September 1996 Eczema Mailing List Archive

Steve, I thought I was the only person to react to clothes that had been in a drawer for a while!! I store clothes I don't wear and wash every week or two in garment bags or plastic bags, making sure that the items are completely clean and dry when I put them away. This is easier to do with a small wardrobe. 

I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a shower filter. I want to try this option out and figure it can't hurt in the long run.

I have a shower filter that I purchased from Real Goods. I love it! It greatly cuts down the amount of chlorine in the water. My skin in general doesn't get as easily irritated since I started to use it. I can't remeber how much I paid for it. But you can find it in the Real Goods catalog or on their web site which I believe is www.realgoods.com. 

Would you please try this Laura, and let me know what happens? Notice when you eat corn and notice if it corresponds to your hand problems. Yes corn. Test the theory even if you have been eating corn for years. I have three theories about corn and allergies. When people deride this theory, please ignore them, and test the theory anyway. You never know.

Corn takes myriads of forms from "on the cob" to sweeteners in soda and other places. Labels must be read to get an appreciate its ubiquity.

Corn (Allergy) Theory One is that different forms of corn may have different degrees of allergic affects, I.e. corn sweetener in soda may have more or less effect than corn on the cob.

Corn (Allergy) Theory Two is different forms of corn may affect different parts of the body I.e, corn flour may affect the lungs, and pop corn may affect the hands.

Corn (Allergy) Theory Three is that for some people a form of corn allergy may have more affect on the hands than on other places of the body.

Background: My mom and brother have extensive allergic skin problems mostly on their hands. I have atopic dermatitis most places but NOT on my hands. Why not my hands?

I don't eat corn, because when I was a kid I had an extreme reaction to corn on the cob and therefore never ate corn for years after that. Then recently I started eating microwave popcorn. Each time I did eat the pop corn I noticed my hands (and the rest of me) were affected. This was rare. No corn... hands ok. Corn...hands a problem.

But my Mom and brother both eat corn, and they both have hand problems. Actually I am thinking out loud right now. I am going to ask them to take this same test now too.

The fact that a food or nutrient does affect one part of the body is known. The documentation concerning which food causes allergies more, on which part of the body, is not know by me. I think it is a theory that needs investigation, documentation and publishing, if it is helpful.

Documentation of the above information could have immediate ramifications for the diagnostic process. The symptom could indict the probable offender if there were a confirmed list of such probable offenders.

The opposite theory exists in Asian medicine. Certain herbs and foods are known for their beneficial effects, and are used for alieviation of physical ailments' symptoms.

All you folks who have trouble with your hands or know someone who does, I am interested in your future stories/experiences.

I did have good results with Chinese medicines. It is now about 2 years. But now looks like my eczema is returning with a vengence. There is a lot of reference to evening primrose oil. But this has to be taken for long times 4 to 6 months for any potential benefits. There are a variety of herbal medicience, slves etc. that are available in any nature food store. It seems to help some people. I have started trying allergy shots. It is too early to say whther they have helped me or not. It seems to help some people. I hope something works out for you. I know how difficult it can be.

I also get eczema on my hands. Temovate cream .25% works best for me. When they have become REALLY bad I'll get an injection on Kenolog (cortisone). However, I've discovered that the eczema on my hands is at its worst when I'm unhappy with my job or when I'm feeling uncreative or unproductive.

I was thrilled to read Steve's corn theories. I have been avoiding corn all summer, along with many other foods, trying to target what is triggering my all-over flares. When I eat corn I get the itchiest face in the world. I don't know if it is cob corn or corn chips, because the twice I have indulged my love for corn I've eaten both of those on the same day. I can't remember if my face itches after popcorn, and my hands are pretty itchy these days, so I can't point a finger at them, so to speak.

Corn is pervasive. I hate hearing the barely disguised ads on National Public Radio from Arthur Daniels Midland, "a producer of corn sweetener for soft drinks around the world." I get the results of a blood test for food allergies next week - I bet corn will be on that list and I'll have to write ADR for a list of all the things made from corn so I am sure to avoid them!

Hi Laura, I too have noticed that my eczema gets worse around the time I experience other PMS symptoms and it does ease slighty afterward. I not only have eczema on my hands but during my worse flare-ups, I get it over most of my body. 

I am currently using triamcinolone 0.1% in a water washable base. This seems to work the best for me so far. I too have tried Elcon but, I have never used Temovate E. I know what you mean by feeling discouraged! I have had this condition for about 20 years now. It seems to have gotten worse since the birth of my daughter 7 years ago. Like you, I am also looking to find out if there are any herbal treatments that would work. I haven't found any yet but, if I do I will let you know.

I have been suffering with eczema practially since I was born.

Between my legs: Started about when I was 15: Just itchy rash w/ redness. This occurs mostly in the summer. Went away for a year or two and just came back. Zinc oxide ointments sometimes work, but not lately.

Hands: Started when I was 15: It appears as small blisters on the palm side of hand and as an itchy rash on the front side of hand.

Feet: Had this problem since I was born: On the top of my feet, I get the itchy rash. This has improved a lot as I got older. Now I get it sometimes between my toes. When I was 18: I started getting it on the soles (comes without itching), similar to the palm side of my hands. It still gets bad sometimes. Haven't had it this summer

Somethings to note: The blisterly type of rash that eventually breaks out and gets itchy, comes on with no warning and without prior scratching. This is mostly active in the hot humid months. While the redness between my legs or on top off my feet only comes from physically itching (Occurs mostly in the winter). Never had I had blisters on top of my feet or hands.

Absolutely none of the steroid ointments work on the blistery type of eczema, not even a bit. Sometimes they work on the red itchy rashes I get, but not lately. Plus I am afraid of using them longer term, especially since they don't work. The dermatologist is of no help. After trying my mom's presciption of Seldane (she used for allergies) which helps itching fits quite a bit, he gave me a prescription of my own, yet I am afraid of taking it on a regular basis. 

And the advice from my doctor about being extra retentive about the soap and moisturier I use, recommendations to use gloves when washing dishes does not help at all. I once had a month where I punished my hands horribly, working a lot with solvents etc. No eczema. Then two months later, I did nothing to irritate them and suddenly an out of control attack. Yet for years, I used gloves to wash dishes and use mild soaps. I also know for a fact, stress makes it worse. Sometime regular exercise can help that factor.

P.S It is so uncomfortable working with electronics and typing on a computer when your fingers are bleeding and cracking. This causes lots of problems.

Do the blisters on your feet occur before you get a rash of eczema anywhere else on your body? If so, you might ask your dermatologist if you have a fungal infection in your feet. S/he would probably do a foot scrapping and look at the tissue under a microscope to determine this. If it is a fungal infection it is probably causing the rest of your skin to react (I.e., eczema).

The reason I'm asking you about this is because your symptoms sound very similar to mine and it ended up that I had a fungal infection. This happened to me this summer, and it took three dermatologists before the cause of my eczema was isolated.

I know how awful it is to avoid dairy: I am doing it myself. Largely, I believe, because I was NOT breastfed. I am also allergic to I don't know how many other foods. My blood tests come back next week and I'll see which of the 96 foods are getting under my skin.

I am convinced that your milk will strengthen Sophie's immune system and reduce the terrors your daughter will have to fight as an adult. Another year of deprivation might save her a lifetime of awful scratching. It might not, either, but I believe, and what I've read backs me up, that breastfeeding IS the way to go.

So give in to the occasional thrill food, but don't give up.

I just had to put in my two cents in to support your breastfeeding. If it isn't too much stress for you to monitor your own diet by all means keep it up. I breastfed my son for 18 months and ever since I quit (he is now 22 months) his eczema has worsened. He is also sensitive to dairy products. Congratulations on finding what seems to be the cause of Sophie's eczema.

I think I have good news but who knows with eczema. Sophie has not had any dairy products for 3 weeks and I have avoided them as much as temptation has allowed. Last week we went back to the Dr's who was really impressed with how clear her skin was...so we are now to continue with no dairy. 

However I decided on the following Saturday that seeing as she was 'better ' I would indulge in some really high fat, loaded with cream cheese, butter etc. cheese cake. It was delicious but proved to be a mistake. Basically I overdosed and then less than 24 hours later the itching rash was back with a vengeance. After a couple of days it subsides and now she is ok. I've beaten myself up over it but have a dilemma....she is mostly breastfed with the odd soy milk bottle ...that is the reason for my exclusion of dairy products and I am told that breastfeeding does provide extra protection against any further allergies she may have. 

On the other hand should I go on to bottlefeeding as at least that way I can monitor her diet more carefully and not be so paranoid about my diet??? She is 6 months now and thriving ...looking forward to comments, suggestions . 

Sarah, Most breastfed babies start other foods at about 6 months. So why not continue the breastfeeding but also use the bottle, particularly when you feel like eating dairy yourself. I was very much "into " breastfeeding myself, was involved in La Leche etc. I always felt the really important thing was to give ONLY breastmilk AT FIRST - not only for the baby's immune protection but also to get the breasts producing to the max. 

It's wonderful to continue the breastfeeding into toddlerhood, but at 5 or 6 months, increasing the supplemental bottles won't hurt. Above all, don't "beat yourself up" whatever happens. One of my newborn twins was given cows milk formula by mistake in the hospital. Maybe because of this, he became so allergic to milk that at age 5 or 6 when milk was spilled at a birthday party, the droplets that sprayed one side of his face and neck gave him hives! 

Of course I blamed myself and the hospital for the mistake (his identical twin had no problem with milk allergy). By age 8 or 9 he had completely outgrown the milk allergy and now enjoys dairy products! So this particular allergy appears to have been completely outgrown, and I'm sorry I spent any time or energy blaming anyone! NOTE: before trying milk again, we had his blood allergy tested for milk. When the test came back negative we tried rubbing milk on his skin. When we saw no hives, we began giving him tiny servings and worked up VERY gradually to normal portions. 

Neil - I get blisters on my feet and palms about 2 times a year. I can feel them coming and can attribute no cause. My Chinese Herbal Doc took a look at the blisters on my feet and said "fungus". She gave me some orange-brown liquid in a prepackaged plastic bottle with Chinese writing. Though the results were not dramatic, the blisters went away in about a week. More evidence that those blisters are related to fungus.

I get a few bumps here and there on my skin which I usually squeeze and scratch until they become a major problem. The derm doc would either burn them off with liquid nitrogen or inject some cortisone into them. Sometimes they would go away and sometimes come back. My Chinese Herbal doc said that they looked like some form of virus and gave me some stinky cream which makes the bumps reduce and go away. I cannot tell you what she gave me. But, it's worth seeing a Chinese herbalist and see what you get.

Is Evening Primrose Oil considered safe to give to children? My kids are age 3 1/2 and 1 1/2. I obtained some info on EPO from the archives and found a reference to an adult dose of 2500mg per day. How much could safely be given to children?

Also is EPO ever used topically?

To the many of you who responded to my post, stating that the blistery eczema I have could be a fungus, I thought the same thing. But for years, every doctor I went to, did a scrape test and told me it wasn't and I can't see a fungal infection to last a whole summer, healing and then reapearing repeatedly. 

The unusual properties of this blistery eczema is it doesn't itch until the blisters appear and nothing works on this type for me. I may try just for the hell of it to use an over the counter anti-fungal cream. Also many of you mention milk as a cause for concern. I for one never thought that it could affect my eczema. I drink a lot of skim milk each day. I just love the stuff. It would be extremely hard for me to give up, but perhaps I should give it a shot. All I know is that I have gone without milk for over two weeks when I go on vacation sometimes, but do not see any correlation. Thanks again for all your advice. This group is becoming a great asset!

Does any one have any suggestion on how to take care of open scores on cheek and neck?

Hydrocortisone 2.5% has been used for the itching and Polysporin for infection. But scores just grow bigger and bigger due to scratching, specially at night. Bandage does not help becuase it comes off as soon as the scratching starts.

Until today, my doctor has had me using Elocon and Diprolene ointments for my eczema that is attacking both palms of my hands. Now he has me using Temovate (Clobetasol Propionate Ointment, 0.05%). If anyone out there has any knowledge or anecdotes regarding this product could you please let me know about it?

Does sunlight help you folks?

I found I am allergic to polysporin, and it does me more harm than good.

Ken, I've found that open sores need polysporin applied many times a day (like 6). If the sores are in the nose or mouth area, I use bactroban (prescription) instead. I know that derm doctors say to use nothing stronger than 2 1/2% on the face, but sometimes I self medicate my face sparingly with something extremely potent when the "safe" stuff isn't working. 

My rationale is that MAYBE someday I won't have any skin left on my face, but FOR SURE right now I'm uncomfortable and under extreme stress. Also to relieve night scratching, antihistamines (tavist is my favorite) and aspirin help me. Wet wrapping helps me with night itching, but I think it makes the open sores worse. Also of course make sure your nails are as short and smooth as possible. 

This fungal/yeast idea does seem to be open. I got the same impression (see below) when I asked my dermatologist if yeast was a problem involved with my atopic dermatitis. The only thing he suggested was to try the pills that solves the yeast problem. Apparently he thinks that is the diagnosis and treatment, I.e. if it works, then the problem was there.

I have recently seen my dermatologist and he recommended to lay out in the sun for several minutes at least three times a week (use no sunscreen). He said that it may get worse for a little while but to stick with it. However, do not allow yourself to get sun-burned as this can make it worse. Ultraviolet light is used as a treatment for severe eczema. I have just started this form of treatment and haven't seen much of a difference yet. I am going to keep it up though. Has anyone had any success with this? 

I have always "cleared" to a some degree at least, when I have had a light tan. I don't go out in the sun enough lately.

Initially the sweating may make your flaring skin uncomfortable, but starting slowly in ten minute increments and using ice to reduce spots of itching makes the exposure pleasant. If the sweating is too uncomfortable then start your sun therapy in conjunction with a low dose of steroid, then as you are comfortable in the sun, wean off the steroid, and continue to increase your sun exposure until you have a light tan. Keep your light tan.

Do all the other "stuff" you do to make yourself feel better too. No one thing is a cure-all. Vitamins have always helped me. I hightly recommend a daily vitamin/mineral supplement, plus large doses of vitamin C. C helps healing and reduces itching among other nice things.

Our 11 month old continues to live with eczema. Like many of you, our luck at reducing symptoms seems limited, at best. We, 2-3 times daily, apply Aquaphor and once a day apply 0.5% hydrocortisone cream to the worst areas. We also give 1 tsp. of Benadryl to him every evening (a large dose for a 20 lb. kid!).

These "treatments" were all suggested by our Family practitioner. He has put him (Zachary) on liquid steroids, briefly, during the worst periods. He only allows us a 2 week, once a day period for hydrocortisone, then we must stop using it for 2 weeks.

Any comments on these treatments? I've read various things about the hydrocortisone, what do you think of the 2 week on/off strategy in an attempt to avoid side-effects?

Anything else we should suggest ("discuss") with our Dr.?

My finger pads and tips are so dry they get scaly, then they crack, then they catch on everything and peel back, then they bleed or at the very least get as sore as I had burned them. They have not healed in 5 years, when this first started. In fact, it has progressed from one finger to six now, 1st, 2nd, and thumb on both hands.

The things which cause it are dust, dirt, powder, cleaners, puzzle dust, files, paper, and actually any type of handling items, such as cleaning out a closet or drawer. When they crack, they get so sore, and everything hurts down in those cracks. They widen and that's when I have to type with gloves on.

They only thing which helps is sleeping in gloves with tons of vaseline slathered on. I am beginning to think this is a contact allergy, not eczema. What do you think?

Fungal infections suddenly seem to have become a buzz word in eczema cases (my last trip to the G.P. resulted in this diagnosis). Has anyone out there had an actual test to see if that a fungus is indeed the culprit? I can't help feeling that there's a bit of guesswork going on with the doctors. 

Perhaps your skin will recover after several months away from the UV stuff, and you will be able to start with sunlight?

A vitamin B (para-amino-benzoic- acid) (PABA) can be used to increase tolerance to sun, but must be taken with all the rest of the B vitamins.

Taking with a daily vitamin-mineral supplement should be ok to meet this need, I think,

One should be aware that any new intake has the possibility of causing a new problem, so if one vitamin causes problems, you may be allergic to some ingredient in it. Try another vitamin. For example: fish liver oils may be used for a vitamin D source. I am very allergic to any seafood, so I have to read the labels and talk with the pharmacist about the ingredient.

I don't know of PABA's hazards (?) when applied locally in a sunscreen. I have only had experience taking it systemically as a nutrient supplement. It has been very effective in that form, for me.

I have had success many times using this treatment (sometimes it doesn't work, but most of the time it does, many times quite dramatically). A little doesn't do anything. I need to get a very slight burn, for 2 consecutive days for me to have benefit. My derm does not find that consecutive treatments work for others who get it more spread out, however, he tries to get all on the edge of burning for success. This is a very common treatment for psoriasis. Also, natural sun helps equally as well. The combination of relaxing and strong sun is hard to beat. I also have tried PUVA treatment with little success. 

I've been using Temovate cream (not the ointment) for a few years. I'm told it's the strongest topical steroid medication available. It's been very effective. I've never had any problems using it. I prefer the cream to an ointment because it is not greasy and absorbs easily.

In my case it took me visits to three different dermatologists before my "eczema" was properly diagnosed as a fungal infection. Prior to that I had been receiving cortisone injections every ten days! The eczema would disappear only to return with a vengeance once the cortisone wore off. Then the last dermatologist did a scrapping of my feet (where the blistery, itchy "eczema" would first appear) and looked at the skin tissue under a microscope. She said my feet were loaded with fungi which caused my skin to react in an eczematous fashion. She prescribed fulvisin caplets and gave me another cortisone injection to calm my skin down.

Well, it worked! I no longer have the fungus on my feet and I'm clear of eczema. Brenda, it just might be the same situation with you.

I just tried giving up dairy, together with my annual "spring clean" - when I cut out alcohol, coffee,tea, sugar and try to eat lots of fruit, and vegetables - less meat.

This year I also went to a homeopath this time - he gave me calcium tablets and a diet that was extremely strict to follow for a few days. this diet excluded all dairy foods and any acid creating foods. After a few days you are supposed to reintroduce one item a day to your diet of your favourite foods and check how your body responds.

On day 1 of reintroducing my normal foods, I ate macaroni cheese and drank milk - after 3 hours I got a monstrous headache and had prickly itching all over during the night. (I normally am not a headache person at all). I always assumed that my first eczema attack (at 17) was a result of drinking too much coffee at the time). I'd had milk all my life before and never had eczema. Now I recall that at the time I was drinking lots of coffee but in full cups of milk - microwaved milk coffee - I know now that whenever I eat foods that contribute to acidity in my body (coffee and milk both do) that it makes the exzema worse.

I know that its different in different cases, but if you suspect that the eczema may be related to a strain on your intenal organs, its advisable to eat as much fresh ruit and raw vegetables as possible. My spring clean continues...and the eczema is still there but not itching any more - even when I bathe - I think it is healing...

Temovate is one of the most potent cortisones. When I used it it thinned my skin even after a short use (about 2 to 3 weeks). It works well but may have strong side effects that may not be apparent immediately.

I have had extensive UV and PUVA treatments (for over an year). The treatments made my skin very rough and the redness increased significantly and itching became worse. After about 3 to 4 months, I was also very sensitive to sunlight and avoided the sun as much as possible. But many doctors push the UV treatments. I have not heard of anyone having any success. Did anyone in this group benefit from such treatments?

I'm allergic to a lot of foods and my allergist suggested something similar. He suggested eating only rice, lamb, spinach, and pears for four days, then re-introducing my favorite foods one at a time. I never made the time to do this right, but think it's time now for my own "spring cleaning". Would you mind elaborating on what foods your homeopath suggested for this clean out diet? 

In my allergy tests, milk products came out negative, but from what I've been reading on this list and from your own results, I am starting to suspect milk. The part on eating lots of fruits I don't understand. Aren't many fruits quite acidic?

With respect to using Vaseline for a moisturizer instead of lotions that contain lanolin, I'm happy to say that my skin has improved since I started to use vaseline after shorter and colder showers.

With respect to the effects of sunlight, my experience is that my skin feels noticeably better if I sun myself for about an hour a week.

I hate to say it, but I have also used Elocon, Diprolene cream and ointment, and am now currently using Temovate for my hands, nothing has worked! I will visit my dermatologist tomorrow to see what else we can do. I hope the Temovate works for you.

Cheri, My finger eczema never itches and I never scratch it (when awake, that is!) As I understand it, contact dermatitis is a type of eczema, so you ARE in the right place. Those finger cracks are possibly the worst form of eczema: visible, painful and so easily infected. 

While eczema can be considered a type of dermatitis (it's really a general term), it is not CONTACT dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction of the skin to some specific allergin coming into contact with it. Allergic reactions to soaps, jewelry, certain plants, etc., are examples of types of contact dermatitis.

I have found, tho, that while I generally do not suffer from contact dermatitis, if I have an outbreak of eczema on a finger where I usually wear a ring, that wearing the ring seems to aggravate the condition, where it had no effect when my skin was intact.

I also experienced improvements in zits in my teens, and my skin actally looked better after a slight burn. Recently, though, I have read that this is misleading: a slight burn plumps out the skin and makes it shiny, but doesn't reveal the real trauma underneathe. Perhaps I am over-reacting based on the fact that I have Rosacea plus I take medicine that heightens photosynthetic reaction, plus I HATE HEAT and can sweat profusely under a 60 watt light bulb! Need I mention that my hair is blonde, baby fine, thinning (just started Rogaine) and on a hot day I can absorb enough glow from my red face all the way up the part in my hair that I could probably replace your night light.

Ever since moving into a 25 year old house from a 5 year old house my kids' eczema has improved drastically!! We only moved 1 1/2 miles and the weather has been fairly constant- Hot and Dry- not exactly ideal for eczema!

Has anyone else experienced an improvement or worsening in their eczema following a move? How about after having new carpets installed?

I had the same experience moving to another house. Actually I moved from some apartments to a friends house, and several weeks later developed the first signs of eczema. Maybe its just a coincidence. I've since moved again, and I still have the big 'E'. These changes in residence were all within a couple miles of each other. I should probably share with everyone what I do to control my eczema. 

It seems some people in the group really have severe cases. I feel mine is a moderate case. Anyway I do the following: drink non-chlorinated water (distilled usually); I shower with barely warm water, and I don't stay under the water constantly, and I use little soap (Dove); I take a tablespoon of flaxseed oil everyday; I moisturize my skin after showering with a good quality moisturizer; and I avoid acidic foods like tomato sauce, orange or grapefruit juice, coffee, sweets. 

My doctor also suggested that I take acidolphilus capsules every day. They also contain biphidus, I believe, and they are suppose to maintain the natural bacteria in my intestines. He believes toxins 'leak' thru the intestinal wall, and the body tries to rid itself of these toxins thru the skin, resulting in eczema. So far my condition seems to stay under control, but if I 'cheat', and eat a pizza, or other foods mentioned above for a couple of days, I have a flareup. 

I once was adversely affected by polyurethene (over wood flooring) quite badly for an extended period of time. Also, I had carpets removed from my house on the theory that the pet hairs that had accumulated from the previous owner were part of my problem...that one is harder to pin down, but it seemed to help. I would suspect that if u are planning to put in carpeting, you might have a problem with glues (if they are glued) or chemicals in the carpeting itself, but this is a hit or miss proposition. My guess is that some of the problem in the 5 year old house had to do with some of the newer products (carpeting, insulation, etc.), but you will not know until u try. There is a saying, "if it works, leave it alone" or something like that which would incline me not to play with mother unnatural in your case.

To avoid the problem of synthetic thread in "100%" cotton underwear, I wear them inside out! I have found that some synthetics made by damart are okay for itchy skin, but I also wear them inside out, because the fabric is smoother on the outside

My son has had eczema for over 2 years now, and it's getting progressively worse. Seems like we had it under control (crusted skin behind knees, in elbows, and on wrists inside arm), but recently had a major reaction to something and it spread to his entire body (red pimple like spots and big patches of rough skin). Spots have since scabbed and seem to be recovering, but I'm fearful that if we don't control it now he will have severe difficulty all his life.

My wife comes from an extremely allergic family history. Her mom will die from peanut aroma's. Brothers are all asthmatic. She is very allergic to animal hair, and my son also. My son was tested for allergens and was not allergic to any foods we tested, but was highly allergic to dirt/dust-mites.

None of the doctors have helped. He seemed to be under control for the past 8 months with some aromatherapy I researched, using massage oil mixed with camomele, carrot, avocado, and a couple of others I can't remember. It originally caused all his patches to open, then scab and turn to good skin which we then were maintaining. Have always used Aveno baths and cetaphil (soap/lotion), with good success. Recently went to chinese homeopathic doctor and tried some mixtures, but actually think these might have caused his major recent outbreak. She also suggested flax, and we restarted that again (he had tried younger but we couldnt get it down his throat). Wow...

I understand your pain so much and the people staring as well. Several times, while riding on a cross town bus, I have had people get up from next to me and move seats after viewing my face. Although I am grown-up it was very painful emotionally and made me reluctant to go out in public.. I have been gradually getting better the past few months after I learned that I have a severe dairy allergy (anaphylaxis) and dairy also makes my eczema worse...I guess that is it..I just wanted to let you know that your letter about people staring made me cry as it brought back my own memories.....

I would be inclined to conjecture that the 5 year old house had lots of nasty chemicals (esp formaldehyde) which probably aggravated your kiddy's eczema.

If I go into a building that is sealed and air conditioned and has new furniture or carpets or lino I get a pretty severe reaction.

I also can't stand being in a carpeted building. There seems to be a sort of static that carpets give off (as well as the chemicals in the adhesives and the dust mites which just love to breed in them) that aggravates me and I get a prickly feeling on my skin and get tense and itchy. I also get the same feeling from fluro lights.

Thank you all for your comments/input concerning This Old House. Unfortunately I have more questions than answers about the sudden improvement in my kids' eczema. Robert told me "if it works leave it alone" which would be great if I could- unfortunately this house is temprorary-a rental- we plan on buying our next house. it would be great if I could at least narrow down the list of probable culprits! Things that have been suggested are carpeting/carpet glue, polyurathane wood flooring, plastics, HVAC system/ventilation, fomaldehyde, VOC's, I have done some preliminary research on the net and I am overwhelmed with the amount of information out there concerning indoor environments.

Has anyone read "The Healthy Household" by Lynn Marie Bower? or any of the books by John Bower her husband? For those of you who are interested a short article called "Clearing The Air" by him can be found at http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC35/Bower.htm Mr. Bower seems to be quite knowledgeable in the subject of indoor environment. I have not read the books but I do plan to. 

Before you go through the enormous task of analyzing and comparing the materials in the 2 houses, start with the simple, obvious stuff: dust and mildew levels; pollenating trees and grasses and weeds nearby; residual animal dander; diet / clothing/ body soap and laundry soap factors that changed at the same time you moved. 

Teri, One more theory from the edge: 

1. Moving is usually a stressful experience. 
2. For some of us with eczema, stress makes the eczema lessen or go away (I think this is due to the cortisol, a steroid substance, made by the body when under duress). 

When I compare the two houses in these areas it would seem that our current house would be much worse- not better for eczema. 

1. Current house tends to mildew in bathrooms much more than previous house. 
2. There are *many* more large trees here. 
3. Both houses had dogs in them prior to our moving in. 
4. Clothing is the same 
5. Baths have increased in frequency due to lots more dirt in the backyard. Also I have had to use *more* soap than usual. 
6. Laundry soap has not changed 
7. Diet is the same 
8. Water is from the same municipal source 
9. This house is significantly more dusty/dirty- other house was professionally cleaned top to bottom prior to our moving in. (I'm working on this one!!) Hmmm maybe I shouldn't?? 
10. HVAC system is the same.

Am I overlooking something else that's obvious?? 

You mention that you have eczema on your hands. Does the eczema affect your palms? My affliction seems to only attack both of my palms. Before I went to a dermatologist to get treatment, my palms would get so dry and crusted that if I even so much as clinched my fists they would crack and bleed. Glad to say that it is in check now with Temovate ointment, antibiotics (Keflex), Hydroxyzine (antihistamine) and not stressing out over every little thing. If anyone out there has afflicted palms I'd sure like to hear from you.

For years, I have been suffering from eczema but the worst eczema I get is the type with those blisters on my palms, fingers and sole of my foot that form without even scratching and the worst part is as the blisters heal, they leave behind dry cracked, ugly and painfull skin behind. It really annoys me on my hands, I usually cover my hands with band-aids . I noticed that this mostly appeared in the summer (hot and humid). 

My doctors always told me they were NOT fungal related. Well just for the hell of it, I went out and bought Lotrimin AF (about $12 !!!) But after two weeks, all the cracked skin is gone (which is normal) but amazingly no new blisters have formed. This is the first time in a any summer that I have had clear hands! So now I assume that this type of eczema is caused my a fungus not the soap and other products my doctors kept blaming it on. I hope its no premature to come to this conclusion. I apply this stuff to my hands and feet twice a day and spray my feet with an additional antifungal spray. I assume that it starts on my feet and touching it with my hands spreads it. I hope this continues to work. 

No cortizone has even done a thing for this type of eczema. To anyone with this type of eczema, give it a shot and see what happens.

Yes, I believe that you are overlooking the newer materials that were used in the construction of your previous house, and their greater entrapment due to more airtight construction methods Also, you may be psychologically "happier" or under less stress by living there

The palms and soles are prone to "emotional perspiration" and perspiration apparently aggravates many skin conditions. My flare ups are usually related to stress and/or lack of sleep.

Stress is the possible cause of a number of western ailments, the human body is simply not designed for the continuous stimulation in receives in city environments; we are biologically no different to stone age men. Why should we expect our bodies to cope with this accelerated life style? Just my thought for the day.

This is very interesting. I had always heard, and our experience has been, that the eczema gets worse under stress. We have only lived here 3 1/2 weeks so we are still in transition. Time will tell. Also, I am all too aware that the eczema could come back at any time. 

I can say that for now my daughter Sarah's skin has never (since she was 3 months old- she's now almost 4 years) looked better. There have been times when the eczema cleared with use of steroid ointment. I have not used any on her lately though. I appreciate your input- I'll keep you posted. 

I have generally the same symptoms as Neil, although they might not be as severe. I get little vesticles (?) that are full of clear liquid that itch. In general, I pick at them and squeeze the water out of them while at the same time using cortisone ointment on them. After they dried up with the help of the cortisone, the patches are scaley and flakey for a while.

The patches are on both palms in about a 1.5 inch by 1 inch area near the fleshy part of my thumbs. It's usually slightly worse on my right hand and it sometimes appears on the sides of and underneath the fingers as well.

If I recall correctly, this was the first skin problem I ever had. It started about age 7 and has been around more than not the rest of my life.

Possible important note: when I was on Eurythromycin last month, this condition cleared up for about a week completely (I was pretty amazed), but has since come back.

Lotrimin AF seems to have cleared up my eczema on my palms that I get in hot humid summers. It is an anti-fungal cream consisting of Clotrimazole 1%

Although other patches of eczema seem to come and go in a totally mysterious fashion, I find that the eczema on my palms is nearly always related to stress. It seems to come up particularly when the pressures are such that I feel I can no longer cope (the sort of situation that sometimes flattens you with a migraine). Something that's quite hard to understand though, is why the hands should appear to be infected, with areas under the skin feeling very hot and with a number of infected spots appearing over the palms. There must be more going on here than just stress, surely?

I realise this doesn't answer any questions for you, except perhaps to give you the consolation of knowing that hand eczema is actually quite common. When my hands became unbearably painful with the cracking I went for the Chinese herbal treatment, which fixed it. 

When I initially went for treatment of the condition on my hands (Palmar), I was given two tubes from a Doctor, Diprolene & Lotrimin and as I recall the Lotrimin didn't seem to be that effective. But now that I think about it, neither did the Diprolene. This is odd because Diprolene now is a major weapon in my battle against eczema, and seems to be somewhat effective. Perhaps I'll give Lotrimin another shot. As to the question regarding the difference between those who are afflicted palmar or plantar. I would have to say yes, they seem to be different problems. But then again I'm not a Doctor, probably would have to be compared on a case by case basis. 

I get the blisters on both hands and both feet. I do not experience any discomfort on the feet. The only time they are itchy is for a very brief period (less than a day) when the blister dries and the dead skin is about to flake off. However, the blistered areas never go away.

My hands are a different story. The exzema follows a cycle of 4-6 weeks. At best it is almost cleared up when the blisters start to return again. Some of the blisters are very painful and I drain them immediately. The result is a small cut that is also painful until it heals. Other blisters are small but a multitude of them cover a larger area. These are usually only mildly itchy and drain on their own after a few days. However, they leave a layer of dead skin which when removed exposes red, itchy, scaly skin. There are times when my hands are quite raw. Such as now.

My dermatologist has prescribed Lyderm which helps in the healing process but does not prevent the blisters from forming. I use Lubriderm to moisture my hands as it eases the soreness.

Hope partly comes because I am pursuing four tracks now which I may not have otherwise. 

1. fungus 
2. yeast 
3. virus 
4. sunlight

Outside of that avoiding allergens is the biggest thing I do to help myself. Those people who refuse to avoid their allergens because of other priorities are putting their health second. This dooms them to suffering.

Eating a "loved food" or living in a moldy house is a decision that will doom oneself to suffering. Running away from these things as fast as humanly possible will bring freedom. Run for your life.

The fact that Lotrimin did not work for you might possibly mean that it was not sufficiently potent or was not applied for a long enough period. I believe fungal infections can become "buried" into thick skin such as is found on soles or palms, so that it can take a long time for the medicine to penetrate. I've seen advice suggesting that Lotrimin and similar medications might need to be applied for many weeks before becoming fully effective.

The same thing happened to me. I went to THREE dermatologists. I received cortisone by injection (6 or 7 times this year!) and prednisone tablets as well. The cortisone would clear it up for about 10 days and then come back with a vengeance. The third dermatologist suspected I had a fungal infection. She scraped the skin of my feet (where it would start), and sure enough my feet were covered with fungi (sounds gross I know)! She said the fungal infection was causing my skin to react with eczema.

Well, after taking fulvicin tablets and using antifungal foot cream and powder I haven't a trace of fungus nor eczema anywhere! The third dermatologist diagnosed my condition correctly.

Brenda, I think another "killer" is viewing yourself as a person who CAN'T dash around like everyone else because you have sensitive skin. We have talked before about how eczema patients tend to be underachievers. 

My main problem is eczema on my face and neck. I do tend to get these infections, I assume they are fungal, under my cuticles though. This fungus thread has made me ask whether the eczema on my face and neck could be related to these cuticle infections. Is this lotrimin stuff safe to use on one's face and neck or do you think I should try and get a dermatologist to prescribe an oral form of a fungicide?? My dermatologist tends to be very conservative and thus I am asking you guys first. 

Hmmm. But most of the time most people do cope. As far as I'm concerned, it's not just plain old dashing about that does it (that can sometimes be quite exhilarating) but the feeling that however much you dash you just can't get on top of it. That's the killer and *my* thought for the day. 

My eczema is on my feet and hands. I've tried antifungals sans prescription, and haven't found they made any difference. I do have an unusual variety of stuff I rub on that works well if I alternate. Apparently I build up a tolerance easily.

I've also been taking lecithin by mouth, and the lesions don't look quite so angry.

I was diagnosed by an internist...couldn't get an appointment with a dermatologist this millenium.

I guess the AF is helping your cuticles. I hear that a cause of problems with the cuticles is from pushing them back with a stick to make them look better. If that is the case, using a finger brush to scrub them lightly with a mild non-detergent (soap) will accomplish the same thing. Whenever I used DIAL on my fingers they tend to crack. Use of oils and vaseline makes the fungus worse too. The fungus dies when it dries out. Oils keep it moist.

The face/neck will show aging/wrinkling if steroids are used on them for a long time. I have been advised not to use them on my face/neck.

Have the dermatologist (if you see one this millennium -- that was cute) scrape your foot and examine the tissue under a microscope. That's how my foot fungus was diagnosed. I was given a prescription for antifungal oral medication (I.e., fulvicin). I was also given a cortisone shot to calm the rest of my skin down which had broken out in an eczematous reaction to the fungus.

You may not have a fungus or the "over-the-counter" stuff may not be strong enough. A sure test is if the "eczema" spreads or gets worse when you apply a steroid cream. Fungi love steroids.

I was not referring explicitly to the everyday stress and strain of life but more to the actual way the body reacts to common place situations. I'm talking mainly about the "fight or flight" mechanism where the body fills with a number of substances designed specifically to increase the body's ability to cope with "threatening" situations. 

Our ancestors would have encountered such situations, maybe, once a day but we encounter them every time we walk out onto the street or drive our cars. We seem to spend a far greater proportion of our lives bathed in adrenaline and endorphins than did our ancestors. Interestingly this mechanism also (temporarily) fortifies the immune system, I used to ride a motorcycle and I don't actually remember having eczema at the time.

I hope you don't use steroid on your son. Anything is better than steroid which causes thinning of the skin, premature aging of the skin and skin discoloration. It also overloads the liver and kidneys. My daughter's skin was discolored after several applications of steroid. That stuff is too strong for kids.

If his skin is weepy, try bath him twice a day in luke warm water, just slightly beyond cold(provided that your water supply is reliably clean) for 10 to 20 minutes with his body covered up by a thin sheet of cotton such as a bed sheet or silk sheet. Don't cover him with towel in the water. Then, pad him dry and put emollient on immediately. Wrap him up well afterwards. Better yet, use SOFT gauging bandage to wrap around the weepy spots. It's simple and it works.

Since 75% of AD sufferers are allergic to lanolin, try to avoid using any emollient which has wool wax, lanolin alcohol, lanolin wax or free-lanolin.

To what food is he allergic? What are the alternative treatments you use on your son?

If he has AD since birth, I doubt food is the culprit. What do you think?

In the last couple of months I've gotten a patch of dry scaly skin about half way between my neck and shoulder. It's about the size of a quarter. The skin doesn't peel off. It just gets hard and thick. It's also tender to the touch (and naturally I can't keep my hands off it). 

Nothing so far has seemed to make a difference. Anybody been able to have something similar clear up and what did you do? Also, I am getting smaller similar dry spots in various places around the neck area. I wonder if it's age (I'm 48) and my skin is just deteriorating. I don't think it's sun, since it's below the collar line. 

My son has eczema since birth but we have avoided using tropical steroids due to the concern about thinning of skin. In fact we have not used it even once. We have used stuff like eucerine etc.

We are using a home prepared ointment for him. I prepare it from bee products like bee wax, bee propolis etc. It has worked well in terms of trapping the moisture and healing open wounds quickly. In fact now he almost never has open wounds due to the quick healing. (generally within 24 hrs.)

We are using homeopathy. So far it has shown good promise. I have an adult friend whose eczema has improved remarkebly using homeopathy.

He is allergic to a lot of foods. We found out that by avoiding the foods which he is allergic to, we can reduce the amount of itching.

Roy, I certainly don't want to be disagreeable, but would like to disagree with you on this one. :-)

It kind of depends on how far back in time we go. I would think that near death or injury encounters from just going about our daily business is insignificant now compared to just a couple of hundred years ago.

I've owned several motorcycles. My eczema and other atopic conditions have worsened since. I think this is based on growing older (and weaker) and if anything, the motorcycles have contributed to the condition because riding around in leathers, helmet, boots, and gloves in warm weather make the skin hot, sweaty, and irritated while being exposed to the cold in the winter causes the skin to dry, crack, and be irritated.

I also enjoy my daily exercise and am somewhat an endorphin junkie. This has the positive effect of reducing stress, but the (postulated) negative effect of making one's immune system slightly weaker temporarily because one is expending energy to recuperate. I believe I would catch fewer colds and other bugs if I didn't exercise as much as I do.

Richard, What you describe sounds like psoriasis to me, particularly if it isn't as itchy but is worse looking than eczema. I THINK the general treatment is similar to that for eczema. It would be a good idea to have a derm dr. look at it and tell you for sure what it is.

Richard, I hope what you have isn't skin deteriorating from age, because I'm 48, too! It sounds like classic eczema. As a matter of fact, more people have problems where you're having yours than where mine is...hands and feet.

I've found that if I alternate rub-ons, it seems to help. I might use cortisone ointment today and collodial silver tomrrow. And if the itch gets to the point where you could scream, get a sunburn remedy. Anything that has "caine" in the name will deaden the skin however temporarily, and breaks the cycle for a little while.

I haven't tried an antifungal on my feet. I'd tried it on my hands several years ago as just one more something to try. When it didn't work, I just forgot about it as an option. At this point, I'm considering burying a dead cat at midnight under a full moon. There must be something that will settle this stuff down.

Lanacain will at least deaden the skin temporarily, and as they say, any relief is better than none.

I'd have to disagree with your statement that exercise weakens the immune system. My experience (I've been an avid runner for 20+ yrs) is that I get FEWER colds and am able to fight off other bugs. Of course sometimes I can get a cold, but it seems much less severe than one would normally have. 

I would however agree with you if a person were exercising more intensely over a period of time, then I think it could weaken your immune system. The only downside of exercising to me is when I get all hot, and sweaty; then my eczema flares up a bit. A cool shower afterwards with moisterizer usually settles the eczema down for me. I also start itching after I eat food. Really bland (but healthy) food like veggies and rice doesn't seem to cause me any problems, but eating spicy food, or pizza, or chocolate will get me scratching everytime.

Sanjay, It's smart of you to avoid steroid altogether. My baby weren't so lucky because all the specialists we went to prescribe the use of steroid. It's sad that I have to be the one to put an end to it.

Ah, Eucerin!! Our dermatologist recommended it too but it has lanolin alcohol to which my baby is allergic. You can't quite trust them all, can you?

The open wounds you refer to - is it secondary infection? My baby gets it at times when she has a flare-up and wouldn't stop scratching. I'd love to check it out if your formula works. How did you learn about that formula? I read about bee wax and propolis in treating AD but never follow through with that avenue.

How's your son's overall skin condition now? I gave up on conventional method when her skin was discolored. I'm sure there is a cure out there, we just have to dig hard. Look forward to hearing from you soon.

I've suffered with eczema in varying degrees of severity since I was 3 years old. Even the strong topical steroids don't seem to provide much relief anymore so I've been experimenting with natural treatments. Here's one that is still working and worth a try:

Get some sea moss or irish moss from the health food store or a bodega (small grocery store) in any Spanish neighborhood. Boil a hand full of it in 1 quart of water for 5 minutes and reduce to a simmer for an additional 25 minutes. This will produce a thick, almost jelly-like substance. Strain into a blender.

Add the equivalent of 1/2 cup of FRESH aloe vera gel - use it from the plant. I haven't had as much luck with bottled aloe. Add 1/4 cup of avocodo or olive oil. Blend until a creamy lotion consistency. Apply to affected areas several times a day, keep refridgerated when not in use. Stays fresh for about a week, after that I would make more.

You may notice some increase in itching initially as the thickend skin starts to peel off, but the result is worth the suffering. It stops for me after about 3 days. If you have dark discoloration, that usually fades with this treatment as the new skin in revealed. Since this treatment helps keep the skin from building up, your lesions are less likely to crack and bleed.

The aloe is antibiotic and antifungal - kills the cooties and helps heal the cracks. The moss contains a variety of minerals and vitamins that seem to help heal the skin. The oil keeps the skin moist and combats the drying effect of the aloe.

As long as I keep this up at least once a day my skin stays relatively clear. If I stop, the skin begins to thicken up and itch again.

I also have (sometimes) an eczema reaction with stress...as a matter of fact it happened last week again. My current treatment of choice is getting "seared" with UV, it seems to help. I end up losing a couple of layers of skin and have had very positive results with this treatment lately.

Hi Cyd, You know it for a fact that discoloration of the skin is reversible?

How did you learn about your formulae? Is it safe on kids?

My baby's skin was discolored after several applications of prescription steroid. It disheartens me every time I see those spots, knowing that I did it to her.

Basically, I think "moderate" exercise --> strengthens the immune system "strenuous" exercise --> weakens the immune system

Of course, what is "moderate" or "strenuous" varies by individual based on heredity, current physical condition, how hard you push yourself, etc. You just might be in very good shape and your body might be very suited to running. Mine isn't. My asthma had been moderate to severe.

Brad, your experiences seem to be very similar to mine. On the other hand, for me there is the question of cause and effect. When the results of a work are not satisfying an it leads to a bad condition of the eczema, you will get more handicapped and the rusults of you further work will get even worser and worser.

My impression and experience is, that most of the people I know with atopic eczema try to make everything perfect by more than 100%. Therefore it is very hard to get satisfying results of any proposal. On the other hand these people often expect the same perfection from other fellows and will not get the feedback they want. BTW: I also got eczema mostly on my hands (back of the hand, finger and wrist). In summer, when it is hot in our area, I get eczema also on my arms because of sweat.

I think we eczema people need our own telethon...You know, "Send money to these poor itchy people!"

I've had this mess on my hands for over 2 years, and within the last 6 months or so have had it spread to my feet. I've found it most helpful to alternate rub-ons, ie, steroid today, collodial silver tomorrow, etc. And when all else fails, any good sunburn treatment works. If there's "caine" in the name it deadens skins temporarily, and at least gives that much relief.

I find that exercise is so effective in combating stress that any possible effect on the immune system is counteracted by the feeling of wellness you get when you exercise regularly. It's a little hard to sort out the chicken and egg factor, but it seems that it's when you're too busy to take exercise that the stress factor can get out of hand (and the eczema with it).

I tried acupuncture about 10 years ago. It worked miracles the first time I tried it, despite major skepticism, so it wasn't a placebo effect. Unfortunately, when problems returned a few weeks later, further treatments did nothing, and after 20 tries, my skin was clearly getting even worse, so I discontinued it. It should be noted that patients using acupuncture are supposed to be drinking Chinese herbal tea in between treatments, which I DID NOT do, so that could have been why the later treatments didn't work. The herbs tasted so bad that I couldn't get myself to drink it. 

I want to update all of you on a discovery I found about 3 weeks ago. I mentioned that after giving Lotrimin AF a try on my eczema on my hands, that they totally cleared up and never have been clear for almost 10 years, in any summer. 

After reading this mailing list and listening to people discuss fungus and molds as a cause of aggravating eczema, I decided to try an anti-fungal ointment. To my big surprise, it worked. It didn't help my already dry and cracked skin from healing any faster, but it kept new blisters on my hands from forming. Now after three weeks with the treatment, I have virtually no blisters and completely clear hands!! 

My fingernails and the surrounding area are astonishgly clear and fleshtone in color with absolutely no yellow tinge. Its funny, I always thought this tinge was from my moisturizing lotion. After going from doctor to doctor, year after year, all told me the cause was mental stress and everyday chemicals from dishwashing detergent to hand soap. He had me in an anal retentive lifestyle of what I can expose my skin to. And the funny thing is that now, I am using a lot of chemicals, I got a lot of armor-all on my skin yesterday after cleaning my car and rubbing alcholol from cleaning electronics. I also started washing dishes without gloves for the first time in years, and no negative effects!!!! 

I know atleast one doctor thought of testing my skin for fungi, but from what I recall he didn't catch any. Now I can't wait to tell me doctor of my discovery. He probably won't be very happy that I no longer need his services. In fact, this situation has given me less trust in dermatologists. All he ever gave me were steroid creams that absolutely did nothing for my hands. While I still have eczema on top of my feet which is not healing with the lotrimin, I continue to use those lotions. But that eczema is minor in comparison and in a place that doesn't seriously affect everyday life. 

Eczema on your hands is the worst type to live with especially when I work with small electronics and use computers for several hours each day. The whole point of this letter is, I want people who have a similar problem, who live in hot humid environments to give this inexpensive and harmless treatment a try. You may surprise yourself like me. This type of eczema mostly got serious in the summer. 

To those who are interested, the active ingredient in Lotrimin is Clotrimazole 1%. Lotrimin AF is around $12 for a 1oz tube. I just found a generic version called EQUATE, a brand name that I just bought from Walmart for only $5.85 per tube. A big savings. I apply it to my hands and feet twice each day, especially my feet, thats where I think the fungus was spreading from to my hands. 

I believe the fungus, yeast and sunlight tracks are the right ones Steve - they have worked for me.

Patsy, If it works at all, it's typical for a treatment to stop being effective after a certain period of time. That's the routine with this disease. You try different things until you find something that works, you use it until it stops working, then you try more things until you find something else that works for awhile, etc. 

For the last 5 years, I've been using prescription strength Tavist (double the OTC dose) as my antihistamine. I take it every 12 hours. If I'm extremely itchy, I also take 50 mg. Benadryl in addition to the Tavist. Everyone is different. You have to experiment with various products. 

Neil, I'm so happy for you! I was just as delighted as you are when a dermatologist finally diagnosed the cause of my eczema (I.e., fungus). It's been weeks since I've had an outbreak of anything!

Based on someone else's recommendation here in the group about the effectiveness of Marigold paste, I decided to try it. This is available in nature food stores as Calendula creams or ointments or gels. I tried everything. The cream and gel gave me some relief. So may be others can check it out.

I am now trying the Lotrimin. I hope I can duplicate some of the results others have seen.

On another note, about 2 months ago, my dermatologist gave me a prescription hydrocortisone lotion known as Pramosone 1% (by Ferndale Lab). I was using strong cortisones at that time without much help. But the weak cortisone, Pramosone, really helped a lot. But now it seems like its effectiveness is wearing off. Has anyone tried this before?

I just got these few tid bits from Kristen (a member of this list from a while back). It has to do with Rosacea - which I have always assumed to be the very severe reddening of the skin due to cortisone use (I seem to get it when I have taken oral cortisone) but I suspect that the definition is broader than that. this is what she sent me...

>>

Rosacea causes the following: flushing, persistent redness, pustules, papules, telangiectasia, watery or red eyes, and facial swelling, rhinophyma. These occur at different rates among women and men. It may sometimes be accompanied by itching and burning or other physical discomfort, but primarily causes emotional discomfort. It can also be accompanied by dry skin to produce the itching, burning and stinging.

Primary trigger factors are sun, emotional distress, hot weather, alcohol, spicy foods, etc.

Choose low intensity workouts--just as beneficial for exercise. Exercise 3X a day for 15 min. Studies indicate amount of exercise in a day is valid--not how continuous it is. Avoid midday exercise--do it early morning or evening. Protect skin from sun. Do exercise in cool, well ventilated rooms, not hot or stuffy.

Try draping a damp cool towel around your neck, chewing ice chips, carrying cool water bottle to spray on your face or drink

Tip: Don't become overheated. This causes flushing and may trigger a rosecea flare-up.

The pulse dye laser does eradicate telangiectasia as well as rhinophyma. The CO2 laser (with local anesthetic) is used to remove excess tissue.

Write or fax the Rosacea Society for their newsletter and more info: 800 South NW Highway, Suite 200, Barrington IL 60010. FAX 847/382.

<<

Not really sure if all this was relevant but could be interesting to some.

The problem you're describing on your 3 year old sounds like Cradle Cap. My daughter had it as a baby. Doctor after doctor prescribed ointment, creams, etc. Nothing did any good. So one day on a hunch, I shampooed her hair with Head and Shoulders. The second such shampooing cleared it up and she never had it again.

Let me include this little tidbit. I started taking lecithin about 6 weeks ago. The directions suggest 3 to 6 1200 mg. gelcaps daily. I take 4. I'm not sure how much they've helped the itch (who knows how much it would itch without this??) but the lesions look 100% better.

Almost as soon as I touch something that is powdery or dusty, I can literally FEEL my fingertips begin to dry out and shrivel up. Once this reaction begins, it progresses to cracking, bleeding, HURTING, scabbing, peeling, etc., and it is impossible to stop this cycle. My only working cure is sleeping in gloves with plain ordinary vasoline on wet skin. And, I wear either cotton gloves or latex gloves with cotton inserts (latex allergy) at work, when reading, gardening, cleaning (my husband does the cooking), or working on remodeling the house.

I owe the courage to persevere in this inconvenient, embarrassing treatment to the members of this group. I have been randomly trying this and that and not giving anything a real chance. For the past 3 weeks I have watched my fingers improve in tiny daily increments, and I do heartily believe what one member told me, that once the skin gets really healed and healthy, it will begin to get easier to maintain it. At least it gives me hope. And hope spreads. 

Rita,You wrote:

>>

My friend has been on Chinese herbal decoction for almost 2 years. He's now almost cured of his eczema except for the tough spot on the back of his hand. His job requires quite a bit of travelling lately and he has not been able to follow through with the treatment routines. He used to have it all over his body. Now he doesn't even need any emollient, not even when the weather is dry and cold.

My 6 months old baby was referred to the same practitioner but because the decoction was too bitter to take, she is nowing taking herbal extract, an invention by a Chinese pharmacognosist, which is much easier to take in terms of taste.

What do you mean nothing much happened? If you expect quick fix like steroid, you're going to be disappointed. However, if your herbalist is a true herbal practitioner, you'll be better, perhap cured. It's just that this treatment takes time.

<<

Perhaps it is true that I expected results too quickly; but then, the doctor himself is a bit worried about there being no improvement whatsoever. He assures me that most patients notice improvement almost immediately. Then he changes the prescription and sends me home with six more bags of herbs to last me another week, and perhaps a tube of cream. The cream is good for the itching, but all the patient information is in Chinese (which I cannot read) and this worries me a little. What if it's simply a strong steroid?

These are all the treatment details I know, as even the interpreter does not speak sufficient English for me to ask any real questions.

To be honest, since yesterday I *do* notice improvement. Unfortunately I started taking additional zinc and evening primrose oil, so now I don't know what caused the improvement. To complicate things even more, I will be seeing a "biological" doctor, who is into things such as diets and orthomolecular treatment, next week. I made that appointment when I was particularly desparate, and also because I am a bit worried about taking the herbs without any proper medical supervision.

You say your friend took the herbs for 2 years. I don't think I could afford that! Per week I pay (roughly) the equivalent of between 80 and 100 USD. That includes the weekly consultation.

So, I'm not sure what to do now...

My experience with my friend's and my baby's varies quite a bit from yours. First of all, after the diagnosis and instruction to brew the decoction, I was instructed NOT TO APPLY any cream or emollient and avoid food with preservatives or common allergens such as fish, soy products and cell fish etc. I was also told that during the initial weeks after you take the decoction, rashes would break out to an extend which resembles the end of a flare up. So if your skin is on the good end of a cycle, it'll turn bad but if your skin is bad to begin with, it'll stay the same. Our practitioner monitored the skin condition every week and adjust the herbal compound. The decoction tastes very bitter and has a very strong minty bite to it. We also got a bag of herbal compound a day to brew, 7 bags for a week.

[The herbal practitioner examined my baby's pause on the hand and asked if anyone in our family has liver problem. He also asked other questions which related to a baby. He also told us to stop any other treatment if we're to take the decoction, that way he could be sure about the herbal mix.]

Seems to me you are trying too many things at the same time.

My feeling is that if you cannot stick with the strict and demanding routines of Chinese herbal treatment, which requires lots of discipline and perseverance, try something else. If you are on herbal treatment, NO emollient is allowed, which means you have to put up with skin infections and itchy skin without any remedy. It's not an easy thing to do. I still remember the days when my baby's skin was weepy, scaly, crusty, scabby and inflamed which transcend into many sleepless nights to me as I cuddled her into her sleep. And then it's your diet. Everything you eat should be organically grown, make and prepare from scratch, which means no fast food, no junk food, no eating out. It's easier with a baby since all she takes is milk. I was on very strict diet since I was nursing her. There were tough times I thought about using steroid to produce quick fix. And then my mind became stronger. Think about it.

My baby is better now. And I know she'll be cured. I adamantly refuse to accept anything less.

Every individual is different. It's your choice. Do what you think is right for YOU.

p.s. We also paid $80/week for the consultation and herbs.

I've had fantastic results from using Chinese herbs and emollients that my Chinese doctor prepares herself in her office. My thoughts after reading your recent exchange are:

1. Clearly what each doctor prescribes and how each patient responds to a treatment vary. I can't understand why a doctor did not prescribe or allow emollients, but I bet there's a reason. Ask a million questions until you are comfortable about the treatment you are getting. If you aren't sure, maybe you should find another doctor. ASK about the steroids.
2. I had a quick improvement using the herbs too, though it took me several months to stop having to boil the herbs. I'm now drinking a tea from prepared bags. My doctor said that the longer people have had severe symptoms and the more steroids they've used, the longer it takes to heal the eczema. To the gal who hasn't seen any results yet: How long has it been since you've started drinking the decoction?
3. Yahoo for eating organic. I try to do so whenever possible.
4. According to the literature, it takes 4-6 weeks minimum for evening primrose oil to get to healing levels in the blood stream. So I doubt that would interfere with the Chinese Herbs. All I know zinc is that it does help some.
5. It is a bummer that alternative treatments are so expensive. I paid more than both of you did for my initial visits, but last visit paid about $90 (US) for a visit, tea, and emollients to last 6 weeks. And luckily, my insurance pays for part of it.

I've now been seeing the Chinese herbal doc for 3 to 4 months. At first the eczema was dramatically affected. Now, I am itchier and the effect is less noticeable except....I am not taking any cortisone creams or internals, the change to fall from summer which is usually flare time for me was very much less severe. 

The other thing is that I exercise, sweating, etc, and don't flare. I am one of those with long time steroid use. I figure to give it 6 months to a year as long as I am reasonably comfortable. Cost for CHT is $120/wk medicine and consultation. I used to be running $45/wk for the derm doc plus medicine which ran as high as $300/month. Though CHT is more expensive and requires prep time and regimen, my overall health is better and I am borderline normal.

The bichon has worked out very well from the allergy point of view, as far as I can tell. No one in the house appears to have any trouble from him at all. By comparison, when we had a guinea pig I was truly ill for months, and we were forced to get rid of that pet, much to everyone's dismay.

The bichon does not shed at all. My wife and daughter wash him about twice a month, which keeps the dander and dust under control.

Of course, different people might react more sensitively. I have never been extremely allergic to dogs, but a lot of dog hair on furniture will make me sneeze and my eyes will itch. Some people are allergic to dog saliva. I suggest letting Lily play with the dog for about half an hour, then waiting perhaps two days to evaluate any reaction, before purchasing it. This is no guarantee, of course, since her sensitivity might increase with exposure, but at least it's a reasonable test for current sensitivity.

However, I suggest you wait until the eczema situation is stabilized before trying this.

My only reservation about our bichon is that he is a bit hyperactive. He runs around the house at top speed whenever we let him out of the kitchen, chews on everything, and barks loudly when a stranger comes into the house. I don't know whether all bichons are like that, but he's only about a year and a half old now, so maybe he'll settle down.

Hi, I've recently tried short finger nails to help with the eczema; however all thats done is give sore (and occasionally infected) finger tips.

I suspect it depends just how strong a scratcher you are; but for me it isn't helping. When things get really bad I use cotton gloves; but I've been known to rub through the ends of those in a week.

I think we could scratch with nubs! Get some Lanacaine or Solarcaine.Anything with caine in the name. It will deaden your skin temporarily so it doesn't itch. For me, it helps break the cycle, and sometimes it won't itch any more for the rest of the day. It has helped me sleep through the night.

The fingernails are the dirtiest part of the body, I read somewhere.

Try filing your nails with a diamond or saphire nail file. Keep a nail-file and nail clipper handy in places where you sit, by your computer, nightstand, car gear shift, easy chair, etc. Put one on your key chain. Filing nails every day is helpful to keep them 'dull'.

Do not push back cuticles with anything. That could cause major problems. Just scrub the cuticles with the brush.

Scrub your nails with a very stiff short bristle nail-brush, the kind surgeons use to scrub-up. Try using Ivory soap to scrub the finger nails. Bring a scrub brush to work, and put it by the work/bathroom sink. Or carry one with your lunch to work.

Ivory bar soap seems to remove kinds of dirt that other bars do not. Dial (disinfectant) soap causes my fingertip skin to crack, but if you don't have that problem, maybe it would help you, but use Ivory too. Put a bar of soap and a nail-scrubber-brush by every sink in your home, especially by the kitcen sink, as scrubbing your nails before and after washing dishes is especially effective in getting them clean.

Use ice to stop the itching. It cleans the skin, which may remove an itch causing contact-irritant, reduces the itch sensation because of the cold, and minimizes oil loss. Ice is highly effective.

Vitamin C is very effective in reducing itching. Take a gram every five or six hours, or when itching. You will get relief within 20 minutes.

Doxepin is helping my itching a lot. It has side effects but they are worth it for me. I am sleeping much better and my skin has improved a lot. For the first two weeks of use you might get drowsy, but then that side effect disappears. I also have an increased feeling of general well being and cheerfulness when I take it.

CLAWING HAND ACTION helps. Stretch your fingers, hands, and arms in every direction first gently, then with a little increased intensity. Rotate at the waist, do arm rotations with arms straight out to the sides (flying motion) and then concentrate on the arms, forearms, hands, and fingers. Do this for at least 5 minutes. Many times this relieves tensions that are created by the intense itching. I do not believe that itching is caused by tension, but tension is caused by itching. That is a big difference. So relieving the tension caused by the itching many times helps to reduce the itching. I hope I am saying this clearly. It works for me.

A double dose of a daily vitamin/mineral supplement has always helped me too. When I stop taking them, I always feel worse. This has happened again and again over the last 20 years. I KNOW they help keep my skin in better shape and generally make me feel good.

Of course the most important action is to discover and avoid the allergen that is causing your itching. That is a whole 'nother story.

My eczema was diagnosed by an internist, so MDs other than dermatologists are bound to see this problem. I'm not sure how much influence family practicioners have on research, but that's a place to start.

I'd also like to see some improved bedside manner on this issue. I suppose because it isn't life threatening, doctors tend to belittle its impact. I was bluntly told, "You have eczema. There is no cure, you'll have it the rest of your life. Learn to live with it." Yet I can think of few things that have made such a difference in the quality of my life.

I agree with you Patsy. Doctors need to take eczema seriously. Too many of them are too quick to send you home with a tube of steriod ointment and nothing else!

A few years ago I, the mother of a 6 month old with severe eczema, was accused of making my babies' eczema worse by worrying about it too much. My "worrying" consisted of getting a second opinion from him--what a JOKE! and reading about possible alternative treatments--The steroid creams weren't working--he accused me of not using it!

The bottom line- I think- is that doctors are frustrated when the only treatment they know of (steriods) do not work. They then blame the patient or the parent. Doctors need to look at what may be causing the eczema and encourage their patients to become partners in care. Look for food sensitivities, chemical sensitivities, allergies, infections,etc., etc. etc. Try alternative treatments- as long as they aren't harmful- Who knows? It might work!

It continues to be the mother's fault, whatever the problem, doesn't it??? When my daughter was a baby, she had colic. I was assured it was all my fault because I was a nervous mother. PLEEZE!

Unless these doctors can see a bone sticking out of your leg, they decide it's all emotional and psychosomatic.

You're right. Doctors don't take AD seriously.

I remember the 2nd dermatologist we went to practically took a quick look at my baby and made the same comment that there being no cure and tried to get us out of his office just as quickly as he looked at my baby. I still have his prescription note somewhere at home prescribing for the same type of steroid ointment the other dermatologist prescribed. It's bad.

I think it's not a matter of whether they are good or bad doctors, it's just that they don't know what to do when the rash refuse to go away beyond steroid.

If only they would tell me the side effects of the use of steroid upfront and advise me of alternative treatments, things would have been much different. I would have put an end to the use of steroid before it even got started.

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