By Sarah on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 09:50 pm:

Oh, and before I forget about it: Why should I not drink tea? My doctor told me that tea was good for the skin....
And if I make mistakes, feel free to correct me, English is not my mothertongue (I'm from Germany).

By Sarah on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 09:48 pm:

Hi everybody!
I don't think that it's just okay to say: stop eating dairy and wheat and gluten and you'll be okay. That's not true. If I stopped eating everything people tell me to I'd just starve...
I also can't eat wheat because it makes my eczema flare up, but I'm perfectly at ease with spelt, and that also contains gluten.
And I just love chocolate :-). I eat an Austrian goat milk chocolate called Choco-Lisa. It tastes so good... And if you want to eat sweets, try liquorice. It contains some stuff that reduces inflammation.

By grrif on Monday, July 21, 2008 - 03:00 am:

No offence to anyone here, But Stop eating crap and it goes away.

No wheat, gluten, dairy, E number adds. Don't handle veg with Pesticides, Raw meat - NO TEA.

Boring maybe - but so is looking like a blisterd tomato. (I know)

By nevergiveup on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 02:00 am:

Jayne, i agree with wheatfreecured. Afriend introduced me to a whaet free, gluten free diet also with good results. She suggested to google search celiac and eczema.Its been 3 weeks now, with only 1 bad episode. (spagetti and noodles) I also have a terrible allergic reaction to MSG. I get itchy everywhere with hives all over my face, neck, upper body, hands and arms. Drives me crazy, cant sleep at night. MSG cleverly disguises its many hidden names. You'd be surprised MSG in many foods we eat, from our daily supplements to chicken broths, chips, and coffee creamers. good source for hidden names is...msgmyth.com. The gluten/wheat free diet is worth the time in label reading. My friend said to try just chicken, rice, vegies and salad at the beginning. (notice salad dressing ingred). Drink water instead of pop. Cut down on coffee if its too hard to quit. I take hydroxizine evry so often, and triamcinilone/protopic. But another site, msgtruth.com will help you with remedies in case the hives accidentally happen. These sites provide a wealth of info.I learn so much from all you guys, and thought i'd just share whats been working these last 3 weeks. Its about time finally get to realax and enjoy life.

By Jayne on Saturday, June 21, 2008 - 06:24 pm:

Thanks will look into it

By wheatfreecured on Thursday, June 12, 2008 - 12:27 am:

Jayne,

I would cut out the wheat and the dairy and see how you feel.... give it a week or two... if nothing... cut out the eggs.... and keep adding to the list... I would google: celiac and eczema.. if you have a wheat/gluten issue... dairy is can be the second step in the celiac villi break down process... once you heal from the celiac causes... you can reintroduce the dairy in small doses... research this... it may help for you to understand or it may complete the puzzle to your skin issues...
It took me 45 years for the information to finally come to me...

By Jayne on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 11:54 pm:

i've just been told that i have to stop eating wheat, eggs, cows milk, soya and umm i forget the last but i'm vegetarian too - how am I supposed to make a meal? nuts thats the last one

By emma r on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 10:02 pm:

vana my 16month old is on a wheat free, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, tomato free, citrus free,yeast free, diet. Im sure there is more but i often forget them off the top of my head!!! And his skin is lovely and clear. Perhaps you could try avoiding these things, also alcohol should be avoided too. I think he has leaky gut syndrome, have a google and see what you think!

By vana on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 12:28 pm:

At 21 I developed IBS after living in Singapore for six months, I returned to my home in Canada and shortly thereafter began experiencing signs of eczema behind my knees and on my arms. Two years later I moved to Switzerland for a job and as a result of living apart from my boyfriend was very stressed and developed severe eczema around my eyes, and on my legs.

Since then we've been reunited and I'm less stressed but my eczema won't go away. I can control it with Protopic and this works well, but now when I drink a glass of wine or consume certain foods (not sure what yet...) I get dark circles around my eyes (panda eyes!)My doctor says protopic is fine and doesn't thin the skin but I think its related to my IBS and possible food allergies/sensitivities.

I'm about to turn 25 and am tired of the pain and irritation of this condition. Does anyone have a similar story of IBS and Eczema? What foods did you cut out? How much should I cut out in an elimination diet- it seems everything is suspect!

By Emily on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - 03:22 am:

I have had eczema since I was a teenager. I get it on my face, arms, legs, hands, neck, scalp, back, everywhere but my feet and the palms of my hands. The doctors prescribed me all kinds of ointments, creams, lotions, soaps, steroids, antibiotics, and antihistamines not to mention all the over-the- counter products that I've tried over the years. About a year ago, after I went to the doctors for a shot of Prednisone in my butt cheek for the eczema I had all over me, I looked for another answer. I researched diet changes I could make to help my situation. Many people think what I found is a superstition, but it is not. I have stopped eating foods from the nightshade family and I haven't had a horrible outbreak since. The nightshade family includes potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and tobacco. I know it is hard to give up some of those foods, who doesn't love spaghetti, pizza, mashed potatoes or french fries, but I love clear skin more. If I do splurge on some fries, I usually take some Prednisone that night and I prevent a bad outbreak, but if I don't I am sure to get an outbreak. This may not be the solution for everybody, but it has been a lifesaver for me. It has even helped with digestive problems. But no matter what always keep the stress down and a lot of lotion at hand.

By MAM on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 - 09:52 pm:

Steph

Have you been tested for food allergies and skin patch testing? If not I suggest that you ask your consultant for this to be done. Good Luck

By Steph on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 05:53 pm:

Hi!
I'm a teenager and Ive got eczema on my face, around my lips, neck, arms and legs. All my life Ive been trying new things, and Im allergic to everything! All I know now is that diet makes the biigest diference. For three months now I haven't had dairy, sugar or yeast, and had 3 lites of water a day. I still have it, but not as bad.

By siblob on Monday, February 11, 2008 - 02:39 pm:

Hi
I've had eczema for 36 years - mainly on my neck and face. I've found that creme de la mer in the morning and demalogica super rich moisturiser in the evening works effectively to keep my skin moisturised. I know these creams are expensive but nothing else works for me. The body shop hemp seed cream cleared up the eczema on my hands. Have recently bought a juicer and now have a mixture of fruit and veg juices which is making a difference. i firmly believe, after years of trying everything and anything, that eczema is linked to diet. Hope this is of some help.

By MAM on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 02:48 pm:

My son has had chronic eczema for years and numerous allergies. I know and understand how everyone is feeling : - ( Please google the following E numbers and you will see how bad they can effect sensitive skin and also the different countries that they are band from:

E102/E110/E123/E124/E129/E151/E171 and E216.

I only came across the above as my son was given a pre med tablet to help him sleep and he was really poorly, dry mouth, yellow eyes and up 5 times in the night itching! I checked what was different on his medication compared to previous and it was E171 (Titanium Dioxide)bare in mind E171 is in nearly everything from tablets/creams/toothpaste etc. For the last 2 weeks I have eliminated this (hard work I will say) but what a difference in his skin and he is also alot calmer in himself. Give it a go and hopefully you will experience some difference and peace of mind. I have mentioned this E number to the consultant but she had not heard of it but did say it was ok to eliminate it and see what happens.

By Stella on Friday, December 28, 2007 - 04:20 pm:

Hi folks!!

It's an interesting thread we have going here...Although I only eat fresh wholefoods, I didn't realise that I might be allergic to some. For example, in 2006 circa September/October, I started buying large caribbean avocados. I couldn't afford brown rice which was a staple part of my diet until then. I was also having a mackerel/salmon fillet daily with salad and kefir. Well, my skin just kept on clearing up all my itself. I have lovely photos of myself for my November birthday last year.

I've finished a music course this year and my skin flared up again as I had Chinese lunches every day - the healthiest shop around, it was.

At the end of the course, I slept loads and just had mackerel and cucumber slices every day with lots of water and fresh kefir and by September the skin had cleared up again...My friends were amazed at the big difference in my skin. It had even stopped exfoliating...

So I started eating carbs like rice, potatoes and crisps and chocolate and lo and behold, it was back. So I've deduced that I probably have candida - protein and salad starves it, carbs and sweet things like fruit feeds it.

I'm also doing a colon cleanse at the moment with Colonix. I used it before 2 years ago and my skin was a lot better. Obviously, the stress of the course didn't help.

This time I'm taking Colonix for 3 months (I did it for 2 months first time round) and have invested in a Jupiter Water ioniser to drink alkaline water...

I was moisturising my skin yesterday and noticed it was much softer than usual..only thing is, I'm not sure if it's all the fish and celery juice I'm having, the ionised water or Colonix...

At least my skin is getting better though and I hope all the people on this site get their eczema cured too...

Merry Christmas Everyone

Stella

By DreamL6 on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 09:17 am:

Hi,

I've had eczema for ten years now, and I've cut out prawns, crabs, peanuts, duck meat, shellfish, lobsters and cucumber from my diet. (all considered toxic to our skin by chinese people) I've also switched to body shampoos and body lotions that are fragrance free and would advise some of you to try it, my attacks have lessen to only right before my period and its been pretty good so far.

Ive also cut out another chinese vegetable but its not so common anywhere outside asian countries, and i'm clueless what it is in english, if there are anyone out there who frequently takes chinese veges, pls avoid a vege that is named "kau choi" (longetivity vege), it has a small yellowish green bulb on the tip and its stem is very very slim and about 3 inches long, no leaves. Chinese old ladies here all prevent me from taking it cause it is considered the most toxic thing to eat for people with skin problems.

I hope this helps, I'm still getting bits and pieces of honey like crust here and there, but its not like my full blown face+back+tummy+eyes+ears+arms+legs covered with crust and angry red bumps before.

By sue on Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 05:11 pm:

something thats really helped me out is cutting out dairy alltogether i was never tested but just gave it ago my excema still is pretty bad but i find it takes away the edge that creates itching therefore im less inclined to scrath also try and cut out sugary things and take cod liver oil capsles its alot to adapt to but for me its worked out really well good luck!

By KMC on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - 10:44 pm:

I was recently tested for allergies, including food, and they said that I am not allergic to anything. I see a lot of postings about excluding wheat, milk, etc from your diet.. I'm wondering if the people that this works for, are you actually allergic to it (like it would show up in an allergy test) or could eliminating those foods from my diet also work for me? I feel like I am definitely allergic to something because of my ezcema (and my nose is ALWAYS stuffed) but no one can tell me what it is, therefore I obviously can't avoid it. Meanwhile, using steriod cream is the only thing that semi-works for me (although I know it isn't good for the long run!) Any advice about the food would be greatly appreciated!

By Renae on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 05:18 am:

Hello Everyone!

I am a 24 four year old woman from the USA that has struggled with eczema for the last 8 years...on and off. I have been browsing the web nearly all day today to find anything new to try. I came across this forum this evening and have read through almost every posting in every section. I just need to say that I really appreciate all of the helpful tips and advice that people have shared on here. I HATE ECZEMA and the awful effects it has on a person. My eczema is out of control right now and the only thing that will clear it is prednisone. I can't get in to see a derm for another month so I need to find some way of getting relief before then! I am just wondering if those of you that posted with specific regimens for omega-3's and such have any idea of how much a person should consume a day to see any results? Also wondering if any one has had luck with probiotics and where does one find them? (are they prescription only, OTC like supplements, or at health food stores???) I appreciate any response on this matter.

I will pray for each of you tonight as I pray for myself. May God bless you all and may you be healed of this disorder!

By MAM on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 08:21 pm:

Hi NIkki

I saw a dramatic change in his neck and chest area within days honestly! He was at hospital on Monday evening for blood tests to check how much IG8? is in his blood and see if it is nuts. I have still eliminated nut products from his diet and have no nut products in the house. He is a different child and that is no joking. I will keep you all posted as soon as I get the results.

By Jimbob on Monday, May 21, 2007 - 03:20 pm:

Hi Nikki

I have a 2.5 year old with eczema and when we eliminated his allergies it took about 6 weeks for his skin to start to improve.

By Nikki on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 12:03 pm:

Hi all - I am an Australian Mum with a 2yo daughter who has had eczema for over a year already. After doctors and steriods, I am trying an elimination diet. After 3/4 days, her eczema is the worst I've ever seen it. Does anyone know how long it takes for positive change? I've heard anything from 3 days to 6 months....

By MAM on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 09:33 pm:

Hi

I am a mother of a 15 year old who has had chronic eczema all of his life. Reading this site gives so much support to everyone with this awful condition.

After all of these years I have just connected that restricting anything with nuts or processed in a factory using nuts is helping my sons skin with astonishing results. The eczema was all over his body but in the last couple of year affected his underarms, chest and neck so bad that it looked like he had been burnt. Anyway, after a few days of holiday the skin was clearing and I needed to know how. Later that day within minutes of him eating chocolate I watched as he began to scratch slightly then as the itching got worse so did the redness and swelling of the skin. I was amazed! I cut out all of the above foods but realised that when he came out of the shower (a 3 minute shower only) the whole area was up again and the itching bad with long scratch marks turning yellow. Then I realised that the perscription shampoo (polytar) is not suitable for nut allergies etc. So we changed the shampoo to T Gel and guess what....no itching, redness etc. I am so pleased that I have eventually connected nut products with his condition. When he had the major flare ups his behaviour would change the anger/tempers/verbal and physical side of him be really bad he was like a different person. Now I have changed the above we have the lovely loving kind and caring lad back. His school work has improved so much after always receiving reports of him not concentrating and acting though he was in a different world. He has even been suspended from school twice because of his behaviour during these nightmare periods. Please please please look at nut products and see if there is any improvement to your condition! Any questions please feel free to ask me. Good Luck

By cocojane on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 09:18 pm:

hello there everyone,
This is my first post on the site. I have suffered with chronic eczema on and off all my life. homeopathy helps but its a long running commitment as the treatments push every thing to the surface so it gets worse before any improvement which can take years. I see a natropath/nutritionist and find my diet is very limited when my eczema is worse like at the moment(I have it all over my face hand and feet) I have eliminated wheat, cow produce, gluten, acidic fruits and vegetables, certain meats, seafood sugar in all forms except honey and mollases. i take fish oil, starflower oil, multi vits, herbal teas, anti candida remedies ect.......I could go on. Nothing shifts the eczema at the moment but i am gradually noticing slight changes. Its always far worse if I don't stick to the diet. something about keeping the intestines clear from candida. I believe suppressing emotions over time has creates my flare ups and its a way for my body to remind me to deal with issues. I've come to this conclusion because nothing else even the extreme elimination diet rarely clear my skin.

By wheatfreecured on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 03:36 pm:

Yes.........your diet is related....
keep a diary of what you are eating and your flare ups... could be the milk you are drinking.. they could have added something to it or it could be what the cows are eating... or you could be eating fruits or drinking something with a new chemical in it .. a preservative...

it is a mystery figure it out....

wrongdiagnosis.com/e/eczema/intro.htm

jeannine

By jenny on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 04:09 pm:

iam 13 and have developed a red patch on my left cheek which i have had for about a year and redness on the whole of my top lip which ive had for about 2 years i have got steroid creams and loads of other things which help it for a while but then my face flares up again im really embarassed that i dont like going out anymore please hlp me or giv me some advice xo jenny

By anon on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 06:29 am:

What do people think of fish oil to reduce inflammation ? I've been experimenting with various amounts and types for a few months now and the results are inconclusive. There is definitely a change when I take fish oil, but it certainly doesn't cure my eczema. I have found that taking high doses (>12 capsules/day) will depress my immune system making me ill, low doses have no apparent effect, medium doses (4-6 capsules/day) maybe have a mild stabilizing effect (less chaotic eczema). I've read that flaxseed oil & the other vegetable-derived oils are of no use because their molecules are too short and the body has to synthesize the longer anti-inflammatory ones from them which takes many hours and has a low yield. That's why I've been using EPA/DHA fish oil and vegan v-pure capsules (from marine algae - very expensive).
I've noticed that some fish-oil brands increase my asthma. On high doses there's an 'edge' beyond which the immune system seems to severely impair, meaning that one will catch colds and other infections. On the other side of the 'edge' (<10 capsules/day) there is I think an effect on the skin which means one needs to use less steroid creams and the skin feels generally stronger and more reliable. However I feel there is a difficult feedback loop at work which makes it impossible to keep the right dose among all the other factors affecting the system, hence the variable results.

By leecw on Thursday, December 14, 2006 - 06:49 pm:

Hi ive tried so many creams,oinments,herbal tintctures,list goes on!
i have found the chinese herbalists wonderful! but very expensive!!!! and lots of water!!

By Az on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 - 05:23 pm:

Melanie,

Colours can be a pain, but it might not necessarily be just that.

I have severe reactions with the Eczema round my mouth, just like you daugher did, with the colourant E110, which tends to be in red foods, but I also have a bad allergy to Citric Acid which is found in just about every fruit. So it could also have been the apple. I can only eat fresh fruit very occassionaly and only in small amounts...

I know it sounds odd to have fruit be bad for you, but do look into it. You never know!

By Craig r on Sunday, October 08, 2006 - 08:18 pm:

Hi, i have had eczema all my life. I recently started taking one fish oil capsoil every day.This contains omega 3,6 & 9. In less than a week my skin has almost cleared up.This works because the oils provide the essential fatty acids that your body lacks when having eczema.Also keep your skin moisuried over night.

By Alex on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 01:54 pm:

Hi Rob

Unfortunately I think alcohol in general is quite bad (doesn't stop me though!). I have eczema but not chronically. I seem to be keeping it at bay at the minute by taking Apple Cider Vinegar and I use Shea Butter to mousturise. I know what its like to have it on your face as I had perioral dermatitis and that was awful. So my sympathy goes out to you.

Anyway, back to the alcohol - I would say lager is probably the worst because of the yeast in it. Eczema sufferers often have an intolerance to wheat and yeast etc as they cause an imbalance in the gut which makes your eczema worse (according to some people anyway - thats not scientifically proven or anything! ).

I think the main problem with alcohol and eczema is that alcohol dehydrates your body which in turn makes our already dry skin drier. So if you make sure to rehydrate yourself with lots of water throughout the night and the next day, this should help. Also just try to drink lots of water as a rule anyway as I find it really helps my skin.

I drink wine and vodka - do you like white wine? (I think red wine can cause flushing). I know it might look a bit poncy to drink wine in the pub (!) but its an option for at home or drinking somewhere else? As far as I know spirits would be better than lager too.

Hope I have helped a little bit! Sorry I have no concrete answers for you! I would just say that trying to keep your body as hydrated as possible is a definite help.

xx

By rob on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 12:14 am:

I have suffered with eczema all of my life, it was all over my body when i was younger, then spread to my face at around 17. I am now 27 and seem to have my body flare ups under control, I simply use Sanex foam bath on a sponge to was my body all over during a warm shower then pat dry, I then apply a very small amount of Intensive care moisturiser over my body. Sleep with the window open!! Turn the central heating off!! It helps!!!

I know only suffer with flare ups after a nite on the beer, these seem to outbreak on my face, and just make my cheeks really red and hot! Any suggestions on drinks that do not cause this?? I drink lots of lager!!

By nicole on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 07:03 am:

I have had blemish free skin right up until my mother passed away last year. All of a sudden an onset of eczema has come on. It started on the back of one knee briefly then went straight to my chin and a little under my eyes and eyelid. I have had accupuncture and tried a cream and herbal tablets from a Chinese Herbal practitioner. I am wondering how much eczema has to do with stress, anxiety, leaky gut syndrome and your auto immune system. My belief is that it is internal. Maybe the grief and anxiety I have experienced has stopped my system from accepting certain foods that I have usually eaten. No topical creams seem to make a bar of difference.
I'm wondering if anyone else has had an onset of eczema due to anxiety or grief and did it last long or once this was addressed did it go by dealing with it internally?

By Brandi on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 02:07 am:

Hello. My name is Brandi Comport and I was wondering about desensitizing. My doctor mentioned it and I mentioned it to my boyfriend. Currently and for as long as I have known him, has had an allergic reaction to something. His feet will break out into horrible rashes that he continually scratches. His doctors have prescribed him creams and medicines that do not seem to be working. He will literally scratch at his feet until they bleed. I was wondering if desensitizing could work for him or if you knew of anything else that would work. Please e-mail me babylee369@yahoo.com Thank you.

By Joyce on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 10:55 am:

Hi
I am a freelance journalist and I am looking for a case study for That's Life magazine. The case study will get £100 if we use their story. We are looking for A woman, age 45 or below, who has helped her eczema significantly by either eliminating certain foods or using certain products, and is willing to share her story with our readers. This will be for either 'change in me' slot or 'me and my food' slot in the health section. We will need two snapshots - a 'before' and an 'after'. It doesn't need to be a close up on your skin but the before needs to show you looking a bit glum or possibly without make-up and the after needs to be smiling and happy with apparently clearer skin. You'll also need to have a brief telephone interview with me. If you can help, please email me on joyce345@yahoo.co.uk Thanks!

By Jennie on Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 11:07 am:

Dear Isla, I can relate! My neck gets so bad that I also have trouble turning my head. People often ask me if I pulled a muscle. I often wear my shirts with the collars buttoned up to the top, to hide the mess. My hands, face and joints all suffer the same. I've gone whole summers wearing stockings with my skirts.

One piece of advice, I found cold gel packs at a pharmacy for reasonably cheap ($5 Canadian at London Drugs). I keep two of these in my freezer at all times. Whenever I feel the urge to scratch, I grab an ice cold gel pack, put it in a cotton pillow case, and hug it whereever I need it. The spot goes numb within seconds. This gets me through some of the tough times, especially hot summers when the sweat makes everything worse.

My heartfelt sympathies to all of you. PS, does anyone else find it annoying how other people just think you have dry skin? and they give gifts of pricey, fancy lotions or moisterizers that are un-useable because they are loaded with perfumes, etc?

By Jonathan on Sunday, January 22, 2006 - 01:29 am:

PS As a comment to the message before mine - my eczema also started at a very stressful time. So I wonder if that might be the trigger that pushes the bodys immune system over the limit? Just a thought, but for me once it's come out of the box it seems like I now have to be cautious for life. Actually not as big a deal as it initially sounds.

By Jonathan on Sunday, January 22, 2006 - 01:25 am:

It's nearly 5 months since my last post and I'm still largely eczema free as long as I'm careful. From reading through the rest of the posts and talking to people the only advice I can give anyone is that if you are suffering from a sensitivity don't immediately think it's the same thing as anyone else. A colleague at work has a dairy sensitivity, mine seems to be wheat, yours could be tomatoes or berries, oranges, dust or washing powder. Try an exclusion diet for a while and see if there's any improvement, you'll find books on this at the library - and overall, good luck. It's hell while you're going through it but there may be a way out.

By Isla on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 - 04:25 pm:

Hi, I developed excema at a very stressful time around 6 years ago, it started on my wrists and has now taken over my whole body in 2005. I'll be 30 this year and for the past 3 years this illness has really taken over my life. The worst affected area is my face, my top lip is either blistered and bright red or of course, peeling and falling off. My cheeks and forehead are red and inflamed and this leads to my neck which is actually swollen and so tight it hurts to turn my head. As a woman who has a job talking to people all the time it is getting to become soul destroying. It varies in location from ankles and calves to thighs and stomach and of course the nipples! My doctor actually shrugged when I arrived in full flamed glory a few weeks ago and he put me on Flucloxacillin which actually made the infection even worse. What I'm most worried about is the ageing effect on my skin as I am forced to use the strong steroids on my face. Some mornings my eyes puff and swell so much they almost close, and my neck also swells. Does anyone else encounter such extreme effects? I tried cutting out wheat and tomtoes but I find this has no effect. Is diet likely to be cumulative or would an allergy this strong expected to be instant?

By Alex on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 - 09:23 am:

What a relief that I am not the only person who suffers from eczema on my face! My eczema is strange because I suffered when I was younger with eczema (I remember having it from the ages of 7 - about 16). I used to get it on my arms and then when I was a teenager, I suffered around my eyes. Then all of a sudden, my eczema disappeared. I am now 25 and about 6 months ago, it started to flare up again. First of all around my nipple, then at the back of my knee and now all over my chin! I have been to the Doctors three times about it and she has given me Elocon cream which is the safest cream to use on your face apparently. It does work when my chin flares up which is about once every 2 weeks at the minute. As a few others have said, I find if I have a heavy weekend drinking then my skin suffers the following week. I don't know if I have suddenly developed an allergy to any other foods as the Doctor has never offered me an allergy test - does anyone know if you can demand these? I am in a private health care scheme at work and wonder if anyone knows if this is something I can get done on a private health scheme? I can cope with it anywhere else on my body but it does get me down when I get up in the morning and find it spread across my chin! Its so red as well! I already take Omega 3, have done for a while - this doesn't seem to make much difference with me. Does anyone know of any more herbal remedies? Just to try and stop me using my Elocon cream as much which worries me as it can't be a long term solution as it is a steroid cream.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! x

By Jonathan on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 12:51 am:

Well it's 2 and a half years since my last post and in that time I've stayed largely eczema free and have still been able to drink beer - I'm a happy man. I still have to be careful with wheat or it flares up again. While I was still suffering I went to see a homeopath who recommended I also avoid mushrooms, oranges and too much sugar. She blamed it on candida.

Now I can't say for sure if she was completely right or not but I do know that I now eat a lot of live yoghurt or take probiotic supplements because it seems to help. Using that allows me to eat wheat on occasion and I can usually tell when it's time for me to avoid it again as I get severe heartburn. My reasoning behind all this is that I have problems digesting certain foods which then sit in my gut for longer and end up causing problems. I can't say it's scientific but it works for me. Acidophilous every day seems to help me, hope it can for someone else.

By Ursula on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 10:50 pm:

i have had eczema all my life and i am now 17 it doesnt bother me on my hand feet and behind my legs as such i have that under control, its on my face that brings me down the most, i was wondering wat were the best moisturisers or facial scrubs that would sooth the rashes i get.... i mean i feels as if i cant walk out my house if my face has a slight patch and this gets me stressed and makes it worse. email me on candy_box_confectionary_biatch@hotmail.co.uk

By bittersweet on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 09:07 am:

Hi. I have always had excema and been to numerous doctors and dermatologists, only to be given steriod cream, which shouldn't be used on your face - thats where I have excema, so it wasn't any help. Recently, I went to a health food shop and was told I should take omega 3 capsules to help the excema and dry skin. Has anyone tried it and does it help? Also, does removing eggs and dairy from your diet help?

Cheers.

By Keyvan on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 12:34 pm:

Hi every1,
my name is keyvan and i live in Tehran/ Iran. I have had eczema for almost 10 years and it has been hurting me so much. It is called Sebborehic Dermatitis wich is a kind of eczema. But you have to know that these things would help eczema so much: 1- Using honey instead of suger 2- Using cod liver oil capsuls 3- using vitamin b 3-
regulating your sleep time

May God cure every1 of us with his glory
Keyvan
Tehran- Iran

By Simon on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 05:48 pm:

I have developed ecxema two years ago after a serious car accident. I have tried lots of creams and ointments but my skin is sensitive so it reacts to anythig too greasy by coming up in ichy bumps. The dermatologist gave me Doublebase cream in a 500g pump action bottle which realy helps after a bath. I still have flair ups and I am going to try to eliminate foods one by one to see if I am alergic to anything, Milk, eggs, nuts, citrus, glutin then soya. I Hope this helps someone.

By juelz on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 05:27 pm:

i'm at the age where i need some help with my eczema.i don't know when they are going to pop up.and when they do pop up they are every where.please give me some tips on how to clear it.

By Jean on Thursday, January 13, 2005 - 02:36 pm:

I have seborrhoeic eczema on my face and chest and it is getting quite bad. I know this is caused by yeast, and that sugar should also be avoided. But I love yoghurt and am unsure if I should eat it. On the one hand it has the 'friendly' bacteria but on the other it is fermented. Other people on this site have mentioned problems with yoghurt or dairy - could someone please say more? Thanks

By Vic on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 07:40 pm:

you can try demanding an allergy test or you can get them done privately at Bupa. Personally, as someone who had all the tests (including that one where you can't bath for a week - what fun) and tried massively restricted diets on the advice of dieticians, I'm sceptical. None of the tests told me anything I didn't know already. Except they all showed I was reacting to eggs. I tried cutting out eggs and it made absolutely no difference to my eczema. Incidently, because all my records then said I was allergic to eggs I had to argue every time I had a vaccination that; honestly, I don't have a reaction. I think that most allergy testing is a waste of time and money. You can try cutting out the biggest offenders for a while and see if you get any benefit, but personally I would concentrate on the other eczema solutions. Right, that's me off my little soapbox. LOL.

By Maria on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 03:19 pm:

My son is 7 and has recently come out of hospital after a secondary infection with dipobase and 0.5% hydrocortisone for consolation and is still scratching like a mad man, I feel so helpless. I have read the above comments and feel that my GP could have given me more advice can I demand an allergy test from the GP?

By Tara on Monday, December 27, 2004 - 11:22 am:

hi all

Not sure if you have this product in the US (I'm from Ireland and we have it there). It's called Eucerin and it is the only body/face cream I have found that actually cleared all my eczema. It contains urea, one of the body's natural moisturisers (I know it sounds gross but it's all manufactured in a lab). I also find that the shorter and cooler the shower you have, the better.

By Twiggy on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 12:53 am:

thanks guys, i needed to hear that! I honestly cant believe how great my skin has been considering the lack of calories/ nutrients.
This elimination "diet" was recommended to me by a nutrition specialist that my agency paid for. it was her idea to eliminate these foods because my system was so messed up with some yeast thing, and then to slowly bring back different food groups one by one and monitor what happened. So i was meant to go back but unfortunately, i changed agencies (im a model) and im not paying the money. She recommended alot of foods that didnt have this crap in them, and gave me a list of brands and stuff but its just too expensive. With rent and everything else its so hard to give up this money. i hate my body! i realise i need to eat more carbs, so i will definantely buy potatoes (they are cheap) and maybe investigate into some breads and cereals that are suitable. I honestly cant cook so thats not really an option. I can toss a salad though! I also need to start taking oil supplements i used to take- a large bottle wasnt too dear at all, i just need to get around to it.
Perhaps if i can quite smoking, i could use the extra money to buy food (considering my main reason for smoking is to avoid the food i cant have!)
anyway thanks so much guys, & good luck with this horrid condition!

By nikki on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 02:50 pm:

twiggy, i eliminated exactly the same things from my diet and inevitably also lost weight that i couldn't afford to lose. BUT, it is possible to keep the weight up. For a start you can still eat potatoes and they are a good natural sourse of carbs so make sure that you eat lots of them! It did work out more expensive to start with but to be honest once you put the time in it really isnt that bad. I used to make my own soups and sauces (because most shop ones are full of things we cant eat!) and just be a bit more inventive about cooking. Like you say it is a lifestyle change and you have to be prepared to do it, but honestly once you start seeing the results it is so much eaiser. Unfortunatly, for me the results only lasted about a year before i started to flare regularly again, but even now I can control small elements of my flare ups by watching what i eat!
Stick with it!!!!

By ruth on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 12:22 pm:

twiggy - you have answered your own question here - it is a mindset and if you are not careful about what you are doing - you are going to run into other types of health problems - problems that can end up being irreversible. it isn't because you can't afford the food - its just that you don't want to spend the money. its not as high a priority for you as the clothes. whose idea was it to go on this diet anyway???- while your skin might be looking better at the moment - if you continue to lose the weight like you are - then it will get you in other ways. you need to get some professional advice on the diet you are on to make sure you are getting what you need from it as it may be deficient in some nutrients.

By Twiggy on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 05:44 am:

Im having a problem with weight loss as a result of the restrictive diet I am on. I have eliminated dairy, sugar and yeast from my diet. My skin has never been better, but im just a little too thin. My problem is that I cant afford all the special health food products. So basically I live on fruit and vegetables and tuna and crackers. I don’t have time to prepare special meals, and although my job is well paying, so is my lifestyle. I don’t know how posting here is going to help- maybe I need to change my priorities.. I just hate wasting my hard earned money on food.. but then I can spend hundreds of dollars on designer clothes. I really don’t think my mindset can be chaged. Right now I weigh 49 kilos and im 178 cms. Thanks!!

By adele on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 03:09 pm:

omegega 3 has sorted out my 17 month old daughters excema. I give her junior essential balance, and grind a combination of linseed, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame. Her excema is much improved

By vinman on Saturday, November 29, 2003 - 05:11 pm:

My friend has helped his eczema condition dramatically by taking high quality dietary supplements. Omega fatty acids are especially helpful. Through this link you can recieve a free bottle of Advanced Omega. http://www.symmetrydirect.com/vbrodkorb/ Just sign up as a preferred customer and I will send you the bottle of Advanced Omega.

By mrleory on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - 07:35 am:

Well i basically grew out of eczema had it since the age of 1 or 2. and i was allergic to all dairy products milk, eggs, nuts, chocolate, seafood, crabs, lobsters,shrimp, tomatoes. but u know what i find strange is that alot of people say thats its hard to stay away from those products well maybe i've been doing it since i was 1 and im now 23. its just easy i know i cant eat that stuff or ill be right in the hospital simple as that. eczema is a strange disease i remember when i was little i wouldnt dare touch tomatoes but as i got older i was able to eat it without a problem. that just boggles me sometimes. also with chocolate i can eat oreo cookies but cant eat anything else that contains chocolate. but the secret to containing your eczema is find out what u can eat and what u cant .also what kind of soap u use cause when i was growing up my mom would buy ivory soap which would dry my skin out to the bone. which caused me to itch like hell at night. boy would i itch. keep the faith everybody once u can master those things im sure your eczema will clear up.. god bless and take care

By dawnenea on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 07:21 pm:

I think my eczema that i have had all my life is related to citric acid foods or foods with lots of acidity. I have been staying away from those foods in the last few years and my eczema has cleared up a lot.
my mom had me to every dermatologist in town and they would presc ointments that didnt do any good . i hated the teasing i got in school.
I am 32 and I had it really bad in 6th grade. I remember eating a bunch of tangerines so lately when it is clear, I have tested that thought. I ate a tomatoe a couple weeks ago and soon after, I itched at night until my hands were red and oozy. My dad is also allergic to tomatoes. He breaks out around his mouth. anyway the best thing that helps is being out in the sun, and
Avon hand cream that comes in a white tube with blue lid and blue writing. it is pretroleum like. rub it in real good and then leave your hands alone until it dries. it may take a little bit but it does soak in . it feels greasy at first but I love it and i dont use anything else when it is really bad

By amanda on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 02:13 pm:

Nottingham Support Group for Carers of Children with Eczema

Meeting held at Children’s Outpatients, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham 7-9pm on Wednesday

Present: Heather Powell, Colin and Kathy Gibb, Carolyn Simpson, Jane Hainsworth.
(Apologies: Sandra Lawton, Mavis Cox, Deena Smart)

Managing Food Allergies
Heather Powell showed us that managing various food allergies within a family is possible. Everyone in Heather’s family, apart from herself, has various allergies or food intolerances. Lactose and wheat, which seem so ubiquitous, are just a couple of the ingredients which she has to avoid. The effects of these food stuffs on her family can be hives, vomiting, stomach cramps, anaphylaxis or hyperactivity.

Some of the strategies Heather employs to good effect are:
Help your doctor to help you
Once Heather realised the impact of foods on her children, she researched the problem foods and then went to a specialist via her GP. She is able to get pasta made with rice flour and gluten free bread on prescription. More and more gluten free products are becoming available in supermarkets.
Find good sources for the foods you need
Heather buys sheep’s milk (very high in calcium) from Northamptonshire in lots of 30 litres, which she then freezes. But gradually other health food shops are selling sheeps’ milk. Sheep’s cheese comes in various forms (and we got to try some!) and you can also get sheep’s yoghurt and ice cream.
Plan ahead
Packed lunches are prepared every morning but ingredients need to be bought in advance and Heather has a rota of around about a dozen acceptable menus.
Adapt recipes
Heather brought various recipe books which she uses regularly including some from the Yorkshire Hyperactive Children’s Support Group. We tried her Savoury flapjack which is wheat, dairy and egg-free. It was delicious and the recipe is:
6oz rolled oats
3 large carrots (or 2 carrots and 2 sticks of celery)
2 teaspoons of mixed dried herbs, or 4 of fresh herbs
1 small onion
5 fl oz milk of choice or 1 beaten egg
2 tablespoons of margerine or oil
3 oz grated sheep’s cheese

Sweat the onions for 5 minutes in the margerine or oil, then add the grated carrots and cook for a further few minutes.
Add the milk or egg, then stir in the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Press down into a greased 8” sandwich tin.
Bake at 190C for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
Mark into slices whilst still warm, then leave to cool before cutting.

These flapjacks freeze well and are excellent for packed lunches.

Be aware of the effects of additives
Heather has a little booklet which lists every E number and the common name associated with the E number, giving side effects. This booklet is produced by the Foresight charity (the association of promotion of pre-conceptional care). She also gave some information about Essential Fatty Acids deficiency which has been implicated in some eczemas, hyperactivity and multiple allergies and can be caused by consumption of too much white flour and processed food.

The meeting finished with thanks to Heather.

Next meeting: We will be learning resuscitation techniques and the use of the epipen.
We meet on 9th July, 7-9pm at Children’s Outpatients Department, QMC, Nottingham

By Anastasakis on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 07:36 pm:

re zone and children. I have a son who suffers from ezcema and I have not tried this with him. He is only 5 and I don't feel comfortable with diets and kids. I am still ezcema free and I feel that it is totally as a result of the zone. The Zone is getting commercial here in North America. But the creater of it - Dr. Barry Sears has a web site and you might find more information of it here - the address is ' http://www.drsears.com/ '. Good luck. I posted my first note to see if others had success with the zone approach.