By jacqC on Saturday, October 25, 2008 - 02:30 am:

Hi Peacegurl :-)

Yup. Mine raises up like a welt too & turns bright cherry red when my eczema flares. I've read abt it and i think they r called 'vesicles'. It appeared after all the itching and scratching settled. Then, when it flares up again, that's when it turns cherry red. It's really gross looking :-( But i really stopped myself from touching or scratching it even though it itched to high heaven!!! Since then, i've noticed that some vesicles have disappeared...but it takes a very long time!!! i've also stopped taking milk and i think that's helping too. Maybe i'm allergic to dairy products.Not sure yet. This eczema flare ups are just so unpredictable. Have to keep a close watch and see what happens.

By Peacegurl on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 05:20 pm:

You all have such good advise! I have been suffering from this miserable discoid eczema for three years and instead of improving with time, it has gotten worse over the years! Luckily I do not have any weeping but they are extremely itchy (only certain ones but more so as time goes on). Are any of yours raised up like a welt? Mine also seem to come from within the skin from a deeper level then seem to rise to top of skin where they turn bright cherry red. I have them all over the body but thankfully not on the face. What makes it bad is I get sooooooo hot having to wear cover up clothes as I live in a hot humid area (spring thru fall), dry and cool to cold the rest of year. It doesn't matter what time of year, I get the rash all the time!! Thought humid weather helps??? I would like to try a natural approach as I am vegetarian but do have some dairy, maybe it is the wheat as I have a lot of high fiber wheat products. I also think STRESS exacerbates this condition!!! Also childhood eczema is in my past like a lot of you have. Anyone use the steroid cream, Betamethasone Diproprionate? For me, it helps a little with the itch but not enough and it only retards the spread a little. Lotions, body butters help a bit but not one brand has been more beneficial for me. My family physician diagnosed me but I may see a dermatologist for more suggestions as some of you did.

Let's all try and get this extremely bothersome, ugly rash under control...I'll post any solutions I have benefitted from.

By jacqC on Monday, October 06, 2008 - 04:42 am:

Hey Flower

I'm so sorry to hear abt ur ailment. But after reading ur post, i think it sounds more like u have some internal problem and the eczema is just a symptom. I've read that the skin is always the first external area to show symptoms of underlying internal problems. Maybe too much toxins & bacterial/viral infections in your body? I think if thats settled, your eczema will go away. Mine flares up from time to time since i was a kid. I am highly allergic to some materials and food...sometimes even environment, weather or emotional stress! So i know if something is out of balance in my body, the eczema is sure to flare up again :-( Since you say it has bacterial infection and has fluid oozing out, try soaking it in sea salt or potassium manganate (Purplish liquid). It helps prevent further infection. When the oozing stops you can apply some vitamin E oil or 'bio-oil'. Good luck Flower!

By Flower of Scotland on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 01:08 am:

Hi, I have had Discoid eczema for about 10 months now. I was first diagnosed after seeing a Dermatologist and having a biopsy. I've tried loads of steroid ointments and creams, moisturisers, which seem to clear it up but immediately after I stop using the treatment it flares up. I end up with pussy like substance and bleeding . I had a swab taken, which showed a heavy growth of bacteria and so it was back to yet another steroid and antibiotic then antibacterial pills and creams,which had the same outcome. Lucky for me mines doesn't itch (so I don't scartch it ever), for which I am truly thankful. I'm now attending Hospital 3 times per week for UVB treatment and also using a steroid but I feel it's not working. My dermatologist told me it's highly unlikely that food alergies or intolerances would be the cause of or agrivate this condition, I also had an alergy test, which showed nothing. I'm absolutely stumped for a solution to this problem, I'm now also having kidney infections, which I had never suferred from before and my imune system is really low; I catch viruses, infections so easily but blood tests don't show any reason for it. I don't know if I'm being a little paranoid, but I wonder if this bacteria is attacking not just my skin. I've confronted my Dermatologist but she said it's nothing sinister??? Is anyone else having or had the same problems? Any advice?

By jacqC on Monday, September 15, 2008 - 02:58 am:

Hey Rob

I've got exactly the same thing as you i think. And we seem to respond to the same treatment. It all started to get bad when i got some bites and i thought it would heal but they turned into vesicles too. I also get sporadic rashes here and there for no reason :-( The healing process seems slow but thank God I've gotten out of the itch cycle. That helps a whole bunch! Maybe u should try immersing in a sea salt bath and applying bio-oil after that. These 2 treatments are helping me a lot. And it's comforting to know that there are people going through the same thing as me.

By jacqC on Monday, September 15, 2008 - 02:47 am:

Hi Everyone

My eczema started when i was 5 years old but i remember the skin specialist applied this purple lotion on me and it went off and never came back for many many years. Occasionally i do get a small patch here and there which disappears with betnovate or dermovate application. Then last year i got it really bad at both flexures of elbows, the side of my face near the ear and both ankles (left worse than right)!! I tried everything and found that the eczema at certain areas responded to different treatments! how strange huh?! i applied petroleum jelly for both elbows and the side of my face and they went off. But the lesions behind my ankles were stubborn. The right one got better by itself (when i stopped scratching!) but the left ankle just refused to get better. Now it's become some purplish vesicles but at least it doesnt itch. It only reponded to sea salt and bio-oil. Hope some of u can try the same thing. It might work for you. Most importantly get out of the itch cycle!!!!

By louise on Monday, July 07, 2008 - 02:53 pm:

Hi Rosebud. I understand your frustration, and the truth is, there is no miracle cure that cures everyone. It's about finding a course of treatment that works for you personally. I know the dissappointment that comes with buying new creams and then finding they don't work. Loook through the recomendations on this website. Some of them have worked for me. My eczema isn't gone but its the best its ever been thanks to all the people on the website. My big tips are: 1:Try to drink water instead of soft drinks and caffeine, 2:use a shielding lotion. My favourite is derma shield mousse, which i read about on this site. 3:Diet changes may help. Many have benefitted by going wheat or dairy free. 4:stop scratching!!!5:Steroids are not evil. use them wisely and they can really help. All the best.

By rosebud on Sunday, July 06, 2008 - 06:29 pm:

I have had excema for (only) a year now and have enough creams to open up a chemist shop. The worst are the patches i get around my mouth..sore spots and itchy patches..I've tried all sorts of creams and washes..is it just a question of time the great healer or is there something that I've yet to try....

By beth on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 03:15 pm:

Both of my children have minor eczema. My daughter seems to get patches all over her body, and my son has it only on one cheek. I've stumbled upon using Burt's Bees Buttermilk Lotion on both of them, and it seems to be the only treatment that REALLY WORKS! Last night I purchaced more to put on my son, who had a patch the size of a quarter on his cheek...this morning it's gone! The perscribed cream from our doctor will either overly dry their skin or leave white patches wherever applied.

By Rob on Monday, January 14, 2008 - 12:53 am:

Hello all...Im back from my world trip (I was travelling for 10 months) and my discoid eczema died down a great deal since I last posted on here.....however the second I got back to England it got a little worse sprodically, but nothing like before - im blaming this on coming from mainly humid countries to dry, cold and central heating atmosphere here. I also seem to get very delayed reaction if ive cut/scratched myself - which ive not had before- the scratch will heal up fine, but then later on a small vesicle appears.

After sticking to a strict diet for a month, it was thrown out of the window the second I started travelling...and didnt seem to make any difference! What I think did seem to make a difference was being in the sun (and being in the sea)...so I highly recommend investigating getting UV treatment.

Ive also been taking multivitamins and omega3/6/9 pretty much throughout the year.

Anyway, its been 1 1/2 years since i was diagnosed and although i havent forgotten about it, checking managing and treating eczema has become part of everyday life (moisturing, wacking on the betnovate, and oilatum baths) - my confidence has grown back and i feel im my normal self. Dont give up hope!

By Tommy on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 10:25 am:

i forgot to add my email to the last post.

phoshizzle654@yahoo.com

thanks.


(i most likely won't remember to go back to this page, so emailed would be greatly appreciated. again, thanks!)

By Tommy on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 10:24 am:

hey everyone.

its been a year now with this horrible skin condition i have.

i haven't been officially diagnosed with discoid eczema but i think most likely it is. a doctor had taken a brief look at it and told me it MAY be eczema, so i did a bit of research. looking at pictures and reading descriptions and symptons, it seemed more and more like it.

so my question is, with these "triggers" that spark/worsen the condition, is it generally the same for most people? or it can be anything depending on the person.

and there's this one thing that confuses me. i only have it on my right hand. and i believe, its the combination of heavy soap and warm/hot water that starts my rashes. at my previous job and current job, washing dishes is a part of the every day task unless my coworker helps me out. and immediately after washing dishes, i would be able to feel the itch come and shortly after bumps would start appearing. the bump and slight itch is the first stage, then it leads on to bubble-like spots. the bubbles then bust after a couple days and leave tiny open wounds. the tiny open wounds then heal a bit and leave a very dry area of skin with small ridges. if i continue without doing the dishes, the super dry skin eventually fades away and heals itself leaving completely normal skin.

the cycle goes on and off like this as long as i'm working at my job. but back to what puzzles me, why is it that only my right hand is affected? i use both hands washing dishes.

really confused at the moment. appreciated if i could be emailed with help.

By jade on Monday, September 17, 2007 - 11:22 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 Peace on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 03:47 am:

I'm so grateful for this message board. It really helps to know i'm not alone My first experience with discoid eczema was two years ago, it was on my face (unusual i think) and was really hard on my confidence, i didn't leave the house for months and when i did i was sure everyone was staring I was going through a stressful time and my skin was showing it. After the stressful time was over, and with a heap of steroid creams, my eczema faded. Now it's back and it is so hard to be calm and not worry about it, even tho I know that's the best thing I could do for it. I'm looking for ways to relax and stay positive - because i think that's as important as the medication. everyone here is so brave and we are all learning lessons in being at peace with ourselves. Love and best wishes to you all

By Ken on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 03:27 pm:

I'm off to work so good luck to everyone I'll check back when I get home..

By Ken on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 03:02 pm:

Wheatfreecured, it is the inside-out for all dis-eases my friend.

And yes plasmagic, as Albert Einstein says "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chance for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet"

It is

By wheatfreecured on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 02:43 pm:

Amen.... Ken....

It is the inside out.....for your skin.

By plasmagic on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 02:32 pm:

so u had vege drinks "only" for ur meal?

By Ken on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 02:36 am:

The "Cure" for eczema is simple, as for ALL "Dis-eases". You're body is simply too acidic, you're polluted, literally.

You have been purposely sickened by pharmecutical and food companies in order for them to profit off of your sickness.

How many times have you been sick and the doctor says OK Mr. JD, you've got the flu so the best thing to do is to avoid dairy products and any solids etc, right?

Why? Because Dairy products, MEAT, Yeast and especially corn products are EXTREMLY ACIDIC and they will kill you, all of these foods are like CANCER themselves.

It's a slow death, along with those foods you also need to avoid Coffee, Tea, smokes, alcohol, ALL DRUGS.

-----------
In order to maintain proper health you NEED to ALKALIZE YOUR BODY with vegetable drinks - naturally juiced/blended.

If you're experiencing symptoms of any sort of dis-ease, such foods as healthy as apples or bananas can actually hurt you severly if your body is out of balance.

The sugar content is just too high. All sugar content is Acid-Forming even the "good" kind.

symptoms such as eczema, acne, stomach aches, headaches MS symptoms are all minor signs of something serious about to happen in the coming years.

Such as more serious diseases or cancer which will inevitably take your life, if you don't wake up and do something about you're problems now.

your body is talking to you with these dis-ease like symptoms, LISTEN to it, or pay for it, with your life.

Don't use creams or drugs to cover the symptoms, your body is hurt, treat the problem that's causing the symptoms.

By jean9 on Monday, April 09, 2007 - 05:14 pm:

what about this one:

since you mentioned the bacteria..

tray.dermatology.uiowa.edu/Impetigo004.htm

jeannine

By jean9v on Monday, April 09, 2007 - 05:12 pm:

shawn....

open this site... did it start out looking like picture number 3...

dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/result.cfm?Diagnosis=109

j

By shawn on Monday, April 09, 2007 - 12:45 am:

I have a skin graph on my left lower leg that is covered in a weepy inflammed scaly never healing rash. it started out as a small red ring and manifested into what it is today. I tried antibiotic. I had a severe reaction and i almost died from toxicity to bactrium. Head to toe rash that burnrd and itched and made my skin almost liquify/burn off. The reaction made the eczema on leg worse and created new patches on arms. I have tried steriod creams/prednizone only to have patches and rash come back/ sometimes worse. I dont recommend you take either for treatment. The only thing that has helped my leg is alot of filtered water and teas taken internally and aplied as wet compresses. The tea that working for me is licorise root, burdock root and marshmellow root. i saw a healing differnce in one aplication/ compress. I still havent tried oatmeal/clay on it. Does anyone know if it is better to let it weep or try to close the pours. Any other advise, anyone. Eczema is the biggest nightmare and it will ruin your life if you let it. Stay positive, we are all still beautiful people.

By jayne on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 10:12 pm:

I have just finished three months of puva and I think it is fantastic. OK I still have scars on my skin but for the first time in years I have no open sores on my body. If your docter says try puva for discoid eczema try it, I was given negative feedback when I asked about it on this board but for me it has been the best thing ever.

By SUMIRAI on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 08:12 am:

we are from china we have some herb cream made from very antient recipy for psoriasis and eczema.
you can get more information by searching CSDCC.

By aliaalia on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 03:02 am:

hello. firstly, i wish you the very best in your search to "cure" your son's eczema, and get more normal skin in terms of texture and pigment. i was just wondering if his pigment ever started to return because i, too, have lost pigment in many areas, and i have tan skin.

thank you for reading this and best wishes,

alia

By wheatfreecured on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 02:29 am:

Rob....
I am so glad that you discovered your allergies...
I have the wheat and gluten.... if you research, celiac... you will find.. that you maybe able to tolerate milk down the road.. in the mean time.. once you go on the wheat free diet... all of the itch will go away...within 5 days... and within a couple of weeks.. your skin will begin to heal..please goggle: celiac disease...

By Rob on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 01:26 pm:

Hello all. Ive given up on the apple cider vinegar, been caning zinc with vit c and omega oil capsules for the past month. No obvious effect though...Have had a few revelations though...

I sent off for an online home food allergy test kit (yorktest.com) and found out that Im allergic( have raised IgE anti bodies) to milk, egg, beef, nuts, gluten, wheat...and plenty of others. So am gonna cut all of these out and hope for the best.It was £250, but I am definitely glad that I did it.

After persisting to my dermatologist to get UV treatment, I will be starting a course in Jan...(this is after Ive made a few visits to the tanning shop. 5 mins at a time, and it seemed to have some kind of effect!)

Merry Xmas all...R

By sarah on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 06:53 am:

I saw Alex mention that he planned to try out Epitrex, but he hasn't followed up. I was also thinking of trying it out, after finding their website. But I also discovered that it's just too good to be true: the company who makes the stuff (Selmedica Healthcare) has some pretty shady business practices. Check out the Better Business Bureau website and see what I mean... Sigh... Back to the drawing board...

By Rob on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 11:36 am:

To those living in UK.
Has your eczema got sudddenly worse this week?
Due to the sudden drop in temperature in the weather.

Mine has. Dunno what to do as the diprobase doesnt seem to be having much effect anymore.
Im slowly giving up on the omega 3/6/9 oils, the apple cider vinegar and the zinc supplements....grrrr.

By depressed on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - 07:54 pm:

hi, i have diagnosed with discoid eczema. I had this skin problem when i was 15 yers old up to now. I am now turning 25 and my life turns bad.My career is being affected.I haven't seen a doctor since year 2000. I was in college that time and i suffered alot.I couldn't afford to buy all the necessary medicine i need. Gladly these days i think my problem has mellowed down a little. I know the wounds are not yet completely gone. cuz i stil feel the itchiness all the time. I get small red spots on my skin. My skin has really changed. It looks awful. I still have the dark marks and my skin has turned even darker and looks dry. I try to put moisturizer everytime and i take vitamins too. It helps a little though. But my big corncern now are the marks. I get really really shy and embarrased everytime others tell me that i have bad skin. Is there a solution to my problem? but what if this eczema continue trigerring me, spots are left time after time. :-(

By jayne on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 05:29 pm:

hi Rob, if you've read the other posts you'll know i've had discoid eczema for a while which also started with an insect bite. I wasn't happy with my treatment and recently paid to go see a private dermotoligist and it's the best thing I could have done.
At the moment I'm getting my legs wrapped in steripaste bandages, then covered in K-Soft and then Tubifast. I get that done three times a week and I'm also starting UVB treatment in December.
Since the wrapping has been done I've slept better than I have in a long time and I'm not waking up with bits of blood and skin all over the sheets.
By the way I know what u mean about the eczema affecting your confidence.

By Peter on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 08:55 am:

Perhaps, I should mention the "copy & paste" post was written 18 months ago and since then my skin has continued to improve,as indicated in my post of 21st November2006.

By peter on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 05:27 pm:

Rob, I have just copied and pasted below my post on the other thread.
" I normally go around the house and garden completely in the nude. However this winter for the first time in ten years, I wore clothes at home virtually continuously and it was not long before I developed quite severe seborrheoic eczema with the worst areas being my lower legs and elbows, although I did have small areas on my upper thighs and waist. In the past I had noticed that if I wore clothes for more than a couple of days I developed spots on my legs, which would disappear once I went around nude again. On this occasion I developed spots around my ankles, which my doctor and I both initially thought were cat flee bites, but leaving them untreated they progressed to full blown eczema: I have since discovered that acne type spots can be a symptom of eczema. I had been prescribed various steroid creams, but all they did was exacerbate the condition. I believe that clothes encourage yeast spores, which it is thought may be factor, to multiply and when the skin become sensitive the clothing acts like an abrasive. Whilst I have not yet cleared up my skin, there has been a marked improvement since I have dispensed with clothes and just applied moisturisers such as Aqueous Cream BP or Dermol lotion. In my case sun and air seems to be the best solution. I have resolved not to wear clothes at home unless absolutely necessary: fortunately most of my friends, relations and neighbours accept my lifestyle and in future any visitor will have to express a strong objection in order to make me dress."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Rob on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 01:23 pm:

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to add that Im 24 by the way. Im sick of going to the hospital and being the youngest person in outpatients!

Apologies for the editing earlier...bit of a botched copy and paste job)

@Nicole, yes I do still work. Luckily I dont have anything on my face, and everything else can be covered up...though I cant sit still for long as I start itching (I dont do scratching anymore - not allowed! just rubbing..) and the air con is no help either.Im lucky that if things get a bit nasty I can work from home(I work in I.T.). I would suggest trying the Apple Cide Vinegar again..I think it does make a bit of a difference (though Im starting to smell of it) Will try out the Burdock tea..


@Peter, what was your strict regime?
R

By Peter on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 09:24 am:

Rob, your initial symptoms sound very similar to the ones, I experienced, which I described in “Eczema and the body” “Seborrhoeic Eczema” “Can clothes be a contributory factor”. I wonder whether your “Mosquito bites” were the first indication that yeast spores had started to attack. My “bites” became infected and I had to be treated for impetigo. Steroid ointments made matters worst and since strictly following my regime my eczema has virtually gone except for small “dirty patches” round my ankles. However after just a couple of days remaining clothed, I notice the early indications that if I am not careful it will flare up and my sulcus can be affected after just a few hours.

By Nicole on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 04:19 am:

Hey Rob

Thats awful, I have atopic ezcema pretty much all over my body as well and eczema scars on face,arms and neck and legs and maybe back and also affected self confidence and have to admit that i isolated myself

I have also tried the apple cyder but im not very good at sticking to things, Have you tried zinc? I cant remember what its for but i often get priscribed it, And i have tried burdock tea that looks like urine and tastes like urine its gross but i did notice it made a difference, I have also tried evening primrose oil on my face which i have noticed helps

Do you still work? I used to do nurse aiding but my skin on hands got so bad and washing my hands so often 100 times in a shift didnt help either, I cant work in an air condiioned building becuase my skin gets so dry even though i drank loads and loads of water, Actually im hoping to do a Web design course so i can work at home

Oh well i hope your skin gets better and im definetly interested in seeing how your diet helps your skin
Nicole

By Rob on Monday, November 20, 2006 - 05:31 pm:

Hi Im Rob. Ive had the worse few months of my life - but this discussion board has open my eyes up and provided me with a few ideas and explanations about what going on in my body:

In March 2006 I went to Hong Kong for a fortnight for a family holiday...as usual I was bitten by a few mosquito bites.
However, some of these bites healed, and some on my lower legs didnt heal. I didnt think anything of it...just thought they

were healing 'slowly'.
Things started to get worse come June, and by July the bites appears red round the edges. Gradually this redness seemed to

get bigger and darker and itchier, and the bites started weeping...a golden/orange fluid
After going to my GP- he just said it was Impetigo and prescribed me with Flucloxacillin.
After another month...the infection got worse and had started to spread. Both legs were now bandaged.
The GP then prescribed me with a new AntiBiotic - Clarythromycin...that night I had an allergic reaction where by whole body

swelled up and was itchy and in pain allover.
Next day I went to A&E. Didnt do much. Took a blood test as they were worried that I had a tropical disease of somesort.
A week later I go to my GP to ask for some painkillers...he gives me some Dicofenac... that night I had another allergic

reaction. This time even worse.
I went to A&E again - this time I was admitted (Charing Cross, Hammersmith) Mainly because of the allergic reactions, then

secondly for the state of my legs.
I was in hospital for 4 days and was taken off my antibiotics and only treated with Steroid creams and

antihistamine(Piriton). Eventually the legs and my body seemed to heal up. Only on my last day was I sent to see the Dermatologists.
They werent sure what the things on my legs were - but they suspected Discoid Eczema.
They sent me home with a bag of Betnovate steroid cream, Dermol 500 (shower cream), Piriton and started me back on

antibiotics again (Noooooo) Lymecycline

Its now August bank holiday- So Im out of hospital and Im on the mend, I even go to Wales for a holiday and up Snowdon.
My legs are smooth(ish) the only problem Im getting is that Im getting sporadic hot red itchy rashes (all over my body now)
...and Im presuming this is because of the dying allergic reaction.
So I decide to go back to work.

After a 'check up' at the dermatologist they took some Biopsies- 2 on my shins and one (new one) on my shoulder.

2 weeks later my legs start to get worse again...and this time my back, arms, chest, backside, thighs and ears are all affectd. I get little blisters all over my hands and feet. Im in constant itchy pain, oozing all over and cant sleep properly for 2 weeks. Whats going on?!
Only then do I start reading about discoid eczema and realise that my symptoms match...round/coinlike weepy crusty patches.
And Im assuming this is my 'Secondary' attack.

I go to hospital again and this time they cant admit me cause theyre arent enough beds....so Im sent to the daycare centre at Chelsea and Westminster specialist Dermatology Centre.
The nurses there are very helpful. Im given Potassium Manganate baths (purple) which help stop the weeping (close up the

vesicles) and go through a variety of different moisturisers 50/50, Emulsiderm and now Im on Diprobase.
The back, ears, hands and feet all healed up after about a week. Woohoo.

But it doesnt really stop there. Its now November. Ive had another Biopsy done and it finally confirmed ECZEMA.(not

necesarilly discoid) - great. Although Im definitely not as itchy as before- my patches heal and up look better. Then after a while theyll get worse, but Im not getting many new ones. I was then given a steroid injection in my backside (not that painful actually!) which seemed to make things better for a few days...but thats all.
I was also being told about UV treatment, but then told its not commonly used for discoid eczema...
so Im contemplating just going to a Tanning shop.

Im scarred all over, physically and mentally.
Ive lost a lot of confidence and I know Im not myself infront of strangers and even my frieds.
Im hoping this is all going to go away (Ive read that once you get it, it never comes back again...but Im not sure about this) but Im trying to ignore it and not let it take over my life- Im planning on a world trip in February and am hoping for the best.

Im still on Steroid creams (I cant remember the name), Diprobase and Piriton (works wonders for sleep) - these help the swelling and itchyness, but theyre not preventing the recurance of patches appearing - which I must now be internal.

Ive also tried alternative medicine:
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR 2 tablespoons diluted in water, twice a day. and also in the bath.
Seemed to have an affect, though seemed to give me heartburn(cause of the acidity)...Since having a week off my eczema seems to have got worse...so going to start it up again - after a meal (so it doesnt burn out my stomach)
CHINESE HERBAL TEA. Stinks and tastes horrible. Takes a while to brew. Undecided on this. And is v expensive.
OMEGA 3,6,9 & Flaxseed oil capsules twice a day. Dunno about this either, but supposed to be good for skin healing.
will keep you informed

and Im bombing down the multivitamins and really keeping an eye on my diet to see what might be prolonging this (Im cutting out yeast this week!, then maybe dairy, gluten...)
Contemplating doing a private food allergy test (homeinonhealth.com/) though theyre v expensive (£150-250)
(my flatmate did this and found that cutting out yeast prevented his atopic eczema outbreaks)
and also awaiting a Patch test at hospital when I finish on the steroid creams(if I ever do).

Im also planning on trying out some Fade out / Scar serum ointment to help my scars go away.

Anyway, keep your head up and try not to let this get you down. Its bloody hard I know.
I hope this story may help somebody in someway.

If you suspect something, try and get to your Dermatologist ASAP. My GP laughed at me the first time I asked if I could see one...just because the waiting lists are too big. It took 2 allergic reactions and a trip to A&E for me to finally get seen by them..

R

By plasmagic on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 03:59 am:

my doc told me onli 60% of the patient will see result, unfoturnately i am the 40 %, after months my doc told me i can stop since there isnt result

By jayne on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 05:25 pm:

I am now seeing a new doctor and he's starting me on a treatment of ultra-violet light (UVB). I will have to go to the hospital three times a week. He also wants me to have my legs bandaged and to leave them on for a few days, I will have to attend my GP clinic for this.
Has anybody else tried this treatment and does it work?

By jayne on Friday, September 29, 2006 - 06:38 pm:

I have been reading a lot about wet wrapping, is that suitable for discoid eczema?

By plasmagic on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 08:01 am:

mine is more to rash , when it gets worse it will look like being scalded by boilin water which is boilin red tat covers every inch of my skin, u r from spore do u have msn? mine is boafever@hotmail.com

By cindy on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 11:37 am:

how does your eczema look like???

big coin liked or rashes liked?

By plasmagic on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 10:10 am:

? i din t know can have more then one eczema.. did u confirm wit the doc? is it bad? how do u cope? i cant even cope wit 1 type of eczema.. sigh

By cindy on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 05:54 am:

hi wendy,

how r you..i fom spore too..what the difference between discoid and atopic eczema?

anyone pls advise?

i think i hv both

thanks

By jayne on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 09:05 pm:

My arms and legs are the worst but at the moment I also have them on my back and my bum cheeks. Going through a bad patch with it at the moment

By itchy on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 07:13 pm:

is your body affected other than arms and legs?

By jayne on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 07:02 pm:

Round sores, mostly on the legs and arms, usually weeping (at least mine are) caused by an injury, burn or bite

By itchy on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 06:59 pm:

Hi,

What is discoid eczema??

Thanks

By jay on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 06:20 pm:

I've just found this site and have been reading some of the posts. I have had discoid eczema for a couple of years (all started after getting bit while on holiday in greece). My doctor kept treating me for impetigo, then said it was an allergy and after six months of my skin getting worse I finally got refered to a dermotoligist who diagnosed me straight away.
I've just finished a course of anti-biotics because my skin became infected and at the moment it's still really sore as the tablets don't seem to have cleared it up and propaderm just doesn't seem to help anymore (been using that for six months now, before that fucibet)
Anyway now I've rambled on what I need help with is scratching, every morning I wake up and my legs and arms are red raw, I take antihistamines but they just don't seem to help anymore and I'm actually glad winter is coming because I've spent all summer covering up.

By wendy on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 05:44 am:

i am from spore. initially i was diagnosed atopic dermatitis, meaning i only had rashes and will disappear after some medication. But now, i am suffering from discoid eczema, which is far worse. Now, there are ugly coin-liked scars all over my legs and hands. They are just permanent and that makes me lose all my confidence. In fact i am embarrassed when i am in the public. My dermatologist said those marks cannot be removed but will be lightened with the use of moisturisers. Can i be completely healed? Will the scars disappear? Why me?

By efas on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 08:13 pm:

Eczema is not a topical skin disorder but a essential fatty acid metabolic disorder.
When the conversion of these EFAs is impaired a breakdown in all areas of cellular function occurs. The first step in metabolizing these EFAs is effected due to an impaired delta 6 enzyme. There are many factors involving this metabolic pathway including Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies as well as a lack of balance in the two main Essential fatty acids Omega 6 and Omega 3.

They work through a series of adding and subtracting from the carbon chain to make more LCPUFAs (Long chained Polyunstatured Fatty Acids). These fats make eicosanoids which work locally on our cell membranes as communicators telling the cells what is missing or needs repair and also what can go in and out of the cell through the membrane. Prostaglandin 1 is one of the more important eicosanoids which controls tumour necrosis facotr, vassal dialation, basically directing traffic in all our cellular functions.

By Alex on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 10:45 pm:

Forrest i read what u posted that sounds interesting and might actually work. I'm goin to try it(Fingers Crossed all goes well) i am already eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.

BTW how long have you had this condition?? Has it cleared up? Would like to know how your treatment is goin.

By Alex on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 10:31 pm:

Monica how did ur discoid eczema start? where bouts did it start?

i have always had healthy skin but now suffering from discoid eczema (2yrs) i cant wear t-shirts and shorts anymore.

By hopefull on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 08:31 pm:

Hi I am 20. I thought that I had recurrent ringworm for a year. I am still not sure, it may be nummular eczema. What kind of signs should I look for. I have never had this problem before and I am so confused. What things should I keep out of my diet?

By Monica on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 02:55 am:

Jen,

Are you suffering from discoid eczema? I'd love to hear.

By Forrest on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 02:05 am:

My beliefs on the topic have developed and evolved: I think fruit is the answer. Start eating ONLY when hungry. Then, eat fruit. Don't give in to temptations to eat breads, meat, dairy, pasta, junk food, pop, etc. Try to eat fruit only for several days. I'm on day 2 of a 4 day cleansing with fruit and distilled water only. If you get an upset stomach consider it a good thing. It means your body is purging toxins. That is what fruit does. See how long you can do this. When you finally give in after anywhere between 4 days to 4 weeks. Then eat only vegetables, green leafy vegetables, not potatoes. I believe you'll like the end result. It may get a little worse though during this fast with fruit, but the end result is what its all about. It is believed that a diet of 6 weeks fruit then 6 weeks vegetables, alternating every six weeks is sustaining for life and the most cleansing and proper diet for the human animal. I'll know soon enough. Looking forward to sharing the end result. My skin will tell me!

By Jen on Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 02:17 pm:

Hi Monica talk to us here on the board. How are feeling today?

By Monica on Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 10:10 am:

Hi I have discoid eczema and it is really bad at the moment. Is there anyone out there who I can talk to who is suffering like I am?

By Forrest on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 09:17 am:

Attention Everyone: I have an eczematous rash. Please take my experience to heart. Lotion must not contain petrolatum or it will clog pores and make bacterial infection occur. Further, lotion is not a treatment really. You must close the pores. Buy KISS MY FACE ~ oatmeal facial mask and use it where your rash is. Wash it off with cool water after it dries (about 10 min. to dry) Vegetable Glycerin, oatmeal, and clay are the three ingredients. Oatmeal soothes redness, minimizes itching. Glycerin is hygroscopic, it actually attracts moisture (water molecules) from the air and draws water to your skin. Clay draws pathogens and aggrivators out of the skin and closes your pores. Rinse with cool water to keep pores closed. Further, YOU MUST drink ONE GALLON of DISTILLED WATER every day. Do not drink tap water or pop. Borage oil is an inexpensive supplement that will provide internal relief of flaky, cracking skin, the water will prevent this alleged chronic problem from recurring, and the oatmeal, clay, glycerin mask used as a wash will leave moisture in the skin while eliminating the infected, cracked, weepy, dry rash.
Vegetable glycerin ($6.00 health food store)
Oatmeal (grocery store)
Clay (dissolve a little in water ~ get it at an art supply store)
make your own if you want in a blender.
Borage oil (pills ~ $8.00 health food store)
Distilled water ($0.89 a gallon grocery store)
Kiss My Face oatmeal/clay mask ($5.50 Walgreens or general merchandise store)
Don't hesitate to use the clay, oatmeal, glycerin wash as often as necessary. You may get lavender water to spray on the rash to soothe itching or hot areas. Do not use steroids, creams, lotions, emmolients, antifungals, or topical antibiotics. Tetracycline can provide relief immediately if you have weeping. call your doctor it is often prescribed over the phone. It is not necessary to stay on tetracycline more than 4-6 weeks. Use the wash/mask, rinse with cold water and take borage oil full dose then down to one pill a day after 2 weeks. KEEP drinking water, NOT TAP WATER. IT MUST BE DISTILLED WATER. one gallon a day. I believe you will not have any further outbreaks after 6 weeks of this treatment. My 14 months of eczema suffering up and down both forearms and wrists is about to be virtually cured with this exact treament. Last, cotton is best, polyester okay. DO NOT EVEN TOUCH ANY WOOL COATS, BLANKETS, RUGS, SWEATERS, ETC. Wool is an aggravator because it pokes your pores and then they open up. This is when bacteria take hold, the immune system reacts to the bacteria but can't kill it off because of cracking skin. The cracking skin is a result of lacking the gallon of distilled water a day and seabuckthorn, borage, or flaxseed oil. Do not use any other treatments. I SWEAR THIS IS THE RIGHT TREAMENT.
fgr_16@hotmail.com

By Alex on Wednesday, November 09, 2005 - 11:34 pm:

I have had this nummular eczema about a year now, it started last year about christmas time it was awful. I had a rash on my face really bad, my face was all red i couldn't look anybody in the eye because i was ashamed. The doctors that i saw said that i was because i was stressed out a lot and abused alcohol. Im only 20 years old and i thought i was a healthy kid, never had any problems in the past but i guess i was wrong there. Recently it seemed that my eczema was going but then i had a bad flare up so im back to taking antibiotics and applying emoillents frequently. How come i never found this site sooner? I don't know anybody who has this type of condition. It would be great if some of you guys can share any views about it or certain things you have tried that helped. Right now im using aqueous cream as a soap sub,hydrous ointment as a emoillent and benovate as a steroid cream. I also am going to try another product called epitrex which is a product to help eczema on the inside and outside it provides the vital minerals that help boost the immune system and help keep the skin healthy. It has a spray which you use on the affected areas to relieve itching (fingers crossed this goes alright) i will post again when i try the product to see if there are any improvements then we'll see if it is worth recommending.

By john on Saturday, October 22, 2005 - 03:26 pm:

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By john on Saturday, October 22, 2005 - 12:20 am:

Hi I am 42 years old and until I recently moved house have never had any skin problems at all. In the last 2 years I have started to get the round blisters on my arms and legs, and now on my back. I also have quite bad flair ups on my face bu this seems to be different type of excema. I have been to the GP but all they have given me is steroid creams and said bath in aqueous cream. It must be something I am coming into contact with because it only started when I moved 2 years ago.

By tcoleman on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 08:56 pm:

my husband has had nummeral eczema for 4 years now and has just gotten worse he has had a staf infection since january it is like he is alergic to air and water if he keeps it covered up in 2 days it looks better soaps and shampoo without chromium seem to help he uses hebaclinse rx soap to keep staf infection away