot. i only get it on my body, NOT my face. the only hassle is going to the clinic to get treatment 3x a wk then eventually 2x a wk to once a month etc etc. i saw improvement right away and my skin was horrible. it has boost my self esteem and i've worn my first sleeveless black dress. its great! this upcoming spring and summer will be the first time i'll be able to wear shorts without worry.

this has worked for me. i am not sure if it will work for eczema patients. please just be sure the skin problem you have is what it really is. ask your doc if it will work for you and side effects/risks etc for your age/condition. psoriasis patients are also taking this treatment and it worked for them.

i wish you all the best. i know how a skin problem can put a dent on your life.

By Melissa on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 09:23 pm:

For the face - LUSH Celestial. For hands and body, either LUSH Dream Cream or Sympathy For The Skin. They work.

By lizardwoman on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 12:57 pm:

Hi Charlotte,
I tried the allergenics cream a few years ago. It's quite good but wasn't greasy enough for my super-dry skin, I seem to remember it smelling quite strange too! I really recommend the new mineral make-ups available if you have sensitive skin. If you have very dry or flaky skin it might not disguise this but you can mix the mineral powder with your favourite moisturiser and use like any other foundation. The other good one i've been using lately is Dr Hauschka foundation...it's expensive but it seems to work and you can layer it up if your skin is quite red.
Good luck and congratulations! x

By sp on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 10:49 am:

HI
I use MAC and have not had any adverse effects.

By Charlotte on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 04:02 pm:

Hello,
I'm getting married this year too and am panicking slightly about it in case of an inevitable erruption on my face. I used to use Body Shops's Lightening Touch which was good but i reacted to the new version.
Has anyone tried MAC, Shu Uemura or Almay concealer/foundations?
I also read that Allergenics no steroid cream is supposed to be soothing for sensitive skin on the face. Has anyone tried that? Thanks!

By I have an easy solution on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 10:34 pm:

Hi. I have had Eczema all my life (the kind that doesn't fade with time, it gets much worse). I have tried every product, diet, and natural and over-the-counter cream, ointment, possible including vitimins and so much more. Needless to say it's been expensive. taking care of my skin has also been time consuming and with three small kids and a career I have little time. But I found something that is almost effortless and has made 30 years of bad skin turn into an easy regimen that has made my skin practically flawless. I have spent all day going onto every website I can to put the word out, only becuase I know how hard it can be to live with this skin disorder. This product is a great skin care system if anyone is interested in this high quality product I encourage you to contact me at reushel.martinez@gmail.com Have a great day everyone

By Stella on Friday, December 28, 2007 - 03:32 pm:

Hi folks!!

I haven't posted since 2001, but since eczema has now tried to get to my face, neck and shoulders and arms, thought I'd write in.

I've been using a strict bath regime with sea salt, oatmeal, and olive oil every 3-4 days. I massage shea butter into my skin and step into the lukewarm bath and stay there for 15-20 mins. Then I stay in the bath without towelling and massage my skin with olive oil and coconut oil. My skin is then nice and soft to the touch.

I've taken on board from this site that I should up my water as eczema is really dehydrated skin. I'm still juicing and always see a big difference in how my skin behaves especially after 3 days on carrot/parsley/celery juice.

I normally take 10g of evening primrose oil in the morning and another 10g at night + 2 tablespoons of Udo's oil in an 8oz glass of kefir. I bought the Kefir grains from the Kefir shop in Scotland. Only £7...It lasts a lifetime. And rapidly multiplies in raw goat milk which is an easier digesting milk than cows. My skin which was almost head to toe eczema is now just on my face, neck shoulders and upper arms...

I can wear stockings again. It's been a long journey since 1998, but the parts of me that had eczema before are permanently cured and nothing aggravates them (that is my legs) I did not use homeopathy or steroid creams or antishistamines. My skin is very sensitive though and only tolerates coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil.

This year I've been buying salmon and mackerel from Billingsgate Fish Market and having 2 large helpings of fish daily. I've not had to consume so much oil as a result. I have salads a lot and have reduced my intake of carbohydrates and fruit as it appears I've candida.

At the moment, I'm doing a Colonix Cleanse and have been on it for a month. I've also invested in a Jupiter Water ioniser since this November gone. I really plan to get rid of this eczema permanently as it really cramps my style

Anyway, enough already! Take care everyone and have a lovely Xmas and New Year!!

By lizardwoman on Friday, November 16, 2007 - 11:53 am:

Hi mkw,
congratulations on getting engaged! i've started using mineral make-up which i have found really effective(there are Uk companies that make this stuff, just do a search). i used to use a body shop one but they changed the formulation and it was making my skin react when i put it on. i also noticed just how many ingredients are in the usual high street foundations, no wonder people like us react to them. i don't know what kind of state your skin is in but the mineral make-up hides the redness really well. unfortunately, like any foundation, if your skin is flaky it may make it more obvious, personally i prefer flaky to redness as it stops the stupid comments i get from people about sunburn...as if! also, at least from a distance i know i look vaguely normal, and also the dryness doesn't show up as much as the redness in photos. hope this helps, good luck planning your wedding, i know they can be a bit of a trauma. i'm a bridesmaid at my brother's wedding next month and i had the same anxieties about how i look...i just want to look normal x

By mkw on Friday, November 16, 2007 - 04:19 am:

I 've been a reader of this site for so long n its helped me get out of the rut the bad skin phase/perennial bad skin always does.but here i am again miserable...

Am finally[i say finally because i have put off the sweetest things in life courtesy my skin prob for so long] getting engaged next month n dreading the wholeeee thingamajig because of my skin!!! ...feeling very depressed about it too.wot kind of make up can i EVER/possibily use.just the thought of pictures/videos brings the vapours on. i reallly need help.my fiancee is really sweet n loves me as i am, but then he's nottt the world..n i'd hateeee to be a spectacle on my wedding/engagement day!its NOT fair that ONE day i can't look pretty/dress up.i never use anything but the basic lipstick/kohl/liner anyway :-s...used Body shop foundations n they r weird...caky.....Oh i wishhh i cud be helped/magically cured for justtt a DAY!

By Bay on Sunday, October 14, 2007 - 04:41 pm:

It is very common for people to heal and then exhibit signs of the illness before they completely heal. I just read about white precious opal. It has a difficult healing period if you can get past it you should be better. Exzema can also be lessesned by larimar. When I get ezcema on my scalp in the winter I add some melissa and geranium to the emu to cool the fire in my eczema. I moisurize my body w/ emu fom uniquely emu w/ lavender essential oils from young living. Sometimes I will add some coconut, jojoba, almond, and shea butter all organic. I make my own chapstick too. I use the same oils w/ some organic beeswax. Y ou can google to find recipes and ratios. I also have tried the IET which has helped tremendously. You can also google the center of Being for classes near you.
I am going to try the white opal in the spring if not sooner and will let you know how it goes. I need to not be vibrating at this frequency which makes me succeptable to this annoying issue.
Bay

By jade on Monday, September 17, 2007 - 11:15 pm:

Hi, I have been suffering with eczema since 6 years old, im now 29 and have managed to keep this eczema under control, what i have discovered is everyday drink 2 liters of bottle water a day, you will see a big difference. Have a LOW ACID DIET avoid –wheat, milk, eggs, sugar, tomatoes, oranges etc... if you cant just?cut it down.Wheat is the danger foods like cakes, bread avoid them please! If you do eat something that is bad for your skin just drink LOADS of WATER to clear the system to stop the reaction. It works for me!!!!

If you have eczema on the face ONLY wash your face with BOTTLE WATER.
And let it drip dry don’t use the towel because of bacteria.

To wash your skin use Trinity Soap and Shampoo by Elena Nature Collection (you can only buy it on internet)

To cream your body use A-derma Avoine Rhealba Emollient cream ( made from oats & natural)you can get it in some large boots stores

Cream for the face - I highly recommend Moisture gel from Environ and the hydrating oil capsule which is to put the vitamin A back into the skin to normalize the skin again (You can buy this ONLY in beauty salons, I get mine from The Essence Beauty Rooms in Hammersmith tel: 0208 748 8879)


I hope you find this information useful, it took me years to find out how to clear my skin because so sensitive to foods and creams, I found it so difficult but now im more happier
With clear skin. By working on the body inside and out.

Jade

By jazz on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 12:34 am:

new method

wash face with water

apply oilatum cream

then at night wash face with water

use eumovate cream

repeat daily

seems to work better than applying all these lotions etc

tryed aveeno, nivea, oilatum wash, all sorts of products but water, moisturiser and eumovate works the best 4 me, ive got mild eczema on face only.

By jamie on Thursday, August 09, 2007 - 11:04 am:

Hi Ive have been using Aveeno cream and bath oil for 2 days on my face. It hasnt caused any irritation but I find the substance sort of sticks to your skin. it isnt greasy but leaves skin a little sticky. It doesnt irritate in any way but lookin at it in the mirror it seems to make the layer of skin look slightly thicker.

Has anyone else experienced this and is it normal at the beginning, basically wat im asking does it tend to improve and feel/look better after say a month or so.

If anyone has any advice I wud be very very grateful as im unsure whether to go back to my old formula of oilatum or to perservere with Aveeno.

Thank you for reading this post and good luck with whichever course of treatment you are trying.

By msTina on Tuesday, July 03, 2007 - 03:44 am:

i post a msg awhile ago thinking i had eczema. i have a new doctor and ive been diagnosed pityriasis lichenoides chronica.this is basically on my entire body. im suppose to go to light therapy three times a week for eight weeks. i've gone for about two weeks. so far, i havent seen any progress. the treatment does make me itch terribly. i cant sleep at night and i itch through out the day. i didnt go last week due to family visits. it felt great to not itch and sleep through the night. it seems like doctors suggest light treatment to several skin diseases. some may help you. pls ask your doc for some info. i hope the therapy helps me. please get a second opinion if no treatment is working. best wishes to all.

By jamie on Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 10:19 pm:

hi all. i find trimovate cream 30g is good for my eczema (only on face) it contains clob butrayte aslo 2 other ingredients, anti fungal ingredient. using tat 2 times a day for 3 days, then once a night thereafter. pretty good results, also use oilatum bath emollient/cream. try it out, only sad thing is a few small spot like bumps appear but then go away after a couple of days. let us knw if its any good. thanks bye

By Sara on Thursday, May 03, 2007 - 10:20 pm:

AMI - NO7 COLOUR CALMING MAKE UP BASE.(I bought it from Boots) It is bright green but a tiny dab over the red patches hides it away for the whole day!! I have tried all sorts of foundations in an attempt to hide my bright red face and this is the only thing that helps... good luck
Sara

By Sara on Thursday, May 03, 2007 - 10:14 pm:

HELP - information overload I am so confused!!

I have always had eczema but luckily have only ever had it on my arms and legs... until now. In the last few years I have been suffering with flare ups all over my face. My eyelids are particularly bad - dry, flaky, puffy, sore, hot,and worse of all bright red!! but my cheeks and inbetween my eyebrows are red, bumpy, itchy, and painful.

I am so confused, I just dont know where to start with creams, ointments, steroids, emollients, and all the other things recommended to me!

I have been patch tested and am allergic to Nickel, Benzoyl Peroxide and Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile - I have been checking everything I buy to ensure it doesnt have any of these in, but it hasnt made any difference!!!

I would be really grateful if someone could advise me of a good prescribed soap alternative, daily moisturiser and steroid cream which is safe to use on my face, and a routine, because i think i am starting to desperatley try everything all in one go which is probably just making things worse,i feel down in the dumps!!

Noone has ever explained to me I should use a soap alternative in the bath! or which steroids to use where, until i have found this site!! THANK YOU!!!!!I am looking forward to a reply and any advice is gratefully received.

Sara

By a fightingmother on Tuesday, May 01, 2007 - 04:28 am:

For my fellow ezcema fighters... Both my son and I have the skin problem. We both take anti-histamines daily but what really helped was a cream...momentasone...it is a prescription but it really helps with outbreaks. Also I have to closely watch what we showered and bathed with. Olay is a really good soap and body wash to use. Cetaphil soap and lotion is also good to use. Avoid extremely hot showers this spreads the histamine around. Take lukewarm baths and showers. After bathing use Aquaphor or Eucerin lotions and creams to help keep moisture in your skin. It tooks me and his doctors a while to get the combination right, but ,my son skins looks healthy and normal, no lesions or areas that look burned. What i have learned I am trying to share. I am a real mother who is dealing with ezcema. Please remember that along with ezcema there are allergies, so keep a journal of what comes in contact with your skin that triggers a flare up. It's tedious , but atleast you'll know what to avoid...Good Luck to you all

By Aml on Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 04:34 pm:

Hi everyone,

I need help. I have always had atopic eczema on and off but only in small patches. 2.5 years ago it exploded everywhere on my body ... EVERYWHERE! It didn't bother me as much as it probably should have, mainly due to the support i had from friends and relatives. I also had the wonderful support of a man by my side.

The reason I need help is that we are getting married next march and there is no way i am having wedding photos taken looking like a boiled tomato. can anyody recommend make up that wont cause my skin to fall off?

please help!

By Minaz on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 09:56 pm:

I am 26 and am only on this website to help you all. Please try Forever Living - Aloe Very Mosturiser! I promise you I do not work for them but i used to have very bad excema on my upperlip and forearms, this used to get really inflammed during the winter months, however since I started using this cream its just disappeared!

Its worked for me and I thought that I would have to recommend this for other suffers.

By jenny on Monday, April 02, 2007 - 05:49 pm:

hi my names jennifer and ive had eczema for about 3 years it appears on my right ceek in a circle and on the bridge of my nose ive ha d it appear on these parts of my face 4 about 1 year and ive had the rash all over my top lip for 2years it gets me really down as im only 13 and i feel i cant go out and hang about with my mates no more as im really embarassed about my eczema i use cetraben which works for a day and then my face s breaks out again can any 1 help me

By Eric on Monday, April 02, 2007 - 12:34 pm:

Hi, I have just had a second go with DoubleBase on my face, and again came up like a beetroot! This the same reaction I have had in the past with aqueous cream, and I think is caused by the preservative. I only tried the DoubleBase because the GP recommended I try it. I will go back to Tesco sensitive skin moisuriser, which doesn't sting or burn. My theories on why supermarket moisturisers tend to be safer are 1. fast turnover and non-contact packages(so lower preservative levels needed)and 2. Customer choice - whose going to buy something that stings?

By reem on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 - 08:15 pm:

hi my daughter 2 years old has escema on her hands........i still cant figure out what actually causes it, we ve tried none dairy, but still the same, i came across an oil called 'ACEITE DE CRISALIDA' from a herbalist ...its AMAZING and clears the skin with in 2 - 3 days.......but no doctor has heared about it , i was wondering if any one out there can actually tell me some thing, whether its safe? is it really natral? (aparently it comes from the silk worm!!)

By Sufferer on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 - 10:20 pm:

Guys

i have eczema on the nose sides, around the mouth upper nose and above my eye brows..
dont know what version of eczema it is but tried most hydrocortisone cremes for years, but skin still dark, and latelty bad ithcing on uppernose by head area.
can anyone recommed any good cremes, ive got aloe vera gel which smooths my skin but doesnt get rid of the marks,
however i think the best product i tried was in florida O equate Hydrocortsone cream made my skin so smooth and clear but unforutnatley i cant get this here in the u.k the black marks under my eyes so cleared up - might just go back florida for more

By Dse on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 08:16 pm:

Hi everyone, I've just been reading through this thread... I too have eczema and am looking for some kind of helpful recommendation...

HOWEVER, I couldn't help but notice the TOTALLY FAKE recommendation messages posted by "dbeth" / "patty" & "sadmother" in this forum.

They are all FAKE messages pushing a product called "calendula salve" by a company called "healing Anthropology". Clearly the entries have been placed by the company actully being reccomended. They are NOT genuine messages from genuine sufferers.

Shame on you “healing Anthropology”; We're looking for genuine answers here NOT MORE BS SPAM from unethical forum spammers like you.

I hope google picks this up and puts people off your company ;-)

By LisaG on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 08:00 pm:

Dear Crypulse,
I'd stay away from Vaseline, it's petroleum (like the oil) jelly, is considered toxic by homeopaths, and doesn't let your skin breathe at all. My suggestion and what works for me, is very moisturizing natural products like Sukii and Healing Anthropology(which is the one I use most b/c it's super-rich and hydrating). My itching stopped and all that's left of my eczema is a couple of pea-size spots that I barely even notice. They are pricier than drugstore stuff, but that's b/c drugstore products are full of cheap chemicals. If you can't afford these, nicoleW27 had a good suggestion about mixing in a good oil into your lotion (jojoba is good because it's close to your skin's own natural oil). Oh yeah, and definitley no hot showers, it may feel good in the moment, but it's the worse thing because it really irritates and dries the skin. I hope this helps!

By plasmagic on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 07:16 am:

vaseline which is cheap n affortable,comes in pure petroleum jelly. cetaphil product is cheap as well

By NicoleW27 on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 07:04 pm:

Hi Everyone,
My name is Nicole and I have had eczema since day one! Now, at 24 I still struggle with finding a balance of diet and product to keep things under control. I will just throw out some of my suggestions. For body lotions, I like Lubriderm. Also, St. Ives Collagen and Elastin is a good one (formulated for extra dry skin). I also have an essential oil from aveda that I mix in 6-10 drops to my lotion. I find it really helps to moisturize my skin and KEEP it moisturized. Right now, I used tea tree oil because it has anti-inflammatory properties. You could also try something like lavendar or rose, I have heard they have beneficial properties for dry skin. For face, I have been using a face wash from DDF (doctor's dermalogical formula) for sensitive skin and I love it. The moisturizer that goes with it (ultra lite moisturizer, oil free) was great in the summer but now for the winter is not cutting it. I try to use clinique total turn around cream 1-2 times per week to maintain some sort of gentle exfoliation regime, which helps get that dry skin off my face. Currently I am trying Eucerin for a heavier winter face cream, I'll let you know if it's any good! And for body wash, I like St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea butter, or if my skin is really broken out, good old cetaphil or dove sensitive skin facial bar soap (but I use it only on my body). For makeup, I use Clinique Almost Makeup (half way between tinted moisturizer and liquid foundation) because it has a sheer-ish coverage which can help hide the red, but it's more moisturizing (and user friendly) than regular foundation, but still looks natural. Anyway, those are my two cents. Does anyone else have product suggestions?

By Nicole on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 01:32 pm:

Hi Crypulse

I too have cronic eczema over most of my body and i also notice the diffence on my hands since finding this notice board i have realised there is a name for the watery blisters that form on the palm, its best probably not to pierce the blisters because you could spread an infection if there is any and it also increases the risk for infection

I also notice how good a hot shower feels on my skin when it is bad but yeah its best to have it warm so because i notice when i hop out of the shower my skin sweats and if its bad u can smell that kind of acidy smell

I have eczema on my face and it was extremly dry and flaky, I had been using acqueous but sometimes it stings so i bought a weleda cream called rose and calendula it smells divine and does a good job with moisturising my face i still need to apply it every 1/2 hr or so but i am much more comfortable using a natural product than using emuvate on my face i have used it and it thins the skin and im sure it makes it drier

By crypulse on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 - 06:35 pm:

Man, I hate to say it, but I am glad that I am no the only person with this horrible problem. Er.. this freaking curse.

The first time I remember getting a flare p was when I went to sea world and got splashed by shamu. The salt water irritate

Now I get flare ups all the time. It seems that I always have the problem and it never goes away. Sometime it will die down in on some parts of my body but it is still really bad on another part.

Where I get it:
Back of my knees.
Inside elbows.
Wrists.
Forehead.
Around mouth.

I also get it on my fingers. Usually during the winter. But when I get it on my fingers it is very different that the rest of my body( red itchy patches). On my fingers i get iny bubble like blisters filled with a chear sor of ooze. I have a bad habit of puncturing them so the release the "ooze" or "puss". The weird thing is. All of iy flows out but a few minutes later it forms again. I can't explain it.

I wonder if anyone else has this problem.

I also have a bad habit of taking long scolding showers. It seems liek the hot hot (really hot) showers I take feels good on my affected areas. I bet that is most likely the worst thing you can do. Becuase after I get all dry and... I bleed. It's just nasty.

I go to a private school and I have to wear a skirt. It is kind of embarrssing because of the stuff on the bck of my legs. I also I have darker skin where I seem to get my outbreaks. And it is very noticalby darker thatn the rest of my skin. It really freaking sucks.

I used to use a prescription Elidel... which blows. It didn't do anything. It didn't even make the itch go away. Now I am on a steriod tropical soemthing. It starts with a "D". I think its like desinodoadodeside.... I dunno. That's as close as I am going to get.

The thing I hate the most is when my family sees me scratching and says. "Stop scratching." "If you would just stop scratching you wouldn't have the bleeding arms and legs and scabs and... ew"

I really don't think some people get it. You can't just stop. You can't help it. I wish people would realize this.

Wow... Well this is really too long and has a lot of typos. Please excuse them. I am usually not a bad typer.

By Karen on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 - 01:50 pm:

Hi all - I have never used this site before and for years I have had incredibly dry skin on my face. About 16 years ago I started suffering with very dry skin and used hydrocortisone creams, then heard how they were not good longterm so came off them, and started using diprobase ointment. This was the one thing that has stopped my skin feeling tight for all these years. My skin is completely addicted to it and cannot tolerate anything else. Recently I came across some information by Neals Yard so so that paraffin ointments are really bad for your skin longterm and they can stop your skin from working and doing it's natural job. As I am 37 years old this is something I know I need to address sooner rather than later - wondering what I can do. Whenever I have used any other creams etc, my skin flares up and goes very score,hot and red. If anyone has had similar issues with their skin and diprobase ointment and has come out the other side I would be great to hear from you!

By KTG on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 09:13 am:

Hello, I need some advice!
I'm 22 and I've had eczema since I was about 12 years old. Only in the past 5 years or so has it gotten much worse. It has affected nearly all of the skin on my body, definitely every area that anyone has mentioned here. It has never been so bad or lasted so long before. In addition, I have recently started having problems with asthma (which I've read can be associated with eczema). I have recently lost my insurrance and I am now forced to treat both of these conditions without a doctor. I was wondering if anyone could recommend some home remedies or non-prescription alternatives for eczema. Also, if anyone else is suffering from the type of asthma associated with eczema, could you tell me what medication you are on? I have been prescribed Advair, which works, but it will be very expensive to refill without health insurrance. Thank you!

By tanya on Sunday, October 01, 2006 - 09:04 pm:

Hi
My son is eight months old and has had ezcema all over his body since he was about eight weeks. To start with I tried to treat it myself with various different things from neals yard but it just got worse and worse and in the end i went to the drs and ended up going down the full hydrocortisone, oilatum, etc route. It seems to be getting better thanks to putting loads of viaform for a week and then daktacourt for about two months but i still worry about coating his skin in all these chemicals nad im worried it will all flare up again as soon as i stop. So I'm thinking of at least trying to use a natural, paraffin free alternative as a bath oil and an emoillient. Has anyone got any ideas or should i just stick with what seems to be keeping it better. And is there any natural alternative to hydrocortisione creams?

By Desiree on Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 07:55 pm:

hi! I am 20 years old now and i've had eczema on my scalp since I was born. I've used tar based shampoo and its not working!!! does anyone know what will help stop the itching?

By Tracey on Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 01:36 am:

Hi all fellow eczema sufferers,
At 25 under extreme stress my body showed the first signs of eczema, inside the elbows, the eyelids and upper lip which was controlled by steroid creams. One day it just disappeared not to reappear for some years. Little did I know this was the beginning of a pattern that was to ultimately change my life. Now some 15 years on my entire face, neck and upper body is covered. For weeks at a time I feel like there is an internal fire raging within and I look as tho it is! My skin splits, weeps and peels and the skin on my eyelids and upperlip is now lined and thickened through the constant rubbing and itching. (Through the use of steriods on my face I have also developed Herpes...in my eyeball!!! as if I didn't already have enough pain!!) My back, front, arms and neck look as tho I've had a run in with the local Tom Cat I'm so scratched and gouged in areas. I've had many blood tests, allergy tests, skin biopsy, tested for diabetes, oral steroids and tried many other alleged miracle cures...Natropathy has been a huge help on this road of discovery but is a disciplined hard slog,,,, a complete diet of vegetables (lots of dark green veggies are hugely beneficial) and veg. juice, (only if you have one otherwise just water is ok) 8 litres water daily and herbal teas + B vitamin supplement. The first time I did this all my symptoms went within in 3 1/2 weeks resuming again within 2 weeks of starting a normal diet, the 2nd time I was worse and it took 6 weeks again coming back to torment me within 5 weeks of a normal diet. Sounds easy enough but believe me it's not, it cannot be broken at all ...no sauces, gravy, dressings etc. nothing except salt& pepper. I also learnt that sugar & coffee seriously sets my condition off within 48 hours. Yesterday I went to the hosptial and they want to wrap me with steroid covered bandages for 5 days to break the condition but I know it's only a temporary fix...I believe there's definately something imbalanced on the inside and it's manifesting on the outside, the veggie diet is evidence of this. If you want to go this way best you find a good natropath to monitor you and advise of supplements etc.
I have found InVite vitamin E cream very rich and soothing for my face and body (this one has a very high percentage of vit E content) Body Shops Hemp face cream is also very good but $$$ considering I use so much, I think the Vit E is the best choice regardless. Hope this gives you all something to think about. Tracey

By patty on Friday, September 15, 2006 - 05:31 am:

Thanks dbeth! I used the salve you recommended and the eczema on my eyes has completely cleared up! I think I'm switching to their whole line for my face. Thanks again!!

By Mia on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 08:00 pm:

hi im 16 years old n ova the last year my eczema has spread to my face n neck, n 2 make matters worse the eczema on my face is very noticeable! it makes me extremly self concience...n nt evry1 is nyc about it the skin is broken n i cnt seem to heal it has ne1 got ne suggestions? my skins also extremly red and inflamed, ne1 no how i can reduce this? i currently use hemp from body shop bt applyin the cream meks it redder...also ive bin told eatin papaya is gd ne1 tried? also aloe vera tea...neway if ne1 noz how to heal broken skin plz let me no it hasnt healed for weeks! it jus weeps n its rely irritatin! a friend also recomended using a facial sauna is this a gd idea,
id be grateful for ne suggestions! mia xx

By Minaz on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 06:20 pm:

hey hussain...

try protopic.. i had excema on my upperlip for the longest time.

i tried all steriod cremes and they did not work! I was so desperate to get rid of it.. so my doctor prescribed me with Protopic.

You have to use it morning and evening and actually do this to see results. Within a week the actual excema was gone.. i have slight dark discolouration and thats it!!!!

By hussein on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 12:46 am:

hi im mark hussein iv had eczema sice i was 2 the thing is i cant stop itching its like smthings tiklin underneath my skin any 1 help what i can use thanks

By Gina on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 07:16 pm:

HI Amber

The only thong I can recoomend is to get allergy tested. If you fix the cause of the eczema there is no need for treatments.

Speak to your parents and doctor about it. It may not be the answer but I think anything is worth a go. Also if you have it from a baby you are much more likely to grow out of it by the time your an adult. I know that might not help now.

Good luck.
Gina

By AmBeR on Friday, July 14, 2006 - 04:53 pm:

hi

ive had eczema since i was born. ive tried everything but nothing is working. it is really embarrasing have it!! i hate it like hell.ive got it on my arms and my leg and tummy.IF ANYONE COULD THINK OF SOMETHINK THEY HAD IN MY SISUATION PLEASE HELP IM ONLY 11 N I HAT HAVING IT!!!! HELP PLEASE!!!!

By Unhappy on Tuesday, July 04, 2006 - 03:40 am:

ive had eczema since 93, i was in middle school. being that young and still have it to this day has put a burden on me. it seems to have worsen throughout the years. it had decreased my self esteem/self confidence/body image/etc. eczema had put me down in many ways. i have total body eczema not as much on my face. eczema has also produced white patches, Pityriasis Alba on my entire body it is exteremely noticeable around my elbows and knees. i'm medium toned so its pretty noticeable. ive been unhappy with treatments the Docs has given me. ive been trying to find ways to treat it myself online such as creams, lotions, soaps, etc but nothing has really satisfied me so i have given up. im so unhappy with this condition that i try not to go out during the summer...cant wear shorts, short sleeves, etc it just makes me uncomfortable. my attitude is just not the same. HELP!!

By Lynn on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 08:07 pm:

Hi
I'm 46 and have had eczema for as long as I can remember, I spent many years rapped in bandages in and out of hospital. The good news is it got better and for the last 10 years only had a bit on my eyes and mouth, But I could control this with creams from my doctor. In the last 9 months My mouth and eyes have got much worse and nothing helps, It is very sore and all cream even the very basic make it worse my GP wont give me anything for it as it is on my face and he refered me to the hospital but that can take for ever. I have been on many sits like this and have a list of different creams to try, just a few days ago I perchased eumobase it is a concentrated rehydration cream (moisturiser)it made my skin sting when I first put it on but after the first application it has been fine. The Eczema is still there but it feels a lot better and I can forget about it for a bit hope this helps others.

By skinugly on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 01:14 am:

has anyone tried loma lux eczema, if so what was your outcome? thanks for any feedback received.

fellow eczema sufferer

By Ali eczema on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 10:54 pm:

Try using emu oil it very soothing moisturising hope this help

By Lucy on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 08:36 pm:

Hi

I have been suffering with ezcema on my face for the last couple of years. I have had ezcema since birth( within two hours of being born!) so mine is atopic and flares when I am stressed but being a girl in my mid twenties I understand how horrible it is to have it on the face.

It begun on my eyelids which puffed up most mornings and then spread to my forehead and lurched just under the skin on my cheeks. To be honest aqueous has worked quite well on my face.I avoid wearing makeup and now have began using aveeno cream instead and the ezcema has completly gone from my face.
My advice is to have a window slightly open at night(i know it freezing but wrap up!)I also put a wet towel on the radiator and just use simple aqueous,aveeno or squeeze the fluid from oats on to my face and it has worked so well
Good luck
Lucy

By Jools on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 02:24 pm:

I get excema flareups on my eyelids, face, neck & arms & a red patchy face most days now as I have an agressive immune system! I am also allergic to perfumed products. This is making my life hell as I cannot seem to be able to control it. I currently only use Epaderm, which is a greasy moisturiser, that you have to reapply several times a day, but thanks to all your comments I now feel that I am not alone with my excema problem, and may try some of the different moisturising products you have mentioned.

By Philip on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 10:16 am:

I see people recommend Ecover washing powder..but this is the list of their ingredients, it contains SCS...which I thought was a bad thing for skin conditions...so now I'm confused!

Ingredients:The list below displays ingredients in descending order, with those present in highest quantities coming first.
Sodium Carbonate, Zeolites, Aqua, Sodium Hydrogencarbonate, Trisodium Citrate, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Laurate, L-aspartic Acid, Homopolymer, Sodium Salt, Sulfuric Acid, Mono-C12-18-Alkyl Esters, Sodium Salts, Disodium Disilicate, Sodium Oleate, Sodium Palmitate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Cellulose, Carboxymethyl Ether, Sodium Salt, Tri-sodium N,N’-1,2-ethanediylbis-L-aspartate, Cellulose, Methyl Ether, Magnesium Sulphate, Fatty Alcohol C12-18 + 7 EO

By jess on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 09:47 pm:

i am 14 and i dnt think my eczema is as bad as some of you ( i now realise i am pretty lucky) i seem to be able to contol flar ups and know what creams,soaps and other products not to use,because they make my skin go red and itchy and cause scabs ect. but now i dont know how to control dry skin!! i can wear black,even though its my fav and i always have flaks on my face and hair line,its soooo embarasing.does anyone have any tips? i've tryed a water softner,'simple'products,moisterisers from the doctor,liz erl products and loads of other things thatt seem to work for about a month n then give up.so what else can i try?

By VB on Saturday, January 21, 2006 - 09:18 pm:

Hey Natalie,

I live in Canada as well... I've also had trouble find a moisterizer that didn't make things worse... In the end, it was the preservatives in the other creams that were making the skin on my face break out into rash. La Roche-Posay's "Toleraine" fluid moisterizer and their foaming cream cleanser are the only things I use on my face now. They are both preservative and fragrance free. I also switched to using Cliniderm Shampoo as a shampoo and body wash... Otherwise, the soap gets on my face and back and make me super itchy/break out into a rash... All of the products I just mentioned are availabe at Shopper's Drugmart, either in store or to order. Finally, I only use natural/organic cosmetics like Suncoat or Lavera... They are more difficult to find, but you can order them on line... Regular mascara has an unbelievable amount of irritants/chemicals; when they come in contact with my skin it burns and a really itchy, oozy, but dry rash ensues... Gross...

By bmmcana on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 05:05 am:

Hi there, Im from Spain, I found a website of the Assosiation of Atopic dermatitis in Spain, and everybody is talking about an oil taken from some part of the silkworm, I don´t know how to say in English. Everybody is happy with this, I haven´t tried yet cuz where I live couldn´t find so I bought it through internet, i will give you my comments as soon as i put it on.
If anybody speaks spanish this is the website:
http://www.adeaweb.org
The product in spanish is called "aceite de crisalida de seda", hope this help us!!!!! Its my last hope. Byeee!

By Nat on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 07:39 pm:

Hi guys,

I'm 25 and started getting eczema on my face about a year ago. I've used Desocort (steroid ointment) and Protopic (immunomodulator ointment) on and off but can't seem to find a lotion/cream that calms down my skin when I'm not using these medications. I've tried Dormer 211 (lotion), Moisturel (very bad) and Aveeno Ultra-Calming moisturizer but none seem to really cool down my face. I live in Canada; any Canadian or American products anyone can recommend?

Thanks a lot!

By Dom on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 04:21 pm:

I used steroids on and off for mild outbreaks on my face. Recently this has turned into rosacea and one of the causes of this can be using steroid cream on the face. On no account should you use these creams on your face for long periods.

By itchy on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 11:32 am:

Hi
I also use aloe vera, both the Aloe Propolis cream and the drinking gel. I find that drinking the gel keeps me from having outbreaks at all, but when i stop and it flares up again, the cream calms it right down

By Ada on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 11:29 pm:

Hello, I want to find a suitable facial moisturizer too. I have tried many many products and nothing seems to work for atopic dermatitus.

I 've tried , Dove, Eucerin, Purpose, Cetaphil, Curel, Keri, Aveeno. What else is good......or should I just use Aloe Vera gel alone?

By e-gal on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 12:27 pm:

Hi, yes I've been using aloe vera for my eczema.

By reksgwee on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 06:19 am:

hey guys,..!! i;m having the same problem too.. and its really affecting my social life... have anybody tried using aloe vera? any comments?

By davide on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 06:05 pm:

Hi Grace,
my baby is 9 months old now, with Eczema since she was 3. We live in England but often go back to Italy where, it seems, dermatology school is different. We went to an italian dermatologyst who change our therapy completely. He gave us BV (cream is called Gentalyn Beta, 0.1%) for 20 days, once a day. The improvement was impressive: my baby's skin became just... normal, as smooth as a baby skin should be.

Of course when we stopped the BV, the skin flared up again. We tried to resist for 2 long weeks, and then back to our GP (in UK) who did't hide his concerns about BV being used on a baby's skin, expecially on face, and for such a long time. He said "it's against any N.H.S. guidelines and recommendations". The italian Derm insisted it was safe. N.E.S. booklets agree with my GP, as you surely know. BV is classified as "potent", while children < 2 yrs should only be treated with mild (hydrocortison) or moderate cortison for short period.
We have now started with an hydrocortison 1% cycle again. Surprisingly it seems to work (it didn't at all before the BV cycle). Not sure whether the BV broke a very high flare-up and now skin conditions are easier to control, or whether my baby skin is just getting better on its own.
Never heard of "child strength". However, the strenght of a cream is indicated in the percentuage of cortison. The one I used was 0.1% (and BV 0.1% is classified as "potent"). Maybe yours has a different percent.. (Can you please let me know if that's the case?)
My personal suggestion is to slow down the usage of cortison by reducing abount per week and then strength (go back to hydrocortison). It could take weeks. Just reserve the use of BV for the very high flare-up and for short periods (< 1wk).
About the effects of long term potent steroids there is a lot of literature out there ..
i.e.:
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/healthfitness/health_advice/netdoctor/archive/100000286.html

By sonic on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 12:51 pm:

Hi there i am 31 and had ezcema breakouts on my face since i had my first daughter. I have tried several creams that have made my face worse. I find now that the body shop aloe vera range sorts the problem out.

By Rob on Friday, July 08, 2005 - 06:26 am:

P.S. Steroids are definetly NO CURE.. just temporary relief to make symtpons go away.. the doctor will most probably not cure it.. but it may go away after childhood..

By Rob on Friday, July 08, 2005 - 06:25 am:

Grace.. im 22 and had eczema all my life.. my mum didnt use steroids untill iwas old enough to choose them.. when i did they helped SHORT TERM.. then i became dependant on them.. flaring up if i didnt have them.. im currently trying to break that trend by slowly cutting down the smount i put on.. my advice is to reduce usage slowly untill you only use it when its really bad.. steroids can thin skin and become less effective if used all the time so when there really needed they wont work... good luck..

By Grace on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 04:39 pm:

hello i just want to make an inquiry. My 13 month old baby has been using steroid (Bethametasone Valerate), which her dermatologist adviced her to use since she was 8 months old, we use it 3 times a day, her doctor said its ok because the BV she's giving us is CHILD STRENGHT (her doctor is the one making the meds). I give her bath twice a day then put the BV and the petroleum jelly that she also makes.

Im so worried because it has been 5 months i really wanted to stop the steroid but her doctor insist of continuing it because she said the inflammation is still inside her skin and that's what were trying to cure, if the skin gets smooth we still have to continue for atleast a week to make sure there's no more inflammation inside and the rashes will not come back anymore, but before the rash gets better another batch will come out because sometimes we introduce new food to her not knowing she's allergic to it.So until now were stuck to using steroid. help! anyone, do you think its still ok to continue with what her doctor said? if not? what shall i do? i already tried elidel, it doesn't work on her. Im also afraid to stop it because her rashes tends to turn into blisters, im afraid in the end she'll have to use a stronger med? has anyone heard of CHILD STRENGHT steroid? What are the implications of long term use of topical steroid esp. in babies?

By Daniel on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 01:57 pm:

Hi, I have occasional flare-ups, small red spots on my nose and inner face area. I have tried alot of products, tar, aloe vera, etc. Come to find out the most inexpensive thing that most of us have in our kitchen works. CORN STARCH-- dab some on the affected area, wet or dry skin I tried both , wow in a few days completley gone. I hope and wish you all clear skin and true confidence, you all deserve it! Daniel

By rob on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 01:55 am:

msg for joanne.. I've been into football for years and found that you have to be prepared to have sore skin if u wanna play sport in the heat.. im very sensitive to heat and sweat especially and find that immediate showering and aloe vera gel before and during sport is the best solutrion.. aloe vera gel helps as its not greasy so dont sweat under it while you play cos its water based.. good luck to the lad!

By Rob on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 01:51 am:

I've had eczema all my lfife (22 yrs) ..it had moved from the back of my legs and arms to my face (nose, forehead and moustach..) i've found that aloe vera gel is one of the most effective moisturisers and diprobase tends to make skin sticky and more prone to infection.. as do normal 1% hydrocortisone creams... im now uising fucidin which is an antbiotic and steroid which hopefully reduce the flare up but my skin still seems kinda dry... anyone know any good remedys for facial atopic (red, itchy, weepy, occasionally inflamed) eczema.. didny realise so many ppl had eczema! ..try aloe vera gel.. very cooling, soothing but doesnt reduce a flare up..

By joanna on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 10:27 am:

Hi all
really need help for my 16 year old. He has had eczema since birth which we have managed but his real problem now is his face. It is permanently red, very dry and stinging. we have tried all sorts of creams. Now , diprobase, weak steroid, E45 shower and bath oil and sun screen. His real problem is his inability to tolerate heat. He goes bright red and feels like his head is going to explode. He just cannot tolerate getting hot, he is very sporty and this is now affecting his life and making him very miserable. anyone got any suggestions

By Dave on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 06:39 pm:

I suffered from severe itching,scaling and redness on my face especially under my chin and on sides of my face for 18 months.I discovered this was being caused by certain chemicals in shaving gels/creams and that I was allergic to fragrances.
A friend recommended Lomalux tablets(see Lomalux.com).The condition completely cleared up after taking one bottle.I now wash with Dove sensitive soap(fragrance free)and shave only with Aqueous Cream(very inexpensive)and avoid any aftershaves/colognes and have normal skin again.

By ruth on Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 06:48 am:

Hi Kenneth - as far as Elidel use goes - at the moment with the FDA in America issuing a warning about it - i'm not sure whether this would be a good time to start its use - it might be better to just stick with the steroids for the time being - but having said that - you really need to speak with your doctor about that side of things. As far as getting it in Australia goes - you can get it on script - i'm not exactly sure how much it would cost you though because we have our girl on a concessional card - because severe eczema is recognised as a chronic disability (apply through Cenntrelink for this). Because of the concessional part of things - it only costs us about $4.80 AUD per script. To be quite honest - I have not found it to be effective at all - it is only indicated for use in mild - mod eczema - and did nothing for us. I know it has worked well for some people - but if you have anything more than mild eczema - I wouldn't even bother with it - save your money and stick with the steroids. I would have a selection of steroids handy for use that have different potencies - so that if it is bad - use a strong one (e.g. elocon)- and then when it settles down some - scale it back to using a moderately potent one (e.g. celestone) and then back to something like 1% hydrocortisone. I regularly do this - even on the face - its the only way i can manage to get it under control - and after all - is far safer doing it this way than taking oral steroid preparations. But even if you have to do that - then just do it - you have to do what you have to do to get on top of these things. We aren't medical textbooks and our skin doesn't behave (and neither does life!) according to rules at the best of times - so i wouldn't go stressing too much over this.

You could try Protopic ointment - some people say have had a great response to this - can cause burning,redness,itching etc upon application (but then so can all the other steroid preps too!) - but since there is a cloud hanging over its use too now - I don't know whether this either would be a good time for you to be starting on it until they find out more info.
Hope it helps - I'm just a real stickler for trying to find solutions for people that work in the real world - not just a medical textbook.

By kenneth on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 04:41 pm:

Hi Ruth,

How do you go about getting some Elidel in Australia?

Does the government subsidise it? How much does an average tude cost over the counter?

I'm worried about spending a fortune because I have very bad E. I guess I could use it only on my face if it costs a lot. How long would a tube last if I did this?

I agree with your use of potent steroids on the face. Sometimes hitting the E hard is the best way to reduce long term steroid use on the face.

I did it infrequently as a kid. I'm now 31 and haven't experienced any side effects on my face. I always scaled things back to just hydocortisone after the initial blast of potent steroid, though.

By janedoe on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 01:07 pm:

ps. the spectroderm and spectrogel cleansers are non soap and non foaming cleansers so they are extremely gentle on the skin. they also seem to clean makeup and sebum (oil) off better than cetaphil.

By janedoe on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 01:05 pm:

i used to have really bad eczema on my face, especially the already sensitive eye area. It often became raw and had a hard texture because it oozed that clear liquid that comes out when you scrape yourself, and nothing was either gentle enough to not sting like crazy or moisturizing enough to make it feel like normal human skin again.
I found that a combination of the spectro line of cleansers, cetaphil cream, and creme de la mer was the solution. Because i also have an oily t-zone and am prone to break out, i normally use the spectrojel because its antibacterial but extremely gentle. during the REALLY bad outbreaks, i use spectroderm because the extra moisturizing emollients really help and it doesnt irritate the skin, even during the times where even water hurts. cetaphil (the cream, not the lotion with spf cos it tends to be greasy and irritating)is a good overall moisturizer (facially as well), but the real life saver is .....
the la mer cream. the cream is a bit expensive (about $160CA) but is the source of my now normal looking skin. this cream was able to penetrate through my skin's scab like barrier and moisturize it so that it felt supple. this reduced the itching, which reduced the redness (which believe me, was RED! lol) and dryness. before buying the full size jar though, i recommend buying one of the samples that are always on sale on ebay. one of those will last you at least a week and will give you an idea of its effectiveness on your skin. you dont really need a lot of the cream because a little of it goes a long way. my jars of the la mer cream tend to last me about a year (i also recommend trying to score a couple of sample sizes when you buy it for when u "travel", cos each of those samples have about $10 worth in em). i think the la mer cream is the best investment ever, and that $12.50 a month for great skin is a bargain (for those that are confused: $150CA per jar/12 months).
and as a bonus for the women: creme de la mer ive noticed has also reduced my fine lines, and improved my facial skin tone and texture.

hope this helps some of you out there!!

By kim on Tuesday, March 08, 2005 - 12:54 am:

Laila- sorry about the late response. I couldn't find your post until now.Unfortunately my friends in sunbury don't see derms in the UK- they wait until the come home to the US b/c they are technically employess of the US office and their med insurance is here.

Have you found one you like? It took me 2 years and 4 doctors to find a competent one. Her disposition is very clinical but she is a smart one. Best of luck to you.

By lydia on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 10:32 am:

Hello Paul,

I have very bad face (forehead) eczema, mostly caused by my problematic scalp which I have not found a solution to till now.
But, have been able to keep the flare-ups on the face under control.
I find Elomet (which has even less steroid content than eumovate) helps a lot. Cutivate, Eumovate (both cream and ointment) doesn't help as all. However, as Elomet is still steroid-based, I try to cut down on its usage, hence, I use Elidel as well. Elidel sometimes doesn't work well enough too, so what my derm advised me to do is to titrate between Elomet and Elidel. What I do is to apply Elomet in the morning and Elidel at night. This method seems to work well so far.
And I always moisturises my face with Cetaphil Moisturising Cream after that. Also, try to cut down on stress and alcohol. These worsen eczema. Another one is to have enough sleep. I find that I have bad flare-ups if I go to bed late at night or if I don't have enough of sleep/ rest.

Hello Ruth,

I was really into Cetaphil range of products, from the cream to the cleanser until I found out that the cleanser contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Hence, I've stopped using the cleanser now. SLS is a strong surfactant that is very cheap and used industrially for bleaching and in floor cleaners etc. Almost all the shampoos and shower gels in the market contains these (they are foam forming agents). If left long on the skin, it will cause bad irritation. Imagine how much worse on ppl with very sensitive and problematic skin like eczema. I found this out while trying to find some help for my problematic scalp. I would advise others (esp. ppl with eczema) to reduce usage of shampoos/ shower gels with SLS (or its derivatives) in it. There are some range of aqueous cream that contains SLS in it as well. Same goes for baby shampoo etc.

By Paul on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 03:00 am:

Yes the Army are very cautious about taking onboard anyone with active skin conditions as it can affect there performance.

I have ordered loads of different moisturisers off the internet after reading forums like this one.

Hopefully I will have some look. Will keep you posted.

Thanks for your help.

Paul

By Sarah on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 07:09 pm:

Hi Paul,
Do the army really have such an awful attitude to eczema? I'm horrified! Anyway, I hope that you find aveeno ok and that your skin soon calms down so you can gradually stop using the eumovate. Do post again to let us know how you are doing.

all the best,
Sarah

By Paul on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 04:33 pm:

Something I should add .... I cant really goto my doctor about this again.

I am in training for the Army and if they find out my career will be over, as eczema is an immediate "no no".

So im trying to do this alone !

By Paul on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 04:30 pm:

I am still using the same large tube of Eumovate the doctor issued me.

I apply twice daily as instructed. I still do.

When I apply the Eumovate, yeah my face goes red and then calms down.

But with the majority of moisutrisers I have used, it goes red, but the next morning my face is still red and sore.

I will try aveeno, am gonna goto boots tonight to get some.

Will let you know the results!

By Sarah on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 02:18 pm:

Hi Paul,
I'll try if I can to answer your questions, apologies if I'm telling you things you already know!

I have always had eczema and often get it on my face, particularly if I get stressed and/or too hot. I also have allergies to quite a few creams, including E45 (as it contains lanolin), and I also find aqueous cream just makes things worse for me.

As Ruth mentioned before, its really important to be careful about putting steroids on your face as its much more delicate than other parts of your skin, so if eumovate isn't working then personally I would go back to the doctor and ask for advice. It is possible for example that the skin has become slightly infected, in which case you would need a different cream.

As for Elidel, you can't buy it in the UK because it is prescription only. Also, yes it is normal for creams to make your skin red when you apply them, but it should disappear after a short time. I sometimes find that when I apply steroid creams particularly my face gets red and even a bit itchy and hot for a while, but then it calms down.

Everyone is different so its really hard to suggest a good moisturiser, but the one I use is Aveeno cream and I think its great for the face especially because it is absorbed really quickly and isn't greasy. You can buy it for £6-7 per tube from pharmacies or get it on prescription, so maybe you could try it or something similar.

Hope some of this has helped you in some small way. Just one question for you - what is your current regime of creams, ie how frequently do you apply your creams and in what order?

Good luck and hope your skin is much better soon,
Sarah

By Sarah on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 02:18 pm:

Hi Paul,
I'll try if I can to answer your questions, apologies if I'm telling you things you already know!

I have always had eczema and often get it on my face, particularly if I get stressed and/or too hot. I also have allergies to quite a few creams, including E45 (as it contains lanolin), and I also find aqueous cream just makes things worse for me.

As Ruth mentioned before, its really important to be careful about putting steroids on your face as its much more delicate than other parts of your skin, so if eumovate isn't working then personally I would go back to the doctor and ask for advice. It is possible for example that the skin has become slightly infected, in which case you would need a different cream.

As for Elidel, you can't buy it in the UK because it is prescription only. Also, yes it is normal for creams to make your skin red when you apply them, but it should disappear after a short time. I sometimes find that when I apply steroid creams particularly my face gets red and even a bit itchy and hot for a while, but then it calms down.

Everyone is different so its really hard to suggest a good moisturiser, but the one I use is Aveeno cream and I think its great for the face especially because it is absorbed really quickly and isn't greasy. You can buy it for £6-7 per tube from pharmacies or get it on prescription, so maybe you could try it or something similar.

Hope some of this has helped you in some small way. Just one question for you - what is your current regime of creams, ie how frequently do you apply your creams and in what order?

Good luck and hope your skin is much better soon,
Sarah

By ruth on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 12:01 pm:

Paul - throw the aqueous cream in the bin - it is an old fashioned remedy that doctors have prescribed for eczema from the dark ages - and it has now been shown to actually further irritate the skin. It was never initially intended for use as a moisturiser in the first place - but it has been marketed as such. It was actually formulated to be a soap substitute - and the fact that people were then leaving this on the skin believing that it was a suitable moisturiser has caused them unnecessary discomfort and suffering. There are much better creams/ointments available for use these days - Cetaphil is a good one to use - very gentle - we use the skin cleanser on our girls hands when they are really sore - doesn't seem to sting as bad as water does. I would question whether you should be using Nivea as well - you really want to try and go for something that is very basic and plain in its formulation - free of fragrances etc. I sometimes use a mix of equal parts of plain sorbolene cream and vaseline together (these can be bought cheap as chips from your local supermarket) and use that as a moisturiser/emollient all over - not quite as greasy and also helps to get some moisture into the skin - then can towel off excess if needed.
As far as the steroids go - I know it isn't recommended - but we have done this - we have used a small amount of potent steroid ointment e.g. elocon mixed in with a bit of moisturiser and rubbed on the face just for a few days i.e. no longer than 2-3 and this helps to get the inflammation when it is really bad down fast. We have had no side effects from doing this - only benefical ones - because the medication gets in there fast and works harder. In fact - we have ended up using less steroid medications when taking a sledgehammer approach to it when it is like this than if we just used the weaker ones. In fact the medical evidence shows that this is the better way to approach gaining control of eczema flareups - so it isn't just my personal opinion - but we are proof that it does work/help. However, Like Lydia said - you need to scale these down with a lesser potent steroid like eumovate or else you will get a rebound effect happening - where the eczema will temporarily flare up worse than before. You could even try using both the Elidel and the Eumovate together to see if that might give better control....I'm not sure what the guidelines are to obtaining Elidel where you live - I live in Aust and we have to get it with a presecription - can't buy it over the counter yet. You might have to play around with a few different options/alternatives to get control over your eczema Paul - it is different for everyone as you would well know - but also try and get a referral onto a decent dermatologist in your area so at least you can get relevant up to date advice to help guide you through the expensive maze we all go through. All the best

By Paul on Thursday, March 03, 2005 - 06:11 pm:

The aqueus cream effected me.

Tried Nivea cream last night, same result ... why am I allergic to all these creams? Dam it!

Just re-applid eumovate ointment to reduce the redness.

I think its becoming less effective tho

By lydia on Thursday, March 03, 2005 - 07:54 am:

The EPADERM and Aqueous Cream are very basic ointment and cream for dry itchy skin. Unless the Aqueous Cream contains irritant like SLS, you should not have any allergy reaction to it.
Eumovate is a steroid-based ointment, which will definitely give you some relieve but with side effects. Also, to stop using steroid-based ointment/ cream, you'll have to wean it off slowly or it'll come back with vengeance.
I believe you could get Elidel over the counter in UK. Other good moisturisers/ creams I've heard of/ used are the Cetaphil range (by Galderma) and Aveeno.

By Paul on Thursday, March 03, 2005 - 06:03 am:

Hey.

Sorry to post for a third time ... quick question ... as per my original post below.

With my facing not liking some of the creams I have tried and re-acting.

How do I know if these new creams work?

I just tried nivia cream ... as a moisturiser .. is it normal for your face to go red when applying certain creams?

Thanks

Paul

By Paul on Wednesday, March 02, 2005 - 07:23 pm:

Hi.

Me again ... been doing a little reading ... where I can buy Elidel from in the UK ?

Thanks

By Paul on Wednesday, March 02, 2005 - 06:05 pm:

Hey All.

I really need some help from fellow eczema sufferers.

I need to give you a bit of background first to why I am writing this message.

I have had eczema since I was a teenager, but only ever suffered from it very mildly.

Recently, around 3 months ago, I became unemployed and stayed at home most days, not venturing out.

I noticed after around a month and a half of being couped up in a small, warm room with my computer and TV. That I had started to develop eczema on my face ...., it wasnt particulary dry, more red in patches on my cheek and around my eyes.

I started to treat it with some E45 cream, that didnt work and I moved onto a variety of different creams.

Nothing seemed to work, and every morning my face would be the same or if not worse. I used everything from E45, to Vaseline.

So I eventually went to the doctor and he prescribed me with some E45 Hydrocortisone and Diprobase ( Moisturiser ).

Off I went, unfortunately ... the results were the same, and once again a little worse ... mty face still red in areas.

I went back to the doctor who said it was Atopic Eczema ( Contact Eczema ) and something must be triggering it. The doctor hit upon a brainwave and determined it was the creams I had been using making it worse.

So he told me not to use any of the following:-

E45 - Hydrocortison
Aqueaus Cream Moisturiser
Diporbase - Moisturiser
Epaderm - Emolient

These were the creams I had been using.

He issued me with Eumovate Ointment 0.05% .... it worked a treat ... and after two days my face was returning to normal colour.

However, now around 4 weeks later .... it has come back to being red again .. and it seems as if the eumovate ointment is no longer effective as it was.

Im really at the end of my teather .... I could really do with some help or suggestions.

I'd like to use a moisturiser but I seem to have a problem with quite a few of them as listed above.

Also, I dont know what other cream like Eumovate to try ... If anyone has had similar problems or has any ideas .. it would be appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

By Laila on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 07:53 pm:

Yes pleae natalie that would be helpful

By Natalie on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 10:14 am:

Hi
I recently started using some organic aloe vera products - a drink and a cream and they are fabulous. As it is a natural anti-inflammatory it has stopped the redness and helps break that itch scratch cycle.
I can put anyone in touch with the company who produces it if interested - just email me and I can give you he details

Natalie

By Laila on Friday, February 18, 2005 - 06:16 pm:

thanks again Ruth

By Laila on Friday, February 18, 2005 - 06:12 pm:

yes please kim :-) i would really appreciate that

By kim on Friday, February 18, 2005 - 12:56 am:

Laila- Let me ask around and see if anyone I know is in/near London with a good derm. I am in the US so I can't help you personally but I know a bunch of people in Sunbury if you wouldn't mind the hour train ride.
Let me know if that's of interest to you

By ruth on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 02:41 am:

Laila - don't worry i believe you...we've been through the same sort of carry on before. There is a cream or ointment ( i actually prefer the ointment to the cream - seems to be a bit gentler on the skin plus doesn't wash off as easily) called Sigmacort. It is a 1% hydrocortisone preparation - and is recommended for use on the face. I know this to be a FACT - if your docs are telling you otherwise - then they are really telling you a load of rubbish. I am only saying this in such a way because I know this for certain and I feel that you are being led down the proverbial garden path. It is widely prescribed and used across the world - including the UK. You can in fact buy half strength preparations of this across the counter at your chemist (i.e. 0.05%) - I know of one preparation called Dermaid and it is safe to use this on babies. If you are unsure - what you could do is go into your chemist - or even ring your local hospital pharmacy - and have a word about these creams/ointments with them. My GP recommended the 1% to be used on my girls facial eczema and several medical consultants (including dermatologists) also have recommended this to be used - but nothing stronger...so that is why i am sure that this info is correct.
Another product you could look at trying would be something like Elidel - or even Protopic for your skin - Elidel is not as potent but you again can use this safely on babies and on the face.
Unfortunately Laila - I live in Aust so can't recommend any dermatologists for you - but even if you ring your hospital and ask for the dermatology dept ( I have heard from some posts here that Great Ormond St hospital is supposed to have a good setup) and ask to speak to someone there to get a referral. Sometimes you need to be really proactive with these things to get the help you need - but also by doing so you can find out things you necessarily wouldn't have if you hadn't done this.......hmmm that last bit sounds a bit confusing - but i hope you get the gist of what it is i am trying to say.
Unfortunately - i can't recommend any natural product that are as effective as the steroids/ immunosuppresants do. i wish i could because believe me - i would have a houseful of them by now. maybe try doing some of these things mentioned above and see if that is of any help - i hope it is. if not get back to us in any case and we'll knock our heads together on this a bit more.........

By Laila on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 07:22 pm:

Hey Ruth and Kim, thanks very much for the advice, i really appreciate it. Ruth believe it or not i have spoken to more than one doctor and they tell me the same thing. The first one gave me doublebase, which is just a moisturiser and seems to make my eczema much worse than it is. Do you guys know of any dermatologists in the U.K?, preferably London. The last doctor told me that she had attended a recent talk on eczema and they said that NO steroids should be put on the face! I'm soooo confused. It is very hard for me, it stings, its swollen, cracked, and its on my face; the most visible part of my body! Is there any natural things that any of you have tried which i can do to prevent it becoming this bad? i hope you all understand me, i hope it does not seem as though i am over the top! i really am not!

By ruth on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 01:06 am:

Hi Laila - what your doc is telling you about not being able to put any creams on your face is absolute cr@# !!!!. For the face - there are creams/ointments that are medically recommended that you can use - but these are of low potency e.g. 1% hydrocortisone. I have infact used very potent steroids on the face for just a few days when the eczema has been extremely bad here without any ill effects whatsoever in order to get control of it then tapered it off to a lower potency one to keep it under check. Quite seriously, if your doc is telling you this then i think s/he must have fallen asleep during the whole of the dermatology component of his/her medical training course - because it is quite simply FALSE!!!!!. So I would suggest if that is whats happening with this doc - then for goodness sake - go speak with another one IMMEDIATELY or preferably a referral to a dermatologist/ immunologist. If the eczema is infected as it would be if there is pus coming out - this is a clinical sign of infection - then you need to treat that infection in some way i.e. antibiotic ointments, oral antibiotics, regular cleaning, use of antiseptic agents e.g. oilatum plus in the bath (or even a small amount mixed into a bowl of water which i then make a wet compress out of with a sponge and dab it onto the affected area for about 15 mins - it does have an effect by killing off the staph bugs).
In a nutshell - you need proper medical management of this - which you simply aren't getting at the present time. Go see someone else because if this is what this doc is telling you then quite simply s/he doesn't know what they are talking about - and there is no way from here that they can help you. Please see someone else and ask them about the 1% hydrocortisone - it is recommended for use on the face plus get the infection side of it sorted out too - need to do both! hope it helps, ruth

By kim on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 08:14 pm:

Maria- as for the scars on your foot, have you tried mederma? As for the hyperpigmentation, you may want to look into skin lighteners or for coverage, dermablend (check their site- www.dermablend.com). I have never used it but it may be of use to you. Depending on the hyperpigmentation, you may only need a more pure pigmented make up like Jane Ireland or Bare Escentuals, both with great coverage and great for sensitive skin.

Laila- If your skin is pussing, it may be from infection. Have that checked out. In the mean time, do not pick at it, and look into a topical antibiotic like Neosporin to avoid infection, which should be your first concern. Once it stops bleeding/pussing, address the cracking issue with moisturizers. Drink plenty of water (you need to hydrate from the inside out), take a multi-vitamin or a vitamin B Complex and Vit A (if you don't have enough in your diet). If your skin is generally dry, add a fish/cod oil pill while you are at it. Do not put any makeup on it while it is an open wound.

The same thing happened to the soles of my feet. After I got them healed, they only need heavy moisturizing and a good foot soak and exfoliation every now and then.

Good luck

By Laila on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 05:51 pm:

hey people, i need help! i have had eczema ever since i was about 10 years old,now i am 18 and its much worse especially on my face (on top of my upper lip), does anyone have any advice of what i could do or use? The doctors wont give me anything, they said no creams should go on the face, as the skin is very thin. what should i do? my skin is cracked, bleeding and pussing. i would really appreciate any type of advice

By Linda on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 09:54 pm:

Does anyone know where you can buy Cetaphil moisturisers in the UK? They seem widely available in the US but am only able to get the cleansing lotion here in the UK. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

By maria on Friday, January 14, 2005 - 06:45 am:

Hi,

I am Maria. I want to ask you a question that bothers
me till the extent of complex.

I am an atopic and my physician says that i got atopic
dermatitis. I used to rub my skin since i was a kid
but it never followed by any rash, bleeding, bumps ,
scaling. So apparently i don't have anything on my
skin that could include me under the category of skin
patient.

At an age of 16 it got worst. I went for natrural
medication and i got relief.

Now i am 24. My major concerns are those scars that
are left on my foot as an after eczema sign. Also i
got pigmentation at my neck and foot area. Even now i
sometimes feel the need to rub my skin but its never
bleeds, scales and other eczema associated problem.

I want to know the possible treatments that can help
me to get rid of scars that i am having on my foot.
Also i want to know that how can i get rid of the
pigmentation.

If u want then i can send you the Pictures of the
effected areas.

Please suggest me something or suggest me the names of
such hospitals that deals with such problems.


Thanks, maria

By Andrew on Wednesday, January 12, 2005 - 11:57 am:

Hi,
I've been using HC45 on a patch of eczema I have at the side of my nose for years......I was told to use it by a doctor. Now the eczema seems to have been spread by my glasses/HC45 together. Is there any thing else I can use instead of HC45?

By Misha on Monday, January 03, 2005 - 02:52 pm:

Hello everyone!

Like most of ya'll i have had ezcema since i was little. winter being the harshest on my skin, i have been using a couple of products that have helped. In the winter time i use eucerin lotion along with a medicine my doctor prescribed called protopic ointment. i have learned this works best for my skin unlike steriod creams(which makes my skin burn). i have also learned to stay completely away from fragrance lotions and just non-scented creams. Also, i wash with dove for senstive skin and i keep my face heavily moisturised with lubiderm in the spring and summer and eucerin in the fall and winter. i only use eucerin in the fall and winter because it has a oily feeling which is incomfortable in the summer.

By SANDRA STANTON on Thursday, December 23, 2004 - 11:35 pm:

HI TO ANYONE OUT THERE WITH EZCEMA, I WENT TO A NIGHT SCHOOL CLASS. ONE MAN CAME, HE TOLD US ABOUT ALL HES FAMILY USING SOMETHING CALLED UDDER CREAM, YOU CAN BUY IT FROM ANY HORSE SHOP SUPPLIERS, HE SAID ALL HES FAMILY THAT HAD EZCEMA USED IT AND IT TOOK IT ALL AWAY. IT MAYBE WORTH A TRY, IF YOU HAVE TRYED EVERYTHING ELSE. GOOD LUCK MRS SANDRA STANTON

By devil on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 12:46 pm:

vanessa - any luck? Sounds like seborrheic eczema. Try using nizorale shampoo once a week. Also if you use more moisturiser than you can rub in properly, it sits on the skin which looks greasey and (i think) speeds up and worsens the next flare up. If you find a good moisturiser let me know as none that i have tried work brilliantly. muchlikeadevil@hotmail.com

By vanessa on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 10:19 pm:

I have been diagnosed with ezcema a couple months ago although it wasn't a shocker I had done my research and diagnosed myself. I was prescribed a steriod cream which on contact made me breakout really bd it was awful I have since stopped using it and just moisturizing my face as much as possible but still get annoying flaky skin with red blotches... HELP I can't wear any kind of makeup I even have dandruff all of a sudden which I think is linked. Is it normal to flush or be sensitive to light my skin is always flushing?????

By Jackie on Monday, November 15, 2004 - 02:17 am:

Hi, my name is Jackie and I have eczema since I was a child. I live in NY & have very dry skin coupled with acne. I normally get it around my arms, legs. About a 1 1/2 year ago I started getting it on my face. First it was a small sore which enlarged to the size of almost a dime right on my cheek. Now I have 3 of them on my cheek which irritate and turn dark brown during fall & winter, especially during allergy season (don't have allergies) by spring & summer they lighten up to the complexion of my skin but they don't go away. My Dermatologist has prescribed everything - now I use LaKara Lotion together with Locoid Lipocream. The creams make my face less irritated but the ezcema remains, a little less darker. I also use Hydrocortisone & Cloderm creams to relieve the itching. I have used various others but to no avail. I don't know what else to use - lately I started using Eucerin Protective Moisturerizing lotion for sensitive face - it helps a great deal but the ezcema remains. I also have Desquam-X(5) for my acne, which is the best cream I ever used. My face was full of acne in my teen years now my acne is 98% gone. Can someone recommend something. I'm afraid to show my face, I hide it with my hair, even started buying concealers to cover it & that doesn't help much, when it's irritated I can't wear them. Desperate for any suggestions.

By paramjit on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 07:04 pm:

hi my name is paramjit i have had eczema for 15 years i had it really bad in the first five years i have grown out of most of it it still affects my face wrists legs arm joints i use emulsifying ointment mixed with cool water and take piriton tablets twice a day now please go to www.biolanyn.com this is the best treatment you can ever have it sure works please have a look at this new treatment god bless you all and you take care of yourselves enjoy life and always keep smiling laughter is the best medicine another thing is when i went to india and france my eczema cleared up the climatic effects of the weather abroad can make you better plus you have all the time in the world to relax here it is just stress and eczema flare ups what a life! feel free to email me

By lydia on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 - 11:51 am:

I have used the Aqueaos cream (as moisturiser) many many years ago and again, now (for wash). IT is always the main cream given by the different dermatologists I've been to. There was once, I was given 2 different types of Aqueous cream (different manufacturer) by the same derm which seems to have different effect. Although it is the mildest cream out there, there are bound to be some differences in some of the compositions between manufacturers. Check out the ingredients. Usually the first mentioned one has the most content and so on.

Aside, does anyone knows if Aveeno sells in another name in Asia or something like that? I know that the E45 is selling as Balneum over here. I'd really like to try the Aveeno but can't find it at all in local pharmacists. Else, anyway I can get it at this part of the world, please?

By Jill on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 09:43 am:

Dominic, I use aqueous cream only to wash with, I don't suppose this will be harmful will it? I always thought it was the blandest cream you could get?

By Dominic on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 04:56 pm:

Have to say I find it alarming that a member of the Eczema Society warns against aqueous cream. Doctor told me to use it today but I think I'll give it a miss. It's true, look at the labels on the stuff you're given, put it into Google and see what comes up. People are being advised to put c**p on their faces. Even stuff that says fragrant free, perfume free, chemical free is a load of nonsense.

By lydia on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 07:35 am:

I finally heard from Novartis. Not much info on the Elidel except that they will keep my input for records. I am to consult my dermatologist for any further symptoms etc.

By lucy on Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 01:56 pm:

Jill I don't think it really matters as long as your skin is hydrated. I have used emolients under make-up without any problem.

By Jill on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 11:05 am:

Hi all, I can use E45 on my face and all over with no problems, its the emolient that works for me. However, what I need to know is - is it OK to use emolients on your face and under make up etc. My doctor says its fine but I often change back to N07 face cream which is unfragranced but coloured. I have used this for years as I use their make up but I did read somewhere where you need to use emolients on your face if you have very dry skin and eczema as they treat the condition more than cosmetic moisturisers even if they are fragrance free.

By lucy on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 01:28 pm:

Lydia, I have tried Eucerin in the past and I found that made my skin more itchy and red, I also am unable to use E45 for the same reason. As we all know too well though what works for some does not necessarily work for others. I too have seen many recommendations for Aveeno and I am going to go to my local pharmasist today and see if they stock it. I live in the U.K but it seems to be more widely available in the U.S.
I have also used Betnovate in the past, infact I am convinced it is the use of these strong steroid creams that have caused the severity of my condition as it is now. I will also look out for the Cetaphil....this is becoming a very expensive excercise. I would be very interested to hear what Novartis have to say when you receive a reply. Please keep me posted!

By lucy on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 01:14 pm:

Ruth, thanks very much for the advice. I will certainly be visiting my G.P in the next week as he will have to prescribe either of these treatments. I have only just discovered this site today and already I feel as though it may change my life. I am 44 and I have suffered eczema on various parts of my body over the years. It seems to have settled on my face over recent years, which apart from the discomfort it causes it does not do much for my self confidence. I will let you know how I get on.

By lydia on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 12:55 pm:

Thanks Robert. I was really excited by the testimonials. Hello Lucy, don't know if this helps. I used to use stronger steroid ointment/ cream eg. betnovate, cutivate etc on my face but have since switched to elomet, which has the least steroid content. I think that is a brand name but common enough for pharmacist to know. I still try not to use it that often because my forehead is 'damaged' now, darkened patches and uneven surface (very obvious in photos). But it's the only ointment that helps now whenever I have a flare-up. My doctor tried to switch me to elidel... didn't work as it itches after I put that on. Not very sure it if was because of allergy. I have written to Novartis to enquire about this. Would love to be able to continue with this cream (non-steroidal) if possible. And for daily maintanance, I find Cetaphil cream very good and effective (except for the smell). Much better than E45. I might give Eucerin a try too, one day. Heard wonders about Aveeno from other discussions here but never heard/ seen it in my local pharmacies.

By ruth on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 12:26 pm:

hi lucy - we tried the emu oil but it didn't do anything to help - was very greasy (obviously)and solidifies at cool room temperatures which made it difficult to get out of the squeeze container it came in (need to stand it in some warm-hot water to melt it). again - its one of those things that you probably need to try to see if it will help. have you tried elidel or protopic on your face instead of steroids??? - might be a good option to help get control of it. alternatively - might help to speak to your doc/dermatologist about light treatments for your face??.we have found that the different oils are sometimes good as lubricants/emollients - which can of course help with the dryness eczema causes but they don't arrest the immune process going on which elidel,protopic and steroids do that lead to the inflammation in the first place.

By lucy on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 08:22 am:

Whar a wonderful site this is. I have just been looking at a message recommending Diprobase ointment. I have facial eczema, which tends to flare up during the winter months - lack of sunshine. I have used Diprobase ointment on my face but it seems to make the condition worse, infact anything with liquid parrafin in it seems to irritate. I have used hydrocortizone creams but I am convinced these do not help long term. Has anyone used 'Emu Oil' if so what do you think.

By Robert on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 03:04 am:

Hi Lydia,

I tried free derm without success, It was no better than ordinary hydrocortisone, which is in its ingredients. But with the testimonials (which made me decide to try it) it must work for some. But as you know not everything works for everyone it may help you but is expensive. You sound as if you have the same symptom as myself, I am currently using Graphites 6C pillutes (homeopathy) it has helped greatly with my face and behind ears but my scalp is still scaly but less itchy. I now only use WSP 50/50 on my face with occasionaly hydrocortisone if I have a flare up. The pillutes are only around £4 (GBP) and last for around 10 days. Hope you find relief soon.

By Lydia on Thursday, October 14, 2004 - 12:16 pm:

Has anyone heard of Free Derm Cream?
Have you tried it? Does it really work?

From the testimonials I read at their website, it seems to be a miracle cream for eczema. Can anyone confirm that, please?

By naina_london on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 12:33 pm:

Hi

I would like to share a good find with you all. I have had flaky eczema since I was 3yrs (am now 29). I know you know how miserable life can be with this. My skin is now smooth thanks to Papaya Body Butter from The Body Shop. I used to have to keep reapplying moisturiser throughout the day, no more! After a few weeks my skin was free of scaly flaky patches. I have been using this cream for about a year now and I've noticed that scars are reduced also. I am very happy indeed. Please try this product, you wont be disappointed.
good luck xx

By kirsty on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 01:45 pm:

What is Moo Cream?

By heidi on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 01:07 am:

i use moo cream on my face and on my skin when i'm not using my prescribed oil on my body.. the moo cream is really thick and nice and has pretty much no scent...

By mrx on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 09:50 pm:

any of you ever try a product called Linacare? It's a moisturizer that works great for eczema symptoms and helps prevent against flare-ups

By anon on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 11:08 pm:

hi sinead
what type of creams did they prescribe?
can they be purchased from other places other than herbal shops?

thank you.

By Sinead on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 02:50 pm:

My name is Sinead and I have been suffering from facial eczema for the past 10 years - I am now 31. I gave up on doctors a long time ago as they just prescribe hydrocortisone creams. I also find that most products in shops irritate my skin so I need to be careful. However for the past few years I have been visiting a Chinese Doctor on/off who treats me with Chinese Herbs and creams. Some of the creams I find very effective and cause little reaction.

By Mandy04 on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 02:52 pm:

Hi everyone. Have had a bad flare up for about 16months with very little respite. It is all over but particuarly on my face. Have been trying Doublebase emollient but not sure if it is making things worse. Has anyone had any adverse reactions to it? If so what were they?

By Debbie on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 01:33 am:

to Allison, eucerin cream is without any perfumes,which is why my Dr. recommended it.the steroid prescription cream must be used very carefully,& not indefinitly. But I used one refill,& it did not work for me, good luck.Debbie

By debby on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 01:18 am:

I have atopic dermatitis, believe from swim pool water chlorine. I have been on 2 different antihistamines, & steroid cream. I also was told to try eucerin cream,have tried hydrocortizone 1%, am now going to try pure olive oil in bath water,then maybe vaseline where skin stays dry.

By kim on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 01:23 am:

Starry Night - oh yeh, him too ;)
just kidding

By Kim on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 01:23 am:

Marissa- You are more than welcome. Stress as a trigger has been debated over and over in the medical community. My dermatologist is an autoimmune specialist (as it relates to dermatology) and is a National Board member for Alopecia in the US. Some doctors are so specialized they do not go beyond their area of expertise and therefore cannot fathom that something outside of a contact dermatitis or whatnot can create an eczema outbreak. Everyone who has eczema and those who have not had it yet but will carry a predisposition to having it. What may trigger it for one person may not do it for another. I don't think it is the stress itself but rather how your body deals with the stress. My release is to dance (ballet) which is ironic since my eczema is on the soles of my feet. Maybe I am just a glutton for punishment :0)
Hang in there and best of luck to you all

By Marissa on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 03:07 pm:

Thanks Kim.
I thought I was going mad. I think it's time to see someone about keeping stress down, this problem has been happening since my marriage divorce... and my doctor would not believe it was an emotional based trigger. Thanks

By Starry Knight on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 02:12 pm:

And a husband, Kim

By kim on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 08:07 am:

Marissa-
It has to do with stress as a trigger. When I was single, I had a few years dealing with alopecia aerata, which is similar to eczema, except the outcome is hair loss. Every time I broke up with the boyfriend I was with while having it, my hair would grow back. It got to the point where I listened to my body (hair loss= time to dump) rather than my heart.
I married the guy who did not trigger my alopecia. Little did I know that once we moved to where he was going to med school, I would get contact dermititis which triggered my first bout with eczema. Eh, at least I have my hair :0)

By Marissa on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 04:01 am:

Hi My Name is Marissa . I get really bad periods of ezcema where it not only is on my eyelids but them goes underneath the eye lid it has a name blipeyus or something like that. It's really painfull, somedays I just don't want to open my eyes. I have been on steriod eye drops a few times but I can no longer take them from fear of eye damage. Funny I only get this problem when I have a boyfriend, I went through testing for latex allergies but it doesn't seem to be that. No boyfriend =perfect skin but at the age of 32 it's no longer a joke! Has anyone else had this problem? I'm wondering if it has anything to do andrenaline.

By Andrea on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 11:31 pm:

I've had eczema on and off for the past 2 years and I have tried many products with no success. Please send me a free sample SkinZinc or information on an ointment that may be helpful. I am desperate to treat my eczema because my outbreaks seem to get worse and worse. Please send me whatever might be helpful.

Thank you,

Andrea Montgomery
110 Buena Vista Ave. #4C
Yonkers, NY 10701

By Clara on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 04:15 pm:

Hi all, I use Aveeno cream on my face. Tried everything the doc prescibed and nothing worked only found out about when the doctor prescribed Aveeno bath sachets and got a tester sent out.

Cheers
Clara

By kim on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 10:22 pm:

aloha- i just got back from the big island and my eczema was better by being there. i am sorry to hear you have the opposite effect. i think you should call a dermatologist for your eyelids. you don't want to mess around with your eyes.
good luck.

By Aloha eczema on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 09:09 pm:

Aloha,

Since moving back to Hawaii, I've developed by childhood allergies along with eczema. I've done it all, less bathing, moisturizing, steroids, etc. I can take the body rashes, but the weeping over the eyelids is an abolute killer. It's really affecting me as a teacher. Because my eyelids have thinned, I cannot use prescribed medications. My eyes get so crusty that my eyelids sometimes do not fold over. I do the rituals almost every 2 hours- dab, moisturize, etc. Still I need to wait about two weeks for every flareup to run its course. Someone, please help!

By Annukka on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 03:29 pm:

Hi,Has anyone tried a cream called Free Derm Cream.
If yes...how did you find it
...and where did you buy it.
many thanks,Annukka

By Pookie on Friday, March 05, 2004 - 09:24 am:

Hi I have just discovered that for years my doctor has been diagnosing my seborrhoeic eczema as merely dry skin, does anyone have a good cream or natural alternative for controlling this type of eczema?

By David on Wednesday, February 04, 2004 - 01:16 pm:

Do NOT try Aqueous Cream! It isn't a good emollent at all! All though it is supposed to be a standard formula, the formulation in fact varies from brand to brand. Some brands seem to be better than others. I for one hate clorocresol, which is the preservative used in some bands. And because it's cheap, they tend to use the cheapest of surfactants (the chemical that mixes the water with the fats)called sodium lauryl sulphate, (not to be confused with sodium laureth sulphate, which is not at all suitable for sensitive skin - it's an old and crude industrial detergent.

Aqueous Cream is an old and cheap cream with low-cost chemical ingredients. It's OK as a soft soap, perhaps, but not for much else - certianly not for people with atopic skin.

There are many very good formuations on the market with much kinder chemicals and the thing is to try a variety till you find what suits you best.

Give aqueous cream a miss.

David Boyce.
Imember of National Eczema Society Board of Trustees).

By Angela on Tuesday, February 03, 2004 - 06:07 am:

it is a little expensive, but i bought "creme de la mer" and it has worked pretty well on my facial eczema. also, i slather my face with shea butter every night and steam my face for twenty minutes. This has helped my cracked dry skin heal more.

By Moira on Friday, November 07, 2003 - 02:04 pm:

I have just begun using a 10% urea based moisturiser recommended to me by a pharmacist- Calmurid by Galderma - and it's the best thing I have ever used in the battle for re-hydrating skin, especially the face. The trick was in the application, immediately after washing with the skin still damp, apply a thick coat and leave to absorb for a few minutes. I'll admit it did sting a little, but it's normal because of the salts. My skin returned to normal complexion within hours - no more tightness, or flakiness, and no need to keep reapplying moisturiser, the skin remained hydrated all day. It was truly an amazing improvement. Drawbacks are that it does remain sticky on the skin and doesn't relieve the itching completely - but it helps in conjunction with a mild topical steroid, or essential oil based soothing gel which i prefer to use.
Another tip for a soothing (and a mildly disinfecting) face rinse, esp if open sores are present, is to add salt to your basin of water and splash several times. Very soothing. Do a final rinse with unsalted water to remove the salts - and moisturise straight away.
These are just a few tips I've learnt over the many years I too have suffered - it's great there's a site like this where we can at least share some tips and treatments. Cheers

By K on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 11:09 pm:

Hello. I have found emolients to all be pretty bad except for one: Diprobase OINTMENT. Don't buy the cream, it's awful and brought me out in severe eczema. It contains preservatives and thousands of chemicals. Buy the OINTMENT instead. All it contains is liquid and white soft paraffin, which is non irritational. It's the best stuff I've come accross in years.

By anon on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 11:26 am:

chowmander.
Try Aqueous cream. It is pure cream and best of all chemical free.

By chowmander on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 06:40 am:

I hate putting on creams on my face, but I konw theres no way to get around this. I dont think my face is that dry, but I havent allowed it to go for more than minute out of the shower dry. The only creams that work for me make my face look really shiny and oily, although it really is dry without it. Does anyoen konw a good cream or lotion out there that will work the same or better than nivea, but still leaves my face touchable, not oily or shiny?

Please email me if you have some ideas

By Charles on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 06:29 pm:

Hi Paul. I'm finding that a product called "Atofree Intensive Lotion" works quite well. Good luck. Charles

By paul on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 04:40 pm:

currently searching on the internet for some sort of remedy for a flare up on my face which is slowly spreading all over it . it started around my mouth and has now gone up my cheeks and across the nose and forehead and i currently look like i,ve been sunburnt . i have used hydrocortisone 1% cream and danacort or daktacort cant remeber which all prescribed by the doctor but they dont work and i doubted they would currently using vaseline intensive care moisturiser to ease it from drying out but it keeps it looking red . just wondering if there are any ideas of products i can try before i ask to be reffered to a dermatologist .. i,m currently 27 and have had eczema for 21 years but never like it is now on my face , strangest thing is rest of body has nothing just face and upper neck. also taking vitamin supplements to see if that helps

thanks
paul

By Kev. on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 06:51 pm:

Hi Everyone..I've had Atopic Eczema all my life,(I'm 45),I think the damage was done to my face using Betnovate for the first 20yrs, then a new Doctor said I should have never put it near my face, I'm now having a terrible time trying to sort out my red, hot, itchy face, over the years I have tried everything including Chinese remedies, but nothing, the only thing that gives me relief is taking a short course of steroids, that my Doctor only allows me to take very sparingly....oh well!...Best wishes to all Eczema sufferers.

By Nicola C on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 10:13 am:

Hi. I have suffered from facial eczema for > 10 years, which all started after using Olay cream which contained sunscreen! Anyway, I have experimented with all sorts of potions and lotions. In my experience, the new medication Tacrolimus and Pimercolimus cream seem to control the inflammatory process quite well. As for moisturizer, I use products from Clinique and Bluspa (latter one from Canada), which I don't react to. There is also a brand from Japan which you can try, called Asceine. It's available here in HK, but I don't know whether you can get it in the EU. I can tolerate their foundation ok. So anyone with eczema looking for make-up can try their line. It specialises in eczematous skin. Also, whenever i buy a cream, I make sure it contains no chemical sunscreen, no fragrance, no vitamin A or C.
Hope this helps! Good luck everyone!

By lilo on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 05:59 pm:

Hi I also have atopic eczema and have found Aveeno Cream to be very good for face and body. I think you can buy this at Boots, if not ask your Doctor he may prescribe it for you. Good Luck. Lilo

By georgia on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 10:22 am:

hi annie thanks for sharing your moisturizer im from the philippines and i dont think that product is available here anyway ill write it down so in case i have relatives that will go to your country i can have them buy it for me thanks again. i am currently using cetaphil moisturizer so far its okey but i think it still lacks the moisture that i need for the whole day, and my face wont get red though. thank god!

By georgia on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 07:18 am:

hi i have atopic dermatitis all my life what moisturizer for the face would be best and lotion for the body.

By Barry on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 10:47 am:

Deena.

I'm very sorry to hear about your daughter. This home-made petroleum jelly & beeswax cream has worked wonderfully for me & I hope it works for her.

I melt the beeswax in a heatproof jug, in a bath of simmering water in a saucepan (watch that steam) to get about the right amount compared to the ratio of petroleum jelly . Then I spoon in the PJ to melt, give it a stir & poor it back into the tub (might need more than one if there’s not enough room) to cool. I’d suggest starting with 1 part beeswax to 3 PJ (100ml of melted beeswax to a 300ml tub of PJ). Allow to cool before using it. To soften it, particularly when using more than 1 part wax to 3 of PJ, stir the mix as it starts to cool to blend air into it. Gently apply it to affected areas. It tends to last quite a while & to survive bathing. I use it 1 to 1, but it’s pretty stiff to apply.

After a web search I found two places to get the beeswax. I ended up buying on the web from a candle making supplier called Fullmoons Cauldron . They do various packs of pure, natural beeswax. There’s also a pharmaceutical supplier called Poth Hille who do BP products.

Hope you find something that works soon.

Barry

By deena on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 07:15 am:

Hi, plse help my daughter (10 yrs ole) who had eczema since birth. I have tried steroid creams and moisturisers but it doesnt help. It's worse during hot days

By Patty on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 03:57 am:

I read an article about oolong tea. I tried this and the results were amazing. In twenty-four hours the itching and inflamation were gone, the lesions took a couple of days, they are gone. I am sixty years old, this is the best treatment for this awful skin condition I have had.
I have suffered with this condition since I was very young, and have spent a fortune to get relief. I now drink four cups of this tea a day.
A study (Archives of Dermatology, January 2001) of more than 100 patients with different kinds of eczema, showed that drinking a liter of oolong tea daily could markedly decrease inflamation and itching. The researchers speculated that antioxidant polyphenols in tea have anti-allergic properties and calm the overative immune response.
I have used this formula for three months and have been free of eczema since starting it!!

By kelly on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 10:32 pm:

are there any at home products that you can use if you just got it today

By Duffy D on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 09:11 pm:

I swear by Coca Butter. I have atopic eczema and everytime I have an outbreak, I use coco butter. It contains vitamin C and within two weeks my skin is usually looking much better (and less red).

By goodie on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 10:41 pm:

I've had eczema since I was a child, compounded by very very dry skin on my face. Have always had to use strong emollients like diprobase, but now my face is SO DRY that even using epaderm (oily ointment) several times a day, it's still flaky & tight. Does anyone know if over-use of emollients can actally make skin drier? Does anyone know any therapies/remedies I could try? Eucerin, Nivea, Simple etc all bring me out in itches. Also I was a sing a miracle ointment in Japan, maybe it was Tacrolimus, I was completely clear and not even dry until my return to England recently.

By anonymous on Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 06:18 am:

For every body, Try Aveeno body wash and lotion it works great.

By anon on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 10:02 pm:

Can anyone advise a suitable foundation (make-up) for bad eczema on my face? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

By Andy on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 07:05 pm:

try Aveeno cream. Very soothing, no lanolin. Best thing i've ever tried!

By Anonymous on Thursday, October 03, 2002 - 02:14 pm:

i have had eczema since i was born.I have tried every remedy on the market.Sunbed trearment ,steroids ,i went to see a herbalist ,i had a food sensitivity test and it is still as severe as ever.Just wondering if there was anything that could help control it im desperate!

By Rachel on Saturday, September 28, 2002 - 10:11 pm:

I have suffered with eczema since I was born. I moved to London from Australia over a year ago. The water in London contains a lot of lime and I found that it irrated my skin extremely badly. I have tried absolutely everything on the market that is supposed to help control the breakouts. Nothing worked. Babies have to be extremely careful about what they place on their delicate skins so I went straight down to my local supermarket and purchased some common baby moisturiser. It was the best thing I ever did. My skin hasn't looked better for years. It's sooooo low in irritants and I couldn't be happier with the results. My skin has regained a normal ph balance and seems to be much stronger and able to cope with day to day pollutants etc. It's definately worth considering if you've tried everything and still can't control your problem skin and the added bonus is, it's cheap!

By monkey on Monday, September 23, 2002 - 02:26 pm:

what advise can you give me to help clear a rash around thwe eyes and mouth of an 8 yr old boy. Its 10wks old

By Anonymous on Saturday, September 14, 2002 - 01:29 am:

Hi. My son (who is 5 years old) has eczema. I am told not to use any prescribed creams on his face. I have used "Nivea Cream" on my face every night since I was 16 years old. (I am now 33). I put Nivia Cream on his face every night... and he has "baby skin" on his face. Anyone with very dry skin on their face may want to try that.
My mother is a cancer patient and has a special "cancer" doctor she sees every 6 months. The doctor told her that they use Nivea Cream on all of their skin cancer patients because it has some sort of healing agent in it. I swear by it. I hope this helps someone out.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, August 13, 2002 - 06:17 am:

I had blotches all over my face.
I use pure shea butter at night and a shea butter hydrating lotion during the day from Ebene Naturals (they are on the web). I have great results with that.

By Duncan on Monday, April 29, 2002 - 11:37 pm:

Hi Alison,
I tried a small sample of Eucerin face cream - it seemed to work quite well for me. Free samples are available from their website - but they are very small. It does contain some form of Lanolin.

By ALISON on Monday, April 29, 2002 - 02:33 pm:

anyone out there tried Eucerin cream for mild eczema on the face and hands? I would be interested to hear via e-mail.

By Davinder on Saturday, June 23, 2001 - 10:13 pm:

Please note that this discussion thread has been moved to
creams/steriods/sunscreens - see above

By Ali on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 09:32 pm:

Hello,
My 18 month old daughter has eczema. My American friend who used to have severe eczema told me about Aveeno (by J&J) which contains oatmeal. Whilst I was out visiting her, I bought a tube of Aveeno baby moisturising lotion and the baby wash/shampoo and tried it out on my daughter when I arrived home. It's fantastic. Her eczema has disappeared and has never reappeared. We use Aveeno now every day but I'm running out. Does any-one know where I can buy Aveeno products in the UK?

By nicola on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 08:24 pm:

Hi my name is nicola .I am 10 and have got eczma all on my forehead like spots people call me nams but not any more.I used to get depresed but not any more becouse I will not let it stand in my way. This girl called Uzma has got eczema all over her I think it is a shame but she does not care she does not get picked on. I like your web it has give me more confidence.The doctor gave me some cream. It is a new cream called DIFFERIN It is brilliant and has cleared half my spots up. I hope this information if of help to someone.
Yours
Nicola

By Charles on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 09:13 pm:

Hi Kate: try this, I use it on my son. "Atofree Intensive Lotion" I think it's new. It works pretty well on him and we use it on him all over his body as well as his face
good luck
Charles

By Anonymous on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 03:56 pm:

Hi All! My daughter has a couple of outbreaks a year because of the metal in her school desk. She would get the oozing blisters all over her legs. I searched and searched for a gentle soap to use on her and found a wonderful bar of goats milk soap which contains tea tree oil and oatmeal. I also bought their hand cream (no petrolium products in it) that also contains tea tree oil. I used these products and saw a noticable difference in two days! The cream seemed to help the itching on contact. We haven't had a breakout since! The company on the label is Soap Sisters...The lady suggested I use the soap and cream on my face daily just for occasional acne breakouts....it is So Wonderful!!!! I don't usually post messages on forums, but just thought everyone who suffers from eczema should know this Inexpensive treatment that works!

By Anonymous on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 03:45 pm:

hi there.

Has anyone here tried a new oil called Bio-Oil?.
A local chemist said it has great healing properties for those with eczema, especially facial eczema. The website is www.bio-oil.info

I would be greatfull for anyresponse, as i am thinking of using it myself..

Thanks in advance.

By Sarah on Thursday, November 28, 2002 - 06:07 pm:

Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for your reply. I have recently started using Body Lotion from Simple and it's new out. I can only find it in one local discount shop but it has Vitamin E in so it may react on you. It is weird but it also has pro-vitamin B5 but my skin is ok after using it unlike on my face. I was lucky that Boots were kind enough to replace the mousterising cream that I was allergic to without the receipt.

By Anonymous on Thursday, November 28, 2002 - 03:35 pm:

Hi Sarah, I don't know about Vitamin B5, but I can't use anything with Vitamin E in. It brings my face up really badly. I'm OK with Simple stuff tghough - have you tried their thick moisturising lotion? I find that's good and I don't react to it.

Does anyone out there ever use Sanex? I used to use the white one but that's suddenly started to make me itch really badly, so I've changed to the green one - hopefully with better results. Can anyone recommend a 'safe' body cleanser?

By Sarah on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 08:32 pm:

Hi,

I have recently had problems with facial moisturisers that have Pro-Vitamin B5 in. I've tried two creams - No.7 from Boots and Simple (daytime) and both have it in and give me a bad reaction. Today, I've had a runny eye which also been red, puffy and swollen. After buying the no.7 cream I now realise it must be this vitamin. Does anyone else have problems with this Vitamin in creams?

By sarahm on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 09:49 pm:

Hi, I dont know if this will help anyone else but it seems to have worked for me. Only last week i was complaining how bad my eczema was on my face, It was red, blotchy and cracking in places so i bought myself a facial tanner (about £40 in the sale at Argos or Index) and bought some hemp body lotion from the body shop (£7.00 for a fairly big pot) and my ezcema is vairly visible now.
All I did was use the facial tanner 3 times for 10 minutes each time over a week then immediatly after washed my face with cool water and applied the cream. I also used the cream every time i washed my face (I used to apply E45 instead)and it seems to have done the trick.
I definatly recommend the cream as i have tried a lot of things and this is the first thing that has worked so quickly.

I hope this helps someone

By kim on Wednesday, September 04, 2002 - 01:15 am:

Have any of you heard of zafirlukast? I just read in the DOJ (derm. journal) that it has had succss in treating atopic dermatitus which has the same lichenification, erthema and pruritus as chromic eczema (which I have on the soles of my feet). Just wondering if anyone has tried it?

By Susana on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 11:14 am:

Hi KaTe:
I am 27 yeears ols. I have a severe problem of eczema in all my body. I used to have problems in my face too three years ago. Luckily I have solved the problem in my face. The best one that you can use for your neck (and also your face) is Ictyane de Ducray . I also use products of Avene and La Roche.
good luck.

By clarynda on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 03:04 am:

I know this sounds absolutely crazy, but i just read a post that said to try Head and Shoulders shampoo. It contains the same zinc ingredient that Skinzinc is supposed to have. Am trying to find some treatment for my 14 year old son. Has extremely painful eczema on his feet. The skin is so dry that it splits apart into deep cracks when he walks. Have found some good advice about moisturizers on this site that I hope will help. If anyone has any suggestions, please! let me know! Thank you.

By pony99 on Sunday, May 26, 2002 - 06:42 am:

Hi Everyone,
My son has had Eczema since he was a baby and is now 12. He has had a facial flare-up for the past 4 months around the nasal creases & under the nose. I have found that one product is very good for any bumps,etc.It's called Calmoseptine & can be used for many skin problems.It's the only thing that cleared him up after 2 years of putting prescription ointments on him. This stuff
has simple ingredients like calamine & menthol. It's sold on the web or try your neighborhood drugstore. Since it is thick, apply it after washing with a gentle soap like Purpose by Johnson & Johnson, and then put a thin layer of Calmoseptine on eczema. You should see improvement
in just a few days. In the morning, wash it off with Purpose, use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as moisturizer, just a small dab.I found out that all those expensive lotions have chemicals in them
that extend shelf life which a person with Eczema
should avoid.Repeat this routine until your skin is new again. It's amazing that this simple remedy
works. Maybe it's because the ingredients are natural & the body can tolerate it better.Moisturize with the oil anytime, a little goes a long way. You won't look greasy if you use
a tiny amount. Also try flaxseed capsules to heal from the inside out.

By Carla on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 05:59 pm:

It's a bit odd but the only facial moisturiser I have ever found which does not irritate my skin is Nivea Cream. I have spent loads on expensive ones only to have to bin them. At the moment I have dire redness on my face which is very lumpy and painful but even so the Nivea unlike Diprobase and other emollients does not irritate.

By Mary on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 09:00 am:

I always used to get split corners of my mouth/lips, until a very helpful consultant (for once!) suggested I try using lip balms. Since then I've tried most lip balms/salves on the markets, and find the Body Shop Honey lip balm the best by far. Now I carry one with me all day & put it on frequently. Seems to work for me - hope it works for yr 11yr old!

By MumofTW on Tuesday, September 04, 2001 - 11:44 am:

Can anyone give us some advice to help with skin splitting in the corners of the mouth. My 11 year old frequently has this, often leading to infection. We have treatment for the infection but how to avoid the problem in the first place?

By eczemavoice on Monday, September 03, 2001 - 10:32 pm:

Mark - you can never tell with the creams. What works for one may not work for another. We used diprobase for Arun's nappy changes - which seemed fine. But when we used it for the front of his legs he seemed to react to it. If you have doubts then do not be afraid to change. I presume electric shaving is no good?
all the best

By Mark on Monday, September 03, 2001 - 02:44 pm:

My name is Mark I have suffered with ezcema since I was born. I am now 23 and spent the last 7 years suffering with my neck and face. I've tried aqueous creams and also found that they dry the face out leaving look like something out a of a bad horror movie or that I've spent 24hrs under a sun-bed. I 've been using Diprobase for this time and was told to use it to shave with. I find my skin very tight, I can't stretch my head back bescause the skin on my neck is so tight. Can anyone tell me am I damaging my skin using Diprobase day in day out. I find doctors completely useless.

By jack on Monday, July 23, 2001 - 11:44 am:

use ungeuntum, its homeopathic and moisturises the skin brilliantly. it is also lanolin free, but can be greasy. give it a go, i suggest.

By Anonymous on Friday, June 22, 2001 - 06:58 pm:

Kate,
if you click on the Eucerin banner above, you can order a free sample.
I've just ordered some and would be interested to see how it helps.

By Harpercat on Friday, June 22, 2001 - 02:19 pm:

Hi Kate,
I do sympathise with you - I get facial eczema myself and know how distressing it can be.
There are three excellent facial moisturisers that I use regularly. AVEENO cream and ADERMA cream, which are both oat-based, are superb long-lasting moisturisers - Aveeno is particularly pleasant to use. EUCERIN have just launched a face cream too, and I find this is particularly good to use at night to soothe the skin. All of these creams are available from larger branches of Boots. I hope this helps - good luck!

By Kate on Friday, June 22, 2001 - 12:37 pm:

Hi

I'm 27 and have had ezcema on and off since I was a baby. During the last few years it has got worse, and the last couple of weeks it has flared up on my face and neck which I've not experienced before and find very upsetting. I've been told by my doctor to use aqueous cream on my face as well as my body, but I find that although it provides immediate relief, it seems to also dry it out. I would like to find a better facial moisturiser to use, but have bought several products over the last few years which end up stinging or not helping. I would be really grateful if anyone has any recommendations of moisturisers they use.