By Kas on Saturday, August 28, 2010 - 10:28 pm:

Like many people on this blog I have had eczema as a child. It disappeared through my teenage years only to reappear at university in all the places it had been when I was little - all over my face, and my forearms.

Everyday I seem to lose another layer of skin from my face.

Then I came across the book 'the healthy skin diet' by karen fischer. I may not have been able to ridgedly follow the diet, but the philosophy of the book is to tackle any skin problems from 8 different directions. How many you choose to follow is up to you.

On implementing many of the authors ideas, I found that all the flaking stopped and the need for steroids went out of the window.

You will notice that I say my skin still flakes everyday, earlier in the blog. This is because I stopped implementing some of the book's ideas and my eczema has returned with a vengeance. I am cursing myself for slipping up in recent weeks.

The most beneficial supplements I find to take for my skin are omega 3's of varying sorts - flax seed and fish oils.

I was also on a skin specific multivitamin supplement for a while, but stopped taking it after my doctor read the back of the packet and told me to stop taking it, as it had far too high a B vitamin content - apparently it is not a good idea to be on too higher dose of some b vitamins for a long time, some of them can build up in your liver. He told me to stick to vitamins that said a 100% RDA and no more.

I also tried protopic once, and then never again for me. I think I put too much on and it made my skin sting like crazy, put me right off.

Anyway, I hope this little note is useful for somebody else.

I'll sign off now, and try and sort out my really itchy face.

By Kat on Friday, August 27, 2010 - 01:08 am:

I've had eczema as a child and now I'm 27. It was on my body as a child, especially during harsh winters. It got better as I grew older and I changed environments to a warmer climate. As an adult I never had any big patches, UNTIL I started getting rashes around my mouth and my eyes. So horribly unsightly as you all can relate!

I'm still trying to piece it all together, but I was on birth control for two years and decided to get off it after they changed the brand and dosage I was on and it was giving me headaches and mood swings. A couple of months after that I was struck with a bad case of food poisoning which resulted in months of food sensitivity that would result in bloating cramps and horrible stomaches in the middle of the night. After that I started getting the eczema rashes around my mouth and eyes. The derm gave me the usual, cortisone shots that made it go away for a month or so and it would come back with a vengeance.

After research I'm starting to believe I have leaky gut and food sensitivities. Birth control has been linked to leaky gut and it's also known to cause liver and kidney damage! I've been avoiding dairy as I believe my childhood allergies could be linked to my constant overindulgence in milk and cheese as a child/teenager when my eczema was the worst. As an adult I switched to soy and stopped eating as much cheese and I've been a lot better. I'm trying to track my diet and keep away from dairy and too much fats. Breakouts DEFINITELY occur for me after I've overindulged in anything dairy or something super fatty like korean bbq! (I'm suffering now)

What I'm trying now and seems to be working is Diet Control. Very hard but worth it so I don't look like a clown!

Supplements:
Culturelle (probiotic in pill form so I don't have to eat dairy), Flax Pills, B Stress Complex and a Multivitamin

Skin Care Products:
Aquaphor for around the eyes
Witch hazel - just started this, I heard about it on a youtube vlog. I tried a small patch first and it didn't seem to irritate the eczema too much. Just pat, don't rub too hard on irritated spots. It disinfects (i tend to poke rub, scratch which gets the patch infected easily) and gets rid of dead skin cells.
olay complete - I moisturize with immediately after the witch hazel. I tried using Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing lotion but I think I'm sensitive to the lanolin so it really irritates my eczema and STINGS and makes it red and angry.
Aquaphor for around the eyes and to protect the raw areas and lock in moisture. Skin around eyes is very delicate, so my derm didn't give me creams for that area and just recommended aquaphor to keep it moisturized.

Hope this helps someone!
For me diet definitely seems like the cause.
Good luck everyone!

Also be careful with the protopic I read something that it *could* cause cancer, it's not proven, but I guess it could be just as bad as cortisone?


I saw in a vlog about eczema skincare something called florasone cream that's supposed to be a natural alternative to cortisone, I haven't tried it yet. But I might pick it up if I see it.

By Lisa on Saturday, August 21, 2010 - 01:18 pm:

I have suffered from eczema since I was a baby -- I am now over 50. It was so bad as a child that I coud not go to school and spent days motionless, unable to move because of the pain. In my teenage years onwards I started to get it on my face (I was prescribed steroid cream up until I was about 25, when I just stopped using it as it had never healed me and my skin just got worse and worse and I needed to use stronger creams to get any effect (and most of the time they made the situation worse not better)). I have had eczema over all my body, including for my face. Unfortunately, I was too old before doctors began to realize the damaging effects of steroid creams, esp. on the face. I have damaged my skin from the use of these products which never worked anyway; they just suppressed the symptoms.

Last December, I had to go to Japan and I was depressed beyond belief about the trip, as my face was so dry and itchy before I left, a problem that got increasingy worse while I was there. I kept having to scratch my face ferociously out of view of people when I could get away from them -- I was shedding scales of skin with the itching/scratching every hour. It was awful as I had to meet many people and could not hide the problem with makeup (which only made it worse). Feeling very sorry for myself and in complete agony for a week while there, on returning on my flight I noticed an add in the duty-free magazine for a cream called "creme de la mer". It is very expensive, but I had heard people that it was originally developed for people with sensitive skin. I bought some and decided to put it on my face on board the airplane. Usually when my skin is this bad anything I put on it causes it to go crazy and I end up scratching an inflamed face for hours on end. As soon as I put the cream on I knew it was different. Instead of the usual instant inflammed deep itching reaction nothing happened except the feeling of a big weight being lifted from my shoulders -- I know this sounds stupid -- but it was as if years of uncomfortableness and pain seemed to lift away. My skin became calm and the itchiness (which can be very deep) just disappeared. I anticipated a reaction later but nothing happened. Within a day or two of returning my face was completely clear, and having very pale transparent skin, it brought out that beauty that for years had been hidden by the red inflammed sores. The cream is unbelievable. I have now thrown out all my special eczema creams and all other store bought moisturizers -- creme de la mer is the only cream I have. I have not gotten allergic to it (it has now been 7 months since I first used it). It has also gotten rid of all the small wrinkles and lines I had from the constant rubbing and scratching of my skin (esp. around the eyes). It is very expensive, but well worth it -- and because it is very concentrated you only need to use a tiny bit so it works out to be cheaper than buying all the other stuff that does not work anyway, and just makes the problem worse and damages your skin in the long-term.

I believe I have a particularly bad problem with eczema -- I have never grown out of it and have had it constantly -- since my mother stopped breastfeeding me when I was a baby, less than a year old. This cream is the only thing that has ever worked for me -- and believe me I have tried everything. I just wish I had known about it years ago.

By Meagan on Monday, July 19, 2010 - 11:06 pm:

I'm fourteen years old , going into my freshman year in highschool. I have had eczema my entire life. When I was younger, occasionally small patches would show up on my arms, or legs. It wasn't until about two years ago, that my eczema flared up in patches surrounding my mouth. Now, my eczema sparks up every week. It will go away for a couple days, and I will use every precaution to prevent it. I soon found out it was not enough. I've tried different creams such as Eucerin, prescribed by my doctor. I once thought that the sun could be causing my eczema, or a certain product I was using. I cut off all usage of any makeup product, but it didnt make a difference! I moisturize constantly and am always cautious about another breakout. My question is, why did all the sudden my eczema start appearing around my mouth and nowhere else on my body? And what can I do to prevent it? I understand that there is no cure for eczema, but I just want to be able to control it, and start my first year of highschool feeling confident in myself and with my skin.

By Sara on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 07:52 pm:

I've finally found what aggravates my eczema after many years! I've had eczema since I was 2 but when I was 20 and in university, my eczema became worse and different - rashes appeared all over my body. After many visits to my dermatologist, he refered me to Salford hospital Manchester for a sun allergy test. The staff there were wonderful. I was told I have photoaggravated eczema and have to putfactor 50 on my body every day. I cannot believe that my skin is so clear since using sunsense suncream. I have medium skin which tanned easily when younger. I am SO HAPPY that I have finally found what caused my eczema.

I have spent thousands of pounds on private dermatologists, chinese medicine and creams. And finally Salford Hospital in Manchester has helped me.

I did not think for many years that I was allergic to anything and that my eczema just appeared when it felt like, but there is a cause for it and sometimes it takes time to find out what. Dont give up on looking for a cause everyone! Good luck!

By nellie on Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 01:41 pm:

Hi there,
like the rest of you, I am a fellow eczema sufferer as well. Just recently I had particularly bad flare ups around my eyes and mouth. I used Lucas' Papaw Ointment liberally before going to bed. I needed to use it for about a week before any major improvement but I do recommend it. Since then, I've continued putting the pawpaw ointment on before bed and have had no more flare ups. You can buy it from the supermarket or pharmacies. Hope this helps! Also, try the QV range products. They're quite gentle, and the anti-flare up bath oil always helps on the bad days.

By Jodie Mae on Saturday, December 12, 2009 - 06:37 pm:

Heyya i have eczma and it is runion my life im 13and at this age i whan to start wering my makeup like all my other firends i put foundation on and i crackles in the cresses in my face and it looks really bad and it dont feel good cuz i love my makeup so plz can i have some advice x LUCY

By jena09 on Friday, July 10, 2009 - 01:47 am:

I am 17 years old and have suffered from severe atopic eczema since i was born. Anything i have ever been perscribed from my GP (which has been an awful lot) has either not worked at all or has made an improvement to my skin for only the first week or so. The year i turned 14 i was starting to care more about my personal image, and like any other 14 year old girl i wanted my skin to look flawless. I knew that for me this was never going to be the case as i have permanent tissue scaring on the whole of my body, however i decided to visit the doctor in an urgent final plege to try something new. I was prescribed protopic 0.03% ointment and from the very day i was prescribed the cream i have been able to keep my eczema under control. If i am stressed or have an object-skin contact of any sort that that skin doesnt approve of, it will cause the odd flare up. Despite these rare times, my skin is scab free and along with the help of my moisturiser, is looking as good as any skin uneffected by eczema.

By Madam Flaky on Tuesday, July 07, 2009 - 05:41 am:

It is possible to be allergic to sunlight, but best to consult a specialist about it. I used to have to avoid sunlight because it would bring on my eczema but now it is the opposite and the UV helps now. I had UV treatment in a booth for a couple of years which really helped.

By Lala on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 03:08 pm:

I am so glad there is a site like this! I have suffered from excema since i was a baby,and have had such a tough time coping with it. There were times when my facial excema was so bad i refused to go to school. Luckily it has cleared up really well now, although my legs are permanantley scarred with purple marks that look like bruises. I hate it as in the summer, i cant wear skirts etcwithout feeling totally self concious. does anyone have any advice on getting rid of scarring?

By stevey on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 06:10 am:

every time I go out in the sun to try and tan my face gets red and splotchy and I get horrible dry flaky patches all over it especially around my eyes. My neck also breaks out. Does anyone have any suggestions? Im not sure if it's eczema although I do have it eczema on my legs,arms,and stomach. But is it possible to be allergic to natural sunlight?

By thesakpurse on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 06:05 am:

I have had eczema since I was 2 years old and now I am 16. I have always used steroid creams such as trimcinalome. I also used elidel. It did clear my skin up but now on my ankles and in the creases of my arms of my skin will not tan! During the summer when I tan my ankles and the creases in my arm stay white and it looks horrible! I now go to the tanning bed once a week and my eczema is so much clearer even though I have random white patches from using so much steroid cream.

By shelley on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 09:49 am:

try advantan you need a prescription for it but its sooooo good it cleared up my eczema with 3 days!!! hope this helps!!

By Luce09 on Saturday, May 02, 2009 - 11:23 am:

Hi I'm 22 and have had eczema my whole life apart from a break of 4 years in the middle. Now I have it around my eyes and mouth. I'm so glad I found this site as some of the things you suggest sound great. I have notived that in hot weather my skin starts to heal and flare ups are non-existant, but I'm too worried about going on a sun bed even though my GP said it would help (Sounds like a pretty rubbish doctor if he's suggesting that, I know!). It's really difficult as I'm in the army and I occasionally have to put on cam cream (basically green and brown face paint, incredibly difficult to remove). The staff are very good and never make me put it on unless it's completely unavoidable but it's an extreme irritant to my skin and I wondered whether anyone had any good ideas of how I might stop the irritation being so bad.

By dee dee on Friday, April 17, 2009 - 02:19 am:

is there any lip balm you gys would recommend for my lips. i have exzema all around my lip, so the skin surrounding my lip like between my nose and upper lip, the corners and under the bottom lip. i use vaseline and it really helps but at skool i dont wanna be using my dirty hands to dip into the vaseline and put it on my lips. do u gys no any other lip balm like the stick kind? it usually gets flaky or that sandpapery feeling then it cracks. i even need to wear lip balm when i eat sumtimes caz i wont be able to open my mouth caz it burns

By jools on Saturday, April 04, 2009 - 11:50 am:

i'm 16 and have had eczema for around 2 years. i HATE it. i'm going skiing later this week and am so worried about a flare up as am with school. it's just really embarassing, and in all honesty i would rather have any other problem but this one. it just won't go away. i have tried hydroquartizone (ointment and cream, found ointment worked really well) elidel and am getting some protopic today. this site has made me feel an awful lot better about myself, knowing that i'm not the only one! x

By Rob on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 10:29 pm:

No, no cream of any kind, like I say my skin is fairly dark & tans easily but the first sessions did burn the areas where my eczema is (was)
It worked like a miracle for me; after a few weeks of three times a week I cut back to once a week and that seems to be enough to hold it off.

By sarah on Monday, February 02, 2009 - 04:11 pm:

sunbeds: do you use the tanning cream that they tell you to use? or no cream? or your own mosturiser? I was to try it but I'm scared...

By Rob on Saturday, January 31, 2009 - 10:30 am:

Sunbeds!! They have been the holy grail for me, bad I know but after years of skin that is sore, waking with blood on the pillow etc.. I am pretty much cured of my facial /chest eczema. One 10 minute sunbed (the max session time the salon allows on their high powered beds) a week & it stays away, miss a week & it starts to return.
We all know sunbed = bad but it works for me & frankly Ill take the risk!! Having said that I do have fairly dark easily tanning skin.

By Morpheus on Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 03:46 pm:

Coll - please be careful using a tanner especially if you've got fair skin. If you think it helps your eczema perhaps speak to your doctor about UVA/UVB light treatments.

As for the diet - have you ever been diagnosed with any allergies or noticed any problems with specific foods? If eggs are a problem then just eliminate them - and yes that would mean cutting out cakes and some biscuits too.

Eliminating dairy doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop eating egg but if you think you're reacting to it then it might be best to. Regarding food allergies - although it will help in most cases to avoid the foods causing teh problems it won't neccessarily make the eczema vanish though it may be very improved. It's trial and error.

By Coll on Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 12:24 am:

My boyfriend bought me a face tanner,where you expose your face to UV lights for 20 minutes a day for ten days then start it up the next month.

I stopped using it and my eczema is all flared up and red again,the face tanner never completely took it away but it died the redness down considerably.
As well as that i used the petroleum jelly "vaseline" around my eyes.

But its all back again and it seems as if its spread even more on my left eye especially around and on my eyelid.

I tried a healthy diet but took a bad reaction to the poached eggs i was eating,im taking it when you eliminate dairy that includes anything that has milk in it,eggs and cheese????
i.e cakes and chocolate??

By Jackie on Sunday, November 23, 2008 - 08:18 pm:

I have suffered with exzema all my life.Iam now in my fiftys and finally found something that works! A few weeks ago I took a trip to Stanford Hospital, and the doctors told me to take baths in regular household bleach, and then cover my body with vasoline. It really works, I put the bleach on my face, and whole body and then pack on the vasoline. My skin is Great. I just wish I would have known about this years ago, so no more steroid, and no more itch.

By fabshabz on Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 05:02 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 mouthwould 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 fabshabz on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - 04:02 pm:

simple derma intensive lotion £3.29 at superdrug and boots and cream £2,19, worth a try def see results after 1 application, it says for best results use 3-4 times a day, being commercial i werent so sure, but its worth every penny,after failing with diprobase, dermol 500 and aqueous cream due to skin irritations. i have had no skin irritaions as yet with simple after using 3 applications

By fabshabz on Wednesday, September 03, 2008 - 12:39 pm:

hi

im using elidel around my lips at the moment for about a month now, my leathery skin is much smoother however i still do get red flare ups now and agn. i have a red patch right now!my skin made me feel so low about myself, i even resigned work due to comments being made. i was embarased to tell my boyfriend and even delayed my marriage to him even tho i know he loves me. ive been married for a yr now and he gets my prescriptions for me and goes to the derm with me.its best to communicate to close loved ones instead of trying to hide the problem as stress only makes it worse.i just hope i can slowly build up my confidence and get a job again.i still have another 2 weeks of elidel.so ill see how it goes. i wash my face with dermol 500 lotion, its very light liquid and in a pump. also there can be an underlying prblem as to y skin keeps flaring up and could be infected, daktakort is a hydrocortisone, get cream instead of ointment if u have spots as well.

By swan on Friday, August 15, 2008 - 09:49 am:

I have suffered eczema for almost 20 years. From my experience, DO NOT use any cream that contains steroid. I was so desperate (the itch was intolerable) and had no idea about the side effect of steroid cream that I was using it quite a while. The sideeffect is my skin is now more sensitive and thinner. I have tried many things and I can suggest some that I find helpful. One is RoseHip Oil, you must apply generously, so better use it at home in the evening so that you don't walk around with oily face. Also, always keep you skin well moisturised, put as much as possible. Also if you can find oatmeal soap that's good too. Try also Avene product, they are really good. Hope this can help.

By sexxii on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 01:33 pm:

im only 20 yrs old but i also suffer from eczema. i feel so alone. im embarssed to even be with my boyfriend physically that he thinks i cheat on him. i dont im jus embarssed. he knows i suffer from this condition but he doesnt know how bad it can get. i wish someone can help me get rid of this. please if anyone knows a good product it will be appreciated. it feels good knowing im not the only one.hopefully one day we can all get through this.

By jean9v on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 03:31 pm:

Danica,

Please read this article: copy and paste..add the w w w in front of the 1

1.epinions.com/content_966500484

This may make some sense to you ... to consider..and worth a try.

Best of Luck.

Jeannine...
remember always research things for yourself

By Danica on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 01:12 pm:

Hi! I'm so glad to have found this website. Maybe someone can help me!? I'm 17 and have been diagnosted with perioral dermatitis. I've had it for about 10 months now and when I use antibiotics long enought it almosts goes away but as soon as I stop using them it comes back worst. I don't mind being on antibiotics but I don't think I will be able to use them indefinitely. What else can I do!?

By Eleanor on Sunday, February 24, 2008 - 08:14 pm:

Shielding lotion is something I discovered on this website, otherwise I'd never have heard of it. I read about it on the main news page that you see when you log on, in an article about the natural barrier of the skin being deficient in people with eczema. I think they call it fillagrin disfunction and its genetic. The article says that a shielding lotion is the best thing to use until they find a cure. I was skeptical, but typed it into my search engine and foung the skin md website, which explains how it works. I bought a bottle and can honestly say its the ONLY thing i have put on my face that doesnt cause a reaction and I'm usually hyper, hyper sensitive, even water usually sets me off!!! My skin is miles better now. Unfortunately you cant get it on prescription in UK. I hope this changes.

By wheatfreecured on Friday, February 22, 2008 - 09:55 pm:

Eleanor and Miss alergic,

Have you considered your toothpaste?

See this article:

aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_perioral.html

Eleanor, you have touch on this with the make up as a cause... something to think about. Cut and paste this site..

Research... take control of yourselves.

By miss allergic on Friday, February 22, 2008 - 03:43 pm:

Hi Eleanor, You talk of a shielding Cream that is a new one for me. Did a dermatologist recommend that for you? How long have you been using that for? Is it effect on the face? Sorry about the twenty questions!!

By Eleanor on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 10:41 am:

How to get your confidence (and life) back:
1:Get a bottle of shielding lotion off the internet. It is a brand new product and it forms a barrier against allergens, so basically, whatever makeup you use after that won't flare you up. It can also be used before you use sun cream, to stop all the nasty chemicals getting in your bloodstream.
2:If your skin is red and angry, put a layer of mild steroid like hydrocortisone on your skin about 5 mins BEFORE using the shielding lotion. Don't put the shielding lotion on first, because it will block the steroid. After a few days, your skin will calm down and you won't need the steroid.
3:Slap on a really good foundation. I use body shop, but use whatever suits you. Remember, the lotion will stop your skin reacting to the makeup.
4:use green powder or concealer to minimise redness. Avene do a good one called diroseal.
5:Put on the rest of your slap and enjoy yourself! Remove it with a gentle cleanser such as avene no rinse cleanser or body shop aloe vera. finish with shielding lotion to replenish natural barrier. Shielding lotion does not wash off.
I used to think eczema on the face was a disfigurement, but it can be disguised! The most important thing is smoothing the flaky bits so you can get a good base!

By danni.pants on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 12:05 pm:

if anyone is living in the UK there is a great range of make up to use called No.7 (u can get it in boots) or just go for the expense stuff at the end of the day its ur self confidence u are investing in. but if ur face if dry and flaky like mine best to just moisturise till ur blue in the face and then wear make up or if ur going out put make up on the non-flaky parts and try not to cover it up as it just makes it worse. hope this help wi feeling a little bit better.

By miss allergic on Friday, February 15, 2008 - 09:14 pm:

Hi there everyone

Facial Eczema really is the worst as there is nowhere to hide! I am sick of people asking me " have you been to the sunbeds" or " do you know all around your eyes are puffy and red" To control my eczema which I get around my eyes and on my forehead I use Doublebase then with elidel and daktacort for flares. I dont use any eyeshadows or mascara for fear of flares. I use touch eclat by YSL concealer to cover redness if i am having a flare. I hope this may help people. Good luck, really it is hard to stay positive when having a facial flare but as my family tell me life has to go on.

By siblob on Monday, February 11, 2008 - 02:48 pm:

I've had eczema on my face for 36 years and have been using hydrocortisone on and off for the same length of time -as a result my skin is quite thin. I couldn't find a moisturiser that would work for me until i tried creme de la mer. I know its amazingly expensive but it also works. I also use dermalogica super rich moisturiser in the evenings. Have bought a juicer recently and have found a definite improvment in my skin. I don't think i'll ever be able to cure my eczema but if i can just get it to a manageable level i'll be happy.

By laura on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 08:27 pm:

For all those who suffer eczema on the lips and around the mouth -- I share your pain and embarrassment. I have seen 7 dermatologists in Melbourne and New York and been tested for all allergies. Finally, the best doctor told me simply that I have atopic eczema and have to leave with it and treat it. He gave me Protopic, a non-cortisone cream which works amazingly. It is safe to use long term and I am finally starting to feel normal again. I recommend it.

By Harvir on Sunday, December 16, 2007 - 06:17 pm:

I think its important that to investigate daiy products as a result of some forms of Ezcema because for instance i have not had any milk this evening and I have found that possibly just having milk in the cereal gives me enough milk for the day. I think that with having possibly no milk on its own can course facial ezcema. lets try sticking to the one glass for now in the evening before bed and see what happens in the morning.

By Harvir on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - 09:47 pm:

I had dry skin oriantated Ecaema I that throughout the years I was just prescribed Hydrocortosone, Emuvate ointment same umbrella as Hydrocortozone etc, then i resorted to having a bath with Emulsifying ointment again this worked temperarely however, it was great to use n the bath and especially on the face. The sooner rather than later I was prescribed to use Alternative medication so i resorted to Magik Bath Salt which u can pick up from Holland and Barrat. It seemed to do the trick and stilldoes to sa huge degreee. There are time where I have resorted back to using Coconut oil but i might invstigate to see how this oil works in conjunction with the Hydrous cream which i recently picked up from the Chemists at Boots. Anyone else tried this method please contact me by responding to this message.

By AHatty on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 08:31 pm:

As I'm writing this message, all my friends are out celebrating a 21st birthday...I had to give it a miss at the last minute due to a flare up of facial eczema.

I've has eczema all my life, but only recently has it started to appear on my face. I used to cry when I had to wear long sleeves and trousers in order to cover up my sore bits, but I never appreciated how lucky I was that I COULD cover it up! Now that it's on my face, I've realised the full horrors of eczema...there's no escape.

Finding this site has helped though, it's nice to know that I'm not alone.

By Bee on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 07:04 pm:

Thanks Peter. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to me, and I know you are right. It's just tough you know but I will try and tell him sooner rather than later. Your response really touched me so I wanted to say thank you.

Re lipstick, I have had all sorts of patch and allergy testing done and I am definitely not allergic to my lipstick but you have a good point in asking.

I have found that Calmurid Cream by Galderma seems to be easing the redness this past week. Can be bought from any chemists so I recommend anyone to try that who has found nothing else works!

By Peter on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 10:49 am:

Bee, I know it is easy to say, but if somebody truly loves you, they will love you for who you really are and not superficial physical appearance. I am sure you have seen couples and could not understand how they could have possibly been physically attracted to each other. One of my heroes is Simon Weston, the Welsh Guardsman who got horrifically burnt, with terrible facial disfigurement, but he subsequently married a beautiful girl and they have children: his personality obviously shone through.

You should take the earliest opportunity to casually mention your eczema to your boyfriend – don’t be apologetic” I hope you don’t mind etc.” Above all simply be your true self. You may not be religious, but the theme of a sermon I heard a few years ago has had a deep effect on me” God loves us as we are, not as we would like to be, nor as others would have us-but simply as we are.”

You must have considered it-but as most of your face has cleared up except around your lips,could it be your lipstick?

By Bee on Saturday, June 23, 2007 - 05:52 pm:

Can anyone help with an embarrassing ezcema problem? I was diagnosed with eczema around my mouth about 3 years ago (when I was 30). I never had eczema as a child so this was a first for me. Since then I have gone through 3 nightmare years where it spread to my whole face. I have seen 3 dermatologists now and no-one can help! I seem to have got most of the facial ezcema under control but I just can't find anything that helps the skin around my mouth. I am at my wit's end. I look like a clown and it is totally destroying my confidence and ruining my life. I have tried most of the usual creams (steroid and non steroid etc)but nothing soothes it. I have been single for several years and this certainly hasn't helped as I don't go out when it's at its worst. I have now met a great guy but I don't know how to tell him. It's a very new relationship but whenever we kiss, my lips and the surrounding area goes so bright red and burn and I just run off before he can see! He thinks he has just smudged my lipstick - how can I tell him its eczema! I don't know how I will be able to conduct a normal relationship with him. I know it sounds crazy but does anyone else suffer more after kissing - what do you do? And shall I tell him?

By Sufferer on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 12:39 am:

I dont have scaly skin - its soft just dark spots on my head and dark all around my eyes. mouth and few places on my cheeks. still think its eczema

By jean9v on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 09:02 pm:

Suffer....

not saying that you have this... but I googled: dark patches skin asian ... and this was a part of that group...

take a look:
scalyskin.org/content.cfm?ContentID=193&ColumnID=35

start to sift thru some of these sites to find your answer

By Suffere on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 08:00 pm:

can someone tell me what eczema i have, Im asian and of dark skin, but the area around my mouth, my nose, bit on the forehead and around my ears is real dark - i dont feel like scratching it only maybe on my head recently - thought first it was razor burn and started using sensitive skin shaving foam/gel from age of 16 but 16 yrs later still got the marks, its only around my face. I think winters its worse face feels so dry and goes dark. i have been using hyrocortisone and O equate was teh best i ever used when i got some from walmart in florida. the hydrocortisone creams here stop the itch but not the mild falring of my head, and the dark patches around my eye. if someonce can tell me if this is eczema doctors a re hopeless

By Alex on Thursday, March 22, 2007 - 10:40 am:

Hi Jake

You can buy Shea Butter from The Body Shop and I would also imagine you can get it from health stores - I get mine from the Body Shop and I think it would help your lips, it is a very healing mousturiser and I try it on my eczema when it flares up and I sometimes don't have to resort to the steroid creams - I would really recommend it.

Hope your lips are a bit better, take care.

By jake on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 08:39 pm:

Great to find this site, with people who know what it's like!!
Had eczema since a teenager (37 now), but only in past few years has it been on my face (particularly eyes and lips) Tried everything, steroids (creams and tablets, plus stroid eye drops), protopic and elidel. Only thing that really clears it up is the steroid tablets, but obviously not ideal. Lips are worst at moment, feel like they're too small for my mouth as so stretched, swollen, flaky and sting like crazy. Trying to just use doublebase (vaseline seems to make them worse), but wondering about shea butter after having read this site. I'm in the UK, is it available freely here from high street stores? Also, been reading about elave products, anyone tried them, would love an opinion from someone who knows!
Thank you

By Carmen on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 03:07 pm:

Hi everyone,

It was such a relief to find this website!
I was in tears this morning because the eczema around my mouth is so bad, very red (it looks like a weird moustache!!) inflamed & itchy, but after reading this site I feel much better knowing that others suffer from the same problem!

I have had ezcema all my life, only on my body up until the past few years. Now the ezcema on my body is under control, it rarely bothers me, but the ezcema on my top lip is awful.
I'm so self concious about it, I wish it was anywhere else on my body, just not around my mouth!
I feel so depressed & unattractive because of it. Im only 20 years old, Im supposed to be out enjoying myself, looking gorgeous! I love fashion & make up & looking good, like any other 20 year old, then my face flares up & think, whats the point in wearing gorgeous shoes & clothes when I look like a freak anyway!

I have tried so many different things on my face, mostly steriods, after reading your posts I will be trying to steer clear of steriods & try something else!

Anyway I'm just glad Im not alone!
And if anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it!

By totallie on Monday, October 16, 2006 - 12:45 pm:

Hello everyone. i am new to this site and can I just say I am SO glad I found this site - For ages I thought I was the only one who suffered from eczema around the mouth and eyes. (I also have Hayfever, so you can imagine how 'fun' this gets for me in the summer!) It's horrible, my skin is either red and ugly or it's flaky and dry - it drives me MAD!!!! (Not to mention the god-awful itch which you JUST HAVE TO SCRATCH!!) It does nothing for my self esteem, and my job means I am constantly face to face with people, and I am very self- conscious as to what people think when they see my skin. I'm not a shy person but having eczema and flaky skin on your face does nothing for your self esteem and it really gets me down sometimes. I am now trying Eucerin face cream day and night, and trying to conceal the redness to some extent. I have been using Hydrocortisone cream sparingly on my face but i'm very wary of constant use of it.

If anyone has any suggestions as to what's best to use on facial eczema (moisturisers or whatever), I would be most grateful to hear of them!

For now I'm going to keep trying Eucerin, so fingers crossed!!!

By xyz on Friday, September 29, 2006 - 05:57 am:

Don't apply any creams on your face or bleaching agents because long run use of creams makes your face get worst. Since it is my personal experience, and finally I got perioral dermatitis.

Try to avoid all the creams which will give you beautiful skin forever. Still you have time

Good Luck

By Dom on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 03:39 pm:

Hi Alex

'Fraid the summer's not great for me. Like you I get hayfever which hasn't been too bad this year. I remember last year though I had a dreadful period where I could hardly open my eyes at work. Every time I looked at the computer screen it stung and tears were pouring down my face. I had to go home and lie down in a dark room. It was shocking. Mind you didn't have any skin problems then.

My skin's sort of alright at the moment but it's still fairly red and itchy down either side of my nose. I find it helps if I put sunblock on regularly but I guess that will irritate it eventually. I'm back at the derm next week and I'll have another go with questions,etc. I reckon though he'll try to sign me off.

Anyway, glad to hear you're bearing up and thanks for asking.

Cheers

By Alex on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 11:32 am:

Hi Dom

Sorry to hear about your skin going bad, its horrible when you have flare ups and when it just won't behave itself so I totally sympathise with you.

In general I find my skin tends to behave more in the Summer, I suffer more in the Winter (I think it has alot to do with central heating and the changes in temperature your body goes through). But I have had horrendous hay fever all weekend, my eyes have been like bull frogs and so itchy! They have calmed down a lot today thank God as I looked a fright!

There's always something isn't there?!?!

Oh, and tell me about the healthy thing - I am the same! I drink at least 2 litres of water a day, have lots of fruit and veg every day, exercise 2 - 3 times a week and feel like I always have something wrong with me - some kind of allergy, or sinus or skin problem! I have friends who do NOTHING and don't bother about what they eat who never suffer from anything! So frustrating isn't it?

One thing I say to myself though is I know I am healthy so I shouldn't worry too much about my skin etc and just carry on with my exercise etc. Luckily I am fine (touch wood) at the minute so I can keep the running and gym up.

How is the hot weather for you - bad or good??

x

By Dom on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 10:51 am:

Hi Alex

Yes, first summer with the skin problems and it's as big as challenge as I thought it would be. I went for a run after work one day and it was a bit of a mistake. Put sun block on but the next day the butterfly formation on my face was fairly lively and my neck began to get a bit red and itchy. Nothing as bad as it was at Xmas but uncomfortable nevertheless. I'm sure it all stems from putting steroid cream on my face which is so frustrating. I guess it probably didn't help being on TC and going in the sun which they say you should be wary of. Anyway, I know I shouldn't but I've dabbed a bit of elocon on my neck and it works almost immediately. It also has the effect of cooling the redness on my cheeks down which is good but at the same time somehow a little alarming. Steroid induced rosacea is a bugger. Oh for the days when I could go for a run, play footie or have a few beers and a curry without even thinking of how I'll feel the next day! I tend not to take any supplements because in the past they don't agree with me. I've taken cod liver oil tablets, vit e, etc and usually they bring my skin up. The worst thing is I'm pretty healthy, drink loads of water, fruit and veg, exercise, etc.

Anyway, enough of me moaning, it could be worse. How are you? Are you coping with the heat? Is it a plus or a negative for you?

Cheers

Dom

By Alex on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 02:50 pm:

Hi Dom

How is your skin doing? In your last post you said it was quite bad? How is it going now?

I keep meaning to ask you as well, do you take any natural supplements that are recommended for skin problems like Omega 3 or Vitamin C or Zinc? If so, do you feel any difference?

x

By had enough on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 05:30 pm:

Alex, Just read your message and noticed that you mentioned about the water in your area being an irritant. I brought a water softener about 6 months ago to try to relieve my eczema. It has by no means cured me but I do find that I dont dread having a bath or shower anymore because the water less painful. I really would recommended it! and most places will give you a months trial!

Hope that is helpful!

By Dom on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 05:11 pm:

Hi Alex

Wow - a 12 minute improvement is some margin. Must be happy with that especially as your skin hasn't flared up. You'll be doing a full marathon before you know it.

My face got quite red, sore and itchy the other week so I've had to go back on the Tetracycline - just 2 a day and it soothed it almost immediately. Thing is as soon as I come off it it's okay but once I have a trigger (exercising, drinking too much, spicey food, hot water,etc) it tends to come back. Bit annoying. Still, nothing like as bad as it was at Xmas.

Off for a run now. Have an enjoyable long weekend.

Cheers

By Alex on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 09:32 am:

Hi Dom

Thanks for asking!! The run went really well, the weather was perfect for running in cos the drizzle kept us cool. We ran it in 53 minutes which I was really pleased about as I improved my time by 12 mins from last year (did it in 1 hr 05 mins last time). Looking in to doing the Liverpool Half Marathon next March now! Scary thought but I never thought I would ever be able to run 10km so why not?!

How are you? How is your skin doing? Mine seems to be behaving itself at the minute (touch wood!).

xx

By Dom on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 09:21 pm:

Hi Alex

How did the run go? Saw a bit of it on the telly. Weather looked okay for running.

Cheers

Dom

By bambergsweet on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 07:29 am:

I am a very sexy woman with eczema and it makes me very very self conscious.I know no one else with it and I wonder how others deal with having it??

By Alex on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 09:24 pm:

Hi again Dom

Its 10km - 6.2 miles. I did it last year too. I am hoping that the weather we are having here in the North sticks like it has - its dull and rainy and about 16 degrees - perfect running weather! We did our trial run on Friday and it was really hot - not pleasant to run in!

Anyway, take care and keep me posted how you are getting on,

Speak soon,

Alex x

By Dom on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 07:58 pm:

Hi Alex

Glad everything's going okay and also that Mark is fine too. I've heard good things about shea butter but I'm still at that stage where I'm a bit wary about putting anything new on my face in case it's aggravating. Occasionally, I wash using oatmeal in a sock which makes the water gentle. I'm sure the water where I live is an irritant.

Brave person doing the Manchester Run. How many miles is that - hope it's not too sunny that day!
Good luck!

Cheers

Dom

By Alex on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 10:08 am:

Hi Dom

Funny you should ask about my skin as I was very itchy this morning! But no eczema has come up cos I put a load of Shea Butter on the itch and its stopped. But my nipple was itching like mad last night as well! Its strange, I don't know what triggers it, but the itching has stopped now and no eczema has come up - very odd. I am still constantly scrutinising my face though as it was around this time last year that my perioral dermatitis started and I am so conscious of it coming back. Its been about 8 weeks since I finished the antibiotics now though and all is still OK (touch wood, fingers crossed!!!!).

Mark is OK - he has been to the Docs again today and his eczema in his ears has cleared up for the time being and he has drops and Hydrocortisone in case of a flare up. His mole is back to normal - it was just a scab on top that has now gone and its back to normal (thank God).

I think my skin gets drier with exercise like yours, I am training for the Great Manchester Run on Sunday and when I have been out for a run, I have to mousturise my face straight after my shower as it feels really tight. I don't think sweat helps skin problems!

Glad to hear your face is not as bad as it was, I bet its nice to feel free from tablets and steroids? I was thinking this morning when I was itching - oh God, I am going to have to get the dreaded steroid cream out! Touch wood, I won't have to.

Take care and stay in touch,

xx

By Dom on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 07:20 pm:

Hello Alex

Good to hear from you. How is your skin these days?

My skin has probably got a little worse recently. I played football in the sun a couple of times and remembered thinking "I bet I pay for this" and sure enough the next few days I was fairly blotchy and itchy on the face. It's settled down a bit now and doesn't look too bad but it's just a bit itchy and red which can be a little annoying. However, it's nothing like it was which is obviously a good thing. I've stopped taking tetracycline and am resisting putting any steroid on my face. Sometimes I think I'm having a personal battle with my skin. I get that feeling it's trying to get the better of me but I'm just withstanding it at the moment, but something might just trigger it (a shedful of lager or too much sun maybe).

Anyway, chin up. How's your fella doing?

Cheers

Dom

By Alex on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 12:08 pm:

Hello Dom and Ruth - was just wondering how you both were? Ruth - how much longer on the tablets? Dom - how are you??

Take care xx

By Dom on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 08:55 pm:

Hi Alex

Good to hear that everything's fine. I'm sure that's a relief for the both of you. Always best to get these things checked though there's sometimes the temptation not to bother!

Cheers

Dom

By Alex on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 02:09 pm:

Hey Dom

Just a quick update - Mark has been to the Docs this morning and they have had a magnifying glass on the mole and said it doesn't look too bad. But he has to go back in 2 weeks anyway to get his ears syringed as they are so bad due to his eczema and he wants to check on its progress then. But the good news is that he didn't jump back in alarm! He said it just looks like he has scratched it and knocked the head off. So we shall see. I feel a bit better about it now anyway,

Speak soon, take care

xx

By Alex on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 02:59 pm:

Sounds like your girlfriend did the right thing in forcing you down there! See, us women always know best!

Mark is at the Docs tomorrow so I will keep you posted,

Speak soon, take care,

Alex x

By Dom on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 02:50 pm:

Hi Alex

I remember I had got so depressed about my skin I couldn't face going to the doctors again. I had been about 6 times in 2 months and I was off work alot because I was in so much discomfort but my girlfriend more or less forced me down there to demand to see a derm.....and it worked.

Blimey, must do some work lol!

Cheers

By Alex on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:11 am:

Thanks for the concern Dom, don't worry I am pestering him to death until he makes an appointment. He has eczema in his ears and he needs to go about that anyway so he has two very good reasons to see the Doc now as his eczema in his ears has been driving him mad.

I know what you mean about steroid creams, but I still think they are better than immumo suppresents for eczema on the body. Obviously I would always tell people to STEER clear of putting it on their face!

Anyway, will let you know what happens with Mark, thanks for your concern.

xx

By Dom on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 10:15 am:

Hi Alex

Sorry to hear about your boyfriend. Things like that can be very worrying and you're right to get it checked out. In hindsight the derm was genuinely concerned about my toenail whilst I was in complete ignorance until I got home and looked it up. Just ensure sure he makes that appointment. I'm sure everything will be okay.

I'm going to stop taking the elocon today I think. Part of my problem was using steroid cream too much on my face which caused the redness and stinging. I was relying on it too much.

Anyway good luck and let me know how he gets on.

Cheers

Dom

By Alex on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 10:01 am:

Hey Dom, sounds like you are doing really well which I am so pleased about. And I am also glad to hear that the derm thinks your toe nail is OK, that must be such a relief. Ironically, I am worrying about something similar but its not on me, my boyfriend has found a dodgy mole on his stomach so I have told him to go straight to the Doctors about it as (heaven forbid) if there was anything wrong, its best caught straight away. There's like a small scab on top of a flat mole and I can't work out if its a dodgy mole or a blood blister but I am worried sick. I haven't told him how worried I am as he isn't worrying and I don't want to make things worse for him. He is going to make an appointment to see the Doc though so I am keeping everything crossed that he will be OK!!!!

So this time, its not my skin, its my fella's!

Another thing Dom, yes I would avoid Protopic as there is just not enough research been done on immuno suppresents. You will be fine using Elocon on your back if you use it sparingly cos your skin is thick there so I think that is definitely the safest option.

Take care and keep in touch xxx

By Dom on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 09:03 am:

Hi Alex and Ruth

Glad to hear you're over the worst of it Ruth. Like you I've reduced the tetracycline to just one a day. I may stop next week but you get a bit worried that something will come back! I've kept some in reserve like Alex suggested though. I don't think I've suffered side effects like yours though it does say it can cause rashes and dry skin I think which obviously won't help eczema.

I went back to the Derm who pulled the nail off. I had been applying lamisil and it was working. He will send it for tests but is pretty sure it's okay. That was a relief.

I'm off Elidel now. It made it worse on my back. Red and itchy. He tried to give me protopic but I think you had concerns about that Alex so I didn't want that. Instead I've got betonovate which has worked well on my neck. I'm using elocon on my back which is working too.

Overall, my face is looking good. It tends to get a bit blotchy and itchy after I play football or have a shower which is a bit annoying, especially with summer coming up. The water in London is horrible I reckon. Cetraben moisturiser has been good. I looked at the vinegar tablets but thought they were too expensive for me!

Anyway, compared to how I was at Xmas I'm so much better and can even look in the mirror.

Keep in touch!

Dom

By Alex on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 04:44 pm:

Hi Ruth,

Good to hear you are doing so well!! Gosh, sounds like you have suffered with side effects, I didn't have any (apart from thrush which is very common when you have any antibiotics!!! Annoying!). At least you will be off them soon and at least you will be taking less too.

Dom - let us know how you are!!

Take care xxx

By Ruth on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 04:26 pm:

Hi Alex and Dom, I'm still alive, just had a busy couple of weeks!. Yes I went back to my GP who suggested I reduce the dose of the tetracycline from 500mg to 250mg twice a day for the next 4 weeks and then 250mg once a day for the final couple of weeks so I feel like I'm on the home straight as it were! They really are nasty things, I think I've had nearly every side effect at some time over the past 2 months - headaches, nausea, breathlessness, tiredness, thrush, you name it I've had it! But on the plus side the skin on my face is great. I'm lucky in that I don't get eczema anywhere else (at the moment!) so I really feel for you guys who do. Glad to hear you're both pretty good at the minute though (apart from the toenails!). Speak soon, take care, Ruth x

By Alex on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 09:36 am:

Hi again Dom,

That made me laugh about not wanting to scratch above your bum - not a very attractive sight! Imagine me trying not to scratch my nipples and trying to do it discreetly! Would definitely be getting a few odd looks!

That Salcura stuff looks fantastic, and I would definitely consider using it if my eczema got bad again - I know its expensive but it would be worth it to not have to put immuno suppresents or pesky steroids on your skin wouldn't it? Have you spoken to your derm about it at all? I know what you mean that they don't like questions - my GP was the same and openly told me it was because he didn't know enough about it to answer my questions!! To be fair to them though, GP's aren't skin specialists are they? I have to say my GP has been very good with me in the past for other things, and listened to me when I diagnosed myself with perioral dermatitis and asked if I wanted a job when I diagnosed myself right!

I do think GP's do need more training for skin related diseases and problems as that is always your first port of call and it seems to me that it takes a very severe or a long ongoing case before they will even consider referring you to a derm.

Anyway, I have rambled on a bit there, sorry!

Let me know how you get on with the derm and what happens with your foot,

Take care, speak soon
xx

By Dom on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 07:39 am:

Hi Alex

Yes, I'm sure the toe nail isn't a problem. I play alot of football (less so recently due to the eczema)and my feet are horrible but as you say it's best to get it checked.

I mentioned the cancer warnings to the derm last time and he said not to worry, just use it for flare ups. Hmm, I'm not getting flare ups as it hasn't actually gone yet. I'm using the stuff every day. I'll tackle him again tomorrow (got my days wrong for the appointment). I was probably a bit weak tackling him about it last time. I find you have to be strong with these people or you tend to handover all responsibility to them which isn't in one's interest. Sometimes, I get the impression they don't like being questionned much.

I'm in London so I'll pop out to H&B at lunchtime to buy some apple vinegar tablets. They sound good.

Luckily, I haven't had itchy patches in delicate areas as it were. The nearest is an itchy patch just above the backside so I have to make sure I don't scratch there as it doesn't look too attractive!

Link to Salcura
http://www.salcuraskincare.co.uk/?keyword=salcura

Anyway, speak to you later. Hope Ruth's skin is okay.

Cheers

Dom

By Alex on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 04:12 pm:

Hi again Dom,

Good to hear from you. Sounds like your derm is a bit apathetic to your problems - that frustrates me so much! I can understand why you are so unsure of Elidel, I have to admit after my experience with Protopic, I am very wary of immuno suppresents, especially after the FDA warning about skin cancer. And the burning sensation just adds to the itch!

I wouldn't worry too much about your black toe nail- I have had black toe nails and my toe nails have frequently fallen off as a result of running (I can relate to having horrible feet, I run a lot and its just an unfortunate side effect!) But its a good thing he is checking it if he is unsure.

I got the Apple Cider Vinegar tablets from the health food shop, Holland and Barrett (can't remember - are you in the UK? If not, you can pick them up in any health food shop or you can buy them on the net). I think they have helped me as I have seen a massive improvement in my skin i.e. no horrid itchy patches - yes, they are the worst!! I think the worst I have ever had was on my nipple though - horrible!

I bet you are glad to reduce the tetracycline too, they are big tablets aren't they?!

I haven't heard of that Salcura - whats it supposed to be good for - eczema?

By Dom on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 03:10 pm:

Hi Alex

Incidentally, have you heard of something called Salcura. Meant to be wonderful but very expensive.

By Dom on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 03:06 pm:

Hello Alex

Good to hear from you. Well, I went back to the derm. My skin was good but still there if you know what I mean. The derm could see it was alot better than it was and wasn't that interested to be honest. Unfortunately, he's more interested in a black toenail I've had for ages from playing football for years. I've just always had horrible feet lol! I'm sure it's okay as it doesn't hurt but he wants to take tests on it. Can be a sign of melanoma apparently which I wasn't aware of. I'm back there tomorrow.

Anyway, back to the skin. It got a bit worse on the back the last few days. I think I may have been applying too much Elidel and aggravated it. Not too sure about Elidel I have to admit. At least the Elocon gets rid of the itch straight away. I'll ask him tomorrow about it. All told though my skin is alot better but still a bit itchy and sore. My face has a lovely healthy glow though! I've reduced the tetracycline to just 1 a day now.

Where did you get the apple cider vinegar tablets from? They sound interesting. Anything that's not a cream or a tablet has to be a plus.

I'm glad your skin's is still looking good. Aren't those itchy patches the worst!

Good to hear from you.

Cheers

Dom

By Alex on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 10:08 am:

Hey Ruth and Dom, where have you gone??

Dom - how is your skin and how did you get on at the Dermatologists a few weeks ago?

Ruth - how are you at the minute and have you been back to the Docs for a check up yet?

Just wondering how you both were!!

My eczema is really behaving itself at the moment (touch wood), I have been taking Apple Cider Vinegar tablets which I read were very good for a number of things including skin problems as they cleanse your system and work to get rid of bad fats. All the itchy patches I had have gone and I don't know if its down to that or not but I am going to keep on taking it anyway!

By So on Tuesday, April 04, 2006 - 12:58 am:

Can anyone please give me information about eczema and Hyper IgE syndrome?

By Alex on Monday, April 03, 2006 - 10:41 am:

HI again Ruth

When I went back to the Docs for my 8 week check up, he just said that he thought I should carry on taking the tablets for another 8 weeks, the same dosage. So I did that and its nearly a month since I stopped taking them now and the redness around my nose has gradually reduced over the past few weeks. I think its Different Strokes for Different Folks really. Some people may need to be weaned off but I just took the same dose for 16 weeks. I still have some in the cupboard just in case!!

xx

By Ruth on Sunday, April 02, 2006 - 07:19 pm:

Hi again Alex and Dom, glad for both of you that your eczema is behaving itself at the moment. My face is well - still a little redness around my nose especially after showering or washing my face on an evening but I can easily live with that considering what I know it can be like! I've a question for you Alex as you've stopped taking the Tetracycline - we're you gradually weaned off the tablets or did you just stop taking them once your course had run out? I've read on various sites that you should gradually reduce the dose over a few weeks but my doctor said nothing about this, obviously I'll go and see her soon but was just wondering what you were advised to do?
Ruth.

By KA on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 02:24 am:

I've spent a couple of late nights reading all these posts, and I empathise with all of you. I'm a 19 year old guy, a student in Manchester, and my eczema kicked in in a big way when I was 16, brought on by exam stress. I have used most of the steroid ointments, and as my eczema has been bad I have been using elocon ointment, both on my body and on my face, which I know is just wrong, but its often the case of 'the devil you know'. I have tried both Protopic and Elidel, and I plan to go back on the Protopic for my face in the Easter holidays next week! At least if I turn into a weeping, oozing, burning mess, I won't have to do it in the company of 200 fellow students. Anyway, it's just good to hear the views of people in a similar situation, and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I know personally that I've learnt a hell of a lot about myself and my inner srength in the past three years, and in a sick kind of way, I think I'm a stronger person for it.

By Alex on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 04:38 pm:

Hi again Dom,

Glad to hear your skin is getting better, I know how much it gives you a boost when it starts to get better. And I know EXACTLY what you mean by that pushing your finger on your skin thing! Like it doesn't itch but its fluttery and tingly - strange feeling.

I know what you mean about coming off the steroids, its a real relief isn't it? I look at my tube in the cabinet with real disdain now! But I have to keep it in case I have breakouts on my body.

I agree with you about people with skin problems being really nice as they know how it feels. The feeling of support and awareness I have got from this website has overwhelmed me. And I am so glad to have helped people, like Ruth. I am not sure if I am allowed to put websites on here but another amazing website is www.skincell.org

Thanks for asking about my skin, it is still fine (touch wood - I have to say that every time I say its OK for fear of jinxing myself!). My eczema on the rest of me is behaving itself at the minute too, but I think my hay fever is starting to rear its ugly head (the joys of being allergic hey! )

Anyway, glad to hear you doing better, let me know how you get on with the derm,

Take care,

Alex x

By Dom on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 02:48 pm:

Hi Alex

From what I've read up on, your description seems pretty spot on with regards to the long term effects of using supressing creams. Elidel is a pimecrolimus cream and is marketed as non steroid so I guess that's something at least. I was just glad to get off Elocon to be honest. I'm still on tetracycline and I think I'll keep on it for a little while.

My skin is probably the best it's been for a long time. The redness is going though there's still an underlying tendernes there which I may have to get used to. Nothing too bad though. It's not really an itch more it's just when I press the skin you kindof want to do it again. Bit hard to explain. People have commented that my skin's the best it's looked for a long time which is nice. It really does make you feel miserable and down. I've found that people who have had skin problems, especially visisble ones, are usually some of the nicest people I've met as there's frequently an "awareness" about them that's missing in others.

Anyway, hope all is well and that your skin is stil okay. You seem to be well on track.I'm back at the Derm on Thursday and will update you.

Cheers

By Paramjit on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 03:58 pm:

Hi everyone especially Pam and Donna hope your smiling my name is Paramjit i have had eczema for 18 years have you tried Neem Oil Shampoo and Neem Oil Conditioner and Pure Neem Oil for your problem? they restore health and vitality to the hair and scalp and are pH balanced suitable for people with itchy,dry hair and scalp conditions i use this for my itchy scalp it really helps alot and clears the problem the Neem Oil Conditioner smells beautiful these are natural products they are free from chemicals like Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulphate and are preservative free go to the website www.theneemteam.co.uk
and see what you think they also have natural skin creams their contact number is 029 2088 1926 they are based in England.
i hope you feel better soon keep smiling i know this problem can get you down give this a try and remember its whats on the inside that counts not on the outside everyone on this website is very beautiful because we help learn understand and listen to each other that is very special to each and every one of us. keep in touch everyone.Paramjit xxx

By PAM on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 09:29 am:

Donna,

Have you tried Oilatum shampoo it works for me.
Good luck!

By Donna on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 10:53 pm:

Wow, there is a lot of people with Excema and Psoriasis. I have had it a long time now with my asthma and hayfever, and its annoying when I wanna wear knee high boots or nice tops, but the worst part is the scalp condition i cannot stop itching more so when i have washed my hair. people prob think i have nits in my hair. im 24 soon yet cannot find a shampoo or conditioner that helps =( gets annoying when white bits end up on my lovely tops whilst in uni lectures grrr lol The only thing i know that helps is a sun bed and the sunshine in the summer im worse in the winter to anyhow hope sunshine helps others... would have thought there be a cure by now :-O its bloomming annoying anyhow... all take care byee x

By Alex on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 09:46 am:

Hi Dom,

Glad to hear your neck is getting better, I bet it is such a relief for you.

I was put on Protopic a while ago when they thought my PD was eczema. I only used it twice cos it was awful and after reading the leaflet I got the fright of my life! It burned when I put it on, it was sticky and shiny, it had a skin cancer warning, you can't have a drink whilst using it as you will go bright red, you can't take certain pain killers... Is Elidel like that? I know they are the same group of cream you see. I think Protopic is more hassle than its worth and I don't think there is enough research done on it.

I think the cancer warnings are because the creams attack your immune system. The way my Doc described it was that if you have eczema you have an overactive immune system and these creams are immuno-suppresants. So in effect, it dampens down your immune system where you put the cream, which makes the skin weaker i.e. you are more likely to get skin cancer or other cancers in these areas as you have low immunity in these areas.

This is how it was described to me and what I have read up on it. But like you say it is best to talk it through with your derm, as I think this is only a slight risk and maybe worth it if it stops your eczema. The Derm is the best person to talk to as you say as he has all the evidence etc on it.

Good Luck and let us know how you get on x

By Dom on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 07:31 pm:

Hello all

Excellent news on the burning front Ruth. Funnily enough I saw toothpaste mentioned here and I went to Holland & Barratt to see if I could find any - without success. Having read what it's like I think I'll give it a miss now!

My neck's alot better. The lumps are down and it's now just kind of red and a little bit itchy but not too bad. I'm off Elocon which is a bit of a relief and I'm using Elidel now. I'm going to ask the derm about the American cancer warnings when I'm back there next week.

Bye for now.

By Alex on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 11:39 am:

Hi Ruth

I bought a toothpaste without Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and it was so disgusting!! I tried it once then spat is straight back out! It isn't a minty fresh taste, put it that way!

Anyway, I don't think our perioral dermatitis was caused by toothpaste, I think it was caused by the steroid creams. I am the same as you - the skin on the side of my nose is also very slightly pink but not noticable and it doesn't bother me at all.

From what I have read about PD, I can only think it must have been caused by the steroid creams, especially in your case as you had such a bad withdrawal from it. It was obviously doing you more harm than good!!

Like I say, my experience of 'natural' toothpastes was not good and you would certainly not have fresh breath after using them! I would stick to what you are using, as you have been using it for years so it is highly unlikely that your body would suddenly take against it, and far more likely that it was caused by those pesky steroids!!

I have a small patch of eczema on my hand at the minute that I am trying to keep at bay with a mousturiser as I am terrified of putting my Elocon on it and putting my hand on my face by accident! How paranoid am I?!

By Ruth on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 10:09 am:

The pain was well worth it Alex. The skin each side of my nose is still a little pink but apart from that it's totally cleared up. Did you have to change your toothpaste in the end or are you using your normal one? I'm still using the one I've been using for years but was wondering if I should change to a one without sodium laurel sulphate.
How's your neck Dom, is it on the mend?

By Alex on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 02:41 pm:

Hi Ruth,

I am SO happy for you, I know exactly how you feel as well, I forgot what it was like to have normal skin! Was all the pain worth it in the end then?

I can't tell you how pleased I am for you!

By Ruth on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 01:54 pm:

Good news guys, my face is practically back to normal (I can just about remember what that is like!). I have a small dry patch on my nose and thats it, completely clear 2 weeks into the course. It's amazing how something like this completely zaps your confidence, I feel so much better about myself now that it has cleared up and just hope that it stays away for good.

By Dom on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 06:33 pm:

Excellent news on the burning Ruth! I bet the relief is enormous. It was the worst pain I've every experienced. It's only when you start getting better that you realise how dreadful it was. Tetracycline seems quite powerful once it kicks in.

I'm still on the tetracycline Alex. Take your point about not liking them but they certainly seem to work. At least you know you can go back on them if you have a flare up.

My neck's alot better thanks. The lumps have gone down, now just red but I feel so much better in myself. Just 3 more days on the strong stuff. I keep having this dreadful thought that I'll get my tubes of cream mixed up and put Elocon on my face by mistake. What a thought.

Incidentally, the derm gave me a moisturiser I hadn't heard of before called Cetraben. Like it so far.

Speak to you later.

By Alex on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:10 am:

Hooray Ruth! I am so happy for you. Just keep your face well mousturised and hopefully the dryness will ease up. I really am so glad for you, I was beginning to worry about you.

Dom, I have been off the tetracycline for 10 days now and all is still well (fingers crossed that it stays like that!). I have to say I am glad to be off them as I was starting to feel like a tablet machine and felt like I rattled when I walked ! I am still rushing to the mirror in the morning to check my face! I was on them for about 14 weeks (just over 3 months). One thing I will NEVER ever do ever again is let a steroid cream touch my face.

Dom, how is your neck now?

By Ruth on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:57 am:

Good news at last! My face is on the mend! The burning has stopped and the redness has reduced to a rather nice pink so it seems as if the antibiotics are working nicely. My face is still really dry and tight though with lots of raggy bits of skin - very attractive! But I am really happy now and feel so much better about the whole thing.
Dom, hope your neck continues to get better and the steroids don't cause any reaction on your face. Let us know how it goes, Ruth.

By Dom on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 05:08 pm:

Hello all

Hmmm, here's me saying get off the steroids and here's me back on it. I saw the derm and have to say he was a nice bloke and did a proper 40 min consultation where he looked at all my skin and asked questions, unlike the GPs who in hindsight were poor. Anyway I've got these big lumps on my neck which the tetracycline weren't clearing up. The derm advised me to take Elecon for just 1 week followed by Elidel. I wasn't happy about this but he got another derm in who said a week should be okay as the lumps needed to be reduced somehow and this was the best way. Must make sure I don't get it on my face though.

Of course, the first thing you do when you get back is punch the stuff into Google to see what comes up and I'm not 100% sure but I'll give it a go. The lumps have gone down a bit after just 1 day. What is this stuff? - the equivalent of a nuclear bomb - zaps everything in it's path but what about the after effects LOL! I do feel a bit better and aim to go back to work next week. I've been off for 2 weeks.

Anyway, I hope I'm not hijacking this thread. I'm glad the burning hasn't got any worse Ruth. It really is like cold turkey. Just have to get through it. Alex, are you still on the tetracycline?

By Alex on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 03:07 pm:

Oh God, Ruth, I really feel for you. Persevere with the antihistamines, it does take a while for them to get in to your bloodstream. When I speak to my Doctor about hay fever he always tells me to start taking them before the pollen season starts so that the antihistamines get in to my system to help combat the itching. So persevere!

Let us know how you are getting on (you too Dom, let us know about the neck, hope the Doctor didn't dare to mention steroids to you!).

xx

By Ruth on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 01:36 pm:

Well I've been off the steroid cream and on the antibiotics for a week now and I think the redness and itchiness has reached a plateau - its not getting any better but its not getting any worse so hopefully it may start to calm down in the next few days. I've been taking antihistamines for the last couple of days but I haven't noticed and difference but I'll keep going with them and see what happens. What did the doc say about your neck Dom, hopefully he didn't suggest the 's' word!

By Dom on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 08:23 pm:

I'm sorry you're suffering so much Ruth. Unless you've had this you can't begin to appreciate the pain involved. My burning was such that I used to wake up and my face would be weeping. The flannel's a good idea, I also tried putting cold plain yoghurt on my face. Sounds odd and it was messy but it gave me some relief. Another thing I tried was using one of those freezing packs that you put tins in to cool them down.

My doctor suggested anti histamines but I've found they just made me feel ill, bad tempered, etc though I'm sure this wasn't anything to do with the antibiotics so it could be worth trying.

At the moment I'm burn free though still a bit itchy. Tetracycline tends to dry my skin so it could be down to that. Of course, as Alex says I hope it doesn't come back when I'm off the tablets.

I'm off to the derm tomorrow about my skin on my neck...............I'm dreading him saying something along the lines of "ah yes, some steroid cream should clear that up". If he/she does I'll tell him bluntly what to do!

Good luck and keep persevering.

By Alex on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 04:23 pm:

Hi Ruth,

I didn't use oral antihistamines for the itching but I do have them for hay fever. I am sure they don't interfere with your tetracycline, read the leaflet you have with them. As far as I know the only things that affect their absorption are zinc, dairy products and antacids. And these only affect the absorption when taken up to 2 hours before or after you take the tablets. I have never read anything about antihistamines affecting them. Just check the leaflet you get with your antibiotics, but you should be fine. And I am sure they will help with the itching. I really hope it gets better soon. I am not surprised you are suffering side effects though if you have used it every day for 7 months. Hopefully it will get better in a few days.

Look after yourself and keep me posted on how you are xx

By Ruth on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 12:04 pm:

Thanks Dom and Alex for your comments. Didn't get much sleep last night, the itching was incredible. I'm not using the hydrocortisone cream though as I wouldn't know if it was that or the antibiotics that was making my skin better (if it does get better!) I'd been using the Betnovate every day for about 7 months but after reading so much about its side effects I'm so glad that I've stopped using it even though it's hell at the moment. One thing I've found that does relieve the burning is to put a damp flannel into the fridge and then lie with it over my face - its absolute heaven! Did either of you use oral antihistamines for the itching? I thought I could give them a whirl but I'd have to find out if it is OK to use them with the Tetracycline. Anyway, bye for now, Ruth.

By Alex on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 10:22 am:

Hi again Ruth, I have just had a quick look on steroid cream withdrawal symptoms and it does say that patients are often weaned off the steroids over a 2 week period to prevent too much pain and discomfort when coming off them. I think this is why he has given you Hydrocortisone. I can see why you don't want to use it though. But it sounds like the horrible things you are going through are normal. But if it carries on after 2 weeks with no improvement I would definitely go back to the Docs.

Let me know how you get on,

Take care x

By Alex on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 09:44 am:

Hi Ruth,

Oh my God, it sounds like you are really suffering. My face tingled and itched but it didn't burn badly like that. Having said that I had only been using the steroid cream on and off for about 6 months, how long have you been using it? Maybe it is a known withdrawal symptom which is why your Doctor gave you the Hydrocortisone. I am going to read up on that. Give your skin another week or so and if you are still experiencing the pain I would go back to the GP. I will see what I can find out about steroid cream withdrawal symptoms for you as well in the mean time.

But like Dom says hopefully you will be able to get away from those pesky steroids!

By Dom on Tuesday, March 07, 2006 - 06:39 pm:

Hello Ruth (and Alex) - If I may interject as I feel I had simillar problems when I gave up using steroid cream. I too had incredible pain. Never felt anything like it. How I would imagine a 3rd degree burn to be. I also had the itching. I don't think I slept for about a week. I couldn't stop scratching and my face was so dry. It then got infected from the scratching so try to avoid that. I was put on a course of antibiotics that got rid of the lesions I had developed but the burning continued for about 2 months. I was then put on a course of tetracyline and after about a month for me the burning started to peel and fade. Unfortunately, I then developed some sort of secondary infection on the neck which I'm seeing the derm about on Thursday but I think that's personal to me.

Anyway, hope the burning dies down. I still look back with horror at that. It will pay to be off that cream though. Do a google on steroid cream withdrawal symptoms or something like that.

Good luck.

Dom

By Ruth on Tuesday, March 07, 2006 - 04:28 pm:

Hi Alex, Just thought I'd report back! My face is in absolute agony, if feels like its on fire and is incredibly itchy. This is the fifth day since stopping using the steroid cream and starting the antibiotics and its showing no signs of getting better at the moment. I've given up on trying to hide the redness with make-up when I go out, I've resorted to the scarf pulled up to the eyes look! I know its just a case of waiting it out until the antibiotics start to work but I wish they would hurry up!

By Ruth on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 03:22 pm:

Thanks Alex for your quick response to my questions! I live in the UK too so I could try what you recommend. Yes I do drink a lot of water - that was one of my New Years resolutions (as well as eating at least 3 pieces of fruit a day)! You're right is does make a big difference to your skin. This is my first day without any Betnovate on my face and so far it's OK - I keep checking in the mirror for signs of flare-up. I've decided not to use the hydrocortisone cream prescribed with the antibiotics and just see how it goes - if it gets really bad in the next couple of days then I may use it. I'll let you know how I get on. Oh and thanks for the tip about alcohol consumption, I'll bear it in mind!
Bye for now!

By Alex on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 01:59 pm:

Another thing Ruth, try to drink 2 litres of water a day, I know some people think it is a myth but it really does help keep your skin and body hydrated x

By Alex on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 10:58 am:

Hi Ruth,

You don't have to thank me, I am glad I can help someone!

Well, like you say, your skin will get worse before it gets better, but the worst was over for me in 3 days. I didn't use any steroid cream at all, I just waited for the antibiotics to start to work. Please don't lose faith when your skin goes really bad, it is only because it is going cold turkey from the steriod cream which has poisoned your skin in the first place!

Anyway, my experience with the Tetracycline was that within a week my skin was well on the way to recovery, and within 2 weeks it was completely clear. My skin is fine now, and I just took my last antibiotics today! I am dreading coming off them cos I have read that it can come back but I am keeping all my fingers crossed that it has worked as I have been on them for 4 months now. The Doc wanted me to have them for a bit longer just in case.

My skin is now clear. The only thing is that my 'moustache' area above my lip is a little bit of a lighter colour than the area around my nose but that is only noticable to me, no one else! Thats cos I scrutinise my face in the mirror! But like I say it is barely noticable, its just me nit picking! And I am happy to have this as opposed to the horrible rash I had before!

Where are you from Ruth? I am in the UK you see, and I just wanted to check as I use Superdrug face wash and if you are in the US then you will not be able to get this. Anwyay, I use Superdrug Simply Pure face wash which is great, no perfume in it and it still foams up lovely and leaves my skin feeling fresh. And don't wash your face in hot water, just tepid. Then I use Shea Butter as a mousturiser. That is all I use on my face. If you are in the US or somewhere different then look out for the 'Simple' range or basically any face wash that has is 100% soap free with no perfume in it. Some people like E45 Emolliant Wash but I found this a horrible greasy face wash but it works for some.

One thing to be careful of, I have noticed that my alcohol tolerance is a lot lower whilst I am on antibiotics and if I drink too much on a night out, I have horrific hangovers!!! You can still drink but just watch that you don't go too overboard, or if you do then prepare yourself for a monster hangover!

Also, is you are on the pill then you need to take extra precautions (pain in the backside but worth it!), but I presume your Doc told you that if you are.

As I say, I took my last antibiotics today and I am praying I am rid of this horrible disease and I pray that you will be soon too. I am sure you will.

Please feel free to ask me any more questions, I really am happy to help! You can email me direct too if there is anything you don't want to ask on here, if you click on my name then it will show you my email address.

xxx

By Ruth on Thursday, March 02, 2006 - 05:17 pm:

Well I saw my doctor this morning armed with a huge wadge of info about PD and I was prescribed a 3 month course of Tetracycline! I realise that the next week or more is going to be pure hell as I won't be using the Betnovate which my skin obviously craves. Alex, how long did it take for the initial flare up to go down once you'd started the antibiotics and how is your face now - you must have just about finished your course? My doctor prescribed some Hydrocortisone cream to use for the first week or so to deal with the initial flare-up, did you use anything other than the shea butter and what facial wash and moisturiser do you use now?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions,
Ruth.

By Alex on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 03:42 pm:

Hi relieved Ruth,

I am so glad you found my comments useful, I know how frustrating it is and how much it gets you down, I was at the end of my tether. I found this website so useful and helpful, if it hadn't been for the internet, I would have still been listening to my GP! He actually didn't know much about PD and had to research the net about it himself!

Let us know how you get on with your Doctor and your treatment,

Take care x

By Relieved Ruth on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 04:57 pm:

Thank you very much Alex. I have just made an appointment with my GP to inform him that I have perioral dermatitis. I have been using steroid cream on my chin, sides of nose and round my eyes for the last 6 months, having been diagnosed with eczema. When I read your story I just kept thinking, that's me, that's me. Every time I thought I was clear and stopped using the Betnovate my skin flared up even worse than before. I now see light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to this wonderful website.

By no words on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 02:32 am:

I really am curious about a lot of things.I don't have eczema but have a family member that does. She is 21. She doesn't us alot of make-up. She is always scratching and breahing out. She has many patches on her face and arms. She also has many sores because of so much sratching.
I am in the 8th grade and know someone in my grade that has eczema. She wears long sleeve shirts and long jeans. She doesn't show no part of her body. Only her face and neck. I read an application for high school(by mistake )and she explained her condition and how for her it was defficult to see girls in the summer wearing tube tops, shorts, mini skirts,and bathing suits.All she could wear is heavy winter cloths.
I wont lie, i feel bad for her although that wont help,but i guess it's sad to be a teenager with a great body but can't show it. Can't wear the latest fashions.
Every time i look at her i feel her pain. I can see it in her eyes. I see that behind that fake smile is a sad face.Sad because she wants to wear what ever she wants and look good in it. It doesn't help that she is dark so I predict that you can see her eczema from far away.
I wish i had words to say in a better that I truely hope some day a cure for eczema is found.

By Alex on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 09:48 am:

Hi Getting Desperate,

I absolutely know how you feel and I am sure the tetracycline will help your skin no end - I have only been on it for 2 weeks and the improvement is amazing. So I am sure you will see an improvement. I would really recommend Shea Butter as well for mousturising and its healing qualities.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and I hope your skin behaves yourself over the festive period xxxx

By Getting Desperate on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 06:09 pm:

Hey again, well I finally got referred to see a dermatologist as I was also having the problem with really bad flare ups as soon as I stopped using steroids.

So in January I'm going to be starting UVB light treatment and I'm also starting a 4 month course of tetrocycline. I absolutely cannot wait and am praying I see a quick improvement!

For now, I'm just using steroids everyday to keep the redness down, its so difficult at this time of year with all the nights out and parties. Smoky hot pubs dont do your skin any favours! Hope you all have a great Christmas and your skin behaves itself so you can enjoy the festive season without worrying about it!

By Alex on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 11:06 am:

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say that my perioral dermatitis is now clearing up thanks to my antibiotics! And I personally think that the Shea Butter I am massaging in to it twice a day has worked wonders as well as my skin now feels so much smoother. I am still yet to try the toothpaste without lauryl sulphate but I am going to give that a whirl as well to see if that helps, although all that I have now is a slight redness at the sides of my nose - so, so much better than a red bumpy rash that looks like a goatee!

Hope everyone is keeping well and Merry Christmas to you all xxx

By Alex on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 08:59 am:

Thanks for that Jen, I have good days and bad days but one thing I am determined about is that I am not going to let it ruin my Christmas!

Seasons greetings to you as well, and your family. I hope your daughters eczema is under control for the festive season.

Have a wonderful Christmas xxx

By Jen on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 10:42 pm:

Alex,
people who say don't worry it's only ezcema,should try living with it for a few years. Perhaps then they'd understand what we as suferrers and parents have to face on a daily basis. That's why I think sites like this one should have a higher profile , to raise awareness of the daily effects of ezcema.

Keep smiling and don't let it run you down.

Seasons greetings by the way

By Alex on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 09:25 am:

Hi again Jen,

Well I don't think it is anything that I am eating as my diet hasn't changed in any way and I don't eat a lot of dairy or tomoatoes or wheat - the common triggers! I genuiunely think that it is down to putting the steroid cream on my face as whenever I did this it would go away then come back worse - which is a classic sign for this dermatitis - basically the steroid cream has poisoned my skin!! And when I stopped using it, my skin went really bad as I was told it would as it was going cold turkey from the steroids. It is calming down a little bit now, I am massaging shea butter in to it every night and that feels lovely and really stops the sort of tingly feeling on my face. And it seems to be reducing the redness slightly (touch wood). The antibiotics can take up to 6 weeks to start to work so I am going through pretty depressed stages when I look at myself in the mirror - its like having a bright red goatee beard! Not a good look!!

I don't know - sometimes I think 'Oh stop worrying, there are so many people worse off than you' but other times I can't help but feel despair when I look in the mirror.

How old is your daughter? This time of year is definitely the worst for eczema. I had it when I was younger all over my inner elbows and very badly on my eyelids, but I only suffer with mild eczema on my body now with very occasional bad flare ups so hopefully your daughter will grow out of it a little bit as well. Does she get it severely?

By Jen on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 10:05 pm:

Hi Alex,
it's my daughter who has the eczema, but it's more on her joints at this time of year.
We too use shea butter as an emollient, the pure stuff. It's great and works well [nice for hair too!].
I hadn't heard of perioral dermatitis before which is why I asked. Do you think you might be eating something you are allergic to, causing the rash on contact?

By Alex on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 10:31 am:

Hi Jen,

Perioral dermatitis is a rash around your mouth and chin. It is like bright red slightly raised bumps around your chin and mouth - the rash is located to this point which is how it is diagnosed. It looks slightly like eczema which is why I was given a steroid cream for it. This takes the rash away but then once you stop using the cream, it comes back WORSE!!! If you search on the internet for perioral dermatitis it will bring loads of sites up for you to look at and pictures - this is how I discovered about it and when I saw the pictures it was like looking in the mirror.

It can be caused by flouride in your toothpaste as well so I am off to Holland and Barrett to get some new toothpaste without lauryl sulphate in as this can anger it as well. And apparently shea butter can also help.

If you have a recurring rash around your mouth and chin and sometimes under the nose then it could be this - especially if you are finding that it comes back after the steroid cream takes it away.

Do you have something like this around your mouth? It is awful - at the minute mine is very bad as I have discontinued the use of the steroid cream so my skn is like cold turkey and it is very red and angry - thank God for make up. I know I probably shouldn't be wearing any but I can't leave the house looking like I do without it on - its dreadful.

I am just hoping the antibiotics start to take effect soon - I think they take up to 2 weeks to even start working. I just hope they do work!

Do you have a similar type of rash that has been diagnosed as eczema? How is yours? Do you suffer from any other type of eczema?

Feel free to mail me if you have any other questions x

By Jen on Thursday, December 08, 2005 - 10:56 pm:

Alex,what is perioral dermatitis ?

By Alex on Thursday, December 08, 2005 - 12:57 pm:

Well I have just been diagnosed with perioral dermatitis and am on 3 months of tetrocycline - I am keeping all fingers and toes crossed that it works!!!

By Alex on Tuesday, December 06, 2005 - 04:03 pm:

Has anyone heard of perioral dermatitis? After thinking I had eczema on my chin and around my mouth, I have now read about this disease and I am convinced this is what I have. I have looked at photos of this and my face looks exactly the same and apparently the main cause of it is steroids on your face - thanks Doc!! I am going to see my Doctor again tomorrow with all the details I have found off the internet to see if he can help me again.

Basically what happened with me was this - I noticed a rash on one side of my chin so I put a little Hydrocortisone on it. This didn't really seem to work, it reduced the redness a little bit but didn't take it away. So I went to the Doctors who decided that it was eczema and prescibed Elocon. So I started to use this and it took the rash away but then within a few weeks it was back - this is a classic symptom of perioral dermatitis - the steroid cream takes it away then when you stop using it, the dermatitis comes back with a vengeance - this has been happening to me!

Anyway, I went to the Docs last week (before I found out about perioral dermatitis) in despair and he started me on Protopic - this is so greasy and shiny and my face seems to be getting worse not better.

Then I started to read about this and how it is very common in women aged 20 - 40 (I am 25) and keeps getting worse the more steroids you use! I think the reason my face is now the worst is has ever been is cos I stopped using the steroids last week and when it flared up again, I didn't use it like I normally would so now the full force of this dermatitis is coming out.

Please - if you have like a red bumpy rash around your chin and mouth - don't settle for it being eczema and use a steroid cream. I am convinced this is why mine keeps coming back!!

I will let you know what my Doc says anyway!!

By Alex on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 - 04:19 pm:

Hi,

Well I have just bought some of the Bachs Rescue Cream as I have just started to suffer with eczema around my mouth and chin after having had it on other parts of my body for years. My Elocon clears it up when I get it but I am having to use it at some point every week so I am worried about the effect of steroids on the skin! So I am keeping all my fingers crossed that this cream works! I think I might try the Milk Thistle as well - will let you know how I get on!!

By goshgany on Monday, November 14, 2005 - 10:46 pm:

It's very interesting and actually really depressing reading the posting's on this site. I have experienced all the same feeling's as everyone else on this site: Depression, despair, lack of self-confidence. And to be honest, I can't believe I'm saying this because i'm always down about my skin but COME ON GUYS! Are we gonna let this BASTARD THING rule us and control our lives? I know its easier said than done but we can't let this thing get us down. I have had eczema all my life and am now 22. It's affected my face and neck particularly recently but I get it everywhere. But you know what guys? THERE IS HOPE! I myself, after having the condition all my life, was clear of it from when I was 14 to 16. And yeah, it came back. But the reason it came back was because I got lazy and stopped the course of treatment. I was clear (and I mean totally clear) because I learned to relax and deal with stressful situations. I did this by seeing a faith healer for a year before I was well and from 14 to 15. And no, I'm not some religious nut. I actually dislike religion quite a lot. Also, I'm not American. I'm Welsh but live in London. Anyway, I digress. I really recommend meditation and spiritual healing. As you know, worry/stress makes the condition worse. I believe it is the major cause in 90% of cases. The other cases can be cured purely by other means (ie cutting out certain foods, using different washing powder etc) I believe Eczema is a psychosomatic disease stimulated by some kind of self-loathing, stress etc that we may not even be aware of. It’s often some subconscious trauma or belief we are inadequate in some way. When I was clear from 14 to 16 I saw this faith healer every night. As I got very slowly better I saw him every other night and then twice a week etc. It was a long slow process but eventually I became clear. How? I believe (know) this was due to relaxation and developing a positive attitude towards myself and a belief I could fight this condition. I basically meditated with him and recited a mantra of good health. I have never felt so relaxed in my life as during and after the meditations. They lasted around 20-30 mins. Due to this relaxation I began to kick the habit of scratching whilst not realizing it. I also became naturally less fidgety and itchy. I think the meditation/healing (call it what you will) basically calmed down my system and helped my mind deal with stress and my allergies better (I am allergic to the usual stuff- eggs, dairy products, soya, dust mite etc). It made me like myself and overcome the subconscious trauma. I was made clear even though I have a dog (and I’m allergic to dog hair!)
As I’ve already said I am not religious. Fortunately for me the faith healer was a family friend and a very kind man so I did not have to pay him. I was lucky but I believe everyone else should try and will benefit this meditative approach. FORGET ABOUT THE STEROID CREAMS. They are good for short term outbreaks but in the long-term are useless. Find out if there is a spiritual healer near you or meditation classes. Failing this, buy some meditation tapes and do it in your home. It is very hard to do any of this, especially on your own, and you really have to persevere! I stopped seeing the healer and was clear of my condition for two years but it came back as I got more stressed, got lazy and stopped meditating etc. Unfortunately, I cannot see him now because he has retired and I live in London far from my home in Swansea. I have now started meditating again and am beginning to see gradual, slow results.
Remember, it is a slow process and will take time. It took me a year to get clear and the first few months I was going to give up because it didn’t seem to have any effect. But persevere and I believe you will get better if you follow this course properly! I actually really want some of you (if not all) people to take this up because I know you can be clear of this bastard thing. It makes me really depressed to see how much pain and suffering is out there. But remember do it with family and friends etc otherwise you will probably give up! As Westerners we tend to separate our body from our mind. We see them as separate entities. They are not. They are part of the same system. They both affect each other. Our bodily state affects our mental state and Vice Versa. If you can control your mental state you will in 90% of eczema cases control your eczema. Good luck everyone! This will probably sound like religious fanaticism but its true: SALVATION LIES WITHIN! Now don’t take any crap off this bloody thing and stick in there! Control your Mind!

By Getting Desperate on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 - 11:48 am:

Hey everyone

Reading all your stories has really helped me to know I'm not alone. I'm 21 and have suffered from eczema all my life but usually just on my body. Recently I've had an outbreak on my face which I have been trying to get rid of for months but so far nothing has worked.

I find it very difficult to go out in public without feeling panicky and it's all I can think about. I have been prescribed steroid creams from the doctor which clears it up but as soon as I stop using them it comes back - its so depressing!!

On a positive note though, I used to suffer from eczema around my mouth as many of you have described. Steroids actually cause this type of eczema so if I were you I wouldn't use them near your mouth. There is a cream called Dr Bach's Rescue Cream (get it in Boots) and it is amazing. It cleared up the red ring around my mouth and it has never returned so try that - esp if your eczema is caused by stress.

By lucy on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 01:31 pm:

Hi LJ. I can't believe your symptoms are exactly the same as mine. My lips look as though they are fraying and my eyes are sometimes so puffy I look like an alien. I always seem to be worse first thing in the morning. I am 45 years old and have had Eczema all my life on some part of my body or another. Apart from it being on my face I also have a couple of patches on my hands. I don't know of any miracle cures I am afraid. When it is particularly itchy I take Antihistmines, which help a little. If I get really desperate I use hydrocortisone but I find I become immune to it. The best emoliant I find especially round my mouth is Diprobase. I don't use anything on my eyes as everything seems to just make it worse. What I don't understand is why the doctors seem to know so little about what is obviously a wide spread problem. Even more frustrating is the fact that there have been skin specialists around for donkeys years and even they don't seem to have a clue!!!

By LJ on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 04:34 pm:

so glad iv found this web sight! Reading all these messages i think iv felt every single emotion, you've all written regarding eczema. I have also gone through depression due to my skin and must admitt to feeling close to suicide at times and i feel people think its pathetic. My boyfriend is very supportive however i dont think hes seen it at its worse. I still use makeup- (un belivebly boots no 17 foundation works without making it worse). Not only am i very self consious about my face as my lips are forever breaking out but also my eyes swell up and go puffy and i honestly feel like not leaving the house. The most annoying thing for me is the fact that iv had since a baby (my mum thought it was nappy rash) However i can go up 3 years with no eczema and then whenever im run down or stressed it blows compleatly out of control. I am now 20 and was always told "you'll grow out of it" well obviously not, right now i feel like a freak. i know i get it when im stressed and run down, however i think things like dust do and cat hairs and washing powders make it worse. Has anyone got any more ideas especially for reducing the swollen eyes? lj

By xrchen on Monday, August 15, 2005 - 12:08 am:

Bara

My son 18 years old has severe eczema on his face since end of last year. He had been taking oral prednisone for a few months from March, this year and stopped a month ago after symptom seems away.
Now, it is back. My son will be in college in the coming fall, only two weeks away. He refuses go to college if his face is not getting better which I doubt any thing can change significantly. He is now backing to take prednisone again but it does not work well at dose of initial 40mg (he was starting 60mg at first time).
Now, my son feels hopeless and un-fightable eczema and feels his life has no future since he would not be in his college.
We as parents, keep finding any thing, any solution, any hope, any support and etc from any one of you.
Thanks

By Bara on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 04:50 pm:

I suffer from eczema that flairs up in patches mostly on my face and neck. I have had it on my eye lids, around my ears and neck,and around my mouth. Currently I am dealing with eczema of my lips, and keeping the flair-ups under control has been a constant struggle. I have noticed a BIG difference since taking Omega 3-6-9 capsules (fish oil/flax seed oil/ borage oil). I started a month ago and though the skin on my lips has been dry and flakey on occasion; I have not had the raw, red, swollen, peeling, burning lips that I usually experience. The small patches of eczema on my neck and eyebrows have disappeared altogether! A whole month of relatively “normal” looking lips is like a dream come true! The rest of my skin look perfect! I also attribute the dramatic improvement to drinking lots of water and the discovery of an extra emollient, hypoallergenic skin cream that was invented by an Alberta pharmacist especially for dry skin and related skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. I keep small containers of the cream on me at all times and apply it liberally and often to my lips, and other dry patchy areas. Here is the link if you are interested in this cream. There is some good info there as well as a demonstration video that I think is geared toward pharmacists who sell the cream. http://www.georgescream.com/

By krashqueen on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 04:46 pm:

Try adding zinc 50mg daily and folic acid 400-1000mg daily.It helps alot.Great for hair too.SM

By hadenough on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 08:19 pm:

Well said Ih8eczema!!!!

I hope you are still reading dansw4.

Never give up the fight!

By ih8eczema on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 03:49 pm:

hi dansw4,
i don't know if anything i say will help in anyway. But reading your message made me feel like i had to say something. Lucky i've never had severe eczema on my face, however things you said in your post just hit home with me. When i was 16 i got ex badly on my fingers (although its not as bad as the face it is still highly visible to other people and obviously we need to use our hands a lot), from there it came up really badly all over my body, and i mean all over, limbs were the worst hit but for me the worst was getting it on my nipples! I am a 20 year old guy who had to walk around with plasters on my chest to stop me being in agony. and wearing thick jumpers in the summer so that the plasters would not be visible.

This is besides the point, however i feel the same as you with how people treat it. When i am getting a new patch it will start with an itchy red bump, which i'll scratch with out thinking, next thing is i'll have another uncontrolable patch somewhere else. As you say it is something in the body that makes it happen and in my opinion treating the skin is only a short term response to a long term problem.

I am now on cyclosporin therapy and it has worked wonders for me, i have only started it again in the past week, however the effects of it are fantastic. It has by no means gone but it is going and with time it will disappear. Whether this is something that would work for you i don't know. But what i am trying to say is don't give up on finding the right treatment. Before cyclo i was miserable as sin, had tried everything, i had thought about suicide. But that is taking the easy way out. Eczema does not need the justification of you giving up because then it will have won! I hate my eczema so much that i would never ever want to stop fighting it. I know your probably thinking i'm a 20 year old know it all, who has never suffered in the same way as you, but you can't give up. there is always another option that you won't have tried and until you try them you will never know!

You CANNOT give up fighting it because then your letting it run you, you need to run it. Don't give it the justification of letting it beat you.

By Had enough on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 10:53 am:

dansw4 you really do sound desperate and i have to be honest at the start that i dont know what you can do. But I do feel that you need to keep fighting! Please dont give up.

I am 24 and live in England. I have eczema which is worse on my face than anywhere else (including urticaria) but it sounds like what you are living with is much worse!

I currently take cyclosorin because i have the eczema on my body too. I am not sure that this is something that will help you but it may be worth asking you doc. I know you have lost all faith the docs and i completly understand why, but dont give up. Ask if you can have a second opinion, or a third, or a fourth!!!! Just keep going.

I am not sure how much you know about the skin healing process but it wasnt until i recently read the book The Eczema Solution that i learnt how to really use steroid creams properly. I hate using them but now i understand how they work and how the skin heals I am able to complete get rid of patches of eczema without them flaring in a few days. I got the book from Amazon on the net! I really is worth a read! I promise!

You sound so low and I know you fell that you dont need help for you mental state, but if suicide is truley something that you think about that often you need to get some advice! Eczema and all other skin conditions are horrible things that are not always taken seriously. havng such a condition on your face is not different to have a facial disfigurement, the only difference is that if you had a new facial disfigurement you would 100% get counselling!

I once looked at the changing faces website and i really think that you should do the same.

This website is brilliant for support but i think you need more than we can offer you! By all means keep in touch with us, but you need to really try to find the strength to ask for help elsewhere too!

I had depression back in the summer and was forced to get help (when work signed me off!) and it really did help!!!!

Please keep in touch and let me know how you get on. But PLEASE dont let this be the end of you!!!!!!!!! People can be horrible, but people can also be very understanding. Give someone a chance to understand and help you.

Step one: search on the web for changing faces and see if there is a meeting you can attend!!!!

Keep fighting. ill be thinking of you!

By mm on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 04:08 am:

hello dansw4

if you live in the seattle, WA area there is a dermatologist who can help you. My son has eczema, fairly severe, and this doctor makes this stuff in his office and my son got some of it and it works wonderfully. It is not a steroid.

By dansw4 on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 04:05 pm:

All my life i have had allergies but it wasn't till i was about 17 till the skin symptoms of allergies really hit me hard.It used to be growing up that i would get some itchiness from time to time in areas like the crook of my arms and legs behing the knees.But when i hit 17 I started to get a little itchy on both sides of my cheek right next to the nose,i had been itching it from time to time and noticed it was not going away,the skin would fall off and leave two small red raw spots and they would never heal,as soon as skin started to grow back it would flake off again and leave the dark red raw patches again,now i am 30 and over the years this has spread further.it now covers my entire face,my nose,inside my ears and behind my ears to,I get to abover my upper lip and chin,,also my eyebrows very bad.Seems worse in all areas where there is hair folicals.Whats hard for me now is that i recently lost my job and have not left my home in like 6 months as it is worse now than it has ever been.i have been to dermatoligists who give me short term solutions but seems like after the temporary relief when it comes back it comes back ten times worse than before.It is now chronic and my whole face is a mess with dried flaky red skin every day of my life.I don't feel comfortable looking for a new job now cause just looking the way i do will leave a horrible impression.my last job i was at for 10 years and i started there before this really got bad so they knew along the way what i had and stuff and that it was getting worse but i mean i was comfortable with them cause it had happened gradually with them and they just accpeted me as me,now i have to try to go into a place with my face so screwed up that honestly i don't think i would even consider hiring myself if i was the employer who saw someone walk in looking this way so i don't blame them.all i do know for sure is that doctors will never find a cure for this because they keep trying to make topical solutions for this when it is not a topical problem,when these pathces come they start off as red spots under the skin before they come to the surface and the skin starts flaking and falling off.it is something that is happening inside the body not outside so doctors will always be lost in dealing with this condition.But anyways i have been living this way now for so long and since i have lost all faith whatsoever that any doctor can ever help me,and since it is getting worse,i am looking up sites such as this to see if maybe there is someone out there who knows something doctors don't know yet in stopping this.I am tired of being to ashamed to even go out into public and bowing my ehad and not wanting to loo at anyone when i do have to go out.I think about suicide every single day and feel like i am close to that point.I don't need therapy,or to learn how to "cope with this" I was a happy person before this severe skin problem and the only way i will ever be able to have a life again is if i get rid of it and can be how i was before.What hurts most is i feel like nowadays doctors are not tryng to find any cures,they seem dedicated to finding treatments for symptoms so that people have to buy these medicines for life that sometimes still don't help much.It amazes me that cures for diseases happened only when we had no technology back in the days of Pastuer and now as advanced as technology is they claim they can't find cures for anything,only things to treat symptoms (and not very well at that).Is there anyone in this world who can help me? there is no doctor that can so i need help from someone ,anyone who can help.

By marye on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 07:03 am:

my son has had eczema since he was 2 and is now 20. It breaks my heart to see him suffer. we tried so many different things and we were applying them daily all over his back arms and legs everyday that all of a sudden we stopped them and after about 5 days the skin on those areas improved. He uses nothing on those areas now and they do not itch. it's as if his skin went through a withdrawal from all the creams. He has not done this to his face, though, because he does not want people to see his skin in its dry flakey withdrawal stage. I want him to try calmoseptine on his face next---it creates a moisture barrier and someone i know has gotten some success with it. what other NON PRESCRIPTIONcreams are you guys trying with good results

By lucy on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 01:13 pm:

Hi Lydia, I totally agree with you with regards to the unknown long term effects of such creams as Elidel. When the hydrocortizone creams were introduced they were like a miracle cure, but to what cost? Good luck with the scalp psoriasis. I do sometimes think these flare ups just run their course naturally, which is not much comfort, but having suffered it myself and now being totaly clear of it at least there may be some light at the end of the tunnel.

By lydia on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 07:52 am:

Hello Lucy,
Glad to hear that. Elidel acts more like the hydrocortisones, used just to subside the rashes during flare-ups. I have not received any reply from Novartis yet but I will try to write again.
I guess Aveeno is more like the rest of the creams/moisturisers out there in terms of functionality ie to keep our skin moist, reducing the probability of a flare-up. Although Elidel is steroid-free, and hence, has none of the side effects that steroid gave, no one knows what other side effects it might have in future, in the longer run, so I think it's better to limit the usage as well if possible. Right now, for myself, I'm concentrating more of getting my newly diagnosed scalp psoriasis under control first before trying out other stuffs. :-(

By lucy on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 02:23 pm:

Have started using the Aveeno. It is working brilliantly at keeping my skin moisturised, without irritating. The eczema is still there but feels much better. Think I will try the doctors next for the Elidel. I found the Aveeno in my local Boots store, (U.K).

By lucy on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 03:08 pm:

Having just found this site I am reading every discussion there is. I am amazed how many people are suffering the same symptoms that I thought were exclusive to me. The very sore irritated area around the mouth, especially the corners of the mouth and between the nose and the top lip.
I only wear make-up when really necessary. I have seen many recommendations for Aveeno, which I am going to try and obtain over the weekend. Someone else has also suggested Elidel or Protopic, both of which are only available on prescription in the U.K. I will post my results as soon as I can. In the meantime keep talking I feel better already.

By Anne on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 09:33 pm:

I used to get bad eczema around my mouth and the whole area used to peel every day. I now use babies toothpaste, wear no lipstick or foundation around the mouth area, do not eat tomatoe things or acidic fruits and apply diprobase emollient morning and night. This is the only routine that keeps it at bay, thank goodness.
Hope this helps

By sophie on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 11:28 am:

I have just been told I have eczma around my mouth after 8 months of doctors telling me it was sunburn. Its the worst thing one day i wont even be able to open my mouth because of the pain and then 2 days later my lips are flaking off. Its very embarrasing as people always stare at me especially on a bad day. My boyfriend says he doesnt mind not kissing me but im starting to think its putting him off me. I was prescribed hydrocortisone but it did nothing. If anyone knows any alternative treatments please et me know!

By anita on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 06:17 pm:

Hi All

I have had excema for nearly 30 years on and off and have been through all the creams, tablets and alterantive remedies. I am going through a good patch at the moment through doing exercise, which has helped a lot. It is not always comfortable physically, but its been better than smelly creams! Anyway, i have a dark complexion due to asian mixed bacground and have found that due to sustained cortisone use in the past on my face, my skin colouration has severely changed. My face has darkened considerably whereas my nose, which has never had excema, has remauined the same original colour. its pretty hard and lonely trying to cope with people staring at you.

Does anyone know what i can do apart from make up, which i cant use due to irritation/

By twiggy on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 07:48 am:

Heya, i sometimes get a bit of eczema around my eyes after i wax my eyebrows. also wearing so much eye makeup irritates it but there is no way im stopping wearing it!! What has worked for is using veet moisturising wipes. they come with veet wax and are made for use after you wax but i use them every day now and i dont get eczema anymore on my face at least..

By Robert on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 01:10 am:

Has any1 out there tried ZenMED Derm Care cream

By ariesqt on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 02:43 am:

I am so happy to have found this site. I am 24 years old and have had eczema since I was 3 months old. Not just eczema, but severe eczema. Right now I am going through the worst flare up. I am starting to get really frustrated and depressed, I just don't know what to use anymore. I don't know if my body has become immune to some of these medicines or what. Please does anyone have any suggestions? I just want to wake up one morning not itching and burning. Please Help!!!!!!

By issabelle on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 11:37 pm:

I've had eczema on and off for many years, (especially on my face). This is so agravating because it also flares up my acne. Last year it was the worst it has ever been. Red, swollen, and itchy! out of despair, I ordered an acne product from an info-commercial. Its called Pro-activ solution. I didnt think it was much more than another as seen on tv scam, but i tried every thing else. It worked fast! my skin felt better instantly,and looked clear in a month.the down side is ,its expensive,but its worth it.It isnt a cure but it deals with the flare-ups better than the creams ive tried. please try it, and let me know how it goes.

By hali-tatti-kassi on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 03:52 pm:

hello im haleema im 57 years old and ive got terrible excema sorry 2 hear about what everyone is going through but its really tough tits creams only soothe it and not everyone can get of it i havent............atleast i dont have to go on holiday it looks like i've got a tan all year round

By simaUKBish-pants on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 03:49 pm:

i've had ecexma for 4 years. I've tried different creams...Do pills work?

By MadiUKdrawbreaker on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 03:45 pm:

i sympahtise with every1 on this website i've just started gettin excema and understand wot every1 is going thro fortunatley mine isnt that bad yet but it keeps spreading thicker and faster will using a heavy steriod cream get rid of it?...and can it b gotten rid of forever or will?

By So Happy on Monday, February 09, 2004 - 07:12 pm:

I too have had eczema over my body most of my 37 years (on and off), but facial eczema for the last 3 or 4 years has made my life a nightmare. I've tried all the steroids, anti biotics when really swollen and ugly looking. I even tried chinese medicine (that was costly and didnt work!!) A visit to the hospital to see a dermotologist seems to have finally ended those years of despair. I would recommend Protopic, it really has changed my quality of life

By ribenaberry on Sunday, February 08, 2004 - 05:02 pm:

I have had the same problem, bad eczema on my face for around 8 years now, although I've had eczema on the rest of my body since childhood. I find the amount of constant maintenance it demands very annoying, I'm constantly trying to keep it under control but over the last year its got worse and worse - especially the patch of skin above my top lip - and all around my eyes. Eating certain foods makes it worse - esp convenience food, as does stress or other ill health or cold weather. Sometimes I wake up to find my whole face very swollen, which is probably down to food I think.

I think eczema varies tremendously from person to person, so what works for one person might not for another. After trying different steroid creams in different strengths for years I found one particularly good for my facial eczema: hydrocortizone ointment 1%. It's quite strong and horrible to use as its slimey like vaseline, when I first started using it 8years ago it had dramatic results. Instead of rubbing it in, I used to use it like a face mask, put it on thickly and leave for a few hours then take off (I'm not a dr though so this might not be a good idea for everyone). These days it is not so effective, the eczema I have at the moment is very very sore and it seems to agravate more than anything. The rest of the time I use nivea to soothe, vaseline will soothe for longer if I dont mind the greasiness and then it causes flaking. I use E45 cream most days. I gave up with the drs years ago and concluded its just one of those things but intend on trying again for a referal to a dermatologist this week.

One thing which has helped me - although not all that healthy - are sunbeds. I have to have them when the eczema is not that bad or my face feels burnt and sore, but does wonder for the eczema on my body, and during the summer things always improve. I'm going to try this aquaphor and perhaps the milk thistle stuff, anyone have any other bright ideas, let us know! xx

By Ellie on Wednesday, February 04, 2004 - 05:24 pm:

What a relief to see I am not the only one suffering from eczema. I have had this problem for years and now it is on my face 90% of the time. Cortisone creams and prednisone tablets which always seemed to clear it up have stopped working. As soon as I stop using them the problems comes back. Alot of products sting when trying to moisturize then I feel dry an hour later. I live in a small town so there are not many doctors in the area that know about this skin disease. There are alot of internet sites but who can you believe or trust? Do they just want your money? So many questions, does cold weather aggravate your skin, food allergies, what triggers the symptoms? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

By danna on Saturday, September 20, 2003 - 02:11 pm:

Hello! It is so good to have found this website! My daughter was diag. with ezcema when she was 10 months. She is now 5 and we have been battling it on her mouth for 9 month. My husband and I stumbled on to a treatment that I wanted to share with you. I was using lanolin while breastfeeding my son and I thought you know this is what you use to heal dry cracked nipples why not try it on her mouth? it's safe for babies if they swallow it so why not? It has to be pure lanolin though not lotion that has lanolin in it. We notice a dramatic difference in little under 48 hours. We put it on her several time during the day. I was so tired of docs putting her on MORE creams and MORE meds. I was so glad this worked for her. We still have flare ups and we are seeing an allergist for a scratch test but the lanolin help keep it under control. I dont know if this will help and of you but sure hope it does. Again I so glad to have found this website!!!!!

By Karen on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 12:45 am:

Well, I have had eczema at its worst and let me tell you that I just wanted to scream and cry cause it is so painful. first of all my eczema clears up completely buut i do have to be careful with things I put on my face. I use clinique make eup and that helps. Don't overwash the face and if just a pinch of eczema appears make sure it is taken care of before it spreads badly.The important thing is that there should be no scratching allowed. Mine only comes every two years but I try to stop it before it gets worse. The only thing I use is eczema pills and creams and to always apply a moisturizing lotion like vaseline intense healing. Just hang in there I know how it feels.

By swhh on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 05:45 am:

In my experience retention of skin moisture is vital. Using a light and soothing moisturiser such as Johnson & Johnson's on a regular basis has helped tremendously. This is absorbed immediately into the dry skin and has to be used frequently.

The other creme I use is Vaseline E-45 creme which is easier to find in the U.S. but is excellent at sealing in the moisture and soothing, although heavier/ oilier than the Johnson's. Used usually when away from home for extended periods. Brilliant for cold weather dry skin situations as it is thick enough to shield face.

Avoid using detergents/soaps on face, just use water or very light cleanser and a soft towel. Allow body moisture to assist against facial dryness.

By RitaMCroall on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 08:06 pm:

I used to suffer terrible eczema on my face - and I used to wash my face with soap and water - but no longer.

I now wash my face with fragrance free baby wipes (ASDAs) and moisturise with Vaseline (the greasy one). My face is totally cleared but flares up again if I wash my face with water.

(Some fragrance-free wipes still contain baby lotion which can be an irritant)

Please let me know if it works. Good luck.

By Anne on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 10:15 am:

Hi Ella
I also have this problem and believe it to be one
of the many problems you experience with eczema.
I find the only thing to help me round this area
is diprobase cream, and also I can no longer wear
lipstick (damn).
Hope it helps

By ella on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 10:42 pm:

Sam,

for the past 18 months I have been suffering with eczema on my lips and above and below. It was so painful one day that in dispair I used betnovate to relieve the pain. I am now so worried that this seems to be the only thing that has an instant effect I have tried, Eucerin, E45 (and all the others recommended for the face) but they have no impact if anything they just seem to agrevate it more.

Can anyone help? I am desperate and willing to try anything, I have suffered with eczema since I was 2 years old but never on my face. Its rather bizzare I beleive eczema made me the strong person I am today, but the recent development on my face I can not cope with it, not because of the embarassing factor but because of the pain. I am getting no support from my GP, I have requested to be refered to a skin specialist I have been advised that this will add no value.

I would love to hear from anyone who can advise.

Regards
Ella

By Beth on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 10:21 pm:

Hi guys. I have eczema on my face. It just appeared very slowly and gradually about 2 years ago. It's so frustrating and as you all know, very embarrassing at times. I'm 32 and I feel like everyone thinks I have acne. I have tried aquaphor and it does totally work on the itch.But I still have red bumps on my face. You can find Eucerin at www.eucerin.com. I am going to try the milk thistle capsules. Has anyone heard of this new thing called cutanix? I saw it on the web today. Thanks. It's comforting to know I'm not alone. - Beth

By sinead on Friday, January 17, 2003 - 09:20 pm:

Amara, I recently saw that homeopathic doctor I was talking about and one of the first things he said to me was 'You've been using cortisone cream, haven't you?' Apparently, what started as eczema on my face has now developed into rosea because a doctor gave me steroid cream - basically it's a side effect of the cortisone. I WOULD STRONGY ADVISE CAUTION USING CORTISONE CREAMS. I'm now taking some drops, powders and using a cream all from the homeopathic doctor. I think that all too often doctors just prescribe something to get rid of you. It's early days for me but I really hope this stuff works as one thing's for sure - I will NEVER go back to a doctor for cortisone!! Good luck, I hope something works for you

By amara on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 03:07 am:

I have also recently gotten patches of eczema on my face. I have always had a very mild case of atopic dermatitis behind my elbow. Now I have it on my hand and on my face (forehead, around mouth, side of face, near chin and above eyes). Protopic relieves it temporarily but I am still desperately searching for a more treatment that will be more long lasting... I'll try the Milk Thistle capsules. Im from Los Angeles, any idea where i can get that?

By sinead on Saturday, January 04, 2003 - 09:30 pm:

I have only, in the last few months, developed ezcema on my face and the patch has slowly got bigger. I have tried some steroid creams and one I used cleared it up within days but as soon as I stopped using it, it came back - worse. I have tried a lot of natural remedies - creams & tablets but nothing has significantly helped. Wearing make-up is my only way of coping, yet I'm sure this doesn't help. I'm going for a consultation with a homeopathic doctor shortly - I really hope he can do something as I'm at my wits end - my confidence is slowly but surely going. Does anyone else have similar ezcema that would like to discuss or can recommend decent make-up that won't aggravate?

By Jules on Sunday, September 29, 2002 - 12:10 am:

Totally understand what you're going through, I've had eczema on my body since a child, but rarely on my face. About a year ago everything swapped around, the skin on my body clear and the skin on my face was burning, flaking and bleeding. About 6 weeks ago I was advised to take MILK THISTLE CAPSULES, you get them from health food shops. They're usually prescribed for alcoholism as they clean the liver... AND THEY WORKED! I couldn't believe it, even the steriod creams were not working and now my face is pretty much clear, a bit dry sometimes but nothing like it used to be. Try it and pass on the word if it works for you!

By Anne on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 11:10 am:

I have tried two chemists to see if I could get some Aquaphor and both said they had never heard of it. Is this available in the UK?

By dee on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 10:58 pm:

Sam,

I had the same problem all through high school and college. There is an over the counter ointment called Aquaphor -- it is made by Eucerin. It is amazing for that particular area. It cleared up a problem that had plagued me for years! Once it is cleared, try putting a little Protopic (prescription) on that area everyday and it will stay away. Good luck! (Sorry you are going through that -- it is the WORST!!!)

By sam on Saturday, July 06, 2002 - 10:19 pm:

I was hoping someone might be able to help me, I suffer from Ecaema really badly all over my body. I spent an awfullong time living abroad in a hot climate and sicne returning to the UK it just seems to get worse, especially in the cooler weather. After 24 years you get used to the comments although it has started really hurting and looking very unsightly around my lips and under my noise (on my top lip). I have steriods that I use on my body but I don't use those on my face does anyone have any ideas on how I might make this better or get rid of it.