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January 1996 Eczema Mailing List ArchiveThis file contains most of the traffic on the Eczema Mailing List during January 1996. Please note that the Archive has been edited for accessibility as well as the protection of contributors' privacy. The full flavour of the Mailing List can be experienced only by subscribing.Date: Mon, 1 Jan 1996 14:55:56 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: alternative therapies A friend of mine just told me about a book that might be helpful to
us. It's called ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: The Definitive Guide, by Deepak Chopra.
He said it's a huge volume documenting all kinds of information on alternative
medicine. I know that Deepak Chopra has written a number of spiritually-oriented
books, but apparently he is also familiar with specific medical treatments
too. Has anyone out there seen this book and is it of any use to laypeople?
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 17:19:15 EST From: Wayne Subject: Re: NIAMS Information Clearinghouse On 12/26/95 you asked me if the NIAMS packet is worthwhile. Well, I think it depends how much the reader already knows about AD. I think that those just beginning to look and the intermediate reader will find the NIAMS packet more than a brief brochure.The packet contains copies of documents from: 1. The Merck Manual (list and narrative of the different kinds of dermatitis). 2. Dermatology in General Medicine: Textbook & Atlas (Again different types of "eczematous dermatitis" w photos). 3. Comprehensive Therapy (UK), "Treatment of Atopic Eczema in Childhood" by David & Ewing. 4. Research Resources Reporter. Immune Responses Linked to Food Allergy in Children with Atopic Dermatitis. Talks about the work being done at Johns Hopkins Hospital, led by pediatric allergist Dr Hugh Sampson. 5. Archives of Disease in Childhood. Dietary Treatment of Atopic Eczema, by David 6. Jour. Florida Medical Assn. Review of Contact Dermatitis for Non-dermatologists,
by Hogan
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 16:47:01 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: FW: Humor Trading up with Wayne!! Couldn't resist sending this to the list for some jollies. Lord knows, we all can use them now and then! Kris >> Just a tidbit to liven up your crises. Cheers
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 19:07:21 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: gratitude I agree with Wayne's recent comment that having this on-going exchange
makes up for so much time feeling completely isolated and alone with this
miserable condition. In my case it's been nearly 39 years. I'll never forget
the first time I met another person with eczema who was willing to talk
about it. Andrew Stathis and I walked through Golden Gate Park here in
San Francisco and in between talking would periodically burst into tears.
Gradually I started meeting more and more people and talking to others
long-distance on the telephone. Wayne and I have had some amazing conversations
that I wish we had recorded. And now there's this 24 hour listserver on-line
so I can send messages anytime I want and get messages from others almost
every time I log on. It's truly a dream come true. I am so grateful to
Ralph and St. John's and everyone who contributes to keeping this network
going.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 1996 10:26:26 EST From: Wayne Subject: Future & Local Spt Gp Mts Thanks for the well wishes...it has been interesting following the different
aspects of AD (IgE, bone marrow, casor oil..etc). This conversation is
what we do "while we are at sea". I enjoyed Kris' humor piece because it
is thoughtful, and the practice of humor helps me because it makes me look
at things (like AD) from a different view.Wayne 8.2/10 1/4/96
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 1996 10:13:23 PST From: Wren Subject: Colds, Flu, and Eczema Robert, I've developed severe eczema after working in a "sick" building where lots of people have developed a range of illnesses, probably from exposure to some toxin in the building. Before having this bad eczema I used to have an average or higher number of colds and flu. But now I literally never get sick. It's been a noticeable change. When my office mates are dropping like flies with the flu I feel just fine. And like you, if I feel a cold coming on, all I do is drink a cup of herbal cold tea (I'm an advocate of alternative therapies) and the symptoms will disappear. I've mentioned this to my allergist and she says that my immune system
is in overdrive. I like not getting sick, but then again I feel sick every
day with the itching, sleeplessness, and discomfort.
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 1996 20:47:14 -0500 From: Jim Subject: pycnogenol All, A dermatologist in Takoma Park, MD has suggested that I try a substance
called Pycnogenol on my fourteen year old daughter who has atopic eczema.
Pycnogenol is a natural plant product made from the bark of the European
coastal pine, Pinus Maritima. Among the supposed benefits of this product
are improved skin smoothness and elasticity, improvements in skin disorders
such as eczema, reduction of allergic reactions and improvements in circulation.
The doctor who is recommending this product says several of his eczema
patients have shown marked improvement after taking this substance for
at least three weeks. It is available in tablet form from several different
laboratories. Has anyone heard of, or tried this product? I have other
information available if anyone is interested.
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 1996 12:20:28 PST From: Wren Subject: Re: pycnogenol Jim, I've taken pycnogenol daily for at least 9 months, maybe longer.
When I first started taking it I did notice an improvement in my skin.
Whether it's continued to help or not I can't say, as I take a number of
different substances daily to try to improve my eczema. When I have a flare
up I'll increase the dose or take extra at night to try to quell the night
itching. Overall I think my eczema is improving, but it's happpening very
slowly.
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 1996 12:29:07 PST Wren Subject: Face Skin and Shower Filter I have a strange face skin phenomenon and want to know if it happens to any other list members. Every other day upon waking my face skin is both hard and flakey. The skin is white and dry, and almost falling off my face. It doesn't hurt, but has a tight crusty feel. When I shower and it absorbs the water, I rub it gently with my fingers and it rubs right off, leaving soft smooth new skin. This also happens on a more limited basis on the tops of my shoulders, but nowhere else on my body. Any ideas on what might cause this, if it's ok, or how I can stop it? Also, I've just installed a chlorine-filtering shower head in my shower
at the suggestion of my doctor. Previously the chlorine in the water would
irritate my skin as I showered. I do notice that with the filter the water
feels gentler and I'm not as itchy when I bathe.
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 1996 16:02:13 -0500 From: Jack Subject: Re: pycnogenol Dear Jim: I have not heard of Pycnogenol, but its benefits sound great!
Hope we can get some feedback on this.
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 1996 22:57:42 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: Face Skin and Shower Filter >> I have a strange face skin phenomenon and want to know if it happens to any other list members. (description of phenomenon...) << Wren, I don't believe I've ever experienced anything quite like what you're describing. It doesn't sound too fun, though. Maybe someone else would know? >> Also, I've just installed a chlorine-filtering shower head in my shower at the suggestion of my doctor. Previously the chlorine in the water would irritate my skin as I showered. I do notice that with the filter the water feels gentler and I'm not as itchy when I bathe. << Hmmm, that sounds interesting. What company sells the chlorine filter?
Does it use some kind of disposable cartridge?
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 1996 10:16:50 PST From: Wren Subject: Shower Filter Info The shower filter is made by Sprite Industries, 1827 Capital Street, Corona, CA 91720. Phone: 909-735-1015. It's a full water saving low flow shower head with the filter built in. It cost me about $39 and will last about a year, based on me showering every other day. It comes with a chart that estimates the filter life. All I had to do was unscrew the old shower head and hand screw this one in, although the shower water outflow pipe needs to be the standard diameter. Easy street. I found it at a local health food store. Whole Earth Access, a modern
aware multiproduct store also sells them, but they were out. I found that
large local hardware stores did not carry them.
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 1996 16:44:06 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: Face Skin Wren: Your face skin problem sounds to me like you are having a reaction
to too much medication on your face or too much of some other internal
treatment. I know that you are using all kinds of treatments simultanously
and perhaps you can trace back the start of the face problem occuring soon
after the start of some new treatment. I always have a certain amount of
dry facial skin in the morning but what you have described sounds excessive
and I have had somewhat similar reactions when I used too much cream or
a cream too strong for my face.
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 1996 14:54:07 PST From: Wren Subject: Re[2]: Face Skin It is an interesting idea. I don't use any creams at all, but use solely
castor oil for softening and moisturing. It hadn't occurred to me that
one o my myriad therapies might be causing this megaflaking. Maybe I'll
do a one at a time week off to see if it improves.
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 18:23:06 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Allergy list The owner of the Allergy list has a Web site at: http://www.immune.com/allergy
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 00:54:47 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Your most effective remedy In gathering materials for the FAQ, I would like to ask for a description of each person's single most effective eczema remedy. That "single" remedy could be a combination of ingredients. For example, my most effective remedy consists of the combination of
oral antibiotics (Biaxin), tar soaks (Zetar), and topical steriods (Diprolene
ointment). After I use this combination for 7 to 10 days, I am pretty much
clear for several weeks, then the problems slowly begin to reappear, but
don't get back to the really bad stage for about two or three months.
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 14:22:41 EST From: Eric Subject: melaleuca? I mentioned my son's eczema to some friends via email and got this response. Has anyone heard of this? What is it? What do you think? I thought I would share with you our experience with infant excema.
Our youngest son also had it, although it was a mild case. Nevertheless
it covered most of his body. It was cured as if "by magic" with a product
called melaleuca. They make a product called Problem skin Cream. This was
incredible. His excema was gone in 3 days and hasn't been back since. If
you want to try it let me know and I'll order some for you. It is not expensive
at all. Again, it worked for us...it's worth a try at any rate.
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 12:49:29 PST From: Wren Subject: Re: melaleuca? I've never heard of this, but wonder if it's just a strong cortisone cream disguised by an upbeat name. I'm willing to check it out, but would like more info. [later] Right after my semi-cynical reply, I checked out melaleuca on
the World Wide Web. Turns out it's tea tree oil, made from the leaves of
the Australian Melaleuca alternafolia tree. It supposedly has astringent
and healing qualities.
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 11:48:48 -0500 From: Carrie Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy My daughter, who just turned six and is of Korean origin has eczema
but in the last year it has greatly subsided. Her skin is the best I have
ever seen it. I'm not sure our regimen has a lot or a little to do with
it. I tried every lotion and cream out there and finally ended up sticking
with Aveeno cream in the jar which I put on her twice a day (morning and
night) We use Lowila to bathe her with and she only gets a bath twice a
week in warm water. I don't let her soak and we never use bubble bath.
I do notice that if she drinks a lot of grape or cherry soda her skin starts
breaking out - I'm not sure if its the coloring or citric acid. If she
does get a rough spot we use a steriod cream prescribed by her Pediatrician.
I also find that stress or a change in her routine sends her skin in a
tail spin so we stay on a pretty set schedule and we don't do a lot of
traveling because sleeping on hotel beds (even if I bring our own sheets)
does not agree with her skin. I also double rinse all our clothes and use
ERA detergent of all things. Please ask if there is anything else I can
contribute.
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 13:08:37 -0500 From: Jack Subject: Re: melaleuca? Wren: Thanks for solving the melaleuca "mystery". Tea tree oil is good
stuff. My wife has found it very effective against foot fungus where other
over-the-counter and prescriptions alike had failed.
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 13:20:44 -0500 From: Ike Subject: Most Effective Remedy The most effective method that I rely on is to religiously apply cortisone based ointment (not cream) three times a day, and, don't do anything physical. It's also good idea not to raise my mental stress level. Stick with my routine schedule. If I am going to scratch -- which I know I will -- then do it gently. The above are my basic rule of thumb.
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 15:57:38 EST From: Eric Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy My most effective remedy is to use a cortisone cream. I also use moisturising
cream to reduce the need for the cortisone cream. When my eczema is very
bad, keeping the air temperature as cold as possible reduces the feeling
of itchiness.
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 18:04:18 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy Hi Ralph, My half-century of living with eczema has made me completely cortisone-dependent, whether cream, ointment, pill, or injection, depending on what crises of care I'm in. Now I know cortisone cannot be used willy nilly without close medical supervision to preclude severe problems. Antibiotics help, but they cannot be taken all one's life. Like cortisone, they have their own side-effects--like ultimate resistance to their beneficial effects. Meticulous cleanliness every single day is a must to prevent infection, and the proverbial "grease up, goop up" sessions every single day are a necessity with whatever works at the time. Change is the key to medications. Nothing works forever all the time. Antihistamines may help on and off. Tranquilizers may help for bad itching; I've probably done them all. State of mind is the key to the entire AD picture for me. Cold water reduces the itch; warm water with the right soap (Cetophil) is healing for soreness of skin and muscles. The whole thing is such an inexact science; maybe that's why science
seems to have gotten nowhere with solving the puzzle. On top of that, It
doesn't appear that science has ever been particularly interested in AD
either.
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 22:46:34 -0600 From: Ballew Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy I don't know if this will help anyone else, but this is what I superstitiously believe helps me, in the order I believe to be effective. Most Effective: Increasing my sleep time by 2 hours per night (up to 7 1/2 hours)
Less Effective: Avoiding stress at work and at home
Palliative: Hot water and/or hair dryer on sores to reduce itching
No Effect: French green clay -- mud packs
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 07:07:18 EST From: David Subject: Your most effective remedy I have found that for me the best remedy for every day use is aqueous cream, a simple and cheap emollient. I apply this as necessary, at least four times a day. As this softens and hydrates the skin it also seems to reduce itching. Using this I have dramatically reduced the need for applying steroid creams. Unfortunately when I started using this although the eczema improved infections became more common. I now apply Sudocrem once a day, as this contains an antiseptic, and this appears to keep things under control. When the eczema flares up, as it does occasionally, I then use a steroid cream. I may have to revise all of the above soon because I have been taking Evening Primrose Oil and fish oil for the last few weeks. I now find that my eczema is less dry, and in fact all my skin seems to have improved. I seem to need less emollient than before and have not used the steroid for weeks. The only treatment offered to me 20 years ago was steroid creams and
ointments and it is unfortunate that I was not told about emollients as
they are safe and inexpensive. My wife now uses aqueous cream on her hands
as she finds it far more effective than expensive cosmetic hand creams.
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 08:46:29 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy David, What emollient creams/aqueous creams are you referring to? Is
there more than one or two? What brand names do you buy? What ingredients
do these contain? Thanks for the info.
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 13:29:41 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy Carrie, Aveeno sounds familiar - I'm sure I've seen it in a pharmacy
- but what is Lowila?
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 13:33:17 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: melaleuca? Jack, Where does one obtain this magical substance?
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 13:40:25 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy David, I'm not familiar with "aqueous cream". Is that just the same
material used as a base for medicated creams? Where do you buy it, and
from what manufacturer? Thanks.
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 12:20:33 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: most effective remedy Ralph. For me, I would say, Cleocin-T antibacterial roll-on liquid (to
prevent infection after scratching), Elocon cream on face and Diprolene
ointment on body (for healing of rashes and scratches), Aquaphor ointment
on face and Shepard's Lotion on body (for dryness), and Rx strength Tavist
twice a day (antihistamine to control itching). If skin out of control
all over body, use Cetaphil Lotion to wash and get shot of Kenalog. Last
resort: Prednisone.
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 18:31:03 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: most effective remedy Great information, Shelley. Is Cleocin-T a prescription item? I'm already
familiar with Elocon and Diprolene. How about Aquaphor and Shepard's Lotion?
Can you give us the manufacturer, availability, etc., for these products?
You don't need to go into great detail, but some elementary information
about each one would be most helpful.
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 15:21:15 EST From: David Subject: Your most effective remedy "Aqueous cream" is a generic name and not a brand name. The cream is about the simplest emollient you can get consisting of, as far as I remember, water mixed with soft white paraffin. I may be wrong but I cannot check right now because the tub I have at the moment does not list the ingredients. It contains no preservatives, scent or anything like that. It could well be the base used for many other creams. I live in England and can buy it at any chemist or pharmacy, but it is not on the shelves with all the brand-name products. You go up to the counter and say "A 500g tub of aqueous cream, please." They go in the back, grab it off a shelf and hand over the tub and say "That'll be 2.50 pounds please" ($3.75) I then transfer it to an old pump dispenser to avoid contamination and it lasts me 6 months or more. Maybe the name and availability are different in the US and other countries, but it may just be worth asking for it by name. I expect it is not publicised because it is not patented or anything so there is not a lot of money to be made. Many other emollients are much the same but with other magic ingredients added. There is a similar emollient called Diprobase available here. This is advertised in places like the National Eczema Society magazine and is available for doctors to prescribe. It costs around 6-7 times as much. I asked the pharmacist the difference between it and aqueous cream. He checked his big book and found the ingredients were the same. The consistency is slightly different - perhaps they whip it together a bit differently. The pharmacist say that "in the old days" they used to mix up the aqueous cream right there in the shop. I hope this is of use or interest. I found it a little annoying that
a very useful and inexpensive treatment was hidden away like this.
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 01:31:17 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy David, Thanks for this interesting and useful information. I will ask my pharmacist about aqueous cream. It may be that English pharmacists (do you call them chemists?) still
mix some of their own creams and ointments, and so need to keep aqueous
cream in stock. American pharmacists, as far as I know, very seldom mix
anything now.
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 09:01:48 EST From: David Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy Ralph, I don't think they do; I think the cream is just for sale to the public. Some sensible doctors may prescribe it so pharmacists would have it available for that purpose too. The actual qualified person in the shop is called a "pharmacist". The sign outside the shop sometimes sometimes says "chemist" or "dispensing chemist" and sometimes "pharmacy". However, I never hear people talk about going to the "pharmacy", they always say "chemist's" (at least in North West England). The largest chain of chemist's in the UK is "Boots the Chemists". But they still employ pharmacists. Basically, I think "chemist" is old-fashioned but people haven't got round to saying "pharmacy" yet. At least we have stopped called them "apothecaries" :) The National Eczema Society (a UK organisation) publishes a quarterly magazine called "Exchange". This costs 2 pounds per issue, or free to members. Annual membership was 12 pounds at my last renewal date. I have the September 1995 issue by me and its contents are: Page 5 News
Other recent features have included: The Sun and your skin
I hope this gives you some idea of the useful and interesting content of the magazine, w hich is a professionally produced affair. For further details contact
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 12:36:05 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: remedies For me, cold water showers are essential. It doesn't have to be freezing,
just gradually use less and less hot water until it's more cold than hot,
and as you get accustomed to it, you can accept it colder and colder. It's
quite clear to me that I get itchy when I indulge myself in hot showers
day after day.
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 12:43:40 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: remedies That's fascinating, Shelley (and slightly racy). I will definitely have
to try it. I experimented with cold showers once or twice, and actually
felt wonderful afterwards, but it was very distressing to get into the
cold water. It didn't occur to me to decrease the temperature gradually.
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 14:48:01 EST From: Wayne Subject: Orange Trace Whenever I peel a juicy orange I hold the orange in my left hand and
dig into the peel with my right hand. The orange juice sprays out on the
palm of my right hand. Usually within a short period of time white chalk-like
lines appear in the creases of my right palm. This has always happened
to me. No one else I know has this occur. I think what has happened is
some sort of a chemical reaction between the orange spray (some sort of
citric acid?) and something on my palms. Anybody want to give a guess what
is mixing with the orange spray? I am really curious. Does this happen
to anyone else with AD? I wonder if this phenomenon is related to AD? It
only happens on my palms, basically along the creases, because that is
where the juice is the thickest. (Ike, I don't play golf and wear gloves
only for cold weather)
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 22:43:29 CST From: Kristen Subject: Question Has anyone out there had chronic problems with itching eyelids? Would
be interested in cause, if known, exacerbations, and treatment tried.
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 11:09:54 -0500 From: Jim Subject: your most effective remedy David, would you mind sharing with us the amount of evening primrose oil that you take on a daily basis? I have been wanting to start my fourteen year old daughter on this substance and have been agonizing over how much to give her. As for our most effective remedy, it currently seems to be twenty minute,
daily, lukewarm, soapfree baths followed immediatly with a towel dry and
coating of Vaseline. Once severe itching starts, we retreat to the coolest
room in the house, usually the basement and apply a reuseable cold compress
that we keep in the freezer. The cold compress is one of the type used
in the treatment of sprained ankles and can be found in most sport stores.
I have been told that a frozen bag of peas will also serve the same purpose.
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 13:31:49 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: Cleocin-T etc Ralph, Cleocin-T is a prescription drug, 1% Clindamycin Phosphate is
the generic. It has been a miracle drug for me in keeping my skin from
getting infected after scratching. Before I found it, I'd end up needing
antibiotics to deal with infections. I haven't needed antibiotics since
I started using Cleocin-T about 3 years ago. Aquaphor ointment is over-the-counter,
manufactured by Beiersdorf Inc, Norwalk CT. It is a combination of petrolatum,
mineral oil, and mineral wax. I buy a big 16 oz. jar for about $15 which
lasts for a couple of years. It's great for my face, especially itchy eyes,
and little cracks around my ears and mouth. I've used it for nearly 30
years, every day after showering, to keep my face lubricated without feeling
greasy. Only a tiny bit is needed so it lasts a long time. I also mix Aquaphor
into steroid ointments when I want to reduce the strength of the steroids.
Shepard's Lotion is also over-the-counter, manufactured by Dermik Labs
in Fort Washington PA, but it's expensive, so I get my doctor to write
a prescription for it so that my insurance will cover it. It's the only
lotion that my skin seems able to absorb quickly without getting itchy
in reaction to it. I also mix Shepard's with Lidex cream to get a combination
effect.
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 14:14:02 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: itching eyelids I have used Aquaphor ointment for my itchy eyelids for over 30 years.
I apply it after showers, and whenever itch occurs, usually 3-4 times a
day. I keep a small container by my bed and carry a small container in
my purse. (I don't leave home without it!) Since Aquaphor is a simple lubricating
ointment, I assume that the itch is due to dryness. For me, relief is immediate
after application. I'm sure there is a compounded psychological affect
after all these years because I "know" I will feel better once I put it
on...
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 15:12:21 -0500 From: Robert Subject: Remedies A most effective remedy for me SOMETIMES is the sun and salt water.
Spending an entire day on the beach in the hot sun may clear up my skin
by next time. Occasionally, it can have no effect or make it worse. I am
currently getting light treatments which is standard treatment for sufferers
of psoriasis, and, this time it seems to be having some positive results.
Internal Prednisone, of course, works magic. I can feel it working even
before I see the the physical manifestation of what it is doing. Of course,
one can't rely on this and it must be used only in extreme times. Another
thing i do for a particular area, is use cortisone cream and cover with
a bandage, etc.. This works for persistant, hard to heal cracks in fingers,
feet, etc.. The use of ointments, cremes, etc., I do not classify as remedies
for healing but relievers. Sometimes I make a paste using colloidal oatmeal
and water a use like a facial all over. This seems to draw out activity
and help. Baths with oil, oatmeal, salt, and tar help soothe my skin. If
my skin is in real bad shape, I rely heavily on such baths.
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 16:16:17 EST From: David Subject: your most effective remedy I take 2500mg of Evening Primrose Oil a day, which from everything I have read is a pretty standard dose. However, it may be worth trying Fish Oil or Flaxseed oil first as it is much cheaper. (I think EPO may be more popular because it has a much prettier name!) This is all a bit complicated but briefly, the fatty acid in EPO is made in the human body from things which are plentiful in the diet, such as vegetable oil. Some people fail to make this conversion due to some metabolic problem, or a shortage of magnesium. The fatty acids in fish oil (or flaxseed oil) are not made in the body and can only be taken in the diet. The most abundant source is fatty fish like mackerel. Both these fatty acids are required for the production of various hormones and for the immune system. A deficiency of either is implicated in many problems including eczema. In other words, you need to to take Fish Oil if it is not in your diet and you need to take EPO if you have a metabolic problem. So unless you are eating fatty fish twice a week or more I would say try the Fish Oil for six weeks before trying EPO. If that does nothing for you then try EPO. If you cannot find Fish Oil or Flaxseed Oil then Cod Liver Oil will do, but do not exceed the stated dose for CLO as you may overdose on Vitamin A. Bottles of liquid are cheaper than capsules; you can get lemon flavoured fish oil or cod liver oil to make it more palatable. DISCLAIMER: I am in no way qualified to give medical advice; I am repeating
here what I have read and heard from a variety of sources.
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 20:21:18 EST From: Eric Subject: Eyelids I've had dry itching eyelids for a few months now. I normally wear contact lenses and I had to stop as the dry eyelids damaged my cornea. It's a condition called Blepharitis. Flakes of skin from the eyelids are getting into the eye and irritating it. After seeing many ophthalmologists and eventually being referred to a cornea specialist, I was prescribed Tobradex ointment (cortisone based) to put on the eyelids. I was also told to place a moist hot towel on the closed eyes for 10 minutes as this softens and removes the flakes of skin. The treatment has helped with the dry eyelids and, more importantly, the cornea is back to normal. I have no idea why my eyelids became so dry. The rest of my skin has
been pretty good recently. If you wear contacts, I'd advise getting a eye
examination asap.
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 06:51:23 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: Question >> Has anyone out there had chronic problems with itching eyelids? Would be interested in cause, if known, exacerbations, and treatment tried. << Yes, I have had that trouble, pretty severely at times. The things I found were, first, stay out of the sun. (Well, at least keep my eyelids out of the sun!) Sun seems to make that problem much worse for me. Also I think that chlorine and salt are irritating to my eyelids. All these things obviously go along with summer vacations, and, oddly, I seem to have more eyelid problems in California than on the East coast... but that might just be because there are more opportunities to be outside, and the weather is more pleasant, so I stay out longer. Second, I use a very mild steroid ointment when the problem gets bad, but only when really necessary. There are opthalmic steroid ointments, and these work well, even though the problem is not actually *in* the eye. But ordinary, over-the-counter steroid ointment seems to be okay, too. I try to wash my hands before applying anything to the eyelid, because it's so sensitive. That's all I can think of right now. This used to be a really vexing
problem for me, but for some reason it got better, and my hands got much
worse. It's almost as if my eczema has to have a place to express itself,
but so far it only needs one place at a time.
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 07:01:32 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: your most effective remedy Hmmm, I have some fish oil capsules that one doctor prescribed for me,
but I haven't started to take them yet. Guess I'll try them! And magnesium?
Yes, the same doctor also prescribed magnesium.
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 11:20:03 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: cold showers Ralph, yes, it took me over 30 years to take cold showers. The idea
of getting into a cold shower was totally unacceptable. The trick that
I figured out just a few years ago, is that I get into a hot shower, or
whatever temperature I desire. Then while I am in there, I adjust the temperature
to what I can accept at the moment, often making slight changes every minute.
Some days I need a hot shower, period. Other days I start out warm and
only gradually get to a bracing blast of truly freezing cold. The point
is that I'm flexible and spontaneous to what my skin needs and can take
at any one time. I push myself a little bit, "just try it" I tell myself,
and then see how it feels. I have total control and am free to be creative
and open to the nuances of feeling on the inside as well as the outside.
I enjoy developing my ability to sense precisely when I've had enough and
when I can take more. This ability is extremely useful with all eczema
treatments. I consider the cold shower a good exercise for strengthening
my skill in understanding my own body and its sensitive mechanisms...
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 09:22:00 PST From: Wren Subject: psoriasis There's a psoriasis page at: http://www.tecc.co.uk/public/psoriasis/psor.html
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 09:40:00 PST From: Wren Subject: Re: flax oil and evening primrose oil I've taken EPO for quite awhile now as one of the myriad remedies I'm using in my alternative approach to dealing with and hopefully beating this uncomfortable disease. When taking these oils please know that you won't see any effect for
3-6 weeks. For some reason it takes that long for the system to adapt and
show outward improvement.
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 11:19:34 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: planetree health resources I went down to the Planetree Health Resource Library, which is a library
just for people needing info on diseases and health-related issues and
I found a copy of a book titled ECZEMA by Christine Orton, published in
England in 1986. It is a guide to numerous alternative remedies. I don't
know if it is still in print, but the author was editor of Exchange, the
newsletter of the National Eczema Society in England, so they might have
copies available. Ms. Orton is the mother of a son with eczema and her
writing is based on that experience. She gives a fairly thorough picture
of treatments used. I would quibble with a few things she says, or doesn't
say, but basically it's the first book specifically on eczema, written
by someone with family experience, that I've ever seen.
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 14:44:11 -0500 From: Jack Subject: Re: melaleuca? Ralph, You can get it in most any health food store.
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 17:33:21 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Question Ralph, Has anyone said anything about cumulative steroid use near/on
the eyelids, and ultimate cataract formation? I use it when the lids get
really sore from rubbing, because it reduces redness and puffiness. But
I try not to use it regularly in that area. I do have a nonsteroid eyedrop
called Acular, burns a little, but does stop the itching at worst times.
Haven't tried hot compresses. The trouble is, by the time I need to get
to sleep, I'm too tired to deal with the mess of eye compresses on top
of all the other skin preparations. It used to bother me about once a year
when I was younger; it has been a constant chronic problem now for nearly
5 years, and doesn't seem to abate for long. I'm just sick and tired of
it and blurry vision.
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 17:38:07 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Eyelids Thanks for your suggestions, Eric. It took me about 4 yrs to finally
get a diagnosis--blepharitis--but even my dermatologist wasn't interested,
nor were the eye doctors until I got lucky six months ago and found a young
guy who diagnosed it correctly. I was getting terribly frustrated by the
brush off, as tho it was an insignficant problem--and it wasn't because
it was affecting my vision so badly I was afraid I wouldn't be able to
pass my driver's license exam. Constant blepharitis can escalate into a
worse problem over time as one ages. What a thrill. But I will take the
suggestion for the med to my Derm doc. Nothing thus far has lasted very
long.
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 17:48:26 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Remedies Hi Robert, I was surprised to read about all the remedies you use. I've used Aveeno and tar in the past; I couldn't stand the stench and staining of tar after while, and Aveeno eventually just made me itch all the more. Plus it was a filthy mess to deal with afterward. Probably why I prefer cortisone in different strengths to all the "home" remedies. But I also have reactions to unsterile additives in things like cortisone preps and eye drops, so have to be very careful not to buy OTC stuff. I no longer like the heat and perspiration being in the sun generates, but sun and water used to clear me up for months as a kid when I went swimming every day. I will be most interested to hear about your experiment in reducing
stress. The daily grind of making a living is about all the rat race I
seem to be able to cope with these days; people who create more stress
get dumped. Have fun in Mexico!!
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 17:52:52 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Your most effective remedy Thanks for the suggestion for different and new palliatives. I've been
warned to stay away from "wool alcohol" after allergy testing in things
like Aquaphor, but I believe it is used in other creams as well. Have always
had allergy to wool, so I'm not sure if that is a derivative of it or what.
I can hardly wait to visit my dermatologist next month with this long list
of new meds!
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 1996 06:23:28 EST From: David Subject: Re: your most effective remedy I read a book which I think was called "The Eskimo Diet". It described all the benefits of fish oil but was particularly aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease, not eczema. It also listed a number of research papers concerning fish oil. I found loads of information on CompuServe in the Natural Medicine forum, and I also found the following paper on CompuServe: Yetiv, Jack Zeev: Clinical applications of fish oils JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association, Aug 5, 1988 v260 n5 p665(6) This paper reviews much of the earlier research and includes in its references: Ziboh VA, Cohen KA, Ellis CN, et al: Effects of dietary supplementation of fish oil on neutrophils and epidermal fatty acids: Modulation of clinical course of psoriatic subjects. Arch Dermatol 1986;122:1277-1282. Bjorneboe A, Soyland E, Bjorneboe GEA, et al: Effect of dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 1987;117:463-469. but I have not read these. Maybe using a Web search engine to look for "fish oil eczema" or "fish oil dermatitis" would reveal something. I have not tried this as I have read enough to convince me that I need to take the stuff for all sorts of reasons, even if I did not have eczema. As for the magnesium deficiency, I think this is mentioned frequently
in descriptions of why people may need to take EPO.
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 1996 09:19:40 PST From: Wren Subject: Re[2]: your most effective remedy Finally getting around to telling you about my most effective remedy. As most of you know, I'm using mostly homeopathic and "natural" medications and a severely modified diet to help my eczema. My condition seemed to be caused by some sort of systemic poisoning or overload that came from working in a sick building. My bad flare ups, which include oozing sores, intense itching, and what I call "needles" or nerve signal flares all over my body have decreased over time. However, even now I could itch almost constantly all day, have dry effoliating skin, and often have poor sleep due to itching. However my skin is LOOKING and better and getting stronger over time. Now the rest of my system has to improve. When I have a bad day I'm tempted to call my allergist and get a cortisone shot. But according to the homeopathic school of thought, cortisone prevents the body from working to heal itself. I don't know if I'm living in excess discomfort unnecessarily, but of course am hoping that this regimen will get my system back to normal. Anyway, when things are really bad I just do more of what I do on a
daily basis. I'll take some tylenol to quiet down my whole system. I'll
apply Elha-Dermidyn, which is a German homeopathic ointment I use on my
sores. It's a prescription item that I get from my homepathic allergist.
I apply castor oil to dry areas several times a day or more often. And
when I wake up scratching at night I'll also apply one or both of the above
mentioned. I also am very careful about my diet.
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 1996 22:52:50 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Eyelids >> Ralph, Has anyone said anything about cumulative steroid use near/on the eyelids, and ultimate cataract formation? << I was quite concerned about that when I first started using steroid
ointment on my eyelids. Fortunately, I very seldom (maybe once a year)
need any steroid now, so it's not a current problem. But I always used
the lowest strength ointment available, and applied it very sparingly,
hoping to avoid any such side effects.
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 00:28:10 -0500 From: Judy Subject: Re: Question I have had mild eczema for most of my life. For several years after
moving to Boston, I developed eczema on my eyelids. I was careful to use
only opthalmic cortisone ointments and it gradually went away. Watch out
for eye makeup that isn't hypoallergenic. Good luck.
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 16:28:39 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: wool alcohol I am extremely allergic to wool fabric but have used Aquaphor for 30
years and never had a problem with the "wool alcohol" in it.
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 16:28:40 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: orange juice Wayne, regarding your weird experience with orange juice: I've never
had that happen to my skin but I don't eat citrus fruit, especially oranges.
I've always had a bad stomach reaction to citrus fruit. The acid definitely
causes problems on the inside and I assume it's causing your reaction on
the outside.
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 17:06:21 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Re[2]: your most effective remedy Hi Wren, I admire your perseverance with alternative meds. It always seemed to me that if I needed a shot or a burst of C-pills, it was to get me on track, rather than having to suffer through prolonged miseries. It's always been worth it to me to be able to function after having a cortisone shot or burst. Then a new regimen of meds (whatever they are) could pick up from an optimal vantage point rather than the abyss and thus keep me on an even keel. Where do you find these alternative meds? Health stores are usually
exorbitantly expensive, and one never knows if one is buying a pig in a
poke.
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 17:12:40 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: itching eyelids I'm amazed you could use any one ointment so long--I seem to develop
allergies to anything with excessive longterm use. I keep half my medicine
chest with me at all times--it's a regular walking suitcase, and is quite
heavy; so I keep a little purse handy for errands rather than lug the big
one all over town. When I was tested for wool alcohol, it was positive,
and so the nicer creams like Aquaphor are now off limits to me. I much
prefer the white creams and ointments, after using tar and Aveeno--no stain,
no smell, no mess afterward.
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 15:57:39 PST From: Wren Subject: Where can I buy Aquaphor? Where do you get the Aquaphor and Shepard's Lotion in the Bay Area?
Do you need a prescription?
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 10:27:51 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Aquaphor and Shepard's Lotion I have just been trying Aquaphor over the last few days, and like it very much. My hands seem to be much improved by it, so far. I'm sort of holding my breath, because, like Kristen, I usually run into problems with long-term use. I have a bottle of Shepard's Lotion on order from my pharmacy, and plan
to pick it up today.
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 12:06:34 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: alternative medicine I finally got a copy of Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide's write-up on eczema. Here's the basics of what they say: "Eczema can be due to allergies, digestive disorders such as hydrochloride acid deficiency, immune diseases, genetic metabolic disorders, or nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B, especially niacin (vitamin B3), B6, and B12. May also be a symptom of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. Treatments: DIET: Avoid allergic food, especially wheat and cow's milk products. Take lemon juice mixed with equal part olive or almond oil applied externally and taken internally. Excess consumption of fruit, especially citrus and sour, may aggravate symptoms. NUTRITIONAL THERAPY: Take zinc, essential fatty acids (sometimes containing GLA), vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, magnesium. AROMATHERAPY: bergamot, chamomile, lavender, melissa, neroli, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper. AYURVEDA: herbal mixture of kutki 200 mg, manjista 300 mg, tumeric 200 mg, and neem 200 mg, one teaspoon generally taken twice a day after lunch and dinner. Externally apply neem oil. Do not eat salt, sugar, or yogurt. BODYWORK: Acupressure, shiatsu, and reflexology. HERBS: Eczema is best treated internally, as the cause is usually a constitutional one. Cleavers, nettle, yellowdock or red clover are often combined with chamomile, linden flowers, or skullcap. One combination would be equal parts cleavers, nettle, and chamomile drunk as an infusion 3 times a day. A stronger mixture combines the tinctures of figwort, burdock, and cleavers in equal parts. Take one teaspoonful 3 times a day. To alleviate itching bathe the area with lukewarm or cold chickweed infusion. For cracked, dry, or painful skin use a salve made from calendula flowers and St. John's Wort leaves. Goldenseal applied externally. HOMEOPATHY: Dulcamara, Rhus tox, sulfur, arsen alb., graphites. Petroleum and psorinum must be taken alone, not in combination with other remedies. HYDROTHERAPY: Heating compress applied once daily. JUICE THERAPY: Black currant, red grapes. Carrot, beet, spinach, cucumber, parsley. Green juices. Wheat grass. NATUROPATHIC: Applying zinc oxide locally may relieve itchiness. REFLEXOLOGY: Diaphragm, liver, kidneys, intestines, adrenals, all glands, thyroid. MIND/BODY THERAPY: Biofeedback, guided imagery, relaxation. TOPICAL: Evening Primrose Oil applied directly to skin. The following therapies should be provided by qualified professionals: Acupuncture, Environmental Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, Detoxification Therapy, and Oxygen Therapy (Hydrogen peroxide therapy by IV)." Amazing list, eh?
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 12:31:46 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: Aquaphor and Shepard's Lotion Yes Kris and Ralph, I too usually have problems with long-term use of
anything. Aquaphor is the only product that has stood the test of time.
I've been using Shepard's Lotion for about 6 years, so that's actually
pretty good too. Both are to be used sparingly, I think that is a key to
usage. Less is more. I put on a tiny bit, rub it in gently but firmly with
a soothing massage-like stroke, giving my skin a moment to relax into receiving
it, and then sense if it needs more. I definitely have a reaction if I
put on too much. Sometimes I think that may the problem with numerous reactions.
It's a reaction to the amount, not the product itself. And another key
is sensing when the skin needs to be left alone and open to the air after
application and when it can handle having clothes or touch contacting it.
Wren, both products are sold over-the-counter at regular drugstores.
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 10:38:15 -0500 From: Ike Subject: Ointment Dosage Shelley, you wrote importance of applying cream/ointment sparingly. That is in line with most of usage directions on eczema medication packages, and doctors' instructions. I, on the other hand, find the opposite to be true. When my skin condition
is bad, a thick coating is better. This "over-kill" approach alleviates
itching more and expedites the healing process. I am probably asking for
trouble, but, because I know what works better for me, I usually stick
with my method.
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 12:48:00 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: Ointment Dosage Ike, you make a good point in mentioning that you need a thick coating
of cream or ointments. Everybody has to determine the right amount for
them, an amount that can vary from time to time, and from product to product.
I use most of my creams and ointments sparingly but sometimes I need more
than a little and I even had a doctor once tell me that my skin wasn't
clearing because I wasn't using enough.
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 12:22:33 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: alternative medicine This is really great information. I've tried bits and pieces of it in
the past. I wonder what it would cost if one were to implement the whole
program at once? It would probably mean committing your life to it and
not much else, however.
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 12:37:57 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Ointment Dosage Ike, You are right to use your own methods, because you know yourself
better than anyone. I've done a lot of self-medicating in the past--sometimes
okay, sometimes not so good. I think it's okay to self-medicate with topical
stuff, but it's not good at all to self-medicate with cortisone. A lot
of times when I thought I was doing fairly well, my doctor thought I looked
awful!! I have to be careful about facial cortisone because it has produced
telangiectasia in the cheek areas. A few days of a strong cortisone alleviate
weird itchy bumps, but then I have to back off with much weaker meds until
I get the itchy bumps again, and then I start the process all over. It's
kinda walking a tightrope with the facial meds, because my dr can't babysit
me every day. Like most dermatologists, getting an appointment takes 6
weeks--unless I'm in crisis. And that has happened plenty of times in the
past.
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 17:08:54 PST From: Wren Subject: Re[4]: your most effective remedy >>Then a new regimen of meds (whatever they are) could pick up from an optimal vantage point rather than the abyss and thus keep me on an even keel.<< I've wondered if that really was the case. If my system could be strenthened after being calmed by the cortisone or other therapy. But I haven't been miserable or experimental enough to try. Experimental in mixing alternative and allopathic (standard Western treatment) therapies. >>Where do you find these alternative meds?<< I get some of the therapies from my doctor. Other products I do buy
for an exhorbitant price at the health food store. I just hope the products
are good and I guess I pay attention to my body and monitor the effects
as well as I can. But for items such as Vitamin E or Vitamin C, I have
no idea if the expensive stuff works any better than the cheapie Wal Mart
brands. Anybody have an opinion?
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 22:49:06 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Telangiectasia? Kristen, what's telangiectasia, please? That's a new one to me.
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 13:02:21 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: remedies Ralph, a few other points that might be good for the FAQ notes on preventive remedies. Make sure nails are cut very short and filed smooth. It's amazing how short but even slightly rough nails can cause so much damage to skin thinned by cortisone over the years. I never understood why the "thinned skin" side effect was such a problem until I got to my 30's and see how what I used to consider slight scratching can tear my skin to shreds. 2. When you do scratch, look at what you're doing. I can really tear myself up if I don't see the damage I'm doing. If I force myself to look at the area I'm scratching, I see how I'm destroying myself and do less of it. If it's nighttime, try to force yourself to turn on the light. We've all had those "Oh, my god look what I've done!" situations after an unconscious session in the dark... 3. Make sure to drink enough fluids and stay cool. I know I am susceptible
to feeling itchy when I'm slightly dehydrated and/or overheated.
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 13:02:23 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: Questions Two questions that occurred to me last night: 1. Why does it feel so good to scratch really hard? Sometimes I get into such a frenzy of scratching as hard as I possibly can and while I know I'm tearing myself to shreds, it feels ecstatically good, practically orgasmic. (This is something I've never been able to ask my doctor.) 2. Has anyone else developed the condition that I have, called molluscum?
These are little skin growths that must be removed. I get them on my eyelids.
I've got scars from removal by scalpel, but last time discovered that using
a laser leaves no scars. It was fast and didn't hurt more than extinguishing
a match with your fingers. If anyone out there gets them, I definitely
recommend finding a doctor skilled in using the laser for excision. Or
have you figured out another method for removal?
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 16:24:45 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: Questions My theory is that scratching was "designed" to serve a purpose, namely, to remove things from in, on or under the skin that shouldn't be there. Our eczematous skin "thinks" we have something bad there (to me it feels like it's underneath). The built-in response is to scratch really hard, even if it's painful or somewhat damaging, on the assumption (wrong in our case!) that this intrusion into our skin only happens occasionally and is potentially life-threatening. I'm thinking of parasites, thorns, etc., which, I suppose, might become infected if left alone. The pleasurable sensation while we're scratching is supposed to anesthetize us, so to speak, against the pain of any injury to the skin we might be inflicting. This tells me that scratching is (or was at one time) a very important reflex. I think every kind of creature does something like scratching or grooming. That's my two point three cents on "erogenous" scratching. >> 2. Has anyone else developed the condition that I have, called molluscum? These are little skin growths that must be removed. << Once in a while I get little "skin tags", but from what you're describing,
it's not the same thing. What do yours look like?
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 13:32:40 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: Humidifier Question Wren, I used a humidifier years ago. It does keep the skin moist. However,
you then have a different problem: MOLD. I had worse problems with mold
than I did with the dryness, so I gave up on the humidifier and stick to
lubricating ointments...
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 13:33:13 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: alt meds at the health spa Kris: Yes, wouldn't it be great if there was an eczema health spa where
you could go to have all these treatments and have someone else take care
of managing it all for you? Seriously, though, I am leery of combining
various new treatments simultaneously. I like to try one at a time to see
exactly what reaction I get from that specific treatment. If it works for
one symptom and not for others, I will try other treatments to get the
right synergistic effect, but I would never start a number of treatments
at the same time. But back to my fantasy, maybe we could set up a kind
of Club Med for the eczema community, where someone schedules you for all
these treatments and you just lay back and relax, and pay with beads, and
at night there's The Itchy Scratchy Show...
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 15:43:24 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: Humidifier Question I recently heard that the best way to avoid mold and still humidify
is to use a hot steam vaporizer, rather than a cold ultrasonic model. Personally,
I like the cold kind -- it makes me feel like I'm in San Francisco -- but
I do always worry about mold.
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 17:13:58 -0600 From: Ballew Subject: Re: Questions >>That's my two point three cents on "erogenous" scratching. << I have this same *good* feeling, but I've found it less damaging to
release the feeling with heat (hot water, hair dryer) rather than scratching
or cold -- as most of ya'll seem to endorse.
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 21:10:25 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Scratching I've sometimes used hot water, but I think it's very damaging at such an itchy time. Actually an ice pack can help too. So I'm sure Shelley's cold shower method would be useful. Of course, my problem is usually just on my hands. The problem for me comes when there is no hot or cold water or ice or anything in sight -- say, when I'm working or driving. Then I scratch. Unfortunately.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 09:14:53 -0500 From: Robert Subject: Re: Questions I get growths on my eyelids. I use the pull them off method when I can
grab them or use a razor blade for self induced surgery. I agree with you
about the scratching, and the fact that one is causing (knowingly) damage
yet the desire to scratch is so great it dominates the logic at the time.
I think part of it is anger at the condition.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 12:47:57 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: molluscum Ralph, molluscum are round, smooth, flesh-colored little balls of skin
and don't itch or bleed or ooze. You can't scratch them off, though it
looks like you would be able to. They don't look similar to any other eczema
condition. When they are on your eyelids they have to be removed because
otherwise they can infect your eyes and cause blindness. This is what I
was told by a doctor. I think he said it was a kind of virus? Maybe Gil
knows about that. I've also gotten them on my cheeks. I'm not sure if molluscum
is related to eczema or not. That's why I was curious to see if anyone
else had them...
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:59:28 EST From: Eric Subject: Re: molluscum Shelley, Now that you describe them, I think I have a couple of these
on my hands. It is as if a small bit of skin has decided to grow 'upwards.'
Every few months I am able to scratch a small bit off and it regrows slowly.
They first appeared a few years ago, not in an area where I apply any cortisone
cream though. I have no idea if they are related to eczema.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:38:49 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Re[4]: your most effective remedy Wren, I've read that the synthetic versus "real" vitamins are equally
effective; apparently, their source makes no difference as far as absorption
by the body is concerned.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:41:06 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Telangiectasia? >> Kristen, what's telangiectasia, please? << I believe it's nothing more than minute spider veins; it can give one's
cheeks a rosy hue at times, but the skin is extremely fragile because it
is so thin. For me, it means acute susceptibility to infection or any foreign
substance I dare try on my face.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:48:06 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Questions I thought I'd heard everything about eczema--but not molluscum. What
is the cause? Or is this just another eczematoid side effect? I've been
subject to eyelid styes, presumably bacterial. I feel like throwing up
my hands in despair when I read this kind of stuff!
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:51:42 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Questions Maybe we are all half-descendants of the cat and dog families with our
scratching-grooming syndromes. But I agree with your assessment, Ralph,
that in scratching, it is an attempt to get at something buried within
the dermal layers. I can remember scratching so hard and long, my fingers
hurt and I was physically exhausted.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:57:00 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: alt meds at the health spa I think you are smart to try one treatment at a time, just because it's
so hard to monitor/document one's progress. It's even harder with foods.
Talk about false-positives. A penpal of mine who works as a masseuse advised
me that when she has applied massage to people with skin problems, they
invariably get all red and irritated. Maybe it's the oil; perhaps if one
took one's own lotions. I've always wanted to get a massage, but am scared
of the results. But a treatment SPA for us "skin-heads" would be such a
lovely idea--bet it'd make a mint!
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:59:43 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Humidifier Question >>I recently heard that the best way to avoid mold and still humidify is to use a hot steam vaporizer << That's an interesting proposition, Ralph. I never thought much about
humidifiers, or that there are different types out there. In this county,
we have extremely hard water (loaded with minerals--good to drink), but
it is really hard on piping, faucets, and water heaters.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 18:03:24 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Questions I'm amazed that you use heat---I used to take scalding hot showers,
and my Dr. had a fit. My skin got worse and worse no matter how much I
medicated, but the pain from the scalding water killed the itch--temporarlly
at least. Then I had a worse problem with redness and inflammation that
seemed eternal, and it was cumulative when I didn't cut back on the hot
showers. Heat is extremely drying if you already have dry skin.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 18:11:30 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Scratching Ralph, I know what you mean about access to palliatives. At least we
women can carry bags full of gook with us wherever we go and call it a
purse!! I'm a long-time pill-taker because of the need to alleviate a feeling
of being so highly edgy, I could just jump out a window. So a lot of my
existence has been half drugged either with antihistamines or tranquilizers;
and Boy! do I hate mornings! Talk about dragging oneself about for several
hours, and sometimes all day, craving sleep. The edginess/lethargy absolutely
ruins one's ability to concentrate or pursue longterm projects for years
at a time.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 18:13:58 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Questions Speaking of anger about the condition, has anyone else out there ever
thought about whether or not one might be an angry person (for one reason
or another), and what these angry feelings do to the eczema?
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 10:25:27 PST From: Wren Subject: Re[2]: alt meds at the health spa I love to get massages, but can't afford to get them too often. I have
had problems with the oils my masseusses have used, so now I just bring
my castor oil. And don't wait for an eczema spa, there are tons of spas
all over the country and world if you just start looking. Yep, it would
be great to have a spa for ourselves, but until one of us wins the lottery,
indulge.
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 18:32:22 EST From: Gilbert Subject: Re: molluscum Molluscum (a Latin word meaning "soft") is a mildly infective skin disease characterized by the sort of umbilicated "little balls of skin" you describe. These little benign "tumors" are caused by a virus that belongs to the pox family. There's no relationship between this infection and eczema. More often than not, we'll see molluscum in kids, adolescents and young adults but, of course, it can occur in us as well. Often times these little soft bumps will just heal and disappear without any trace of scar residue. Still, we shouldn't play around with them since they often contain a semifluid caseous ("cheesy") core which is the active part of the lesion and therefore often contagious to adjacent tissue. Molluscum likes to crop up on the face, eyelids, breasts, inner thighs
and genitalia. A physician can remove them very easily by simply lancing
them, expressing the cheesy core, and touching the erstwhile "tumor" with
a little iodine.
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 18:03:26 -0600 From: Kristen Subject: Re: Re[2]: alt meds at the health spa I'm curious about your use of castor oil I always think of it in terms
of swallowing and gagging! Is it much different than Vitamin E oil, for
instance, or lethicin?
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 22:55:15 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: molluscum Robert, I'm impressed that you are able to do self-surgery on your eyelid
molluscum. I've done a bit of self-surgery on other areas but never on
my eyelids! It has always felt too dangerous. You must have a very steady
hand and nerves of steel.
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 23:06:26 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: molluscum Gil, This "Molluscum" is not the same as "molluscum contageosum" (sp?),
is it? I believe that is something else, possibly a sexually transmitted
disease. I might be mixing it up with another Latin name, though.
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:03:48 ... From: Richard Subject: What about food? Has anybody seen results by cutting out some kinds of foods? I've found sugar and Caffeine make me itch. Sweets before bedtime is a real problem. Also, I've been an almost Vegan for about 2 years (the occasional pizza excepted). Not eating animal products of any kind seems to help. The more fresh green vegetables I eat, the better I seem to feel. Any
comments?
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 10:05:24 PST From: Wren Subject: Castor Oil I never had the disservice of having to take castor oil as a kid, so don't have any negative association with it. Plus, I'm only using it externally as a moisturizer that has some medicinal benefit as well, according to my doctor. I apply it all over twice or more often daily, and rub it into my hands and face whenever they feel dry. Which is often in the new dry building I'm working in. In my never ending quest to find good natural ways to overcome eczema
I've just heard that hemp oil, taken orally, is even more effective than
flax oil because it contains more of the good fats that our bodies may
not be getting. I've just started taking 2 tablespoons a day and will report
back after awhile. I have been taking flax/borage (borage is another plant
oil) caplets daily, so I'll see increased inner oil leads to better skin.
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 14:11:21 -0500 From: Ralph Subject: Re: What about food? Interesting, certainly. I recently tried a drastic ten-day elimination diet from a sort of new-age allergist: no wheat, citrus, dairy, chocolate, peanuts, corn... I can't remember what else. And it had NO perceptible effect on my allergies or eczema. Of course, different people clearly have different allergies. That's
just my own experience.
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 16:33:35 -0500 From: Shelley Subject: Re: Massage and Telangiectasia 1. I also have telangiectasia, though I never knew the word for it. I just thought I had broken blood vessels in my face. Or maybe they're not broken, it's just that the skin is so thin that you can see the tiny capillaries. It's most noticeable on my cheeks, but can also be seen if you look closely at my entire face. I first got it in my early 30's and worried that it would worsen but it has remained stable. 2. I get massage once a month when my skin is good. When you have open
wounds or when the skin is just too sensitive, you can't do it. But I recommend
massage whenever the skin can handle it. I get a dry massage, because I
react to oils.
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 15:39:36 PST From: Wren Subject: Re: What about food? Richard & Co.: I also found sugar and caffeine to make me itchier
to the point where I've totally stopped eating them. Alcohol too. What's
funny is that after the intial several month craving period ended I've
had little or no desire to eat these foods. Nuts also drove me nutty with
itching. I eat organic veggies whenever possible.
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 19:30:16 EST From: Gilbert Subject: Re: molluscum Yes, Ralph. The "molluscum" referred to by Shelly and "molluscum contagiosum" are one and the same. Because it's spread by direct contact (skin to skin) with infected cells it is classifiable as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but it does not need to be transmitted sexually, since any close, surface-to-surface contact can transmit the virus -- it probably requires inoculation into tiny skin abrasions. With kids, it's common because of the rumble-tumble close contacts they have with each other. Therefore we often see it on faces as well as the trunk and abdomen. Probably the sharing of contaminated objects (i.e., "fomites") such as towels helps to account for some of this. Among adults, sexual contact can implant the virus at the genitalia and inner thighs. While this skin "disease" is technically reportable to Public Health, in practice it is rarely justifiable. The only real concerns with this skin disease come when it afflicts people who are severely immune-compromised. For example, with AIDS patients these usually very small tumors (~ 2-5mm) can spread and coalesce into extensive surface areas. Also, I might mention that while molluscum is rarely any big problem for the vast majority of us, the core of these papules ("raised bumps") is contagious and, tinkering around with them, can spread the infection. All things said, the molluscum lesions don't have a long life. They
usually just run an innocuous course of micro history: They just die away.
Once again, I want to emphasize that molluscum is not associated with any
systemic illness. Therefore, there is no particular association with eczema
or other atopic conditions. The particular pox virus here with molluscum
is a lazy virus and should not be confused with other sorts of viruses
that also belong to the pox family of viruses.
Copyright of the individual messages rests with those who posted them. This Archive was edited and coded for on-line publication on the Web by Byte Ryte bv. |
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