Does anyone here have or know anyone suffering from eczema?

[MrsBugi]

My sister is in so much pain right now, the itching hasn't stopped for days and she's tried everything from oatmeal baths to steroid creams prescribed by the doctor.

I feel so helpless - is there anything she can do to alleviate the itching? It's gotten to the point where she literally cannot get out of bed or walk because of it.

EDIT: I hope this is successful, how fantastic it would be to find a cure/treatment vs. just treating the symptoms.

My sister is still scratching horribly, and the excema has spread to her scalp. She scratches unknowingly at night, and wakes up with pus and her blood on the pillow.

 

[MrsBugi]

 

[gigapet]

never had it that bad. My hands used to crack open and bleed though when i was younger. Have it under control now tho

 

[MrsBugi]

Originally posted by: gigapet
never had it that bad. My hands used to crack open and bleed though when i was younger. Have it under control now tho

What did you do to control it?

 

[DaWhim]

what kind of lotion does she use? Eucerin is the best you can get for over the counter. anything you wan better than Eucerin, you will need a doctor prescription.

I used to think I have eczema (still not sure if that was it). somehow, I got a humidifier and solved the problem. my skin used to crack(maybe the dry weather)....i don't want to mention it anymore. it was gross.

 

[IAteYourMother]

how old is she?

 

[Xpred]

I use to have horrible eczema. But over time, it healed. Here are some solutions:

1. Drink lots of juices with Vitamin C & E. These vitamins have anti-inflammatory properities. I use to drink tons of apple juice and perhaps those enhanced orange juices where they add extra Vit C/E. It helped a lot during flare ups.

2. Drink raw honey (local) from your nearest store... mix it with some warm water. It also helps with allergies and is good for the skin. I use to drink it at least once/twice a week, I noticed my skin was smoother and soothed.

3. Exercise and sweat... I know sweating = induces more eczema, but after that, it's kind of like a homeopathic medicine type where you sweat out the "toxins"... I believe eczema is caused by imbalances of some sort of the body... I use to be inactive, but after working out and doing some heavy sweating, my skin healed although at first, it may intensify the itch.

4. Watch what you eat/drink... if you have a certain allergy to a food or drink, it could bring out the eczema.

Hope that helps!

 

[dighn]

Yep. I've got it over most of my body actually in various degrees of severity. sometimes it's bad, sometimes it's almost gone. The steroid creams are very effective but aren't meant for long term use. For me, reducing number of showers seems to help a lot.

It really sucks. But I try not to think about it too much..

 

[Sheepathon]

I've lived with eczema my entire life. When I was a kid, it was behind my ears, and then it was behind my legs, and then it was on my arms. Weird how it moves around the body as I got older. The docs always said it would get better when I reached adulthood, and I suppose it has. I'm almost 22 now, and I still have mild eczema in the nook of my arms sometimes, though now the primary locations that actually bother me are my wrists and knuckles around my pinky fingers, though not very seriously.

How old is your sister? The worst times, if I recall correctly, were in the middle school years. When it flares up it's almost impossible to be comfortable anywhere.

Tell her not to use water that's too hot when she bathes, because that will strip the oil off of the skin and dry skin = irritation. I SWEAR by Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion - I've tried almost every lotion available over the years, and nothing beats it. Don't use soaps that dry your skin like Ivory - Stick with soaps like Dove, or moisturizing body washes. Stuff like Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser and Clean and Clear Cold Cream Cleanser work well for the face, though thankfully I've never suffered from eczema there. The constant dryness has one good thing about it, I suppose - dry skin = little to no acne.

Anyways, one remedy I used when it was going crazy was using an icebag and placing it on the area that was causing a lot of trouble. Putting cold water on a towel, wringing it, and placing it on affected areas also helped a little. Creams and such didn't work so well, since I'd usually scratch the area unconsciously before it would really take effect. Gold Bond medicated powder, or some kind of baby powder with menthol also alleviates some of the discomfort. I'm also a fan of shoulder and neck massage, which helps take the mind off the discomfort.

I hope your sister gets better. Funny how everyone takes their skin for granted until it goes insane.

Oh, and if any areas are severely dry/cracked, in addition to the Aveeno, buy some Aquaphor and apply it to the megadry areas. It helps maintain moisture and really does help healing, though it is an ointment so there will be a little bit of greasy discomfort.

 

[MrsBugi]

Originally posted by: DaWhim
what kind of lotion does she use? Eucerin is the best you can get for over the counter. anything you wan better than Eucerin, you will need a doctor prescription.

I used to think I have eczema (still not sure if that was it). somehow, I got a humidifier and solved the problem. my skin used to crack(maybe the dry weather)....i don't want to mention it anymore. it was gross.

She's taking steroid cremes prescribed from the doctor right now. Maybe a humidifier would help, thank you for the suggestion.

 

[MrsBugi]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
how old is she?

19, she has been suffering from outbreaks since the age of 13.

 

[MrsBugi]

Originally posted by: Xpred
I use to have horrible eczema. But over time, it healed. Here are some solutions:

1. Drink lots of juices with Vitamin C & E. These vitamins have anti-inflammatory properities. I use to drink tons of apple juice and perhaps those enhanced orange juices where they add extra Vit C/E. It helped a lot during flare ups.

2. Drink raw honey (local) from your nearest store... mix it with some warm water. It also helps with allergies and is good for the skin. I use to drink it at least once/twice a week, I noticed my skin was smoother and soothed.

3. Exercise and sweat... I know sweating = induces more eczema, but after that, it's kind of like a homeopathic medicine type where you sweat out the "toxins"... I believe eczema is caused by imbalances of some sort of the body... I use to be inactive, but after working out and doing some heavy sweating, my skin healed although at first, it may intensify the itch.

4. Watch what you eat/drink... if you have a certain allergy to a food or drink, it could bring out the eczema.

Hope that helps!

Thank you very much for the suggestions. I don't think she's tried raw honey yet, and she could certainly use more vitamins and exercise.

 

[imported_Tick]

Move to the desert. It helps so much. You have to deal with greater dryness, but never having to wear heavy clothing is an eczema godsend. Also, try showering only every other day. And further, wear baggy clothing.

 

[imported_Tick]

Originally posted by: MrsBugi

Originally posted by: Xpred
I use to have horrible eczema. But over time, it healed. Here are some solutions:

1. Drink lots of juices with Vitamin C & E. These vitamins have anti-inflammatory properities. I use to drink tons of apple juice and perhaps those enhanced orange juices where they add extra Vit C/E. It helped a lot during flare ups.

2. Drink raw honey (local) from your nearest store... mix it with some warm water. It also helps with allergies and is good for the skin. I use to drink it at least once/twice a week, I noticed my skin was smoother and soothed.

3. Exercise and sweat... I know sweating = induces more eczema, but after that, it's kind of like a homeopathic medicine type where you sweat out the "toxins"... I believe eczema is caused by imbalances of some sort of the body... I use to be inactive, but after working out and doing some heavy sweating, my skin healed although at first, it may intensify the itch.

4. Watch what you eat/drink... if you have a certain allergy to a food or drink, it could bring out the eczema.

Hope that helps!

Thank you very much for the suggestions. I don't think she's tried raw honey yet, and she could certainly use more vitamins and exercise.

Also, if you just want itching relief, try taking a strong antihistamine, or get a prescription for adarax.

 

[MrsBugi]

Originally posted by: Sheepathon
I've lived with eczema my entire life. When I was a kid, it was behind my ears, and then it was behind my legs, and then it was on my arms. Weird how it moves around the body as I got older. The docs always said it would get better when I reached adulthood, and I suppose it has. I'm almost 22 now, and I still have mild eczema in the nook of my arms sometimes, though now the primary locations that actually bother me are my wrists and knuckles around my pinky fingers, though not very seriously.

How old is your sister? The worst times, if I recall correctly, were in the middle school years. When it flares up it's almost impossible to be comfortable anywhere.

Tell her not to use water that's too hot when she bathes, because that will strip the oil off of the skin and dry skin = irritation. I SWEAR by Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion - I've tried almost every lotion available over the years, and nothing beats it. Don't use soaps that dry your skin like Ivory - Stick with soaps like Dove, or moisturizing body washes. Stuff like Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser and Clean and Clear Cold Cream Cleanser work well for the face, though thankfully I've never suffered from eczema there. The constant dryness has one good thing about it, I suppose - dry skin = little to no acne.

Anyways, one remedy I used when it was going crazy was using an icebag and placing it on the area that was causing a lot of trouble. Putting cold water on a towel, wringing it, and placing it on affected areas also helped a little. Creams and such didn't work so well, since I'd usually scratch the area unconsciously before it would really take effect. Gold Bond medicated powder, or some kind of baby powder with menthol also alleviates some of the discomfort. I'm also a fan of shoulder and neck massage, which helps take the mind off the discomfort.

I hope your sister gets better. Funny how everyone takes their skin for granted until it goes insane.

Oh, and if any areas are severely dry/cracked, in addition to the Aveeno, buy some Aquaphor and apply it to the megadry areas. It helps maintain moisture and really does help healing, though it is an ointment so there will be a little bit of greasy discomfort.

She is 19, and will turn 20 later this year. The excema moves around her body as well, and may appear on her neck/back, behind her ears, on her hands/arms, legs, chest, etc.

The remedy you suggested sounds like it could offer some good temporary relief. I was thinking the ice might dry out her skin even more, but if it helps her sleep or be able to lie down without crying, it will be worth a try. Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[imported_Tick]

Originally posted by: MrsBugi

Originally posted by: Sheepathon
I've lived with eczema my entire life. When I was a kid, it was behind my ears, and then it was behind my legs, and then it was on my arms. Weird how it moves around the body as I got older. The docs always said it would get better when I reached adulthood, and I suppose it has. I'm almost 22 now, and I still have mild eczema in the nook of my arms sometimes, though now the primary locations that actually bother me are my wrists and knuckles around my pinky fingers, though not very seriously.

How old is your sister? The worst times, if I recall correctly, were in the middle school years. When it flares up it's almost impossible to be comfortable anywhere.

Tell her not to use water that's too hot when she bathes, because that will strip the oil off of the skin and dry skin = irritation. I SWEAR by Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion - I've tried almost every lotion available over the years, and nothing beats it. Don't use soaps that dry your skin like Ivory - Stick with soaps like Dove, or moisturizing body washes. Stuff like Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser and Clean and Clear Cold Cream Cleanser work well for the face, though thankfully I've never suffered from eczema there. The constant dryness has one good thing about it, I suppose - dry skin = little to no acne.

Anyways, one remedy I used when it was going crazy was using an icebag and placing it on the area that was causing a lot of trouble. Putting cold water on a towel, wringing it, and placing it on affected areas also helped a little. Creams and such didn't work so well, since I'd usually scratch the area unconsciously before it would really take effect. Gold Bond medicated powder, or some kind of baby powder with menthol also alleviates some of the discomfort. I'm also a fan of shoulder and neck massage, which helps take the mind off the discomfort.

I hope your sister gets better. Funny how everyone takes their skin for granted until it goes insane.

Oh, and if any areas are severely dry/cracked, in addition to the Aveeno, buy some Aquaphor and apply it to the megadry areas. It helps maintain moisture and really does help healing, though it is an ointment so there will be a little bit of greasy discomfort.

She is 19, and will turn 20 later this year. The excema moves around her body as well, and may appear on her neck/back, behind her ears, on her hands/arms, legs, chest, etc.

The remedy you suggested sounds like it could offer some good temporary relief. I was thinking the ice might dry out her skin even more, but if it helps her sleep or be able to lie down without crying, it will be worth a try. Thank you for your suggestions.

benedril is great if you want to sleep. It works as a sleeping aid, and is almost the most powerfull antihistamine in existance, so it will aleviate many eczema symptoms.

 

[D1gger]

My son has experienced eczema all his life. We have found the following works for him:

Avoid foods with lots of sugar.

He had/has a few food allergies which can also worsen his eczema (wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts)

Ice bags / cool baths for immediate relief of symptoms

cortisone creams used sparingly for longer term healing (always applied with a sterile q-tip so no fingers are dipped into the cream to deposit bacteria in the cream.

I truly hope she feels better soon.

 

[imported_Tick]

Getting a tan also helps.

 

[Viper GTS]

Had it all my life, it's fvcking miserable at times. My biggest problem area right now is my hands, I have open cracks on all my fingers on my right hand. Just as one heals up another opens, I've had them for months.

Others have coverd most of the bases. Cold showers and mild soaps will help. For shampoo use DHS Clear, for soap use Cetaphil (or generic equivalent at 1/4 the cost). Use your hands, not a washcloth.

If you can find Bag Balm (try a feed store or order online) it is better than Eucerin although EXTREMELY messy. You will want to cover any areas you've applied it to. Eucerin is good for daytime use but use Bag Balm liberally at night where you can leave it on and covered for an extended period of time.

What steroids is she on? I have used triamcinolone for years, I get it 2 lbs at a time. I generally use it only 1-2x a day, but during flareups I will use the full 4x doses.

Recently I've tried one of the newer drugs, Elidel. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to do much for me, & I've got a funny brown spot on my hand. :|

Viper GTS

 

[D1gger]

Originally posted by: Tick
Getting a tan also helps.

I'd forgotten about that. My son always improves in the summer with the sun, and playing in the sea water at the beach seemed to help as well.

 

[imported_Tick]

Originally posted by: D1gger

Originally posted by: Tick
Getting a tan also helps.

I'd forgotten about that. My son always improves in the summer with the sun, and playing in the sea water at the beach seemed to help as well.

Clorinated/salt water helps a lot I find.

 

[Viper GTS]

Wouldn't have guessed that chlorinated would help, perhaps I should try that.

Salt water is a definite help, some time in the dead sea is supposed to do wonders for such things. All that salt/mineral laden water + sun I guess, but it's a little out of the way.

Viper GTS

 

[imported_Tick]

The chlorine kills of skin bacteria, or so I assume. It might just be time in the water itself that helps.

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: gigapet
never had it that bad. My hands used to crack open and bleed though when i was younger. Have it under control now tho

Yeah my wife had it like that too. I don't remember what she got, some kind of steroid cream I think and its pretty much entirely gone now. Flares up just a little when she's really stressed.

 

[DeadByDawn]

I just got diagnosed with this last week. I kept getting small blisters on the edges of my hands, and they are very dry. Also my heels. Best of luck