January 1997 Eczema Mailing List Archive

I am not aware of any topical vitamin C. I would be interested in knowing about it. I'll check with a pharmacist. Vitamin C I know about is swallowed. As an aside, the group might be interested in knowing that the word "Oral" has been misinterpreted by pharmacists in my experience, to include "inhaled" therefore the use of the word "swallowed".

Debbie, did you try rice alone? By "alone" I mean was the food trial a SINGLE food trial. I think you did from my interpretation of the tone I read into your typed words. If you did try each of the listed foods, one at a time, just as you did the rice, then you are pretty safe in assuming that they are tolerated. Keep in mind HOW you try them though. Each test food should be eaten three times a day.

I know the ice works. After applying it apply a little skin lubrication like Vaseline. Very light coating. Let us know.

You guys know how animals can get bald patches from scratching so much? Well, there was a recent period when I was scratching my head a lot where my hair is (just above the ears & next to my face). Then, I noticed in the shower as I was washing my hair that I was losing strands of it (not just one at time). Oooff! For a couple of days I questioned whether the eczema was starting to make me lose my hair. But, then it dawned on me! That's the same place I had been scratching a lot for about a month.

So, I went to the beauty salon, trimmed and deep conditioned my hair, and the lady at the beauty salon assured me that my theory was correct. So... now I will make an effort to just push down on the area that itches instead of scratching it so much. I will also wet my hair and let evaporation do its trick when it's beyond my ability to refrain from scratching. My loss isn't really obvious, and it will grow back. It's actually kind of funny how I compare it to a dog scratching itself until it leaves a bald patch. Good that I figured out what was happening before it became too noticeable. 

Don't you think that the less we scratch, the less we will itch? I find that the more I scratch, the more inflamed I get, and I end up itching even more. Concerning neurological components which may drive people to scratch, I have two feelings: our skin itches, and our brain sends a signal to scratch; and it might have become a bit habitual.

Christine: Different forms of lanolin apparently can trigger different reactions because I clearly get no reaction to the wool wax (which you say is a form of lanolin) in Aquaphor, yet do react to lanolin in lotions. My skin condition is different every day, sometimes not too bad and sometimes terrible. I use Aquaphor every single day, no matter what my condition, and it clearly helps and never contributes to a problem. I get worse if I don't use enough Aquaphor. 

Hello Mark, I see five big areas in your family situation that need increased attention.

1. The carpet. Get rid of it. From the whole house. This may be the single biggest factor affecting both Sam and you. Getting rid of the carpet is the easiest thing to do. No? Yes! Once it is done, it is done, and you will find unending relief with no furthur effort. Carpets are filthy even when they look spotless and clean. No matter how well we think we clean them, they are traps for allergens which do not get removed. Some areas of carpet will never get cleaned, even if you shampoo and vacuum daily. This will undoubtedly reduce your asthma too. You can use small area rugs which are washable. You will be amazed at the amount of dirt a small area rug can accumulate after a few days. Just shake one out and see. Then imagine the dirt in the whole house.
2. Do not reject all the traditional doctors' drugs. Some of them are valuable as long as they are used wisely and sparingly. Those drugs that cause sluggishness can be effectively used if they are timed well. If antihistamines are necessary, Sam should take them around 4 or 5 PM so their negative effects can be used positively to help him sleep through the night.
3. Get control of the other possible allergens (diet and homeopathic treatments). Eliminate as many variables as possible.
• Know each ingredient that the homeopathic doctor uses. Ask her/him questions and limit the number of ingredients so that you can tell which one is being tried and therefore be able to tell if it is helping or harming at any one time. Trying homeopathic ingredients and foods at the same time may prevent one from knowing which of the two is helping or harming thereby prolonging the period of discomfort.
• Do food trials, starting from a basic list of about five or six food and add one a week after the new food is proved a non-allergen. Your allergist can guide you in this respect.
4. Include daily multivitamin/mineral tablet as a food trial. If you find that one causes problems, try another. I use Centrum, but that my not be suitable for a child. Taking daily multivitamin/mineral in the morning and afternoon, as I think taking it in the evening may have a stimulant effect and reduce sleeping. Use vitamin C as an aid to reduce itching. It will provide itching relief within 20 minutes.
5. Use ice to reduce itching. Afterwards apply a moisturizer that works. You may have to change a lot until you find one that works. Vaseline used lightly on dry areas will reduce itching. Healing skin appears dry. Dry skin itches.

Alkaline baths are great for relieving the itch of eczema. Use 1 lb. of baking soda to a full tub but you will have to adjust the amount, as a 2 yr. old won't fill the whole tub. Try to keep him in for at least a half hour. You can do this as many times as you want daily but a definite at night to help him sleep. This is one of the oldest remedies for itching and a detox for the skin.

Try ice as a first course of action. Apply it directly while holding a washcloth, then take vitamin C , then the harder stuff: eliminate the allergens if you are allergic. The "Seizures" are from the allergens I think.

I don't think it has anything to do with neurology, if you have allergies.

Get out of bed when you have these seizures. Use the ice, take the vitamin C, take a cool shower, then go out for a walk if you can. The itching causes tension which is relieved by stretching and exercise. I don't think tension causes itching.

This words neurological dermatitus I think are a misnomer based upon an old misdiagnosis.

Our son Sam started with his eczema at the beginning of this year, aged 2, following a hernia operation. His whole body was affected by severe dry skin, sores, itching etc. He was hospitalised 3 times and attended the dermatology clinic daily for 2 months where he was bathed and bandaged until the worst was over, however he has made very slow progress since then.

Having despaired of modern medicine techniques which made little difference to the eczema but made Sam listless and irritable, we cut out all drugs and steroid creams.

We are presently trying a homeopath who recommended that Sam become a vegetarian and only use organic foods. As he is already on a dairy free diet we weren't too happy with this idea and we like our meat too much. We have found organic meat and veg suppliers so we try and stick to this, although it is more expensive it tastes great.

Sam hasn't flared for about 2 months, but still has very dry skin. We continue bathing him every day followed by moisturising creams and full body Tubifast bandaging. The bandages reduce the need and ability to scratch but the face still gets a good seeing to. He wakes up 4-5 times a night scratching and nothing seems to make him sleep any better.

To reduce the amount of scratching we keep the house cool (not difficult at this time of year) and keep skin covered as much as possible.

I've no idea what pills the homeopath gives him they all look the same, but we also give him evening primrose oil capsules twice a day and use Aplus4 cream on the bad bits of skin. The homeopath also recommends lots of natural garlic and ginger in our food, which is fine by me.

Both my father and I suffered mild eczema as children but not half as bad as Sam. I also suffer from asthma and we are trying everything to reduce the chances of Sam developing the same. All his bedding is cotton, the mattress is hypoallergenic sponge and covered with a dust mite barrier as are the quilt and pillows. All the carpets are extremely short pile and we keep the house cold and airy.

Mark, It sounds like you are doing so much for your son. I don't have much more to suggest. 

Remember, though, that even short pile carpets (and even flat cotton throw rugs) harbor dust mites. So if possible, you might consider ripping out the carpets, or at least keeping Sam off of them. Even regular vacuuming with a good vacuum doesn't remove enough dust mites from carpets. Also be sure to hot wash all bedding not covered by the dust covers at least every two weeks. This includes stuffed toys. Curtains and drapes should also be eliminated unless they can be hot washed. Watch out for mildew if you are in a damp area; heaters are bad for dry skin, but cool air breeds mildew! I think on general principles that allergic people should avoid eating large amounts of any one food or herb. (I'm personally real allergic to garlic). 

Everyone, How many others made a New Years resolution to STOP SCRATCHING??????

Happy New Year everyone. I've been really itchy, deep itch, not on the surface for about a month. I get bad usually around this time of the year. I was talking to my mom who said my dad was really allergic due to pine trees, eucalyptus, and oak. It made me think, we put a freshly cut Christmas tree into the house, I wonder....

Also, my CHT doc said to use corn starch in the bath, not Aveeno. I'd never heard of or tried it before. It doesn't put a layer of stuff on one's skin. It seems fairly soothing and neutral. If Aveeno or oil is too hard on your skin, and you need relief, you might try it.

Richard, I can stay in a room with a Christmas pine tree for about 15 minutes before I get asthma... The tree has a powerful allergens. Who knows how many. Put it outside! Downwind. Fast.

Why not ask the doctor for a nonsedative antihistamine for in the day, like Hismanal.

It's been years since I've read a Centrum label, at least 8 but what I do recall is it is high variety metal multi and one of the minerals being nickel, I bring this concern up being that nickel is a VERY common allergen of eczema and if Centrum still contains nickel, it's still a multi we should avoid, I bring this concern up cuz you promote it so much when there are nonallergic multi's available. So, my question is, does it still contain nickel or has the formula been changed?

I've never mentioned this before but I like your suggestion of using ice, it does work.

>> I don't think it has anything to do with neurology, if you have allergies.<<

Actually it does, our disease does have a connection to our nerves that's why stress is an aggrevator. I'm one of the few they want living on Xanax for my condition, not that my life is necessarily stressful but to attack my eczema from all angles. I don't take it daily anymore, just my preference but I will tell you that when I'm on it, give me any amount of stress and my skin isn't affected but stress without it, my skin will react. Shelley your thinking on the right path and severe itching is a huge sress factor and the mental part of it alone, forget physical, can cause eczema to worsen.

Stress is just as much as an aggrevator as is any allergen but one that is overlooked, our mental state plays a big part in our disease. When I'm in a high flare up, I will take Xanax, I know the difference with and without I've been doing this way too long not to. I also take it during high emotional stress. The dosage to aid our eczema is lower then what people normally take for in other conditions. I do .25 mg. 2 or 3 x's/daily, I'm suppose to do it 3 x's but I forget and end up taking it only 2 x's half of the time.

Doctors know the role stress plays in our disease, have a talk with her/him, not everybody will need drugs for this aspect but there are some of us who do.

Yes, Centrum does contain 5mg of nickel. I was not aware that nickel is an allergen. Can anyone comment/recommend a better mutivitamin/mineral? 

Richard, Don't YOU take the pine tree outside. Get someone else to do it. Open all the windows in the house and then get somone else to sweep and vacuum the place while you take a walk or go shopping. Hire someone if there is no one around to do it.

You will feel better very fast. But initially you might need an antihistamine about 5 pm or so for the first day after the cleaning.

The moisturizing creams can be a source of problems! Generally ointments are less problems! If you cannot avoid the creams, then, when you have problems, rotate the cream in order to see if the cream is causing a problem. You can start out having many positive results from use of a cream, and after a while acquire allergic reactions. It is common. 

Shelley, Have you tried wearing a layer of wet clothing under a layer of dry clothing? I slept this way every night for many months and sometimes I wear the get up (even the face and scalp mask) while working around the house. It might be too cool now to do this, but I think the wet cotton is just as good as ice.

Kelly, I agree that steroids should be used sparingly. But I think there are times when a responsible derm (or other type) doctor SHOULD push the systemic stuff on an eczema patient: like when the patient is definitely suicidal from the all-over non-stop itch. I know, I've been there.

Richard, Next year get a fake tree. Natural trees bring not only their own, but other types of pollen into the house. Even family members who protested at first now love our "perpetual" tree. (purchased for very little; VERY real looking; much less time consuming than the real thing.) 

Shelley's remarks about scratching frenzies at night rang a bell. The only thing I've found that allows me to sleep through the night without clawing is the application of hemorrohoid ointment to my eczema. Indeed, it is all I've found that gives me any lengthy relief - and by lenghty I mean more than an hour or so. I know it sounds like a strange new use for this product, but I have been truly impressed with the results. Moreover, it is greasy and therefore gives an additional moisture coating. Good luck. Would love to hear from anyone else who has used this and their results.

Thanks to all for your concern regarding my current flare-up. I AM using ice to keep the itch to a minimum. It certainly does help. But it's a lot of work to keep moving my ice pack around on my entire body. What I really need is an ice suit, like a wet suit with ice packed into it, so I can walk around and get things done while my skin is being iced.

Remember the Wizard of Oz scene where Dorothy and the others get prepared to meet the wizard? Dorothy gets her hair done, the scarecrow gets his straw restuffed, and the tin man gets his metal shined. That's the kind of place I need, where I could get serviced by a team of Ice-People!

Anyway, I'm trying to remain calm and not run to the doctor for a shot just yet. I'm going to keep trying to get it under control by myself. 

Shelley the shot may be great at first but they also decrease your own production of steriods, so when it wears off, your body runs low on steriods making you prime for attack. I did the Kenalog Shot throughout my childhood being a kid and not knowing about the rebound effect of these shots and my mother was a nurse and knew better but what even the informed will do to get immediate relief. We now know, or should I say they always knew but I didn't, that these shots contributed to my eczema getting so out of control. I can't stress enough that you yourself look into this effect and then ask your doctor why he has been giving you them. Doctors, all doctors, know about this. The shots should not be used by anyone with serious skin problems as our adrenals are already stressed out.

And since you are in a flare-up, get in a tub of lukewarm water and up to a pound (2 cups) of baking soda, in flare-ups our skin is very acidic and you need to get the balance back but don't ever do the shot. You know how bad my condition can get and no one EVER could talk me back into taking a shot again and a responsible derm would never try to give you one.

Mark I found washing the bed sheets every day helpful. I also open the windows and air the room for several hours. Perhaps I am crazy but why not freeze those little dust mites out of the room? My 10 month old is much happier at night and is less itchy when we do this.

Aquaphor is widely recommended for eczema. Usually, dermatologists suggest you apply it body-wide after showering to retain moisture. I used it for about ten years, but now use Vaseline BEFORE showering.

Some ten years ago I was able to buy, in Canada, Boots baby lotion (unscented; lanolin-free?). It was very helpful in controlling my facial eczema. Unfortunately, Boots closed in Canada and the product, to my knowledge, is no longer available in this country. Would anyone in the UK be able to tell me if this product is still available there. 

When people are allergic to jewelry, it's often the nickel they're having a problem with. TwinLab makes a multi called Allergy Multi Caps for chemically hypersensitive individuals. The A & D are from non-fish, E is non-soy, Chromium is yeast-free and it does not contain Iodine. From the label it reads... Free from most common allergens such as fish, fish oils, iodine, corn, wheat, yeast, barley, rice, lactose, milk, egg, citrus, citrus or lemon bioflavonoids, nightshade vegetables, salicylates and all soy derivatives. This multi also contains Cal/1,000 and Mag/500. It's definitely the most complete allergy multi I've ever seen personally.

Just one addition... lamb in the "meat" category. I occasionally do a little cleanout diet, which was recommended to me by my allergist. He told me that "hardly anyone" is allergic to lamb, spinach, rice, or pears. You have the other 3 on your list already.

Ann I've been to hell too, I've had them pumped into me intraveously and I still disagree, the only time I will agree is in life or death situation which rarely happens to us. Several times a year I have to use Temovate but with topicals I can control the speed of the lowering of the dosage so not get the rebound effect whereas with the shot you can't and then you just through your system off again. The shot for the suicidal doesn't fly with me, there are other ways to stop the itch.

This sounds very interesting to me and worth persuing. I"d be curious to know if you experienced anything else in common: Julia was born around due date but was huge (10 lbs. 7 oz.). My son without eczema was 7 lbs....Her morning diaper is incredibly strong smelling (urine) and I can't really pinpoint what it smells like, but it's the same every day lately. It is not the obvious smell of ammonia.....On "worse" days (real inflamed and oozy) she's also incredibly clingy and cries a lot---even if she hasn't itched for hours. She acts just like she's ill, like something on the inside hurts. Plus she still spits up on those days (she used to spit up profusely as a small infant). I've been nursing all along.

Did you remove rugs, curtains, etc.? We still have all of ours at this point. We live in an old, drafty house in Massachusetts..... Did you first see a Ped. Allergist or Ped. Derm.? How did you think to see a gastroenterologist? What led you there? What is Allimentum?

I tried the ice and it worked well. She wasn't happy with it but it seemed to stop the itching. Thanks for the suggestion.

I started the rice alone. After that I added one food with the rice. Such as carrots. When I started her on carrots I gave her carrots and rice but nothing else. Next was green beans which I used with the rice.

Patsy, I'll bet that your scratching solution works, but it sure does make me laugh! I can just picture myself during a flare-up, wearing a cutoff tank top under my bra, wearing my underwear inside-out, and slathering haemorrhoid ointment on my spots! Of course, my fiance has already seen me lounging around all greased-up in a dry- cleaning bag, so he's immune to most odd-looking garments.

Actually I'm allergic to spinach, but I think I am an exception.

As far as I know, Chicken and Apples are moderately high on the food allergy list. Turkey is a safe substitute for Chicken.

Someone told me that the bacteria eats all the stuff that makes milk such a hard food on our system. So it is sort of pre-digested already.

The house is probably 90% of the problem. Move out, as quick as possible. I know it is easy for me to say. Harder to do. I did it. It made a huge difference. It is what all allergists recommend. The longer you accept poor environment the more suffering and bills. Get out as fast as possible. Move into a DRY place on a hill., Tiled. Not linoleum. Stuff can live under linoleum. Consult an allergist and a floor speciaist. If necessary find a fairly new place on a hill somewhere on in a high rise.

Move out Move out. Stop the suffering.

Fast. And don't wait to find a place. The baby should be moved to a healthy environnment as soon as possible until you find a place to move to. If this move does not prove beneficial you will know. But don't place all your eggs in one basket. Work on the diet too. Assiduously.

It is difficult. But you in life is worth it. Make it come fast.

As I understand it, the bacteria in yoghurt only make it easier to DIGEST than plain milk (i.e. they break down the milk sugar, lactose). But if a person is ALLERGIC to milk, it is the milk protein (casein) that causes the reaction. So if you are milk allergic, stay away from yoghurt as well as milk. 

Vaseline BEFORE showering prevents the body's natural oils (the very best lubricant) from being washed away. This is the main problem with showering, especially with hot water; it dries out the skin, leading to eczema flares. Unlike aquaphor, vaseline is not water soluble, therefore, the natural body oils stay on, underneath the vaseline. Of course, you don't get as clean this way, but I shower at least once a week without vaseline just to get real clean. I would much rather be a little dirty and avoid eczema flares. My dermatologist recommended this technique. It works well; I've cut my steroid use way down.

This seems unnecessarily restrictive. I know we've gone round and round on this but am I mistaken in believing that I can use medium strength topical steroids (very) sparingly 5 or 6 times a week for the rest of my life and still have a normal lifespan without too many major side effects?

Also, what is Temovate?

To the parents of the infant: I had acute eczema and had just been asked by dermatologists to go to the hospital to get better when my condition improved so dramatically, and it wasn't because I moved out or went to the hospital. And, I never got rid of my wall-to-wall carpeting either. I was cured by evaporation.

You can't just blame it on the house.

I know that my rugs may irritate my skin if I lay on them for a while (I think it's the nylon); but, I'm not going to get rid of them, I'll just put a blanket down first. Maybe in my next house I'll do something differently.

Concerning rugs and dust mites. It isn't the mite that bothers us, it's a protein in the waste of the mite that has the allergen. So just vacuum with an appropriate vacuum cleaning bag that catches the allergen. My Kirby vacuum cleaner has "micron magic filtration" with "micro particle arrest technology". I've seen other vacuum cleaners on the market (not so expensive) that have similar filtration systems.

I've copied some information from Allergy Supply Company "The Largest Selection of Quality Asthma & Allergy-Related Products and Supplies." http://aaabiz.com/AL/alhp.html (I've purchased some things from them before.)

The Allersearch ADS(TM) Anti-Allergen Dust Spray is a non-toxic formula of 3% tannic acid, which denatures mite and pet allergen protein, rendering it permanently non-allergic. http://aaabiz.com/AL/aframe.htm

Acarosan House Dust Mite Eliminator aids in the control of house dust mites. Acarosan eliminates house dust mites and their larvae effectively for six to eight months. Acarosan is registered for use with the EPA. http://aaabiz.com/AL/aframe.htm

Hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and machine washable/dryable, these 100% Cotton Terry Knit Pillow Covers are dust mite proof and fire retardant with rust-proof zippers and bound seams. Bonded to 5 ga. vinyl. They also sell Mattress Covers. http://aaabiz.com/AL/aframe.htm

Again, dust mites are harmless to people, it's the protein in the waste of the mite that we cannot deal with. Washing linens in hot water is recommended.

This is definitely correct. The acidophilus cultures in yogurt have nothing to do with the casein (milk protein) which is the common cause of eczematic reactions... yogurt still has casein in it. The acidophilus DOES help those who are lactose intolerant to digest it, though.

Just to warn you on "bag balm": the pretty strong odor may make Julia's eyes hurt. When you open the can, it can give you a good jolt. My son doesn't have as bad of eczema as your daughter but my ped is probably related to yours, he ALWAYS leaves some thing out. We had a reaction to every antiboitic he has taken in the last year and finally he tells me that the easiest way to tell is he got runny stools right away. Well, could you please have told me that a year and a half ago. Keep me posted on how th e homeopath goes as that is our next step. I buy in to the intestine wall being to thin theory but some people do not.

Dear Debbi, My son was also huge at 10lb. 9 oz. but my number two child was 10 lb. 3 oz. and has no problems. Yes I went the traditional route pediatritions, homeopathy, allergists, dermitologist but none of these professionals led me to a gastroenterologist, that was on my own, I must have the brain of a rocket scientist! This doctor of mine is very well acquainted with this problem and has guided me thus far. I have a lot of faith in his word. Every time I address a new solution, he has already studied it and knows the benefits or lack thereof. 

Steve and Debbie, If you are planning a move, I strongly recommend finding an architect who specializes in allergies and environmental illnesses. Such a person will be knowledgable about conditions in your area and can help you a lot (whether you are building a house , buying an existing house, or just remodeling). 

I found one through my allergist. I only paid him for one hour of his time. He whizzed through the house and told me where to put fans and skylights, which brands to buy etc. My house was once so mildewly that the walls looked like they were covered with black flocked wallpaper. The window gunk was visible from across the street! This was in spite of my scrubbing for hours every few weeks. 

The $100 I paid this architect was well spent because after our contractor added the fans and skylights according to his instructions, and I followed a few other pointers he gave me, we have no mildew. You are starting fresh (new home, new little person) so it would really be beneficial to first have an expert look at he whole situation to get you situated in the best possible building in the best possible location. 

Gary, don't you have problem with not washing away sweat? I think if I tried this it would be big trouble. I shower to remove sweat from the surface of my skin, and sometimes I'll shower 2 or 3 times in a day. And Vaseline after each.

Have you tried cold showers? Or water, just warm enough that it feels cool to the skin. I find that it relaxes, and soothes. And cleans.

Jolie: That's great that you found this doctor you have so much faith in...I'm quite envious. 

Interesting about the birth weight thing. Actually my first born who was 7 lbs. was 3 weeks early--so who knows what he would have been. Both times I gained a lot--about 40 lbs. and that was while eating very "healthy" (who knows what that really means anymore), meaning barely any sweets and low fat. Then I lost the weight very easily postpartum too. But I was immense and immensely uncomfortable, more than average. Thought it might have been linked to glucose levels or something..I have 2 diabetic siblings. You know how they often say mothers with large babies are very prone to developing adult onset diabetes...?

Since birth, however, she's been a very slow weight gainer. She's now only 17-18 lbs. and will be 11 months next week. How about with you?

Did you/Do you breastfeed? Did your doctor have any strong feelings there? The homeopath recommends keeping her on breastmilk for both nutrition and comfort level... but sometimes I wonder. A friend told me she stopped nursing and the baby cleared up. But the baby also had a milder, more normal case of infant eczema. Julia doesn't like to drink anything from a bottle and still gags half the time with a cup!

Is allimentum a special formula? Where do you get it?

Jolie: I forgot to mention in the previous message that the book "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative," is actually about this "Leaky Gut Syndrome." So, I just ordered it--$24.95.

Steve: We're working on the idea of moving, not just because of the baby though. We need a new location, bigger house, bigger yard, etc. We also forced hot air, which makes us anxious to leave for Julia's sake. But it's pretty impractical to think of a house with ceramic flooring--maybe in Hawaii!! The floors would be freezing in the winter! But we're thinking along the lines of hardwood floors. Dou recommend living up high to avoid dampness and mold, mildew type thing? I never would have thought of that. We may be building so we could look for a higher lot just as easily.

Actually TwinLab is one of the few supplement companies I do trust, I've had various supplements tested and what they say is in them is. As for the price, I think they're quite reasonable but I also order through the mail, on the street any supplement price seems to be a bit of a rip off comparatively.

Looking in my catalog... the Allergy Multi Caps, 200 ct. is $17.15, on the street they would be $24.50 for the same. Just a note, this is a 33/day supply at 6 pills a day but it does include your total cal/mag that's why so many.

Since you are able to take Centrum you don't seem to be highly sensitive to supplements, TwinLab makes a vitamin called SuperTwin Multiple, it's a mega supplement, you will have no need to take additional supplements with this, meaning the ones taken for eczema your beta, b's, selenium, etc. except it doesn't supply complete cal/mag. I took this for over a year then they changed the formula and I couldn't take it any longer but I did introduce it to a couple of my friends that are complete health freaks, live and breathe it, they both have been taking this supplement for over 2.5 years, if I could I would still be taking it. By day 2 you will notice an increase in energy and you will without a doubt overall feel much better, it's my all time favorite multi. Give it a try, a month's supply is $11.63/cat. & $15.50/str. and 2 mos. is $19.57/cat. & $27.95/str. you could never get more for your money than this. Let me know if you do.

There is a protein in kiwi fruits that has an amino acid secquence which is 95% homologous to this protein from dust mite waste! Anyone allergic to kiwi fruits? 

Does anyone have any advice on ski wear - particularly for the face. I am very prone to frostbite, but when I wear the usual ski tubes (neck/face warmers), and hats etc, I develop eczema. I have seen neoprene face warmers which form fit the face to just above the nose.. some are fleece lined. Anyone have any experience with those? 

Eczema is a complicated skin problem, everybody is different, there is no a standard way or medicine to cure this problem, so we have to keep trying different things to find a best combination for our babies. 

I changed my son's formula from milk-based to soy-based (3 months), then to Alimentum (7 1/2 months), finally I find out he is so sensitive to the food. His face eczema has obvious improvement after switching to Alimentum (It is a special formula for Food Allergic or Colic baby). I brought him to do an allergic test last week, he is allergic to egg, milk, soy, peanut, walnuts. The Allergist said he is not allergic to meat, but his eczema was getting worse last week after we tried feeding him some meat soup for 3 days (1-2 oz/day). 

It seems diet is so critical to this kinds of babies, we have to be very, very careful when introducing new food to them. We have no family history on eczema, I think I ate very healthy during my pregnancy (I always followed the book) he was born at 8lb 10oz, I was 115 lb before pregnancy, petite size, but I gained 50lb during pregnancy, I have no idea how can he develop this skin problem. Doctors say 90% babies outgrow the eczema before 1-2 years old, I just hope all of our babies will be one of those 90%, this is the only positive thing I heard about Infantile Eczema, which also make me feel less frustrated.

Things I do to make him feel better (except the medicine): Day: make him concentrate on something he is more interested in so he forgets the itch. Night: Pat his legs gently to bring him to sleep, the skin on his legs is red, raw, flared up, he always tries to scratch them if given any chance.

>> I can use medium strength topical steroids (very) sparingly 5 or 6 times a week for the rest of my life and still have a normal lifespan without too many major side effects?<<

Yes but be very careful in making sure it is applied only to the inflamed skin.

>> Also, what is Temovate?<<

There are several brands in each catagory of potencies, this is one of them from the highest potency. When I first started using it, 7+? years ago, I was told I could only use it legally for ten days and then I had to throw it away, I laughed at him and since them no one has ever said this to me again so I don't know if it's still in effect. I didn't laugh at him to be a bitch, I was just thinking that I was stepping up again and if the new stuff worked, it wasn't trash bound. I do use it every other day on some spots that refuse to heal but not all over just a few times a year when it goes out of control.

I have the book and read the first 1/3, all sounds great until you reach the paragraph that says this information is not applicable if you were born with the disorder... However, I do practice the spinal manipulation as shown to me by a massage therapist. He loves the exercise and who knows, it just might help.

By any chance, does anyone know whether there would be a difference to allergy-type persons if one was to have one's house insulated by having the insulation "blown" into the attic versus the other "non-blown" type attic insulation installed? My contractor says there should be no problem since the attic will be closed off after. He says there should not be any "fallout" of the insulation material. Any ideas on the subject?

I was FINALLY able to remember to look up the answer to your inquiry. I have this habit of remembering important items when I'm in the car or shower, then forgetting them when I'm near what needs to be done. Sigh. Only 40 and my mind is a sieve.

Anyway, here's a quote from page 20 of one of my favorite books, Healing with Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford, and published by North Atlantic Books in Berkeley, California,

"Microwave cooking, a development since [Rudolph] Steiner's time, seems to damage the molecular integrity of food, diminishing it's subtle qi [or chi, "life force or vital energy"]. Experiments reported in the prestigious British journal The Lancet (Dec. 9th, 1989) demonstrate that microwave cooking alters food enough to cause, upon ingestion, "structural, functional and immunological changes" in the body. The report further states that microwaves transform the amino acid L-proline into D-proline, a proven toxin to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys."

I found Healing With Whole Foods at the bargain book table at Price Club for $10, so look for it at used and discount stores if you are interested. It gives interesting and complete descriptions of what foods to eat and WHY to help improve many medical conditions.

Diane, What you said about kiwi and dustmites is very interesting. My allergist once did a RAST test on me (they draw your blood and then test it for allergens to spare you the anaphalaxis that might occur with a scratch test) for kiwi. I had no idea why she did it as kiwi is something I don't think I've ever eaten or plan to eat. NOW I know she was seeing if I was as violently allergic to kiwi as I was to dustmites. I tested "not allergic" to kiwi, BUT this test was done after I had been receiving allergy shots for dustmites. So I wonder if decreasing my sensitivity to dust also decreased my resction to kiwi? I have always had a very strong taste aversion to all tropical fruits. 

When I was about 15 I went away for a week with my family. For breakfast in the hotel there was a huge fruitbowl, and I had never tried kiwi fruit. I had 2 that morning, and was so sick that day. I spent the whole day in bed with a burning mouth and no energy. I only have to have a tiny amount of kiwi to make my mouth burn. (I haven't had any in years!) Diane, I had no idea about this similarity in amino acid sequence, and I found it really interesting. I suppose that I was lucky in a way that my eczema didn't appear until 10 years later.

I tried evaporation of wet sheets once and will try it again...I found it interesting. It felt like it was drawing out stuff from my skin. This might make sense cause the skin is the largest organ in our body and a lot of elimination should happen that way. 

I've noticed that when I flare up I don't seem to sweat and I tend to get constipated. It feels like my skin is working overtime to get rid of stuff (toxins my body produces from allergies? I don't know). I drink a lot of water when this happens. So, I have to experiment with it further...

I have hand eczema. The following help, when I practice them:

Use vinyl gloves to wash dishes and when using household chemicals, soak hands in cold water when you have a flareup, followed by a moisturizer and if necessary steroid cream. Avoid dish liquids like the plague. When you must wash your hands, use superfatted soap or a health food soap made with an olive oil base and slather moisturizer on before drying your hands. Keep your house temperature cool. Don't wear wool if you're allergic, and don't use moisturizers containing lanolin. 

About Hand Eczema: That's where mine first appeared, and except for a few patches between fingers, at the moment it is quiet. My MD wrote me a presciption for industrial strength cortisone ointment. She had me put a thin coat on all flare-ups every night and then wear white cotton gloves to sleep in. As I've mentioned before, I have no cotton gloves so I used socks. It took about 2 weeks of this before I can say it subsided substantially. But using this regime when there is a major breakout, I can say I've kept major problems from developing on my hands since then. 

For me, evaporation is less effective than conventional wet wrapping. (By conventional wet wrapping , I mean wearing soaking wet cotton right next to the skin covered by a dry layer of clothes; no medicine other than water is used). For me, neither evaporation nor wet wrapping does anything for the allergic reaction that comes from under the skin. What the wet wrapping does for me is combat the dryness and relieve the itching. 

I have been told by several doctors that my skin is not dry by nature; the dryness comes from the allergic inflammation. There ARE people who have eczema because their skin is dry to begin with and therefore gets easily irritated. THESE are the people who I would imagine benefit the most from evaporation (and wet wrapping) because hydrating the skin is getting to the ROOT of THEIR problem. For ME, any form of hydration is just a treatment and the heavy wet wrapping seems to work better than the evaporation. 

What is your occupation, and do you have any particular hobbies? I think you will find that some of us with hand eczema think that there is some relationship to our occupations, particularly if it seems to improve after weekends or vacations.

I read the comments about cotton gloves. I too use 100% cotton gloves for certain tasks. The nicest source of cotton gloves that I have found so far is Allerderm (they have an 800#) - if you are interested, ask about the pure white 100% cotton gloves (they also have an off-white cotton glove, but this is more of a mesh-like material). They are washable and reusable. I also like these because they come in 3 sizes (small, medium, and large) - the ladies can look for gloves in the cosmetics section of a local pharmacy, but it isn't easy to locate gloves that will fit a man's hand. Allerderm is also a medical glove supplier, so they sell vinyl gloves as well.

I see three methods of wet wraps so far:

1. Putting wet cotton clothes on and covering up with dry ones.
2. Just putting damp sheets on, and maybe covering up under the covers; or, if it's too chilly to do that, you can also sit in a bathtub with just enough WARM water to make you more comfortable. Then, put the damp sheet on the inflammation. Keep warming the water and draining the cooled water so you don't get too cold. Remember, as the water evaporates out of the sheet, inflammation is breaking down.
3. I remember someone on the list saying they went to the hospital and were put in a tub of water with some kind of solution and then wet heavy towels were laid on them. The person who mentioned this method said it wasn't comfortable. I thought that this last method was the conventional method of wet wrapping. Is this last method still practiced?

I find that if I use a damp pillow case to rid an itch while I'm under my covers, that would be practically the same thing as what you do. Because, I would have damp cotton material on my skin covered up by something dry. You know. Any way, the way you do it would make it more flexible, because I wouldn't be all wrapped up in sheets and blankets. The only difference I see is that you say to use soaking wet clothes, and in the other method the water should be squeezed out of the pillow case or sheet before it's put on the skin. 

Perhaps one could take 100% light weight cotton pajamas, dampen them and put them on, and then maybe put another pair of those pajamas on top so that it's not too cold. I use white 100% cotton sheets, if possible, because a lot of sheets are polyester blends, and some polyester blends make me feel a little itchy. A white 100% cotton dress shirt could be used. Come to think of it, I can even picture men from India wearing something I may be interested in using. I bet we can even find something for outside wear to accomplish our purpose while we are outside. That's progress.

My wife and I really appreciate the response we have had to a posting asking for tips from the group. She tried just wetting her hands and letting them air dry yesterday and was amazed at how the itching was relieved.

One thing we have tried that helps during a mild to moderate flare-up. The over the counter medication Aleve is the prescription medication Naprosyn, originally developed for arthritis. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. When my wife has a flare-up going, her fingers swell and crack. She cannot bend the fingers. After a couple of days of Aleve (1 or 2 tabs per day and it does require a few days to build up to a therapeutic blood level), the swelling is significantly reduced.

My wife just reminded me to pass along that she has found using vinyl gloves in the shower (avoidance of irritants) has also help a lot and that this is something that is often overlooked.

I too have your eczema, although after 12 years I am now 80% cured. I have had amazing success by taking Evening Primrose Oil - but here's the key!!!!!!!!!! You must take a very large dose every day to do any good, a small dose does nothing! Infact I would suggest that if you haven't tried this remedy, you must!!!!!!!!!!! So long as you stick with the large doses - e.g approx 9 - 12 capsules per day. 

Bruce, YES! ME TOO! When I injured my shoulder a few years ago, I was on Naprosyn for a couple of months. Much to my surprise, whatever eczema I had at the time ( at that point I was not covered with it) vanished. I notified the eczema association and they said they would pass that info on to the skin research people. 

I'm no doctor but I would think that Naprosyn is safer than steroids for long term use. At the time this happened to me, eczema was not much of a problem for me , so I didn't even consider trying to extend the prescription. But now, I think I will try the Aleve. How does the OTC dose compare to prescription strength Naprosyn? BTW, the Naprosyn helped the shoulder pain a lot, but it took YEARS for the shoulder to completely heal. 

Steve, I've adopted the ice-on-itchy-inflamed-skin approach. You seem to use the ice-in-cloth method. My problem was that the melting ice on those hot, itchy spots sometimes made me itch. 

So, some of you may already be doing this, but when I was in the local drug store I walked past the picnic section and they had these bags you freeze and put into a cooler to keep things cold when outside. Anyway, I bought a Rubbermaid brand called Blue Ice. During flare-ups I take it to work. I've been using it on the recurring itchy/inflamed spots on my legs. Works well. 

All I need do is put the kiwifruit near my lips and I feel the burning! I also only need to open a dusty drawer and it irritates the hell out of me!

I have no trouble eating kiwi occasionally. In fact, I ate one yesterday. But now that I know it has some similarity to dust mites, I will probably not eat a pile of them at one sitting.

As for evaporation, I must confess that I have not tried it. The idea of being wet in bed does not appeal to me. I can't imagine being able to sleep if I was wet. I can deal with ice because it's cold but not wet. When I'm wet, I need to lubricate immediately afterwards otherwise I get dried out and even itchier.

My flare-up seems to be improving. I was able to sleep the night before last with only one scratching fit, and then last night I slept through without any scratching at all. Hooray! It's always so difficult to figure out what causes improvement, but I guess it could be that I've been channeling energy through my hands in different ways (drumming!).

I've been getting bruises (black and blue marks) all over my body in the last year. I had started thinking that I was getting chronic leukemia, which my mother had, but my doctor just told me that I'm probably getting them from using steroids on my skin for 40 years. She said that there's no other complications to fear, but it's certainly a distressing side effect that doctors never warned me about. Each bruise lasts for about a week before disappearing, but soon enough I get another one in a new location. Right now I have about six of them.

So people wondering about the long-term effects of steroids should be aware of this. I have thin skin that tears easily and now these bruises. After 40 years of use I guess I'm lucky compared to others.

I've never had a doctor say anything restrictive about using Temovate, in fact I easily got another Rx for it last week. I use it sparingly since my scalp isn't too bad. My last bottle lasted 3 years. It's all the ointments and creams that I've used daily which are likely the culprit. 

Shelley, Glad to hear that you are doing better. If you are curious about wet wrapping but fear the discomfort, I recommend starting with just one body part (i.e. one leg or arm or just the neck etc.). That way you can see if it helps without risking hypothermia. 

BTW, it's much easier to put on clothes that have been soaked in HOT water. Grease your skin before putting on the wet wraps. My skin feels positively dewy after a wet wrap (I grease it again then to trap this moisture). Unfortunately, though, the rash is still there! My hands seemed to get worse with wet wraps and the fingernails began to disintegrate. Wet wraps completely kill the itch for me. 

About the bruises, are you sure they aren't simply from hard scratching? I thought that the bruises from steroid use were permanent. If yours eventually fade, maybe they are something else. 

My wife was given hydroxyzine from her dermo and it really helps the itching especially at night. This is a prescription med although it has been around for decades and is quite mild. But the rather cool thing about it if taken at night for itching, the side effect of drowsiness helps one sleep through the night.

I am loathed to get rid of the carpets. Ours is an old house with false floor where the wind whistles through, in fact we were thinking of replacing our old carpets soon with something that might improve the heat retention. With the temperature at home at the moment Tom's comment about freezing the dust mites to death takes on its own reality.

Talking of temperature we are finding it difficult keeping Sam at a comfortable temperature, we layer the clothes when we go out so that it is easy to take layers off if Sam gets too hot, but he has already started itching by then. We also spray his bandages with water in the evening but he hates this and he gets too cold when he goes to bed.

There are a number of good antihistamines on the market, and I expect you will go through all of them before this is over. One nasty little aspect of this horrid condition is that we tend to build up a tolerance to treatments. That's why I try to alternate antihistimines, topical applications, and whatever else I'm trying at any given moment. They all seem to work better if not used continually. And you're right about the drowsiness as a side effect. But I'm finding that that's not as much an issue with me as it was when I first began dealing with the drugs. 

Not only do the drugs loose their effectiveness, one can develop a sensitivity to a drug that started out helping you. This may happen more with antibiotics, I am not sure.

The one time I tried the evaporation method it made me cry out with pain, it was so horrible, this continuous contact of my skin with water. 

What I'd done is, I'd taken a pair of thin cotton gloves and put them on wet. My hands were very bad to begin with, but they were even worse (did not think this was possible) when after some ten minutes I could no longer stand the pain and tore them off.

Water hurts like hell on some types of my eczema.

Found a jar of Sudocrem in the supermarket (next to the paper nappies on the shelf), and it's GREAT. This stuff has over 15% of zinc oxide (as opposed to 10% in standard zinc ointment) and it's 4 times as cheap as zinc ointment (which is not expensive either). It smells lovely, too, of cinnamon.

Ever since I started using zinc ointment on my feet I walk without pain again! There's hardly any sores left, as long as I use it every night. If you haven't tried it yet, do so now, you might be lucky and find it does for you what it does for me!

My wife has been using a "safe" selection of shampoos for ages but she has recently started to have an itchy scalp. She uses "eczema" shampoos at all times. There are no visible problems with her scalp. Has anyone found any shampoos recently that we may not know about and thus will not have tried ? The best one we have found in the past is Camilla Heppers shampoo but it seems like our good run is over. Believe it or not what happen to my wife usually happens to me later - a sort of sympathetic eczema.

Whoa! Hey! I'm having a brainstorm; read this & tell me if I'm on the right track.

Ann, I read what you wrote about the mildew problems in your house. I live on the top floor of an old, leaky apt. house, and I've noticed that my eczema tends to flare during damp weather; my fiance has noticed this as well. There have been numerous leaks in the roof (which the roofer is working on now) and leaks around the window frames in our bedroom; the latter resulted in small black mildew spots on the wall. Is it possible that I'm having a reaction to the mildew? The bedroom is very small and we tend to have the door closed at night (I often run an evaporative humidifier during the winter, but I keep that clean).

A related question: I've been having a flare-up over the weekend and have been racking my brain, trying to think of what I might have done differently. I'm starting to think of pressing my dermatologist for allergy tests (I have had the adhesive patches, but never a skin prick test). Do any of you think that it will be worth it for me to badger my HMO until they agree to test me? Have any of you found a few allergens which have made a difference in your eczema? I know that this must be a common question, but thanks for any help.

Hydroxyzine is ATARAX or VISTARIL

T-Gel shampoo and conditioner by Neutrogena are excellent for controlling powdery, itchy scalp. A pharmacist told me that the T-gel products are much better for eczema people than other dandruff shampoos (like Head and Shoulders etc.). Expensive but worth it. 

Heather, YES, it is very likely that you are mildew sensitive. I highly recommend that you get allergy tested and go ahead with shots if it looks like you have the appropriate allergies. Be sure to get a qualified allergist to do the testing and be sure that she/he is enlightened about the pollen-eczema connection. (Some old-school types still believe that allergy shots won't help eczema). My skin got worse when I started the shots, but now it is much better. 

Yes, I'm quite allergic to kiwi as well as to dates -- the fruit :). I also have dust mite allergies.

I haven't heard of using Zinc ointment for eczema. What is it and what does it do?

T-Gel is recommended by derms but she/he can also give you a prescription shampoo.

No knowledge of zinc oxide for eczema before now. I have only heard of it with respect to putting it on one's nose to avoid sunburn.

I have used hydroxyzine too. It supresses the central nervous system and basically knocks you out. That is why you stop scratching. I have had problems taking this as I felt drugged the next morning.

This is a fascinating discussion of antihistimines, and one I hope we will continue. But Phil's suggestion that atarax and vistaril work on the central nervous system and therefore knock you out concerns me. 

I have prescriptions for both drugs and while they helped when I first got the prescriptions, they don't work any more. But I never felt 'drugged' with either, even when first taking them. I guess every body reacts differently. And now that I've built up a tolerance to them, I might as well be swallowing a tic tac for all the good they do. I'm leaving them off for awhile hoping to be able to go back to them later and find them effective again. 

Zinc Oxide Ointment is a "topical astringent". It's very white and very thick. My tube of the ointment contains: zinc oxide, white wax, liquid petrolatum and white petrolatum base. The tube says: Use externally for minor skin irritations and abrasions and as a soothing and protective ointment to promote healing of chapped or chafed skin.

A lot of people use it as a sun block. They put it on their nose and cheeks for protection from the sun.

Zinc is a wound healer and we with eczema tend to be low on this mineral that's why the increase of it helps us. General rule is not to apply more than once a day as too much zinc (anything) will aggravate our condition. I personally very, very rarely use it due to, as everyone knows, I hate the feel of it but Brigit I know has been playing around with it and has learned different products have different amounts of zinc, so I'm sure by now she has a pretty good idea as to how much to use and how often.

Different brands contain different ingredients such as beeswax or mineral oil, they are not all the same.

I've been experimenting again and found a soap substitute that I haven't shown any sensitivities to yet, just wanted to pass it along. It's Johnson & Johnson's Ultra Sensitive Baby Cleansing Bar that contains Camomile, which apparently it can't contain too much as the bar is white. And what I thought was funny is that on the box it says it can even be used for babies with eczema, didn't notice that until I brought it home. I buy items for their ingredients not their sales pitch.

I have never heard that either. I have been taking Atarax and using betnovate for about 13 years now. The funny thing is, my doctor had told me that my body is low on zinc, but she has never told me about the relation it had to eczema! 

The subject of zinc deficiency possibly contributing to eczema just piqued my curiosity. I eat a somewhat limited diet, and have wondered on and off if I am perhaps a bit low on some nutrient or other that might come down and bite me down the road.

For those of you who have had such a correlation between low zinc levels and eczema -- how did you determine this? and are there any other vitamins/nutrients/minerals/etc. that might be involved where eczema is concerned, either as a lack or as an overage?

Concidentally, I just picked up a new bottle of calcium/magnesium/zinc tablets. Methinks I'll put myself on a regular regimen of them, see if it makes a difference! (they're just 100% RDA tablets, nothing weird or excessive...)

Zinc ointment is zinc oxide in an ointment base (which could be anything, depending on the manufacturer). The active ingredient is the zinc oxide.

It's a very old-fashioned eczema treatment, my mother tells me it was prescribed for me when I was little, before steroids came into fashion (or perhaps before she hit on a derm dr. who went for steroids).

As I wrote before, what I buy as "zinc ointment" contains 10%, the Sudocrem (spelling is correct) contains 15%. In addition, the Sudocrem label lists more ingredients (don't have the jar here, but one of them ended in something like "cinnamate", which might well explain the lovely cinnamonny smell). I don't know if these additional ingredients are active ingredients or not.

Everybody else seems to refer to the stuff as thick; but what I buy is not thick at all, it's rich, but more creamy than ointmenty if you see what I mean. The Sudocrem label promises that it would "not stick to the nappies", and I imagine it wouldn't. It certainly does not stick to or stain the nice stockings that I can now wear again!

I liberally apply it to my feet every night, and sometimes in the morning too.

NOTE: I really do not know if there's a connection between zinc oxide topically and zinc orally. I intend to find out, though!

Anyone interested in food (supplements as well as diet) and eczema, get Stephen Terrass' "Eczema and Psoriasis", Thorson's, 1995. The book treats both eczema and psoriasis from a nutritional point of view. It goes into causes, symptoms, and most importantly nutritional approaches to relief, both dietary and using food supplements. The price is in the GBP5 range, there was an USD price on the cover as well.

Any pharmacist will mix you up a combo with whatever % of zinc you would like and whatever ingredients, it's your choice, you don't have to depend on retail. Pharmacists are handy people to have around for our condition, they'll mix anything, leaving out the crap ingredients.

Yours has a low zinc level, stuff I can get is 30% so that might be why it's not thick to you.

I know this pain very first hand, before I went into hospital, I would get in the tub (not a shower, I couldn't take the pelting feeling) and scream on the initial contact and end up crying through the bath and I'm not a crier, I was just in a lot of pain.

Just within the last 24 hours, I've been trying zinc oxide ointment on a few patches of dry eczema here and there, and I like what I see so far. I do. I will report my progress to the group in a day or so after continuing my observation. In particular, I had a stubborn patch just above my knee for a week or so. One overnight treatment of zinc oxide ointment improved the condition. It really seems to promote healing as I view it working on my skin.

My 4-year-old son has three small patches of eczema. I will begin to use irritant-free products on him. I didn't want to start using corticosteriods. I put some zinc oxide ointment on the three patches, and it is working by softening and fading the patches.

Nobody had ever told me about tar or zinc oxide until I finally got to see the oldest dermatologist at my HMO. He has been working in Dermatology since before steroids were popular, and he prescribed 1% coal tar in a zinc oxide base for persistent spots of eczema that didn't respond to BetaVal. It doesn't have the amazing effect that BetaVal has, but I do use it when I feel that I've been using the steroid in one place for too long. It smells bad but has the benefit of coloring- in the depigmented spots on my skin, a boon during shorts weather.

I do think I'll try taking zinc as well, since I'm a vegetarian and am often careless about getting all my vitamins.

Side question: on a general scale, how strong is BetaVal ointment .01% ? (I think that's the percentage I'm using). Is it medium- potency, med./high potency, etc.? The Dr. prescribed a treatment for occasional flare-ups, consisting of warm baths, application of BetaVal, and sitting around in a dry-cleaning bag (*new* bag) for a couple of hours. It works, and I understand that occlusive dressings increase the absorption of the steroid and therefore increase the potency; I'm only supposed to do these treatments as a last resort, for 1 week at a time... which is fine with me!

I heard about zinc on the sci.med.nutrition newsgroup. I've been to 5 different dematologists, and they never mentioned it. They never mentioned anything about nutrition.

I read on sci.med.nutrition that if you take a lot of zinc for a long time, you can develop a copper deficiency (I don't know what the symptoms of that are. This would only apply to taking zinc orally, however. BTW, this was in the same post where I heard about zinc as a treatment for eczema.

It seems that a lot of OTC products have warnings about side effects and/or long term use. Is there anything mentioned on the zinc oxide tube?

I just want to caution that there is a tendency when talking about eczema to think that we are all talking about the *same thing*. It is clear to me that since different things work for different people, that the issues are different. For example, my eczema is not local to certain parts of the body. It isn't weepy. It shows up as dry red skin very much like a sunburn that doesn't go away over most of my body. The itching is very deep like an allergy. My guess is that there are some on the list like me and others with different stuff entirely. 

My Dad was always raving about how great Atarax was, and that it wasn't the kind of thing that knocked you out. He swore by it. Me, I swear at it -- I took it once, right before bed, and felt completely drugged until most of the way through the following day. Nasty stuff, for me...

On the tube that I have, there are no cautions or warnings concerning use of zinc oxide ointment when used properly. (It just says DON'T EAT IT.) Maybe there was something else on the box (which I don't have), and maybe there wasn't. We should find that out pretty easily.

When I first began researching eczema, allergies, etc. (a few months ago) I read somewhere about both Vit C and Zinc for promoting healing of skin. I remember thinking that this zinc connection sounded logical since zinc oxide is used for lifeguard sunblock and it's in those diaper rash ointments like Desitin (very thick and white). Now, I don't remember if the book mentioned zinc oxide or if I just made the association.

I haven't tried yet on my 10 month old's eczema though because I don't want her fingers to get into it.. and then scratch her eyes or something. I have started liquid Vit C this week though.

Jolie recommended liquid Colloidal Trace Minerals (74 minerals). She said she began that (along with a certain massage technique recommended for "Leaky Gut Syndrome" type of eczema) and her child has vastly improved since then. I just started my daughter on that today. The woman in the health food store agreed with this (told me it worked wonders for a diabetic kid she knows whose disease was way out of control) and she told me about the amino acid "glutamine" that is related to digestive troubles and atrophied muscles, etc.

Zinc and copper compete for absorbtion and if they're out of balance, the dominant (as to proportion, you always need more zinc) will allow less of the other. As with any supplementation there has to be balance and you can't have balance if you don't know what you are doing. Too much of anything will lead to a deficiency in something, it all works together.

Liquid C leaks the calcium out of the teeth and don't use chewables either same effect. This is another one of those areas you don't want to play with when it comes to supplementation.

Through reseach, I am now taking many vitamin supplements that have all but eliminated my eczema. The only thing I am taking that my dermatologist recommended is prescription, and it is called Elocon, and it is an ointment. It has always helped A LITTLE BIT, but in combination with the vitamin regimen that I am now taking, my eczema went from very inflamed to almost non-existent. 

I don't suggest twice a day, only once because too much will worsen the condition, I've said this before. It's like anything else with this condition, start out at the lowest, increasing gradually when the effect doesn't equal the increase you are probably saturated and need to reduce.

I would like to point out that the statement "steroids are toxic" is no more or less accurate than saying "Zinc is toxic". Steroids are a class of organic compounds, many of which are produced by the body and are necessary for normal bodily function. Too much exogenous steroid can be toxic, just like too much zinc can be toxic, as Kelly, and others, pointed out.

I've been reading up on zinc, and one thing I found is supposedly cortisone interferes with the absorption of it. Also it said that taking too much can weaken the immune system. Hmmm...

Heather, I think the odds are about 100:1 that you are having trouble with your apt's mold/mildew. Talk with your allergist.

It is doubtful that fixing the roof is going to cure the problem. The mold is already pervasive. Get out or suffer. Why suffer? Choose the joys of life instead of the pits.

I have suffered from ear eczema since I can remember. I never remember NOT having it. I have never had eczema anywhere else on my body and I don't think I have any allergies (I've never been tested for allergies.)

This condition is extremely annoying and embarrasing. I am constantly itching my ears. My dermatologist prescribed a drug called Ultravate. From what I understand it is a very strong steroid. I am trying to conceive a child and the warning label cautions use during pregnancy (causes cleft lips in unborn child).

Even with the use of Ultravate, the problem will get better temporarily but always comes back. I have a few questions:

1. Will this condition ever go away? 
2. Is there a safer drug or therapy that I could use or try. 
3. What causes eczema (especially eczema in the ears).

Well, it really depends as to why you have the conditon. From my understanding of eczema, it is because of irritants. My eczema is primarily because of allergies, but because of the extensive ammount of allergies I have, it is impossible to eat a decent meal without being allergic to something in it. 

I have been able to control my condition by eating less of things that I am allergic to, as well as using vitamin E, vitamin C, a Nature's Biotics tablet (it forms a special type of bacteria in the intestines that is destroyed by food preservatives that supposedly helps many different ailments), vitamin A, and a topically applied steroid (I believe) ointment called Elocon. This is what helps me. 

I know the problem that you are experiencing with the eczema in the ears, to some extent. When I was younger I had a similar problem, but it was outside of the ear canal, on the upper portion of the outside of the ear (where if one had glasses, that is where they would sit). I was never able to alleviate the problem. I finally just decided NOT to scratch it, and through fervent prayers, it disappeared (hey, divine intervention is just as good as medication <g> ) It may have also disappeared simply because my body chemistry changed as I got older. 

Is there such a thing as a mildew resistant material? I think asking an architect with environmental training is the thing to do. Perhaps there is some other authority. I would like to know too.

Sharon, Me too! Sometimes everywhere that my ears join my head is a red weepy crack! I have fantasized about removing my outer ears! ( Just a joke, but I would still hear pretty well, right?) I get cracks in the folds of the ear too. Cracks at top of ears have been there as long as I can remember and make wearing glasses painful. My ear canals are affected too.

I used to scratch heavily with Q-tips until I got them badly infected right down to the drums. Can't have Q-tips in house or I will abuse them; huge buzz from scratching ear canals. 

I was told that ear eczema IS a definite sign of allergy. However, if that's your only atopic problem, maybe it's something else. Could it be hairspray or shampoo? I find that coating the ears with vaseline protects from shampoo. Often the outside cracks become infected and need antibiotic ointment in addition to steroids. Don't feel like you have less of a problem than those of us with more area covered by eczema. One small severe (or even a not so severe) area can be overwhelming. 

My eczema has gotten really bad around my eyes to where under my eyes crack open and bleed :P Westcort 0.2% ointment Hydrocortisone Valerate. I don't know much about meds and she told me this one I could use on my face, including around my eyes.. the face part I have no problem with (should I?) , but I am scared to put this stuff around my eyes.

I have it all around the outside of my ears. Sometimes I swear that they are ready to crack off. It really hurts. One thing I do that seems to help is break open Vitamin E capsules and rub that on it. It doesn't take it away but it helps with the itching. Maybe try putting that on after the steroid. 

Hydroxyzine (ATARAX) aside from having antihistamine properties, is also used as a mild sedative and an anti-anxiety agent.. obviously we all react differently to meds, but usually drowsiness is dose dependent and since hydroxyzine comes in 10, 25 & 50 mg, lower doses should be used first 'and titrated upward, especially for daytime dosing. Hangovers may occur from bedtime dosing.

I had bad reactions around my eyes and lids to many creams, but have found that I can tolerate Westcort. In fact, it's the only one that doesn't cause my eye area to swell. I use as little (and as infrequently) as possible.

Westcort, however, does contain propylene glycol, which can be an irritant. In fact, I've recently stopped using Cetaphil after two years of washing my face with it because it contains p.g. Have seen marked improvement around my eyes: much less dry and itchy, no flares. 

Excuse me for thinking out loud, but maybe it'll help: I've found that while Westcort helps, it doesn't work wonders for me, and leaves brown discoloration around eyes for a couple weeks, but sometimes it's better than nothing. Doesn't seem too far-fetched to suggest the p.g. connection here, eh? I plan to stop using Westcort and try evaporation next time.

I've never heard of UltraVate. If it isn't helping, though, it is probably time to try something else. Can you ask if UltraVate has lanolin? Christopher mentioned Elocon; my husband has had a good experience using that on his face (for allergies). I would call the dermatologist and tell him the UltraVate isn't working anymore and see what else he recommends. Just tell him that you want to be sure there is no lanolin in the corticosteriod that he recommends; and, double check with the pharmacist to be sure that there isn't.

I had really bad eczema around my eyes last winter, and just used Eucerin cream (round jar) as much as possible. This might be a controversial suggestion, but maybe you should just not wash your face for a while? I only wash it once a day, with Cetaphil, and follow up immediately with Eucerin. If you have flare-ups on other parts of your body, treating those might help your eyes. Come to think of it, I might have used a dab of the steroid you're using now, on my eyelids... but because of the glaucoma risk, I would really try to avoid that.

Vaseline can help in cool weather; apply around eyes before going outside.

I decided to try eliminating dairy products from my diet to see if the eczema improved. I just started this week, and I was wondering when I can expect to see a change, and how long should I avoid dairy before I can conclude that it's not the problem (if I don't see improvement)

I get buzzing too because I scratch and clean them so much. I thought I was the only person on the planet with this condition. It's amazing that I'm not after all these years! I think I'm going to be tested for allergies and see where that leads. When I was younger, they thought it was milk, but after discontinued use of milk the problem was still there. 

I was in the hospital a year ago for an unrelated condition and I coudn't shower for about three days (yuck). But what I did notice is that my years felt better! After I got home, I bought ear plugs but they didn't help because it is mainly on the outer canal inside the ear. Maybe it's time to see a new doctor.

What is the best stuff to use on really bad lips?? I have tried Lip Medix by Blistex.. it works okay... but it doesn't soak in.. kind of just covers the dryness.

My experience with lip eczema is that it readily gets infected. The first thing I try is Bactroban ointment (prescription). Sometimes that is all that is needed. I once applied very high potency ointment to my lips for many weeks with little improvement. I was on the verge of starting a course of systemic steroids (2 doctors said that it wouldn't get better without it) when I thought to try the Bactroban. 

You can try making a paste out of colloidal oatmeal, putting on the affected areas, letting it dry, than removing with luke warm water. I find that this helps, sometimes significantly. Than apply the ultravate. I wouldn't worry too much about the ultravate since you are only applying to the ears and the amount of steroid absorbed into your body is much less than those who apply steroids on large portions of their bodies.

For lips:

I was given a tiny sample of Ultravate .05% ointment (halobetasol propionate) by my Derm. Haven't even used it up yet; one or two applications should take care of it, and after that I use Vaseline as often as it wears off. Carry a "lip-applicator" tube of Vaseline in your pocketbook, in every jacket, in your desk drawer or pocket at work, etc.

Does anyone know if this is the same as "lipstick eczema"? I had eczema so bad last winter that I called it my clown mask, because I was all red around the eyes and mouth. Much better now!

For ears:

A nurse thought that I had a fungus infection in my ears last winter; I think that it's actually eczema. She prescribed Acetasol drops (hydrocortisone and vinegar), which do help. I still suffer from itching from time to time, though. Had to get all the flakes, etc. washed out last month. I wonder if gently warmed oil dripped into the ear would help the itching.

I have been following the discussions on the list with regard to diet and allergies and more recently zinc oxide. Thank you for all your information and experiences. We have stopped giving Ellie ( 8 months old) citrus fruit and orange juice, and we have seen a good improvement in her 'dry skin' patches (I defer from using eczema, as it seems that Ellie's condition is SO mild compared to the symptoms of some of the people describe on the list), not that they ever seem to have bothered her in the slightest. We have also stopped giving her cows milk and egg, though she had both of these foods very infrequently. She is still breast-fed in the evenings and nurses a couple of times at night.

On the zinc-oxide, specifically Sudocrem -- this is a commonly used treatment for nappy rash in the UK (especially amongst health professionals) and if I remember rightly the label mentions its use for eczema. We have used it on Ellie's patches as an alternative to Diprobase which has had no effect (other than moisturisation - I guess), but not seen any difference to be honest.

Heather's description sounds more like swimmer's ear.

Swimmer's ear and eczema in the ear both itch. In my experience, when I had eczema in the ear, it was visible outside of the canal (although it felt like it was inside my ear as well); swimmer's ear was only visible inside the canal.

Swimmer's ear tends to develop from a lack of wax in the ear. Water then tends to remain in the ear instead of being helped out by the wax. What happens is that when the skin inside the ear stays wet, it begins to exfoliate, and then the canal can fill up with the dead skin. That can cause pressure and pain on the ear drum. It looks a little like yogurt. A doctor could mistake it for softened wax and try to flush it out. (That wouldn't be helpful.) An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist should vacuum out all the dead skin in the case of swimmer's ear. Cortisone drops might then be prescribed by the ENT.

As a preventative, some people put a drop or two of alcohol in their ears after they get their ears wet to dry out the ear. Then, at night, they apply 1 drop of vinegar as an anti-bacterial agent. I always remind my kids to dry out their ears with tissue after showering. Further, I understand that putting the ears under water during bathtime might contribute to swimmer's ear (if the person is susceptible to it.)

I developed eczema when I was 24 and it is mainly on my head. I get small patches occasionally on my elbows, legs, and other areas too, but in the case of these small patches I can usually make it diasappear by using a lot of moisturising lotions. I am having real trouble with my scalp ezcema though. At the moment I am using Betnovate, and I recently started talking Evening Primrose, alongside my usual multi-vitamin, magneseum, and herbal tablets! I also use Camilla Heppers Herbal Healing shampoo. Taking of house dust mite, I am just about to give my room the clean of its life!!

Well, you're right, it originally could have been swimmer's ear. But it seems to get worse when the eczema flares on other parts of my body, and subsides at other times.

Here's a side question: does evaporation work with a cotton handkerchief? I tried it with a wrung-out handkerchief on a persistent spot on my leg, but it just seemed to raise a lot of little itchy bumps which drove me nuts. For me, the itching and weeping isn't usually bad; it's the dry, almost-discolored patches that bother me. I know that those can easily get worse if I don't nip them in the bud. I wonder if evaporation works better on certain types of eczema?

I have noticed a connection between flare ups and my period and was wondering if this affected anyone else. I also know the preservatives in many items that I am allergic too but I was wondering why someone doesn't use Cetaphil???? 

I also have been bothered by menstrual flare ups, although right now I am having a particularly bad episode for no apparent reason. My back arms, legs and torso are involved (hands and face minimal) I definitely feel that there is astrong hormonal connection and had a flare-up that went on through pregnancy and nursing. 

That was 18 years ago and now I am suffering in a similar fashion...perhaps pre-menopause??? who knows. I have started on the zinc supplement and have tried almost everything else (went out and bought some zinc oxide last night it worked great a bedtime but I woke up during the night itching like crazy).

Ann, I WISH I could do hard scratching. My skin is so thin now that light scratching creates tearing, wounds, and red rash. And the bruises are all over, not just places where I've done light scratching.

Hours worth of discipline can be ruined by a minor unconscious quick 1,2,3 scratch, especially when I'm asleep. My flare-up is still in effect because of this, despite being able to sleep better. Some areas are improved but then I give a slight scratch someplace else and I've got a new area involved. It started out just on my arms and legs, but now it's spread to my neck, stomach, back, and face. And the healing is going so slowly on my arms and legs that new areas there are developing problems before the old ones improve!

Today I will experiment with using the hand-gripper (originally for developing muscle strength) and using the rowing machine to get some of the energy out. If I can get myself out of the house, I will buy some Aleve.

I got samples of Aquanil and DHS shampoo. They work fine. I will probably buy more of both. All the evaporation advice I've been given is appreciated. When I feel ready to try it, I will read it all again. 

Heather wrote:

>> does evaporation work with a cotton handkerchief? <<

I would imagine that a handkerchief would be suitable.

I reach for evaporation to kill the itch. Lately, I've been trying zinc oxide ointment instead of corticosteriods on the dry patches. I like it still so far. My pediatrician said it was fine to use it on my son's 3 patches of eczema. She's an angel disguised as my kid's doctor. I trust her a lot.

When the doctor I went to first suggested eliminating all dairy from my diet to see if that was the cause of my eczema (this includes eliminating EVERYTHING containing whey/casein/caseinate, not just the obvious milk/ cheese/butter, etc.), it took two weeks before I noticed an improvement.

Make sure you are reading the labels on everything you eat, to make sure you aren't eating when/casein/caseinate without knowing it -- those are the actual milk proteins which are the culprits, and they are common additives to foods, even those which are not obviously 'dairy'.

I find any foods which contain whey/casein/caseinate cause me problems.... and I've also had reactions eating pancakes or other foods which ostensibly contain 'cooked' milk...

You should begin to see gradual improvement off milk in a few weeks. I tell my patients to give the no raw uncooked milk diet about 3 months to know if it is working.... and it almost always does. It is the protein in milk that causes eczema and that protein is broken down by cooking at high heat so you can eat pancakes for example that has milk cooked in it . For the 3 month trial just eliminate raw uncooked milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.

You can buy it at the grocery store, drug stores & pharmacies. Yesterday my pediatrician said I could use it on my 4-year-old son for his patches of dry eczema. Just call your nearest store and ask them if they sell it. It's as easy to find as baby powder.

Heather, I've never noticed any relation between my eczema and my cycle. I did seem to get a little worse during pregnancy and went even further downhill after a few months of nursing. (But there were so many other factors: cats and mildew in house; stress of disabled twins etc.) 

My worst adult eczema came on at age 47 (all over rash; extremely red face etc.). My internist had all my sex hormones tested ( I think it cost close to $400) to see if this was just my way of doing menopause. Hormones tested extremely high - not menopausal. Now I'm 50 and skin is MUCH better. But recently I was having insomnia (for 6 months) and I thought it must be menopause. So we tested just the estrogen (I'm frugal) and I tested not menopausal again (cycle is as regular as it's ever been). Maybe some of the other hormones have dropped and that's why my skin is better now? Other that that, I see no relation in myself but I've noticed that several women have reported monthly flares. 

My dermatologist recommended Lubriderm lotion as moisturizer. He said to use the fragrance free version of the lotion. The lotion contains lanolin. I have used it for 2 years. Not quite sure about the result. After hearing so much on lanolin, I decided to switch to another moisturizer with no lanolin. Then I found out that Lubriderm came out with another version of the lotion with no fragrance, no dye and no lanolin. So I switched to this version. I have read a lot on moisturizer and lanolin in the mailing list. I do not recall any one had mentioned using Lubriderm. Does any one out there use Lubriderm? What is the outcome of using it?

I've also noticed mid-cycle and menstrual flare-ups of my eczema. This is my (crackpot) explanation, since I was never very strong in biology!:

Estrogen keeps your skin more moisturized and elastic; since estrogen varies during certain times of the menstrual cycle, the dryness caused by a lowered estrogen level may affect the eczema. I had my worst flare-up when I was on the Pill (caused dry skin), and went off the Pill as soon as I found a suitable barrier contraceptive to use. None of my doctors seems to believe or care that I think there's a connection, but I still strongly believe that there is.

I wonder if the eczema will get worse when I get closer to menopause? Well, another 25 years and I'll know!

I'd like to hear from other women who notice cyclical differences in their eczema.

On Saturday tried the wetting my hands and arms to stop the itch cycle. It worked great. I kept doing it on Sunday and it stopped the itch but seemed to dry the skin out so much and moisturizers do not help much. I need to try new ones without lanolin 

I tried the wet sheet over me for thirty minutes. It did not feel very good to me. I'll try it again on the next flare-up. I have used zinc oxide with cotton socks to sleep with, and it really has made a positive difference. I also take 2 Aleve a day to help with the swelling of the hands. I have gone to many different dermos and had never been told about zinc oxide and this has been over 25 years. Oh well I'm glad I know now. 

I don't remember the name of the hormorne I'm sensitive to but its function is to thicken the lining of the uterus, when the egg drops, the hormone ceases and shot into my bloodstream for disposal that's where I begin reacting. 

A few years after this connection was made, I became a guinea pig for the birth control shot exactly 12.5 years ago, this was way before it hit the market and I was told it would be out in 2 yrs but it wasn't. I took the shots every 3 months and it does cease your period, a total of only 3 x's then I was taken off of it due to complications, the result was that it did help my eczema considerably, I would without the shot and still do, just recovered from my period induced eczema and then be right back in it, my period cycle is only 3 weeks long, not the greatly preferred of 4. My eczema has worsened since then so they don't want to even try the shot right now until I become stable by their standards, by mine I'm doing much better. I tell you what ladies, if I could be on it I would.

I've noticed lately that more people are saying they are going to avoid lanolin products or surprised "Oh, I didn't know that contained lanolin, I'm going to stop using it".

Please note that if Christine is allergic to lanolin, that does not mean you are. Some people are allergic to cotton, are you going to give that up too just because someone else is allergic. There probably isn't one thing on this earth that somebody out there isn't allergic too.

Avoid your own allergens not everybody's elses.

As you have read, even though there are some irritants, it would be unwarranted and totally impractical to concern yourself with them all. That s just not the way life works. Everyone is different, and the way this seems to work is that what bothers you might not bother me, and vice versa. I tell you why ... everyone is biochemically different. Different quantities and interactions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, and differences in the way our bodies perform, such as one end-organ response to another, account for why we react differently when exposed to the same thing.

Usually, though, what you're putting on your skin, or what you're touching is going to be what's affecting your skin. My motto is the less the better. I remember experimenting with so many things to try and get better, but I just got a lot worse. Now, I just use water to rinse off the irritants and try to buy irritant-free things.

Since avoiding lanolin markedly improved my condition, I will always encourage those suffering from eczema to refrain from using anything that contains lanolin in order to see if it is aggravating their eczema.

Here is an interesting thing. Killeen has been pregnant twice. Both times, her eczema completely cleared up. After birth of the kids, it returned. A hormone connection indeed. 

I had also used Lubriderm for a long time, and it did okay as a moisturizer, but the only thing that has ever brought me any kind of relief from dryness AND itchiness (without meds in it) is Aveeno lotion. I don't think could live without it.

Ken et al, I had a derm suggest Lubriderm back when all I suffered was extremely dry skin. I found it better than no moisturizer at all, but certainly not the best to deal with my particular skin problems. Anyone else? 

Rebecca, I'm interested to know how many evening primrose tablets you are taking. When I took a small amount e.g 2-3 1000mg tablets I had no success but then I heard a lady speak about complex allergies who was a biologist who said the key was taking large doses. So I started on 9-12 tablets of 1000mg per day - the results have been amazing for me. 

I too was using betnovate and occasionally still do on my hands but the improvement is great - I also watch my diet and avoid spicy foods, alcohol etc these foods on advice from the Chinese medicine theory that they heat the blood which will always make ezcema worse - I tend to agree. 

I am now down to a maintenance dose of evening primrose oil tablets of 2 per day and I take 1 antioxidant tablet per day. I am so so so so much improved - I live a normal life again!

Lubriderm has different variations of their lotions (some with lanolin and some without). Always read the ingredients for your benefit.

I would like to suggest trying Theraplex emollient.

I have a question I hope someone can answer. For those who found their eczema was caused by an allergic reaction to something, was the eczema systemic? What I'm questioning is the logic behind a nonsystemic eczema being caused by something ingested. In other words, it's hard to understand how my hand would be more allergic to milk than my leg. Any thoughts? 

Food allergies are usually manifested on my face, whereas my hands react more to contact. I'm not sure why it is always my face that reacts to foods. 

I suffer from allergies and judging from the tests I took last year it is mostly tree pollens and dust mites. Within the last couple of years I've developed eczema on my hands. Starts as dry and itchy, and then ends up sunburn red. Last visit to the doctor I got the "there isn't much we can do" story. After reading your posts I can see there is much more than can be attempted ranging from figuring out if it is an allergic reaction, to figuring out what best will control it.

I've found the zinc posts interesting. I recently saw an article that said the PMS symptoms could be helped by increasing your magnesium and zinc intake, I believe thru some leafy vegetables, but I didn't keep the article. I've noticed that lately I've had more eczema flareups along with increased moodiness in the same time each month. I'm going to attempt increasing my zinc intake to see if both problems are alleviated.

I suffer the worse from night time itching. My doctor suggested Benadryl, but the Benadryl makes me sleep very light and jittery, even after taking only 1 pill instead of the 2 pill recommended dosage. I've found the Gold Medal ointment helps the itching, but it burns at first, and I wonder if I am doing more damage than good? I believe the first listed ingredient is lidocaine? I'm trying to find a pharmaceutical reference on the web but haven't had any luck, can someone point me in the right direction?

Had my first opportunity to experience the effectiveness of the dampened cloth method. It worked. The method has some limitations of practicality, which may be why there has not been a deluge on the list of positive testimonials.

I am a little puzzled about how to deal with the sensation of coldness that occurs. Bottom line is that I now have another tool at my disposal to combat an itch.

Thanks for the info! I also have tried using non-latex gloves, but find that the "moisture" (polite for sweat) that develops inside the glove is enough to cause a flare up. I have started wearing cotton liners underneath the gloves, which I have found extremely helpful. They are very thin and don't interfere with dexterity any more than the gloves themselves. They are made by Aldrich (Milwaukee, WI) Catalog # Z11833-8.

Chris wrote: >> I'm trying to find a pharmaceutical reference on the web <<

http://www.gsm.com/cgi-bin/cgi2shell.exe/showmono.pl?mononum=285&drugidx=

Dave, you need to find a new source of C, by the time you get a grocery store juice home there's next to none in it (especially transparant containers) including the Vit. C added ones.

I'd be curious about how many of us chronics had hernia operations. I had a double hernia operation before age 5.

Patsy, While I don't understand your question completely, I have the following experiences concerning allergies causing eczema. My eczema, when dormant, returned when I ate a lot of peanuts. Upon returning, it has remained with me for years at various levels of intensity. When it is very active, I notice that certain foods cause reactions (orange juice, tomato, etc.). When it is not active, these same foods do not affect me. It has also been brought on by stress (sometimes) and relieved by relaxation and sun (sometimes). High temperature (sickness) also relieves it. So as far as I can tell, there are triggers both ways, but none are absolute.

I work in a lab, and I recently began using non-latex gloves. It's too soon to tell if there's a difference. Here's the information on the label, if you want to order some.

N-DEX gloves 100% nitrile no natural rubber proteins, hypoallergenic (documentation available call 1-800-241) More puncture resistant than natural rubber latex or vinyl gloves style/reorder # 7005L Large [I don't know if the L in the reorder# stands for large or not]

Best Manufacturing Company, Menlo, GA 30731 For orders, use the same number as above. 

BTW, they're blue, and the cost is comparable to latex gloves.

My eczema goes totally haywire when I am under stress. During exams, before I perform (school plays etc.), and once when I was going to have an operation, my skin gets worse than ever. For me stress is one of the BIG irritants.

I have noticed a connection between eczema and my cycle. Mine gets worse just before my period starts and then improves until it is almost gone over the month.

I much prefer Neutrogena emulsion to Lubriderm, I find that it is long lasting and quick absorbing.

Just out of interest I thought I'd tell you about my recent experiences regarding eczema (which seems to be confined to my hands, arms and shoulders):

Over the Christmas period, I stayed at my a house where they have a cat. This cat used to give me an asthmatic response, but now it causes my skin to itch instead and thus exacerbates my eczema. It is just something that I put up with really - I can reduce the allergic response to an extent by (a) going out a lot(!) and (b) taking Clarityn, which is actually for hay fever, but as an antihistamine seems to take the edge off the itching. [I went into a chemist and when I asked for hay fever tablets and it was -5'C outside and snowing, I got a slightly funny look ... !] My eczema was already quite bad even before I went to her house and became even worse while I was there.

Since then, I haven't been back to the house and I have been doing a lot of reading/research about eczema and thought I'd have a real old stab at sorting it out. I have done the following, based on things I've read on this list and elsewhere:

1. Started wearing rubber gloves when doing washing up - I knew that the hot water was hurting my hands but I thought that the bright yellow gloves "looked stupid" until now... ! This seems to help quite a lot. I have read about allergy to rubber on the list, and that vinyl is better, but I have had no obvious adverse reactions to the rubber gloves.
2. Have started having the occasional "emollient bath" (using Oilatum, for the record). I'm not sure how much this helps, but because the skin doesn't dry out as fast as with a normal bath, I have slightly longer to apply the creams that I have. The cream I use is Diprobase, prescribed by my GP.
3. On the dietary side, my mother (who has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and is very into nutritional health) found a book which suggested that sugary foods could have an adverse effect on eczema. OK, so I cut out "gratuitously" sugary foods, such as chocolate, canned drinks, ice cream and biscuits. I have made no other (conscious) dietary changes apart from trying to increase my Vitamin C intake by drinking a quantity of fruit juice - one 2 litre bottle over two-three days.
4. I have also started taking "hypo-allergenic" vitamin supplements and evening primrose oil (about 6-8 capsules per day).
5. I saw my GP on Wednesday and he decided to change round my steroids from Eumovate ointment to Betnovate RD cream - same strength (both "moderately potent") but that seems to have been an improvement. The base that the Betnovate is in seems to contain the same ingredients as Diprobase, which is about the only cream that I can use without flaring up.

Thought this little story might be of interest. I still don't feel that I have "beaten" the eczema yet, but only that I am strongly on the offensive and appear to have gained some ground. 

Does anyone else recognize a trigger for their eczema. For me it was my baby jabs, for Sam it was a hernia operation when he was 2 years old. I don't know if it is the stress involved with these or the drugs given. Perhaps it is just the sight of a doctor brings you out in a rash.

When I'm attacked, I soak the itching part in hot hot water, as hot as I can stand and it feels goooooood. After a while, the itch is pulled out. When I'm crazy with itching in the night, I take a hot hot bath besides extra hot water running on the rash. Scratching seems to make me crazier and crazier.

Dry completely before rubbing on whatever you rub on.

I can always sleep after that.

I've been taking Aleve for a couple of days now. No sign of improvement from that. I will take it for a week and see if improvement occurs over time.

I am taking vitamins, drinking lots of water, eating rice, vegies, yams, cabbage, soybeans, pears, and banana. I am going for walks, using the rowing machine a little bit, holding "power putty" in my hands, applying ice packs.

My problem is not constant itching. I get these sudden itching attacks where I do so much damage in just a few seconds. Last night, I decided to sacrifice one arm and focus my scratching there in order to protect the rest of me. This is a technique I used when I was a child and I hope it works again. So for the rest of flare-up I will attempt to limit my destruction to only one place in hopes of saving the rest of me. So one arm looks like raw hamburger, which can be covered with a sleeve, but the rest of me will hopefully get a chance to heal. Once the rest of me is healed, then I will hopefully have the strength to focus healing on the arm. When your entire body is involved, resources must be rationed. It's too hard to fight a war throughout an entire country.

It really feels like a war inside me. Most of the time is spent in preparation for the attack, but when the attack comes, all preparation seems useless. I can't think straight at that moment, all action is involuntary and instinctual. All I can do is impose a vague warning, like Obi Wan Kenobi's voice in Star Wars saying "Remember the Force!" echoing in Luke's mind when he was fighting someone. When I'm in that half unconscious state in the night, it's a battle between animal forces inside me, where my mind is a tiny ineffectual voice in the back of my head.

The other thing I figured out yesterday is that I have to tune in to how it really feels on the inside instead of reacting to how it looks and feels on the outside. When I touch the skin, it feels awful, and I have a reaction that I wouldn't have had if I didn't touch it at all. So I am trying to avoid touching it, which is really hard. I think I have the instinct to touch in the sense of trying to comfort it. But my motivation gets twisted by the reaction to the touch. Anyway, enough of that.

This morning I used Cetaphil lotion without water instead of my usual cold shower. It feels good right now. I used up the last of my supply and will replace it with Aquanil.

I just wanted to say that I agree with you, sometimes I look at my face and all I see is eczema and on the inside I wonder why am I being punished! But I have to remember that I didn't ask for eczema and I do everything to control it! Often I feel that it is a war against my skin but I try to stay in control and avoid stress and the things I know that cause flare ups! Another thing was I wanted to ask Shelley, Why are you switching to Aquanil, why don't you like Cetaphil?

Darcy: I have no trouble with Cetaphil. I just thought I would try Aquanil (it's cheaper) and see if it's just as good. Someone mentioned that Cetaphil had an ingredient that could be an irritant, propylene glycol, that Aquanil doesn't have, so I was curious to see the difference. But I have never reacted to Cetaphil and will go back to it if Aquanil doesn't work as well. 

Marilyn's answer to night itchies would send me over the edge. Heat of any kind makes my eczema itch worse. In contrast to her methods, I have stood in the tub at 3 am with just cold water running and let it beat down on whatever itched. Then I don't dry completely before adding moisturizer, creamy petroleum jelly, or the haemorrhoid ointment. This will generally hold me the rest of the night. I guess this proves everyone reacts differently. 

Shelley, You write so well! Those same feelings and experiences I know but could never express. I personally can't sacrifice one body part. Scratching one place to the point of getting what I call a "systemic buzz" always leads me into an-all over scratching frenzy. But if it works for you, use it! I also started the Aleve. My skin was in good shape when I started and it's even better now. But, of course, other factors may be responsible. Like, I was overdue for allergy shots, and I got them just as I started the Aleve. When I cleared up before with the similar med, I was on it for a month or two. So I'll try it for a couple of weeks. 

Has anyone ever heard of Herpanicine? It's a pill I got at a health food store a couple of years ago that completely took away any signs of my eczema and other skin problems. That store stopped carrying it and I haven't been able to find it anywhere else. I would be very appreciative of any info anyone might have.

Herpacine is a product that Dr. Wayne Diamond created but what's in this doesn't justify the cost, it is extremely overpriced. You might try going to a health store (a real one, not GNC) and ask for a product that's comparable or you may have to do your own search as this product is not well known. He created this for some other skin condition, forget now.

Dr. Wayne Diamond P.O. Box 544 Ambler, PA 19002 212/ 542 [Ofc] 212/ 542 [Fax]

I checked my catalog and it does carry Herpacine, 100 ct. for $14.99. If you're interested, it's called the Vitamin Discount Connection at 800/ 848.

I am going through three weeks of listings and think I just read where other members of the group were having purple rashes where they itched. I'm 47 years old and have had execema most of my life, but these rashes just started in the last few months 

Is my skin finally so thin than I'm breaking blood vessels? I traveled for the day with a heavy briefcase yesterday and woke up this am with my left arm full of rash where I must have held it against my arm...yikes..I didn't even scratch!! At least they've lately happened where I have been scratching--and just on my arms. 

Can anyone shed light?? I was also very glad to hear discussion on the menstrual cycle/ itching frenzy because I've been convinced for a few years now that there is a definite relationship there. THANKS for listening. It's so helpful to be able to share these things and the feelings that go along with this malady.

I am type 4 allergic to latex (that is, I have rubber chemical allergy from years of occupational exposure to latex gloves). If you think your problems are due to glove use, you are welcome to contact me (probably off the list, since I doubt this will be of general interest to others) and I'll help if I can. I will of course know more about sterile gloves for use in surgery, but I do know something about non-steriles. If you wish to correspond, it would help to know details about your skin problems, what types of gloves you have failed with (ie, latex, vinyl, nitrile, neoprene, tactylon, etc.), if you have been allergy tested for latex or rubber chemicals, and something about your occupational requirements. 

Alex is correct that the Best blue nitriles would be a good choice for a person who is type 1 (latex protein) allergic. This is poly acrylo-nitrile, and it contains no natural rubber latex. Also, blue nitriles have good resistance to chemical penetration. BUT this polymer generally requires vulcanization with sulfur, so it may not be acceptable for a type 4 allergic individual. Although I have not called Best to verify this, I have been told that blue nitrile gloves most often are accelerated with a carbamate. If you are known to be allergic to thiurams, remember that there is a significant incidence of cross-allergy between thiurams and carbamates, so you may then fail with blue nitriles. And if you don't know what in the world I am talking about, just write me.

Although many people (even our some of our doctors and pharmacists) haven't heard of zinc oxide ointment being recommend for eczema, my research shows me that it is, and my experience was that it improved my condition and the condition of my son.

Two different pharmacists said it is not absorbed into our system, so we don't have to worry about side affects. It just stays on top of the skin. My pediatrician also said that I could use it on my son for three little patches of dry eczema that he had. I tried it first on my eczema. Then, after being glad with the results, I tried it on my son. I report my findings to you

I like the way it noticeably smoothed the cracks and quickly promoted healing, especially on my hands. Also, I had a stubborn patch just above my knee for a week or so. One overnight treatment of zinc oxide ointment improved the condition. Continuing the use on my knee has interrupted the flared-up cycle. This has been a 6-day trial. I use it on my face, too, and have nice results. As I view it working on my skin, it seems to act as an eczema eraser. I put some zinc oxide ointment on the couple of little patches that my son had, and it worked by first softening and fading the eczema. Then, after 3 days of using it three times a day, the patches faded away. I had tried hydrocortisone ointment there for a week before with no real progress. We know there are some people in this group who have known about zinc oxide ointment being recommend for eczema for many years, and they say that it helps them a lot, too.

I do much the same thing that you do, and I put various things in the bath --bath oil, colloidal oatmeal, salt, tar, vinegar. I always use the oil to prevent drying. I also like to put hot water on the most itching parts, but while it feels good I feel as though it is causing harm. Sometimes I end the bath with a short cold shower which seems to help, although I have to force myself to do it and don't do it very often (I believe that it is effecive). I do not dry completely before putting on lotions but find that doing it while wet does a better job. The baths help, but don't usually stop the itching when I am in a bad state. When in a bad state, if I didn't have the baths with oil and oatmeal, I would have real trouble surviving. 

By the way, someone mentioned Lubriderm as a not too effective lotion. They just came out with a product called "seriously sensitive" which I find quite good and it has become part of my arsenal.

Kelly said about vitamin C: well if you are taking a multi Vitamin, doesn't that have Vit C in it? The trouble with Vitamin C is that it is unstable in light and heat so even vegetables that are high in it contain virtually nothing if boiled...(always use the cooking water in your gravy) Ribena's pretty high in Vit C. 

Just a note: zinc works exceptionally well on weepy rash, it'll dry it up fast.

I had a hernia operation as a very young child-prior to 3-about the same time as I began to break out in eczema...although my mother relates the onset of my eczema to my first haircut!!! Who knows?

Like others, when I get a rise in blood pressure, usually from thinking too much, it get itching sensations going off throughout my body. Trying to fall asleep causes the most distress. I've noticed that Tylenol and, thanks to Steve, vitamin C, seems to reduce the fast heart beating sensation and itch pings. The result is fair amounts of Tylenol are ingested on a regular basis. Do any of you pharmological types have anything to report on sustained use of Tylenol?

Last Sunday a friend suggested zinc oxide so I tried it on one hand, not the other. In a few hours, the one hand was slightly, but noticably better. So I smeared it everywhere.

By Wed. night, I was *much* better, no swelling. 

I did some reading and I'm also trying zinc internally along with other nutrients.

BTW, instead of the ointment, try to find the "paste" without mineral oil. It's much more comfortable for me. Lassar's Plain Zinc Oxide Paste. So cheap!!!

I have also started using the zinc because some peoples stories about the problems of years of steriod use scare me!!!! I like the zinc on my hands even as a kind of moisturizer (one of many) On my face I am not sure if it works on the eczema but boy oh boy does it clear up pimples! :) So hey either way I am pretty happy with this little tube! I also have purchased the Lubriderm Seriously sensitive "new" lotion and it works OK, No lanolin in it so that is a plus for some of us! 

I carefully logged my attacks for only two months but found that each month I was solidly attacked 24 x 3 hours before my period started. Does that coincide with others' findings?

Reading the recent reports about flare-ups shows how greatly AD affects our lives. Most damaging are the scratch attacks which are worst at night. Like storms, flare-ups come and go. Therein lies the hope that skin will get back to our "normal". But while the storm is over us we have to "dig in". Much like that Englishman who was stranded underneath an upsidedown powerboat in the ocean off Australia (this was in the news a few days ago, he was rescued!) 

While we've talked a lot about what to do about the itch (showers, lotions, vit C, ice, etc), I think there some things we can do that get our minds off the siege during the course of the flare-up. These behavioral approaches don't directly deal with the itch but could lessen the skin damage because we become preoccupied with something we have a compulsion about. I feel that if, during a flare-up I can dig in skin one less time, then skin has one more chance at healing. For example, as I write this posting...the nice thing is that all ten finger nails are on the keyboard (most of the time), rather than on skin, feeling for an itch to scratch.

Behavioral approaches are things we can consciously do to influence the flare-up. Here are some of the things I'll do (if I remember): 

For some reason I tend to sleep while watching TV. But when I see it is bed time and go sleep in bed I'll stay awake scratching. So, during my flare-ups I sleep all night on the couch if that is where I'll fall asleep. 

During flare-ups I'll play a game (like solitare, pacman...) on the computer. These games tend to be compulsive to me generally, so that when skin is jubilant I steer myself away from them because of the time I could spend on them. So, I'm suggesting you do some non-toxic compulsion when in flare-up. 

I have one of those watches that will set off an alarm for whatever period of timeyou set (eg. every 20 minutes the alarm will go off). The alarm becomes a signal to me to do something like take a deep breath, say a prayer, etc.

Get on-line. Write your story. Listen. Share. Re-connect.

Shelley- I once felt just like you describe. As it turned out, I not only had incredible eczema, but a Staph infection (from the bacterium Staphyloccus aureus). This bacteria has a protein coat called protein A...most people with eczema are very allergic to this protein. 

SO not only do we have the original eczema, but an infection (potentially lethal one) and a major allergic response to the infecting organism. A good dose of antibiotics really helped me (I don't remember what antibiotic, but it has to be effective against gram positive organisms such as Staph, and remember that Staph can be resistant to many different antibiotics.) This may or may not apply to you, but it may be worth looking into.

Despite my intention to keep my scratching limited to one of my arms, last night I was unable to limit my 2nd attack and destroyed one of my legs as well. I'm very disappointed with myself, but tonight I will try a new tactic of forcing myself to turn on the light as soon as I wake up. I think it was Wayne who suggested months ago that we tend to scratch more in the dark. Much as it will interfere with my sleeping even more (I'm waking up every 2-3 hours) I want to see if the attacks are affected when the light is on. I may also try sleeping in another room to see if that makes a difference.

The good news is that I did much better in the day time yesterday. I did no damage until the night. I used Cetaphil without water when I woke up, and then Aquanil in the late afternoon, and that's all. The skin is dry of course, but right now my skin is reacting to any ointment or lubricant, no matter how little. Also, I bought some ice packs similar to what Wayne described, gel-filled plastic that can be reused by putting in the freezer. There are Velcro ones but they are $10 each! So right now I am making do with the $2 ones, tucking them into my pockets for my legs and resting my back and arms on others.

So the war rages on. I think it helps to file these reports from the frontlines.

Be careful. Large amounts of tylenol over a period of time has been linked to liver problems.

For about the last two years (as I have been pre-menopausal) I have found that the whole week before my period I am more prone to flare-ups, middle of the night itch attacks, etc. Much more so than the rest of the month (unless of course there's heavy stress). There definitely seeems to be something here though, I can't seem to get much info from doctors. 

Hi Shelley, I know what you mean about itching at night. I also get in itching attacks. It really screws up your sleep; and normally the next day as well. It gets to the point sometimes where you really don't want to go to bed because you know you'll be worse when you get up.

I think one of the problems is that when your half asleep (if your that lucky...) its much harder to get the concentration together. Also you tend to be an environment which has a mixture of temperatures (often varying) where you are lying on the results of your previous scratchings.

I find it is worse in extremes of temperature - cold winter nights or hot summer ones!

To be honest I find sleeping in my normal clothes in a comfortably warm room in a nice soft chair much easier than sleeping in bed - but to be honest I've not done this that often for any length of time.

The only thing which occasionally helps is having a pot of thick emollient by the bed and if I can get myself round to getting a blob of it it sometimes helps.

(Jolie and Debbie were discussing their infant's eczema being due to a condition known as 'Leaky Gut Syndrome'. The topic was initiated online and continued over the telephone):

Jolie: I got a referral to a pediatric GI in five weeks. In the meantime, I have cut way back on her diet (I have taken out all wheat, raw bananas, soups, canned fruit, etc.), started colloidal minerals this week, and I've been using a wider variety of topical treatments (vitamin E oil, vaseline, desitin, along with our usual calendula ointment). This is the best week we've had in months. Her face, which is by far her worst area (red, inflammed, raw, oozy...) now looks a little chapped and pink and just feels like dry skin. A major improvement!

Nights are still her worst time. She goes to sleep fine but inevitably wakes up an hour later in an itching frenzy and a few more minor ones throughout the night. But even the itching fits have gotten better in terms of damage done. Her itching use to be almost exclusively on her face, with bleeding and oozing everytime. This week barely any oozing and lots of all over type scratching. Thanks to everyone's advice and input here, I feel like we are going in the right direction.

I have also noticed that patting the eczema with cold wet cloths definitely does help. She welcomes it on her dry patches of eczema (neck, knees) but is shocked by it on her inflamed face. 

That's about the same as mine.. I haven't nailed it down *quite* that fine, but it's just a couple of days before my period starts..

You could try putting another dry sheet on top of the wet one to make you feel more comfortable (warmer). Sometimes I put my feet in a bathtub of very warm water to help combat the cold feeling. I must say, though, that maybe there's a chance that this cold feeling is helpful in conquering the itch. But, I know that if I take a damp pillow case and crawl up under my electric blanket, I still get positive results & the itch still subsides.

My dauther had a little fever blister like sore under her lower lip that wouldn't heal for over a week; and, when I put the zinc oxide ointment on it, it noticeably improved overnight. She's 9, and she asked me to put it on her again because she said it was the only thing that helped the sore. I could see that, too. I tried zinc on my friend's eczema. In one evening she said she noticed improvement. The redness on her fingertips faded some and she said her fingers were feeling softer. It definitely seems to promote healing, just like it claims.

I agree there is rarely ONE cause of a problem. But there are major contributors. When one lives in a house which has walls that are grey from mold, with a floor that has visible moisture during rainy times, it is reasonable to take some dramatic action when one knows one is allergic to MOLD and MILDEW, and take the action fast. In a house with these conditions it is likely that the allergens are pervasive and eliminating them soon is very unlikely. It is also likely that eliminating and preventing the causes is going to be a high cost in dollars, let alone the cost of suffering while the attempts to change the environment are taken. They will take time; time and further exposure to the pervasive allergens during that time will be further suffering.

Your quoted sources for buying chemicals that neutralize the allergens which the dust mites create are very useful. I am including them in this response, but they will have no effect upon mold/mildew allergens, to my knowledge. My "Get out of the house" advice was addressing Mold and Mildew.

The good news is that I managed to not scratch all night. Hoorray. The bad news is that while my arms and legs look better, my thighs and stomach look worse because I had a scratch attack before going to bed.

Well, I'm going to focus on the good news. What I did differently is to use the Aquanil without water right before going to bed. In the past, any treatment right before bed would make me worse, but this time it helped. Also, I used the rowing machine before the Aquanil. That was good too because I think my itch attacks in the night have something to do with releasing all the energy built up during the day, all the tension that I accumulate from "controlling" myself from scratching. In the night, when I am more relaxed, there's an equal and opposite reaction of uncontrollable scratching. So I will continue to try to release that energy before I go to bed and see if it works every night.

I also bought one of the Velcro ice packs and saw that it's a very simple design. I can sew my own version of them for the other ice packs!

Not giving up...

On the nights that I can feel the tingling of itches I take 2 Vistaril which are a mild antihistamine prescribed by my dermo. I only take them when I can feel that it is going to be a bad night. Also the zinc ointment with a big cotton tube sock over my hands and arms prevents me from scratching too much. The Vistaril also helps me sleep, so I don't think about it so much. On nights where it is really bad it helps to sleep only with sleeveless cotton gown so my arms aren't covered. That makes them hot and more itchy. 

I'd advise against blown insulation, since no seal is perfect, and you may one day want to use the attic. Blown is bad, from what I know.

Thank you for the insight, my 10 month old can't tell me these things.

Six months ago my son developed mild eczema for which our doctor prescribed hydrocortizone ointment. 2-3 months back I thought that I would try Sudocrem as hydrocortizone is a fairly unpleasant chemical. 

Since I started using it (twice a day as more frequent application does not appear to be more beneficial) the small patch inside his elbow has disappeared completely and the larger patch behind his knee is much better though persistant. I spend approx 30 seconds rubbing it in after application with my finger tip. 

This week I have started alternating the hydrocortizone with the Sudocrem, I'll let you know the results in a few days. Sorry that I didn't tell you all about this before but as Sudocrem is in the FAQ I thought that everyone knew about it, it just goes to show doesn't it?

I thought I'd investigate the Zinc aspect: I bought a tub of Sudocrem which is an "antiseptic healing cream" suitable for "nappy rash, eczema ..."

It lists "lanolin (hypo-allergenic)" in the ingredients list. Does that make sense? Surely lanolin is lanolin and it is not *generally* considered hypo-allergenic. Are there different sorts of lanolin? Anyway, because it is a thick white paste-like preparation, it is very good at covering up the redness - I have less of a problem with really scaly skin, more with the redness, so it works. Incidentally, I am never sure whether I have a reaction to lanolin or not, because some lanolin-based preparations work OK ...

For information on lanolin, see:

http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vumcdept/derm/contact/WO002.html

Wonderful news! Call that GI back and plead insanity to get an appointment this week! You cannot afford to lose more time, explain that the baby is not gaining weight properly, get your pediatrician to plead your case, you must get there ASAP. Do not let these guys put you off any longer.

I am so happy for you and your baby that things are at least looking better. Have you tried changing her sheets every day and airing out her room every day? I noticed dramatic results with this, freeze those dustmites out of there!

I am so glad I was able to help. Keep me posted. 

Despite doing what had worked the night before, I had a meltdown last night, wildly scratching everywhere. It had been going so well up until that point. I had been using my finger-to-finger relaxation technique and slept for about an hour before suddenly realizing that a tidal wave of itching was sweeping over me. I turned on the light and put more Aquanil on but that did no good. I was completely out of control. I felt so bad I burst into tears. For the rest of the night I was shaking and freezing cold on the inside despite my skin feeling sweaty on the outside. Perhaps I was in shock or something.

Anyway, right now I'm thinking that my skin must be infected. That's probably why it is not healing at all and getting steadily worse. My antibacterial medication prevents most infection but I guess this time it couldn't handle the heavy workload. I may need antibiotics instead of a Kenalog shot or in addition to it. I will try to last until Friday afternoon when my doctor has a drop-in time. If I can't make it till then I will have to go to the emergency room.

This will be the first time in over 2 years that I've needed to resort to shots/antibiotics. I hate doing it but I'm definitely at a point where I admit I can't manage anymore.

During an itch attack, have you ever tried getting into a warm shower just to rinse off and then put a damp sheet around you to try the method of evaporation? I remember you said you would try it when you felt ready. You describe so well the unbearable itch I experienced for years that I now control by using evaporation.

If you've been scratching so much, maybe the eczema is infected. Maybe you will need oral antibiotics. You said that you use an antibacterial medication that prevents most infection. Do you mean internally or externally? What kind? I always thought that continuous use of any antibiotic (whether internal or external) was something we were not supposed to do. You might just need to switch the antibiotic if the eczema is infected. Your doctor should be able to tell you if it is infected. Please call your doctor now and tell him what's happening with you. Ask him if he'll see you before the drop-in time. Go ahead and be pushy. Tears are a good enough reason for him to see you today. You deserve it. Please go see him today.

Jolie: When I think about going through this ordeal as an infant and child, I find it hard to believe that I survived without being any crazier than I am. It's hard enough as an adult. Infants and children cannot articulate what they're feeling and consequently no one knows the nightmare they're experiencing. Even loved ones have no idea what it feels like on the inside. What it looks like on the outside is one thing, what it feels on the inside is something else.

Does anyone remember Kelly's post from a week ago re: birth control shot she received which greatly helped her? I was wondering if it was Depo-Provera. My N.P. suggested it after I complained about the Pill and skin dryness, but I was worried that since it has a 3-month effectiveness with no "antidote", that if it made my eczema even worse, I would just go nuts!

I just read Darcy's self-introduction and was reminded of a family friend (male) who inherited his eczema. He said that when his mother had terrible PMS, his father (a pharmacist) used to mix up an "estrogen cocktail" for her, and it had the side effect of clearing up her eczema for a while. Don't try this at home! And I wouldn't try bribing your druggist... but I wish Mr.S. were still alive, so that I could ask him what he did.

Would an endocrinologist be a possible source of information about why some women's eczema acts the way it does?

We must consider the shelf life of products, even lotions and creams. See the FDA's Shelf Life - Expiration Date web page at:

http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-207.html

See, FDA Cosmetic Safety web page at:

http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-807.html and

See, FDA Cosmetic web page for interesting reading.

http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-toc.html

Shelley, I agree with Christine. You sound like you need medical help NOW. When topical treatments fail, most of us need systemics. If you've made it 2 years, you are doing good. Don't feel like you are failing something; you are being smart. One reason you may not be healing is that the weather around here now is so cold and dry. ANYONE with the slightest bit of dryness in their skin is having trouble now with chapping. 

All, I stopped the Aleve. It didn't seem to be helping and there were all kinds of allergy warning labels on the package so I decided to quit while I was ahead. I am MUCH better now than before my last set of allergy shots so I THINK that is what is helping. However, if I ever get my hands on the prescription strength Naprosyn, I will try it as that seemed to work wonders for me once . 

Today I forbid myself from touching or even looking at my skin at all. I completely ignored it, keeping busy with other things, after my morning treatment of Aquanil. I did fine until 7 pm, when I started to get itchy, but I managed to avoid scratching, only picked a few scabs on my back, before stripping for another Aquanil treatment. I am now planning to sleep sitting up in a chair in the living room instead of my bed, to see if that helps any.

I have stopped using Aleve, since I couldn't see any benefit. I was using 50 mg of Benadryl every 4 hours, but that didn't seem to have any effect either, other than a dry mouth. It didn't even make me drowsy so it didn't help me sleep either. I am still taking my Rx strength Tavist every 12 hours, since I may feel worse without it. (I've been taking Tavist for more than 6 years and had a flare-up a number of years ago when I tried to reduce the dosage.)

Christine: The antibacterial I use is external, a roll-on liquid called Cleocin-T. It's usually used for acne, but it has helped me prevent infection for a number of years now. I put it on immediately after scratching. It burns when you put it on (that's how you know you needed it. It shows the skin is torn open) And it's very drying, so lots of people don't like using it. I have done fine in the past by using the lubricating ointment Aquaphor with it. But now I can't use either. My skin is rejecting everything, except Aquanil. I am using Aquanil without water. Water is another thing my skin is rejecting. And it hurts like hell. I have always used water sparingly. It usually makes my skin feel worse, rather than better. You are lucky to have found relief with such a simple procedure.

I appreciate your concern and advice to insist that the doctor see me. Unfortunately, tears are not enough for the doctors. I've been crying for 40 years. I just saw my doctor on January 3rd, and explained how bad I felt. She did nothing other than to say "I'm willing to check it again in two months." So seeing her only 2 WEEKS later is going to be pushing her enough.

Anyway, I feel better after a day of success in leaving my skin alone. But who knows where the night will take me... It helps immensely to know that you're all out there understanding what I'm going through.... I used to think I was the only one in the world...

Dave, you wrote:

>>I am never sure whether I have a reaction to lanolin or not, because some lanolin-based preparations work OK<<

This PROVES, by DEFINITION, that you are NOT allergic to lanolin.

Lucky for you, as lanolin is a GREAT healer!

If you're still worried, ask your pharmacist to apply a small blob of pure lanolin to the inside of your elbow (presuming the skin is OK there), then cover it up with a sticky plaster. If there is no sign of irritation after 24 hours, then you're fine.

This whole witch-hunt against lanolin may well end up doing more harm than good. UNLESS you are allergic to the stuff, it's extremely beneficial to the skin. That's exactly the reason why it is contained in so many skin preparations, including those for the treatment of eczema.

Ann, As far as prescription strength anything, you can take enough otc of the medicine to make it up. Just check the mg of a single dose and start multiplying! 

Heather, that's it, Depo-Provera. For me, the thought of my eczema worsening doesn't cross my mind since I've already tried it; but if you are concerned about being sensitive to the hormones, have a doc test you for sensitivities in a small dose prior to taking the whole shot. 

Propylene Glycol has been mentioned by several people as possible irritant to skin. The lanolin free Lubriderm has Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate in it. Does not anyone know if these two things are the same?

EJ (14 months) has a new symptom to add to his M.O. His legs are covered in bumps which look like acne! He originally had a few bumps for weeks on his ankle creases. I made sure they weren't scabies or mites of some sort. There were only four or five per ankle and the same ones lasted for weeks and weeks. Now they are EVERYWHERE.

I have had blemishes in my past and remember that ONE can really itch until it resolves.

Could the Aquaphor which I have been instructed to slather on liberally at each diaper change on his legs be blocking his pores?

Is there a non-comedogenic (won't block pores) heavy cream out there? Sounds like an oxymoron, eh?

Poor baby.

I'll ask my gyno. about Depo-Provera in a couple of weeks and let everyone know what her experience has been and if there is any medical literature about hormonal birth control and eczema.

Here's my OBEczema (obligatory Eczema tip) for everyone: Trader Joe's stores carry a moisturizing cream that doesn't contain lanolin. It's called "A Midsummer Night's Cream" (terrible name!) and I heard about it on a Usenet group. I've been using it without any problem for over a month, but I'll mention that it has herbal extracts (comfrey, aloe), cucumber extract, and myrrh and avocado oils in it, so it may not be advisable for people with multiple allergies. It's pretty cheap: $2.19 for 18 oz.; if you live near a store, buy one of the small tubes first to test your reaction to it.

Shelley, I agree with other people who suggest a trip to the Derm. If your Dr. advises more emollients, I wonder if putting a bottle or tube of your lotion of choice in the refrigerator might also provide some temp. relief from itching... nice and cold when you put it on. Just a thought. Hang in there... last winter my E. flared up after months of "remission", and it was misdiagnosed as tinea versicolor. I had to treat myself with selenium sulfide lotion for *6 weeks*, and you can bet that I hurt after every treatment! I finally switched doctors and got treated for E. Anyway, what I'm saying is, I'm rooting for you and hope you feel better really soon.

I tried zinc oxide ointment on my three worst trouble spots. One didn't seem to care, one really liked it, and the third spot HATED it -- much itchier than usual, and I ended up scratching away most of the ZO.

Of course, I wonder how much of that had to do with the fact that I was also experimenting to see whether I could do without the antihistamine... (turns out the answer is 'no' -- I was miserable without it...)

I suffer primarily from hand eczema, but when new patches appear on my body -- generally elbows and behind the knees, they start off as bumps which look like acne -- without the flushed color. These spots persist for months, and occasionally "flare" -- the whole area turns red and the bumps swell and itch. I have been following the recommendations from this list, and found that zinc oxide is bringing the two patches on my elbows under control -- much improvement in 4 days in areas that have persisted for 2 months.

I routinely try out new cremes and lotions that I find in my local Coop or health food stores: here are two I have recently sampled:

Botanical Therapeutic Skin Cream, manufactured by Carina Supply Inc., 464 Granville St, Vancouver BC, V6C1V4. I have used this lotion for only one day, but it feels great -- and it does not leave my hands greasy. As I am an artist, this kind of "spot relief" is very important to me. The company has a little brochure for its products, which include shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray, specifically formulated for dry hair, dandruff, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea dermatitis, and cradle cap. The products are made with multiple plant extracts and tea tree oil, formulated for homeopathic relief of swelling, redness, and itching. However, the brochure promotes the product line as "chemical-free," a claim that always annoys my scientific side (all these wonderful "tree and plant extracts" ARE chemicals! More information after I give it a longer try -- though with all the suggestions coming on this list, it's hard to tell what is most effective -- I only know that I feel more in control of my outbreaks.

Psoriasis Creme - Home Health Products, Inc. Virginia Beach VA 23452 This was an expensive little jar -- 2 oz. of creme for about $17.00, but the label promised relief of itching, irritation, redness and scaling associated with psoriasis, eczema and other skin disorders. The active ingredient is salicylic acid 2.0%, so I suppose it is a formulation like "aspercreme" (which I have not tried). Other ingredients: Allantoin, Cetyl Alcohol, Citricidal (and extract of citrus), Cod Liver Oil, Echinacea, Jojoba Oiil, Lemongrass Oil, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Sasaparilla, Stearic Acis, Triethanolamine, Vitamin E Oil, Water, Yellow Dock. The creme feels pleasant on my hands, but had little effect for the 4-5 days I used it... I generally consider 2 weeks to be the minimal trial period. I interrupted this "experiment" to try the zinc oxide, and have had more noticeable success with the zinc.

Patsy, Thanks for your suggestion to equate OTC Aleve with prescription Naprosyn. Before I started I asked a pharmacist how to equate the two. He said that I couldn't as the Aleve contains Naproxen Sodium which is a different drug. But since the two drugs have the same general effects, he said I should just try the standard dose of Aleve. That's what I did, but I imagine that the prescription stuff is more effective. 

Kay, Eucerin Cream is a heavy moisturizer that claims not to block pores. It does have wool wax in it, so be careful if your baby is lanolin sensitive. 

Has anyone else benefitted from the current cold snap? My skin is so close to clear (well, clear for ME), I'm amazed. I think pollen and mold spores are deactivated by the dry cold so that may explain it. 

Diane: Thanks for the info on Staph infections. I had it when I was a child but had forgotten until you mentioned it. When I finally get to a doctor, I will ask about the possibility of having it again...

I think Tom may have the inside track regarding the possibility of diet being a SERIOUS factor in some infantile eczema and not the slight percentage most doctors tout. Since EJ was totally breast fed until 8 months (I am NOT a fanatic-- his pede. and I both knew his allergies were significant and jointly made this decision), I had a chance to conduct many food challenge experiments with MY diet which profoundly affected HIM within 12 hours the same way each time I did so. I would try the suspicious offender three separate times with a one week break between. The confirmation; severe itching, insomnia, hive-like outbreaks, and irritability.

The only way I knew to do this was that I had other children with severe food allergies which manifested in frequent (12 a day), bloody, mucousy, and gassy stools with severe failure to thrive. Although the specialists which biopsied the small intestine said food allergies were not indicated, I finally took a different path and began to run tests. Results: total healing within two weeks after removing offending foods.

None of these children had eczema and I have not ever freely eaten the foods with EJ which made them so sick (dairy being worst). However, since the mast cells which respond to allergens can be found in the skin, intestines, lungs, etc. it came as no surprise to me that EJ had reactive airway disease (baby asthma), eczema, and some intestinal disturbance when I ate his offending foods. Amazing, huh?

I don't know where you are with Julia and breast feeding at the moment. I am a huge advocate of the importance of immune goodies in breast milk at least until 12 months. However, I am sad to say that I cannot deny the fact that Ethan is now gaining weight now that he is nursing less and eating more solid foods. He is less irritable, too. +sigh+

You see, even with all the knowledge of what bothered him: corn, wheat, chocolate, beef, corn syrup, etc., I would still sneak a bite of Bill's taco or have a slice of Little Caesars Pizza or nibble on a passing chocolate bar at times. Total denial for weeks on end was awfully hard. : - ( I am still astonished at how LITTLE of the irritant I could eat and still mess him up so badly. Talk about guilt! It was terrible to be up an entire night without sleep trying to distract him from the misery which I believe I had contributed to significantly.)

I hope this is not the case with your Julia. If you never did an elimination diet with yourself (rice and water for three days then add one food, etc.) it may be the allergens in your breast milk which are triggering attacks, just like mine. Hard to believe, huh?

EJ's body coverage never exceeded 20% at its worse and is confined to his elbows and legs. Had it been more visible, I probably would have been forced by public and family comment to give Alimentum a serious try. I may never know if Alimentum would have been better for EJ than breast feeding. Part of me hopes the answer was "no."

No matter what decisions you make in the future, you won't be given a hard time by me. These difficult times are not common and the decisions we make are often hit-and-miss. Good luck!

I suppose, if I painted or globbed the zinc ointment on, I'd look white. However, I just use it like a moisturizer, and whatever whiteness it there tends to disappear, like sunscreen does. I even appreciate it because it seems to fade red patches first like makeup and then because the eczema clears up. 

It also has an effect of promoting healing of my eczema, so I don't need to use it as much. I had a few patches on my face where the corticosteriods weren't helpful (for about 2 months); but, the zinc oxide ointment made that inflammation break down and disappear. My husband told me yesterday that my face wasn't red anymore. I told him that I had noticed that as well. It doesn't have the same residual effect of white paste that won't wash off as the Desitin has. It does have very efficient moisturizing qualities (better than vaseline--which was a nice surprise).

Is this Shelley's Cleocin?

http://external.csmc.edu/neonatology/ref/meds/med27.html

This is what I have to do to stay cleared up:

• I wear 100% cotton clothes 
• I avoid acrylic fiber 
• I use 100% cotton bed sheets (not polyester blends) 
• I use less soap to wash my clothes 
• I double rinse my clothes 
• I use vinyl gloves before touching anything like cleansers or rubber 
• I don't use regular soaps and shampoos 
• I use Aquanil and irritant-free shampoos from Person & Covey 
• I avoid globbing on vaseline 
• I avoid lanolin and propolyne glycol and wool wax and wool fat & wool 
• I take no oral medications for the itch--(I used to take 20 Benedryl a day with prednisone.) 
• I use damp sheets to break inflammation and kill itch 
• I don't scratch, I rub instead if I have to do something 
• I rinse off and air dry when something itches 
• I don't use a towel to dry off 
• I don't wear makeup or nail polish anymore 
• I don't use hairsprays 
• I don't use bleach on my clothes 
• I use zinc oxide ointment 
• I don't use corticosteriods anymore because the zinc ointment seems to be helping more at present 
• I cover up my skin when I expose it to a known irritant like paint 
• I don't use anything on my skin at all except for the Aquanil as a cleanser (which I rinse off), the DHS Clear Shampoo, Paul Mitchell's leave on conditioner, and zinc oxide ointment. 
• I put a blanket down when I lay on my nylon carpet.

So, it is really simple. The less the better is my motto to allow for recovery of my overtaxed detoxification system. I will continue to get better.

I noticed on one message the cold weather has resulted in the clearing of eczema......I can't believe it, winter is the absolute worst time for me......very uncontrolable.

My facial eczema can be controlled very effectively with Eumovate (Clobetasone butyrate) but I stopped using it when I became worried about the side-effects of years and years of daily use. I have heard conflicting reports on this. Does anyone know what permanent damage I might do by continually using these cortisone/steroids? I am trying to decide whether the long term side-effects are less important than having constant redness and flaking skin on my face. Certainly no other alternative treatment has been anything like so effective as these creams.

Is there anyone on the list who has used cortisone/steroids over a long period (like 10-20 years!) with or without side-effects? The advice from the manufacturers is to use for no longer than *two weeks*. Is this realistic?

I have used steroids for almost half a century. My skin is weathered, but how much of that is from steroids is debatable. I don't have any problems that can be directly attributable to the steroids. (Blood tests say my liver is abnormal, but it seems to work fine and one doctor said the abnormal test results are due to heavy exercise.) 

How much comfort and vanity to give up today for a greater chance at a healthy tomorrow is different for each person and usually varies day to day within a given person's life. Particularly regarding the face, there are days when I'm willing to nuke my future to look good for a few hours (yeah I'm 50 and I still subscribe to the beauty myth.) Other times, I minimize steroid use and feel smart and strong although I look strange and feel itchy. However, letting eczema get out of control by refusing steroid ointments can backfire because you might end up on systemics which in the long run probably do more damage. So I guess moderation is the best answer for most of us. 

The 2 week warning on steroid ointment is NOT realistic for most eczema patients. It is there to encourage someone with a short term problem to get to a doctor if their condition is not responding to the ointment. Lets say someone got poison oak and scratched it and it got infected. He thinks it's just bad poison oak and will clear up with Cortaid. Well no matter how long he applies the Cortaid, the infection isn't going to clear up without medical help. Maybe liability issues are involved too. 

When my baby had a terrible rash under his diaper, the mid-wife told me to use the pee-pee part of the diaper to wash him, nothing more. All trouble went away never to return.

When he got a light rash all over, I stopped using detergent in the laundry and switched to a laundry soap. That went away forever too.

I suppose it's a long shot that it could help you, but just in case.

I have been using zinc oxide oitment at night with cotton socks over hands and arms and am amazed at how much better my eczema is. I was ready to go on my yearly oral dose of Prednisone. Zinc seems much easier. 

I have a question on the shampoos. Do you all use special shampoo because your head has eczema or because any shampoo may drip down on your torso when rinsing off? My head is OK but torso is just dry scales but not the serious eczema like on my hands. Thank goodness. Thanks to the group for all the good info. I realize I don't suffer nearly as much as some others or the poor little babies.

I was flipping through the herbal remedy books at the bookstore, and several of them mentioned calundula as a treatment for eczema. Has anyone tried this?

As far as remedies go, my latest discovery is "Vaseline Intensive Care/Extra Strength/Triple Action Formula" & it does a fairly good job in maintenance. For flare-ups I soak my hands; lately, though things have been quite easy, perhaps b/c of the cold (though frankly my problems seem quite tame in comparison with many members of the list). My brother once gave me some TyVek gloves; they didn't work for me, but perhaps someone else might want to try them - I will dig them up and post the info.

One thing I haven't noticed people discussing (or maybe it's already been beaten to death) is heredity. My mother had almost the exact same kind of eczema as I do in exactly the same location; hers has almost completely disappeared, which gives me hope (though I still hope for some "knockout punch" regimen to make it go away before then).

A friend gave me a bottle of Echinacea, Golden Seal capsules to try to see if it may have a positive effect on my eczema. Anyone here have any good or bad things to say about Echinacea based on experience? If not, I'm our guinea pig. "No experiment's a failure".

There's some encouraging info at http://home.earthlink.net/~gerret/onelife.html about Echinacea.

p.s. Hang tough Shelley... we're rooting for you.

Shelley, I feel so bad for how hard you have to fight not to scratch, have you tried meditation or hypnosis??? I think it might be worth a try.

I am glad you have dropped another line. We, my son, is also dealing with the little bumps on his tummy. Until the last month he never had eczema any place but legs, now we have the bumps on the belly and neck??? Also, I have noticed that on his legs when the eczema is starting to go away, what is left is red dots, not bumps, but dots. Is that what you are seeing, maybe things are getting better.

My husbands parents are deceased so no info on what he was like as a baby or other family members is available. We are installing Pergo in room, but we are currently building a house so hopefully it will help to get ALL the mites gone. I noticed the Japanese cleaning disks like you mentioned, do you think it has done some good? My son also had craddle cap pretty bad for the first 9 months of life, then the eczema started but it has gotten worse this winter.

Would love to hear how all the changes you made are affecting or not affecting the eczema, I have great faith that I am going to figure something out one of these days

There is a *lot* about allergies & their causes at

http://www.netwellness.org/cgi-bin/mfs/01/allergy/allergy_facts.html?30#mfs

Link to that site for context and more interesting reading on the subject of allergies. Dermatitis and eczema are listed under Allergy Symptoms on that web page.

My daughter had cradle cap as an infant. We went through all the ointments, etc from the doctors. Nothing was doing any good. On a hunch, I washed her hair/head with regular Head & Shoulders. I had to do it a second time, but she never had the problem again. Hope this helps. 

Good news everybody! I was able to sleep last night due to taking melatonin. I'm amazed. I took a 3 mg tablet, dissolved under the tongue. Within an hour I felt very relaxed. I then slept the entire night. I haven't had such a peaceful sleep in weeks. It was great. And my skin clearly benefited from it. I'm going to take it every night until I get this flare under control. Apparently you can develop an immunity to it if you take it for too long but it should work long enough for me to get through this flare-up. 

Melatonin is sold over the counter in health food stores in the US, but apparently needs an Rx in some European countries. I've been told that it's a substance naturally produced by the body.

I also just started using some zinc oxide ointment this morning. Too early to tell if it's making an improvement, but so far I'm not reacting badly to it. 

Shannon, "Cold weather" here is around freezing. I'm sure it gets MUCH colder where you are. I think the optimum is just cold enough to deactivate the pollen but not cold enough to cause serious chapping or overuse of drying heaters. And the "deactivation" of pollen is just my theory; I have no idea if it really happens. 

Killeen, My shampoo choices are based on scalp, body, ear, and hand conditions (as well as hair loss). At one point I washed my hair in the shower wearing rubber gloves and a nylon jacket! (simply washing my hair in the sink and then taking a shower was too time consuming). Coating skin with vaseline before hair washing offers some protection but often gets into the hair too. 

Ken, Echinacea is the only herb I have ever tried. ( I was reassured by a trusted doctor that my chances of being seriously allergic to it were nil.) It seems to help me a lot with respiratory infections. I never noticed an effect on eczema, but then my skin usually clears or gets much better when I'm sick with something else. Someone also told me that the liquid (drops) form is the most effective, but if you have some capsules, you may as well try them (cautiously if you are plant allergic). I think it's a pretty expensive herb, but if it works, it's worth it. 

Reporting back on Melissa. She's 10 months old. She too has suddenly developed bumps everywhere. I started Auqaphor about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I think the bumps are from the cold. It suddenly got cold here. When I put on the Aquaphor it seems to help even the bumps. But I will keep an eye on the Aquaphor. It was helping a lot until the bumps appeared.

As far as breastfeeding. Every time I have had to use a formula (I was very sick for a few days) Melissa's eczema got very bad. I guess I will keep breastfeeding.

An aside to the estrogen thread. When I had my one period so far Melissa's eczema became very bad for the same time period. I really didn't think of the estrogen level in my blood until you mentioned it. I do know that some babies won't nurse when there mothers are menstruating. I wonder what the hormone level does to the milk? 

I had the eczema under control for a couple weeks, then I got hit with the flu and the flare-up began. I seem to be doing better (have eczema over my entire body), but my hands are still sore, have the blisters, crack & bleed. 

At this point, I plan on begging the dermatologist for prednisone just to get through it. I have found that an over the counter ointment, Fougera Hydrophilic Ointment, has helped. The consistency reminds me of a cross between Noxema & Crisco....feels very good to the skin and really locks in moisture. It's available over the counter - I pay around $9 for a 1 lb. tub....might help.. It traps in what moisture it can... plus I bathe using Cetaphil cleanser (without water except for a couple days a week)... water hurts my skin so much. My face, however, which used to be the worst part as a kid..has actually improved a lot.. .so maybe there is hope. 

Well, I just had a visit to the derm dr. This was only my 2nd visit, ostensibly for the removal of a couple of moles. But I did ask her about my eczema - which looks pretty good at the moment (I usually only get it on the backs of my hands) - all my sores are on the mend - no weeping, active, red and angry splotches, just small, penny-sized patches of rough, discolored skin (they still itch -- although less now than before). Since reading the list, I had learned of another product (ultravate) and asked her for a prescription. She wrote it out, no problem, and told me that my skin (hands) were rough and dry, and to use a "hand lotion".

She took little notice of my hands, which, as I said, really didn't look too bad. She did notice the one area with some super glue still on it, and when I told her what I had done, and why, I got a blank, condescending look. Didn't seem to like that idea. I'm glad I didn't tell her about the witch doctor or the psychic! <g>

She didn't seem to have too much to say about my eczema - (obviously she's never had it!) Needless to say, I was a little..... - "alienated" - is the word. I'm sure she's a good dr - I had several people tell me so. The wart removal was quick and uneventful.

ZINC OXIDE OINTMENTS: Soon as I read it I remembered the stuff from childhood. I never had eczema until a couple of years ago, so I called my mother & asked her. She said she used it for a lot of injuries (burns, cuts, etc) but said that I must have remembered it from a bout I had with impetigo in grade school - I had forgotten about that. Anyway, I think it helps, so it's on the list.

I did buy a tube (off the shelf) and have been using it (with Beta-Val) on my sores. A little greasy, but it definitely seems to help. I can never be too sure, because my eczema comes and goes - who knows why. I'm not altogether convinced it's the medicine, sometimes I think it's just a cycle thing. That's not right either. I KNOW the medicine helps - it's just that sometimes it doesn't help AS MUCH. This eczema is a lesson in self-control. I have fingernails that can tear up my hands in seconds. Sometimes I pick one sore and scratch the hell out of it. I think it's good for the soul.

DIETS & ALLERGIES Don't have asthma or any allergies (that I know about) and don't get me near a diet. After going for almost 60-some years without eczema, I don't see how MY diet can affect it. Besides, most of the stuff I'm not supposed to eat I like too much!

DOCTORS & TREATMENTS I guess what we need is to have a doctor with eczema! The dr I visited spent most of the time writing in my file (wonder what she wrote?!) - but I guess that's necessary in today's world. After all, I guess I'm a potential lawsuit - just like any patient she sees. I have to do the same thing myself, in my line of work. Ain't it a shame? My mother reminded me that the doctor we had as kids used to come TO THE HOUSE - right up to the time he retired, and long after most other doctors stopped making house calls. Oh, well.

THURSDAY, early AM I have been writing this for a couple of days (busy with other things) but last night the devil got to me. With the last of my sores almost healed, last night I scraped one of my hand sores on a piece of cardboard, clipping off the small scab. I must have scratched it during the night and this morning it itches like crazy and is all torn up again. I usually don't have much of a problem with night itching - when it happens I'm usually able to use some measure of self-control. I think it was the injury that did it. Usually with an injury, I stop, wash it (no, SCRUB) with soap & water, apply the alcohol & Beta-Val, then, later, give it the old superglue treatment. I DID wash it, but forgot about the B-V and didn't use the glue. (The dr cowed me!?) Now I'm sort of mad at myself. I now have a dozen eczema patches that look fairly good, and one red, oozing, damaged sore that is obviously inflamed and itches like crazy. From experience, this means the distinct possibility that my other sores will react in sympathy.

Couldn't take it any longer - just gave my hands the hot water treatment. They BOTH itched - even though there was only one active sore! Now to apply the Beta-Val....

Does it make sense? Seems like the B-V works better when I apply it right AFTER the hot water. Does anyone know if hot water makes skin absorb medicine better? Anyone else tried this?

When I first started suffering from eczema, I spent years going from one dermatologist to another, all of which I think were given the same script as interns, since they all said the same thing in the same order: 

"You must be allergic to something" (duh), followed by allusions to the watch I was wearing. When I pointed out that I'd changed the wrist on which I wore the watch, and that some of my worst breakouts occured on weekends or holidays when I wasn't wearing the watch, I'd then get "Must be the dish detergent you're using"...to which I'd point out that I'd changed from one brand to another, with no noticable change, and also I'd break out even in the summer when I was using paper plates and plastic cups and flatwear and left the cleaning of pots etc. to someone else. They'd then say "Well, it must be a plant you are touching" to which I'd tell them that I didn't have any plants at home, that there weren't any plants where I worked, and my schedule precluded me having time to take treks in the woods.... so then they'd just give up, ascribe it to "causes unknown", give me a shot of their favorite steroid-of-the-week and a prescription for cortisone cream. From which I might have a short-term relief, but I'd quickly go back to having a breakout elsewhere on my hands/arms (back in those days, the eczema was restricted to those areas).

I'd given up on ever finding a cause/cure, when I happened to go see a new doctor for a general checkup when I happened to have a particularly bad case of eczema on my hands, and as it turned out this doctor's original specialty was in pediatric medicine, and she pointed out that eczema as an allergic reaction to milk protein was common in children, and suggested I eliminate all milk products from my diet for a month...which cleared up the eczema! If I'd stuck with the dermatologists, I'd never have gotten that diagnosis, and probably would have gotten condescending looks from them if the suggestion that a food allergy was the cause was mentioned.

BTW, impetigo is a skin rash caused by a highly contagious infection.

One can develop allergies at any age...I never had any allergies, let alone eczema, as a child, they only developed in my 30s. And even tho I am very strict in avoiding milk products, my eczema has been getting worse the past two years or so, so obviously something else is at work now...

Finally, hot water opens the pores, so perhaps the medicine penetrates better.

Shelley -- Glad to hear you could sleep. *Caution* I did hear that one shouldn't take Melatonin if using cortizone. Read the label. There is a health food store product called CALMS FORTE that works as well or better for me than Melatonin. You may want to try that.

Ken -- I've taken Echinacea for colds and it works well. I haven't noticed that my eczema gets any better. However, I haven't used it over long periods for that purpose.

Ann -- I don't do well with the cold weather. It's way too drying.

My son, also E.J., had the exactly the same thing at 3. It had appeared in a few spots originally, when his other eczema spots were really mad. Then suddenly, it covered his whole body. They looked like little red pimples, which actually would itch and become open sores. It just appeared to us that his body was really angry. The allergist doctor said this was a form of eczema. And we needed a stringent steroid campaign... We'll, the campaign has been successfull. EJ has been basically kept under control as to not even notice the eczema for over 6 months now. This is the process we used:

Two weeks of liquid steroid (cannot remember what-prednizone I think), to tame all outbreaks. The red spots subsided in 3 days and all other eczema became non-angry. 

Bathe in luke water every day he plays in dirt with oatmeal/Avino 

Use Eucerin creme (not sparing----really heavy on all spots) Morning and night berfore bed. Or any time spots appear realy dry. 

Pill regiment per day: 1 zinc 100% daily requirement; 1 oil mix gel tablet from GNC (fish, flax, ....about 8 other types I can't remember); 1 multi-mineral vitamin (GNC); 1 fluoride tablet (for teeth).

Although it took about a month to really clear, he has been maintained at almost normal for 6 months. Any red flaring eczema outbreakis immediatly treated with cortisone (OTC) if it looks weak, or Elocon 1% if it looks angry.

I take echinacea and it seems to help with infections. Evening Primrose Oil either taken in capsules or rubbed on the skin seems to help a lot. Taking zinc tablets was also suggested to me but I haven't tried it yet. 

EJ (14 months) just had blood work done as a preliminary test for Celiac Disease. If we have a positive result, he will have a biopsy of the intestine (poor little guy!) for final confirmation. Then, the other seven of us would be blood-tested, etc.

Any of you guys have Celiac Disease?

My eczema is a lot worse just before and during the first few days of my period; after that, it seems to abate for the duration of the period. And I felt strongly that the low-estrogen formula of many recent birth control pills (I've tried 4 brands, I think) has worsened the eczema flare-ups; my skin has returned to its former oiliness now that I've been off the Pill for 7 months.

Kim: Yes, I've tried both hypnosis and meditation, also acupuncture and biofeedback. The only one of the group that had an effect was acupuncture, but that only worked once. The rest of the 20 times I tried it nothing improved, and then it started getting worse, so I stopped.

Rob: I've used steroids for 40 years. Only recently have I noticed any side effects at all, namely, that my skin is now so thin that just light scratching tears the skin open, and I now get black and blue marks all over my body. My greatest fear is developing cataracts, which I've heard is a possibility. So it's a gamble. If you have any other choices, use them. But no matter what happens to me, I know that if I hadn't used steroids, I would have committed suicide long ago. Nothing else worked for me. But I advise you to try everything else first.

Matthew: Yeah, it's genetically inherited, unless you've got a new mutation. In my family, my mother's palms would get itchy when she was nervous, and my dad's lips would swell up if he ate fish. For their five children: The oldest had eczema as a child, behind the knees and in arm creases, but it went away in puberty. The second had nothing until age 30 when she had a rash and nasal allergies which went away within a year. The third was me, I've had severe eczema since birth, for 40 years now. The last two were twins, one has migraines and nasal problems, and the other has severe asthma. So that's one example of the different ways an inherited problem can manifest itself. (Asthma, eczema, and nasal problems are all related. I have them all, but my eczema is the worst of all.)

Ken: Homeopathic pills I recently bought for eczema contain echinacea, as well as other ingredients. I'm glad to read your statistics since I've only heard of echinacea for colds and was wondering why that was included. I haven't tried the pills yet. I'll be interested to know the results of your experiment.

The melatonin didn't have as miraculous an effect as it did the first night, but it still helped me sleep better than I would have without it. I scratched a little but not a frenzied attack kind of scratching, which is good, because the wild frenzy is what causes the most damage.

So my skin doesn't look any worse today. It actually looks slightly better because it's less red, due to the zinc oxide ointment, which I find soothing. Right now it's the only ointment I can tolerate without getting overheated and itchy. I hope I don't develop a reaction to it over time.

I still plan to go to the doctor tomorrow, so she can see if it's infected. Despite the color improvement, my skin still feels hot and the rash obviously still covers my entire body (except my face). 

What's the problem of using Melatonin and cortisone creams? 

Actually before my period is when my eczema is the worst--it comes as a warning of the days to follow I think! But there definitely is a connection.

With all this talk about zinc oxide, I bought a tube from my chemist and tried it on my baby. It worked great on his "test" patch about his neck and so we now try using it all over his body. One problem though, we are reluctant to put the cream on his palm as he always put his palm into his mouth as most baby do. I am wondering, how safe is zinc oxide? His palms have the worst eczema from scratching, sucking..etc so we do want a way to help him.

Bev, You mentioned that your skin got worse when you had the flu. My skin gets much BETTER when I'm sick elsewhere and clears completely with fever! Every case is different. I'm sure my skin wouldn't survive an Ohio winter. 

Alvaro, To keep your baby from eating the zinc oxide on his hands, could you apply it and not let go of his hands for awhile? Like play patty-cake or just hold his hands. Then before you put him down, wipe his hands well. This way he would get some benefit from the zinc oxide on his hands, but he probably wouldn't get much in his mouth. 

You can also get melatonin in a spray bottle (pump) that is much more effective. It is sprayed under the tongue just before you go to bed. Its effects are better and stronger than the pill.

Kay, I don't have celiac disease (sp?), but I do have colitis ulcerosa, which is a chronic bowel inflammation. There was a thread about digestive disorders some time ago on this list, and it seemed that an inordinate percentage of us eczema people have something wrong with their digestive tract... Which may or may not link to the "leaky gut" theory...

On estrogen levels and things: when researching GLA (Evening Primrose Oil, borage oil), I found that this stuff is recommended mainly for two complaints: skin diseases and Pre-Menstrual Stress! Perhaps this means something? (Or perhaps it doesn't?)

Sherry -- The Melatonin package warns users of cortizone to not use the product. I cannot remember what the reason is. Read the package in the health food store before purchase.

John -- Hot water is definitely a love hate relationship. It kills the itch better than anything, but it dries my skin out so it itches more the next day starting a cycle of itch, hot water, itch.... Of course, I keep turning up the hot water until I can barely stand it, which burns the skin. My sense is that whatever benefit is gained by increased absorption is lost due to the burning of the skin. However, I still do hot water on my ankles. Logic goes out the window when intense itching starts.

I've given up on doctors. Their attitude seems to be, "Why don't you just put some cream on it?" I always have a breakout somewhere, but I've found ways to keep it from getting so bad that it's open and raw.

Kay, What kind of rice, brown, white or any kind? Julia is now 11 mos., still breastfeeding often. There are two main reasons why I haven't stopped nursing. During the night I nurse her to sleep and then again periodically throughout the night for comfort/diversion during the minor itchies. I consider "minor" being in a crawling position rubbing her face back and forth into the bedding and then easy enough to be diverted. "Major" is scratching with her hands in a fit that can't be diverted no matter what I do. So, we've started this habit where i nurse her back to sleep to comfort her. I feel that giving this up--for only a chance of it being the cause (or a contributor)--would also end up causing her a great deal of stress, and worsen the eczema.

Second reason is her poor drinking skills. She doesn't seem to understand how to successfully drink out of a cup or bottle. A bottle just seems like a toy, she won't suck on it. With a cup she gags everytime, coughing, and dribbling down her chin. She's even had 5 months of practice!

So, I just keep nursing, trying to remain mindful of my diet: no dairy (actually I still use margarine on my bagel and Miracle Whip in my tuna...Are there dairy products in those?). I try to avoid chocolate, oatmeal, peanut butter, alcohol, and now, I think I should be avoiding beef too. Possibly a problem with tomatoes and potatoes too. Not much left. I'm losing weight anyway. But you're right--I feel terrible at the thought of causing or worsening all this too, if it's from my milk. How healthy can it possibly be for either one of us for my to go on a severely restricted diet? Will my body get the proper nutrition that way?

Two books:

"Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative" (describing "Leaky Gut Syndrome" as a cause of both psoriasis and eczema). Paperback, $24.95

"Eczema and Psoriasis" by Stephen Terrass, $4.50 (outlines the similarities and differences between the two, the causes, as well as the dietary, supplemental, and herbal cures, etc. He describes the entire biological process of each major symptom, (for ex., what causes the inflammation...) Apparently, he's also written books called "Asthma" and "Arthritis."

I know a litle girl with Celiac Disease --about 2 yrs. old now. And actually her symptoms were closer to what you described with your other children --severe failure to thrive, chronic diarrhea, stomach pain, etc. It wasn't discovered/diagonosed for quite awhile (18 mos.). By this time she looked like a starving child: very boney yet a big protruding stomach. No eczema though to the best of my knowledge.

Once she went off all products with gluten she started to gain weight and resume a "normal" life. She's so sensitive to it though that they even use separate pans to bake her special breads, etc. 

EJ does NOT have Celiac Disease! Hooray!!! His IgE levels are through the roof, but I expected that to be the case. Will continue to build his immune system and keep eliminating the allergens that trouble him so very much.

Bought a tube of Zinc Oxide. Will try that next after our ongoing trial. Pediatrician suggested we use Aquaphor on one leg and Lac-Hydrin on the other and see if his acne-like bumps clear up. Guess we could call this a double-blind study. I'll cover up my eyes. : - )

Someone reflected that their baby has the same thing perhaps in relation to sudden cold weather. It is 0 degrees at my house after sweater weather. I will have to log that thought. Sure have a B-I-G diary going for that ol' EJ boy.

EJ's eczema remains ONLY on his legs and (sometimes) his elbow creases. That's it. Not his face or trunk... Don't you think that is odd? 

Actually my eczema gets worse just before menstruation begins.. by a day or two.. I always assumed it was due to the extra toxin load on the body during that time...

Most people I know who have had eczema throughout their lives go through cycles (4 years on, 4 years off, plus or minus a few years). Anyone else find this? 

My tube of zinc oxide cream reads:

"FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. In case of accidental ingestion seek professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately."

Hmmm. Don't think I would allow a baby to eat it...

Just a thought- After putting zinc ointment on the baby's hands, would it be possible to cover it with gloves/mittens/socks long enough for it to do some good? Then when the covering is removed, whatever ointment is left could be washed away. This might be useful for overnight also.

Last week I was suffering from severe red, cracking, itchy eczema on both hands. I was trying to keep them moist at all times, wearing plastic gloves and cotton gloves over that. I had the opportunity to go out of town and figured this might get me away from whatever was in my home and irritating my hands. I also stopped using the plastic gloves and wore the cotton gloves only at night. I think the plastic gloves were trapping too much moisture and was starting and infection.

After a couple days away from home my hands began to improve, but were still itchy and bright red. I had a doctors appointment Monday. The doctor prescribed Diprolene ointment for my hands, and Atarax, a pill that was to help with the itching, but would make me drowsy (made for a fun day at work). Monday night I slept really well for the first time in a couple of weeks. The doctor also told me to keep my hands out of water as much as possible. No dishes! Not even with gloves as the gloves were irritating as well.

The doctor also arranged a dermatologist appointment for me on Thursday. By then my hands were no longer bright red, just some redness and scaly skin around the fingers. The dermatologist was losing her voice and could barely talk so it was a fun visit when I wanted to ask tons of questions. The dermatologist prescribed an ointment called Clobetasol to use for 2 weeks, then tramcinolone whenever needed after that. She also prescribed dicloxillin to combat any infection that might reside on the hands (since I told her they had been red, she said it was probably infection).

She also discussed soaps and lotions with me, suggesting things like Dove, Tone, Caress, avoiding lotions and looking for creams and ointments, highly recommended cetaphil cleaner and cream.

I'm not sure what of the combination of things helped, I think changing my environment over the weekend to a happy and healthy one was a big factor. But also stopping keeping gloves on all the time probably helped too. I hope that someone finds some help in this, and by all means, even tho many are having problems with doctors, at least try to see one. I wish I had gone sooner after seeing the difference in my hands from Monday to Thursday.

I finally saw the doctor, and she realized my condition was indeed bad enough for immediate action. She gave me prescriptions for prednisolone, erythromycin (for infection), and also paxil, an anti-anxiety pill to take at night. I told her that I won't need the paxil if the prednisolone works the way it has in the past. It's been about 6 years since I've taken it but as I recall, it works within a few days.

I'm desperate for fast relief. The melatonin did not work at all last night. I scratched for a solid hour 3-4 am, and today I had several scratching frenzy attacks. I just can't take it anymore. I hate to take more steroids but at this point I am just grateful they exist. I've been at the highest crisis for the last 2 weeks, and for the 2 weeks before that I was gradually digging myself into this hole. So a month is my limit. I surrender.

I'll let you know how fast I get better. 

I know the feeling. The abominable tidal wave in the form of an overwhelming itch from which there was no escape seemed to rule my life. Many times a day, and for over a year straight, I said that same thing, "I can't take it anymore." I know what it's like to cry for days at a time because you can't take it anymore. Of course your doctor realized that you needed immediate action. We knew that. Next time don't wait so long. If I were there, I would have taken you myself. You're going to get better.

If your skin was infected, the antibiotic will take care of that. The prednisone will help break the cycle of inflammation. Please ask your doctor about damp sheets on the skin to break the cycle of inflammation, if you haven't already.

You're going to be alright. You will. You're gonna get better, Shelley. It hasn't always been this way for you, and it won't always be this way for you. You're gonna beat this thing. 

PS: I've noticed that if I scratch, the tidal wave comes on strong. I just rinse off with cool water and airdry. The cooling takes away the itch. When I get lazy to do that, that's when I use the damp pillow case. Perhaps my condition has much to do with contact dermatitis. The dermatologists always called it acute eczema. Have hope. Have hope because we're here for you, and you're gonna get better. You can get better. That's not asking too much. Just don't wait that long again to see the doctor when you need her.

Hmmmm I guess I COULD have developed an allergy.... Milk, eh? Well, I don't drink that much milk, although I guess it sneaks in with other foods. Up to now I've always been a sort of "reverse" health nut - I generally avoid any substitutes - margarine, diet sugar or the like. I like ice cream, but I really don't eat it THAT much. Candy is another thing - I do have a terrible sweet tooth - always have. Actually, I'm chomping away at some Good & Plentys at this very moment!

At any rate, I'm at a loss as to where to start when I think of the allergies thing. I seem to remember from posts that the worst food allergen would be something like milk or white bread. Soooooo.... I stuff myself with both (that sounds like fun) and how long would it be before my hands blow up?

Seriously though, I might be willing to eliminate a few "bad" items, but I don't know if I'm ready to go all the way. My eczema is not as bad as some of you have - yet. And the babies.... I am aghast by the babies I read about. It's one thing for us (adults), but babies can't understand, and can't exercise any control.

A SIDE NOTE: As a result of last night's very minor injury, both my hands are now semi-active - all my red spots, not oozing yet, but very itchy. Since reading posts, I have also been using the COLD water - which works (helps) too.

24 HOURS LATER: Well, my hands do look better - several applications of B-V later. I am amazed that my eczema looks "quiescent" at the moment. Except for a few cracks that I just glued up - sorry, Doc.

RICHARD: I don't notice a "drying effect" from the hot water. Usually, I put the B-V on, let it react for a little while (I can FEEL it), then give it the hot water, dry it and reapply. It seems to work better, and after that, my eczema tends to calm down.

Hang in there! There's not one of us out here who isn't behind you all the way. We can't scratch for you, but we can hurt for you. Please take care of yourself. 

Dear Shelley, That kind of itch, I think we can all understand. Just know that we're all giving you hugs. We love you!! 

Shelley, I'm sorry to hear all the trouble you've been having. I read your note and since you mentioned paxil, it may help to know that besides having an anti-anxiety effect, it is also an anti-depressant and should help you to feel better and more hopeful about the other treatments for eczema. 

The group is a great thing - it helps to know there are other people with the same problem and that you're not alone, but if you're feeling suicidal, the group can't really offer you the type of support you need on-line. Please get in touch with your doctor. Severe depression is a medical illness that qualifies as an emergency. Hope you take the steps you need to feel better.

Another caveat re melatonin - it is harmful to people who have even mild forms of depression and it will interfere with certain anti-depressants - especially the seratonin uptake inhibitors (e.g., prozac, paxil) which are quite popular these days!

I've had some encouraging results with a lotion called Eurax. Its active constituent is crotamiton and it's made by Ciba Geigy. The lotion is easy to use and isn't at all greasy, but if you need something creamier, it also comes in an ointment form.

As for getting a good night's sleep, I sympathise with the person who said they had no joy from melatonin. It knocked me out cold at first but I seem to have become resistant to it. I'm getting better results from a herbal remedy, valerian: I've tried it in compounds with passiflora, lettuce, hops and so on, and on its own, and either way it seems to work well, but you need a big dose (well, I did!) and it tastes foul. But that's a small price to pay.

Years ago I was pregnant and wanted to have a home birth. The only MD in town who would do that was also a homeopath. That was my introduction to homeopathy. He cured my eczema with one remedy.

Over the next years I had a few minor breakouts which always responded quickly to one remedy or another. I also found that putting dried nettles in my tea kept me from even having to see the homeopath for years at a time.

One drawback, my homeopath insisted that I stop drinking coffee. Coffee nullifies homeopathic remedies -- also camphor, but I didn't miss camphor. I don't miss the coffee by now but it was a hard thing to give up. I resisted giving it up, drinking one cup a week for a while. But it became clear that when I drank that cup, I'd get the rash back for a few days. Even an accidental spoonful of coffee ice cream gave me a rash for a few days. Accidental camphor in a balm at the chiropractor's office did the same thing.

About 3-4 months ago, a patch started again on a finger and this time it hasn't responded to homeopathic treatment, or to dumping the new, but oppressive, relationship. My homeopath and I have tried three remedies over these months and it just keeps getting worse. Now it's on both hands and forearms and my ears.

I have a lot of inescapable stress right now and I'm sure that's the underlying problem.

The doctor just recommended a fourth try at a remedy and I'll probably start taking it tomorrow.

I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime, I'm swimming in Zinc Oxide and soaking in *hot* water. Luckily, where I live now there's so much humidity that it doesn't seem to dry me out.

Kay: There are no "normal" places for eczema to appear, despite rumors you may have heard. In my 40 years of having it, it has popped up everywhere at various times. EJ is just a child. If he has a chronic case, it could eventually appear on his face and trunk at some point. Others have it in one area and only one, their entire lives. So let go of thoughts about something being "odd." Be prepared for anything to happen. There are no rules with this disease. The whole experience is odd.

Shelley, Be careful with melatonin. I've been looking at it very carefully since it was reported to cause serious problems with some people. It was said to be potentially lethal for some MS sufferers. (I have MS as well as eczema.) 

What happens is that when you take melatonin your pineal gland produces less. This is not a problem because the normal total level is maintained in most people. What is supposed to be a problem is that the pineal gland also produces some controlling substances for other glands so if it "switches off" then other, potential serious, problems may occur. Fortunately, low doses tend to stop working after a few weeks so most people don't use it for long. Those that keep increasing the dose to get results may be in for trouble after a few months.

I was lucky yesterday that the general practitioner was willing to give me an Rx for paxil and didn't force me to see a shrink to get it. I'm going to take it for a week and if it doesn't give me any weird side effects, I'm going to save the rest for my next flare-up. I won't need it now that I've got prednisolone and antibiotics. But it will sure come in handy in the next crisis, before I can get strong help for my skin.

Don't you hate this eczema thing? I have tried and tried, and I can't seem to correlate it to anything I am doing. It just comes and goes (mostly doesn't go), leaving me to deal with it as best I can. 

Scratching - I remember on many occasions laying awake the entire night, with a plastic scrub brush, savagely scratching my entire body. It felt sooooooo good, until I stopped. Then it burned like hell, and left me in the morning covered with patches of dried blood, and terribly dry skin. I've even used wire brushes, with devastating results. 

What helps me? Sometimes nothing. But if I find myself in a scratching frenzy, sometimes I can control it by taking a cool shower and using a ton of soap. They say that's bad, but it works for me. I also take zyrtec, an anti-itch pill that doesn't make me as drowsy as some I've tried. I hate to take them all the time, so I save them for when it's really bad. 

Shelley, on thing you might like to know about paxil: my dermatologist just informed me that it aggravates itching, especially on the scalp, and aggravates excema, and psoriasis (another chronic problem I have had for most of my life). I am taking paxil, and it really works, but it has greatly disturbed my skin. I'm thinking of trying a new med. 

A doctor once told me, during a bad spell, to find an oil I can tolerate, and have someone who loves me gently rub it on my body before I go to sleep. It worked! But that can be a problem if there is no one to do it...be that person for yourself, if you can. Hang in there. We have all been there. It amazes me that people who have never been there try to tell you "just stop itching." They don't get it. But we do. We are with you, Shelley.

Coincidentally, I'm going to try phosphorus for the first time starting tomorrow. I'm to try a week or two and call him. Other remedies have been Lycopodium, Rhus Tox, Rhus Venenata, etc... 

The Rhus' are poisens themselves: poisen ivy, poisen oak and/or poisen sumak. The theory is that if you have a minute amount of something that produces your symptoms in big doses, it stimulates the body to ward off the big problem. It's worked so many times with more problems than eczema. My kid has never been to a "real" doctor except for injuries.

Sometimes one that worked before works again, sometimes it doesn't. My doctor has *never* expected me to do a remedy for 3 months without marked improvement -- 1 month max.

It's rough for you because the doctor asks lots of questions about the foods I crave, the color of my boogers, my moods, etc. Then he pours over his huge books a few minutes and suggests something new to try. Your baby can't answer these and you have to do the best you can.

My pediatrician told me today not to put benadryl cream on my children anymore. (She said it had to do with sensitization.) She said to use oral Benedryl instead. Ask your pediatricians.

I also learned that drinking cold water speeds up the metabolism, because the body has to work harder to warm it up. So, if you want to lose weight, drink cold water.

Also, if a child has an upset stomach, give room temperature water rather than cold water.

Have you ever given Emetrol to your children to stop them from getting sick to their stomach? I take coke and put it in a cup; then, I put my hand over the top of the cup and shake out all the fizz. Then, I add a teaspoon of sugar and warm it up to room temperature. I give a tablespoon of that every 15 minutes to help settle down the stomach. A pharmacist told me that was probably better than Emetrol for children.

Alex: We've been using Calendula ointment (pronounced "kuh-len-juh-la") on 11 mos. old, Julia since Sept., recommended by the homeopath. The ointment comes in a tub, kind of like a waxier, thicker-than-vaseline feeling. But you don't have to rub it in as much as Eucerin cream. Smells sort of like dried grass, herbs. Julia always seems to welcome it as an itching fit starts to wind down. And it doesn't seem to make her itch like some lotions do. To the best of my knowledge, it doesn't prevent itching--just soothes the skin and helps healing. Seems to be fine.

Marilyn: I'm so glad you've had some success with homeopathy. We've been going this route with Julia since Sept. with little success (I think). The homeopath explained it would take a couple months to go away. After 3 mos. of being practically no better we stopped (phosphorous) and started another (bufo). Just out of curiosity, what were your remedies? Did you get different ones each time? And how long did it take to improve and then ultimately be healed? ...Gotta go (crying baby), but there's more I'd like to know...later. 

You all are really great! I have an appointment with my dermatologist on Tuesday - had to wait for a month for the appointment - and the eczema has flared up in a BIG way. 

I started using diaper rash ointment with zinc oxide and it really seems to be helping (especially on my hands). The girls I work with have even noticed the difference! 

I still get itchy on my legs...when I start feeling stressed....but I'm sure I'll get help with that from my doc. Pretty apprehensive seeing her....the medical group has been wonderful...but I have never seen her before and she is the 4th doc in that practice to treat me (they keep getting pregnant & then quitting). Will let you know how it goes. And hot water??? The temporary relief it brings isn't worth the days of scratching....no amount of creams, ointments, or lotions can help me. If we had any humidity here....maybe it would help.

I think I heard on an ad on the radio that a certain haemorrhoid ointment contains hydrocortisone. Sorry I didn't get the brand name. It's probably a very weak steroid, but it's something to consider. 

My fuzzy recollection about a thread awhile back about superglue and skin cracks coupled with my spotty reading ...

Just read on http://www.drweil.com/ about cracked heels. It mentions use of glue and interestingly (to me) about how socks keep your feet moist. duh! A link on that page mentions use of "bag balm" to help heal cracked skin.

Somewhere in there may be some useful info to help us with some of our own cracked skin problems--or maybe not.

I don't have too much trouble with eczema, it flares up when I'm under stress, otherwise I'm pretty much OK. I started with it when I was just a baby, my mother tells me I was allergic to cow's milks, so I was raised on goat's milk. Then it went away until I was in my teens (very stressful time, right?).

I can't say I really experience itching when it flares up, it is more like a burning sensation. My last flare-up - in the bend of my elbow and also on my stomach was when I had a scare with a mammogram. That turned out ok, and I'm doing just fine now.

I seem to be allergic to touching raw fish and poultry. As soon as I touch it, my hands do begin to itch unbearably (the only itching I ever have) and the only remedy is to hold my hands under very hot water. My grandmother had eczema and I remember her doing this, she also used the zinc oxide ointment. This was a *long* time ago, I am nearly 59 and I was just a little girl when I remember her doing this.

During my 3rd pregnancy, I had a bad flare-up, went to a dermatologist and he prescribed prednisone. Assured me that it would not hurt the fetus. Well, I had a beautiful baby boy who later was diagnosed with autism. What's more, I have several friend who have children with autism who also took cortisone during their pregnancies. Coincidence? I wonder.

From:

http://www.medicinenet.com/mainmenu/pharmacy/article/prednisn.htm

>> Prednisone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. <<

I went and bought a cheap tube $1.11 of zinc oxide ointment. It contains 20% zinc oxide and Desitin contains 40% of zinc oxide. Isn't that strange that Desitin has more zinc oxide than zinc oxide ointment? I tried both and the zinc oinment was not as thick but both worked well. After using both of them my wedding ring turned my finger black. It must be a reaction of the zinc and nickel in the 14 carat gold. 

I like to wear a cotton tube socks over my hands after the zinc oxide. I don't want to get it in my hair or on my sheets. This may work with a baby. 

Good for you!!!! I just don't think steriods once a year can be that bad in the scheme of things. Quaility of life is as important as how long we live. Let us know when you get some relief. 

Carol, I have autistic twin sons. I received prednisone late in the pregnancy, not for eczema, but because I was in preterm labor and the prednisone was supposed to do something to help the babies survive if they came out early. ( ! was using cortisone ointment as little as possible during the pregnancy.) 

Do you have any statistics on how many mothers took the prednisone because of pregnancy problems? It's possible that the pregnancy problems were due to the disability (i.e. nature was trying to eliminate the fetus) and then the prednisone was given to treat the pregnancy problem. Autism is most likely rooted at the molecular level and so is probably there at the moment pregnancy begins. It would be nice to blame prednisone, but I suspect there isn't a cause and effect relation (unless it is in the parents' past long-term steroid use.) Let me know what you think. 

I am especially blessed that our paediatrician is also my best friend. She sent me an e-mail in response to a recent question I had regarding EJ. Since I could easily comprehend her description of Leaky Gut, I thought the other parents of E babies would like to "hear," too.

"It never ceases to amaze me the different ways we have of saying the same thing. Leaky gut, if I'm not mistaken, refers to a bowel that is inflamed due to allergy and which allows abnormally large protein molecules to gain access to the blood stream. Then, an allergic reaction occurs to cause the eczema. Remember when I suggested that you consider Nutramigen when you wean? It, like Alimentum is an elemental formula- the proteins have been broken down into molecules too small to incite an allergic reaction. After a long time of removing the offending agents (weeks to months), the gut then heals and the child may be able to tolerate foods that previously caused severe reactions.

The other interpretation of leaky gut is a gut that is inflamed and allows important proteins and other nutrients to leak back into the bowel and cause diarrhoea and malnutrition. Interestingly enough, the ability to absorb abnormally large proteins is also accompanied by the inability to absorb some other important nutrients. Eczema is only one consequence."

Hope this is a "clip and save" which can help us all.

I've taken two doses of prednisolone so far, two doses of the anti-anxiety paxil, and one full day of antibiotics. There is a slight improvement. The skin looks a bit less red, and I'm not going into wild scratching frenzies. But I'm still scratching to a certain degree and still uncomfortable. Still having trouble sleeping.

I am trying to be patient. 

Shelley, I'm really glad that you went to the Dr. Since the itching and flare-ups have been really hard on you emotionally, the Paxil may help a great deal; I had a terrible bout with eczema last winter, and I feel that it really contributed to the depression I was diagnosed with months later (I also have a familial predisposition to depression). 

Just a note on the Paxil: according to what I've read, it may take a week or two for the anti-depressant effects to be fully activated. Because of this, it might help you to stay on-schedule with your meds every day, without interruption (i.e., you might not feel very optimistic if you only take it during a flare-up of E.; it takes time to work). 

Do keep in touch with your Dr. about this, and if it bothers your skin, ask to try another anti-depressant (I use Zoloft with no problem). Also, if the Paxil is keeping you awake at night, try taking it at breakfast. I do feel for what you're going through. I used to yell when I got the doctor's bill, saying, "They're charging me all this money and I'm still not well!". I was angry with the doctors and felt very ugly because of my skin... now, I'm still irritated that there's no cure for E., but I try to enjoy the little things in life, and not concentrate on how I look.

We're going through an extremely dry, cold spell right now. Does anyone have any suggestions for hydrating my skin? I have an evaporative humidifier (a fan that blows air over water), but wonder it boiling some water on the stove might help more.

I saw an article in the Sunday Times newspaper (UK edition) last week, titled VACCINE COULD CURE ALL ALLERGIES AT A STROKE.

It appears that these people hope to be able to find a perminent cure for eczema. Although I'd say it will be quite a few years yet before we see anything from it.

My GP recommended Vitamin E (800 iu/day) and Vitamin C (2000 mg/day).

I've been following this - though not rigorously - for a month now, and find that they seem to help reduce itch.

And given all the discussion here lately that so many people with e also have digestive problems, I figure anything I can do to help my body help itself is probably not a bad idea.

Also, anyone have any info on lecithin?

I got some lecithin at the recommendation of the people at the health food store. I took 4 gelcaps a day: the bottle recommends 3 to 6 19gr gelcaps daily. I could see some improvement in the looks of my lesions, but taken orally, I couldn't tell any difference in the itching. 

I did stab a gelcap a couple of time and put the contents directly on the eczema. It is greasy, and therefore a great moisturizer. The eczema didn't itch while the stuff was on it, but I was right back where I started when it soaked in. That's been my experience with lecithin. I'm sure others will tell you what it did or didn't do for them 

I have tried using Johnson & Johnson diaper rash ointment with zinc oxide on my hands, arms, legs, & feet. My hands seem to be getting better (though my fingers are turning black from my 14K jewelry, too)...but haven't really noticed an improvement elsewhere. 

I woke up last night tearing up my left foot and, when I put my cortisone on it...it started to burn so bad I started crying and couldn't stop. My husband finally had to rub my back just to get my mind off of the burning and itching. I suspect I may also have a staph infection. It's taken me a month to get in with the dermatologist (4th one at this office - they keep having babies & then quitting)....we'll see what happens. Right now, I'd sell my soul for a good shot & some prednisone. I'll let you know what happens.

I'm not sure if my eczema worsened before, during, or after my period...but I sure know it has changed since I had my hysterectomy 6 years ago. It was a complete hysterectomy, so I take estrogen only. At first...it seemed as if I was almost cured....took forever to get any spots. But it came back after about a year. In some ways the eczema is different.....no longer too bad on my face...but in other ways it is worse...I get more staph infections when it flares. Maybe someone can explain this???

Dennis&Carol, If you have another problem like the one you described, rinse them immediately in cold water then put your hands in ice water and gently wipe with a wash cloth while they are under water. Take 500 mg vitamin C immediately and then every half hour for an hour or two.

Either don't do the fish/poultry thing again, or if you have to do it, do whatever you are doing under running water. Use gloves.

You are lucky if this is the only thing that causes such a problem. You know what it is and you can prevent it from happening again. Many are not so lucky.

Since ZOO protects the skin, maybe that's one of the reasons my hands are much better. (Referring to protection from contact dermatitis.) I can't remember when my hands were as nice as they are now. Too bad ZOO turns the skin black where I wear gold; I'd rather wear the ZOO than the gold. 

My fingernails have also become extremely shiney. Using ZOO has further allowed me to cut down the use of corticosteriods. I used to use corticosteriods all over about 3 or 4 times daily. Since using ZOO, I can pretty much avoid using corticosteriods entirely. ZOO is the only moisturizer or thing I put on my skin now. Remember the posting about ZOO helping someone's acne; well, I've had the same result. Some elders say that ZOO was the recommended treatment for eczema before corticosteriods.

Lecithin is not a vitamin, but a phospholipid (type of fat) naturally occuring, amongst other things, in egg yolk.

Shelley, You may receive a nice bonus by taking Paxil. Not only will it help you overcome depressive thoughts but it may also help to clear your skin. As you know I definitely believe in a mind-body connection with all disease. 

I've been taking Paxil for almost a year. The effect it has had on my overall mood has been very beneficial. I would recommend taking it (provided you don't experience any problematic side-effects -- and then there are other antidepressants you might try) on a regular basis. It's certainly helped me.

Although the immune system and the nervous system are quite separate in form and function, they both originate from the same type of cells. So there is the theory that highly allergic people are more more likely to produce kids with autistic-like problems (and I guess the reverse might be true). Anyhow, both afflictions keep me so busy that I don't spend a lot of time pondering what caused either! Your eczema sounds entirely different from mine. I clear up with stress! 

I was wondering if any other parents are using full body bandaging on their children. Sam has been in bandages for nearly a year, he is nearly 3 years old, I can't help feeling that he should be out of them now, apart from taking a lot of time and psychological effort to put them on and maintain them, how much benefit is Sam gaining from them. They do reduce his ability to scratch and when moist offer some of the evaporation benefits but how long is normal to keep them going. If we could find out if anyone else has used them and for how long it might give us some perspective.

Yesterday was my first day with the new remedy and it was wonderful!

The whole rash everywhere dimished by 80% or so. It's amazing to see my boney little hands replace the red blobs that were there the day before yesterday. My other symptoms, which were interesting to the homeopath, a sty and sore gums, have also subsided considerably. Last night I slept almost 12 hours!

BUT ... it's too early to tell because I'm also post-menstrual which can be a good time anyway.

Speaking of menstrual, the 72 hour thing didn't work at all this month. I had a flare-up on Wednesday as expected because I expected my period on Saturday. But the period came early -- on Wed too. So I don't have a clue.

If anyone goes out to find a homeopath, let me warn you, they're not all good. I've been to three. One was really lousy and didn't get the concept at all. The other two were MDs as well as homeopaths. They actually went through all that MD training but decided that homeopathy was more effective even though it meant less social acceptibility for them, and less money. So if you can find such an animal, i.e., MD & homeopath, you've probably got a good one.

Since ZOO protects the skin, maybe that's one of the reasons my hands are much better. (Referring toI'm finally reaching the turning point. My skin doesn't look dramatically different, the sores are healing but it's still redder than normal. The major improvement is how it feels on the inside. It's like night and day. I burst into tears of joy when I began to realize last night how much better it felt.

I want to try to describe it while it's still fresh in my mind, before I once again forget, like a bad dream. When I touch it now, it's no longer ALIVE like it felt before. When it was in flare-up, it was like my skin was a Steven King monster that had taken possession of my body. Every nuance of contact set off electrical impulses, bells, alarms, flashing lights, hot tidal waves of energy. It was like holding down the foot pedal on a piano which makes a sound resonate. The slightest touch would trigger an avalanche of sensation that left residual traces for hours. It was like I could sense the multitude of layers of my skin, every layer like another dimension of sensation that clashed with the others like pinball machine cacophony. And that compelling urge to make it stop, to scratch through those layers to get to the source of it was like excavating for some hidden mastermind behind the torment. Archaeology of the skin.

Now the monster has gone back to sleep. I hope it sleeps for a long long time.

I want to thank all of you again for putting up with my daily reports and for sending me your best wishes. I apologize for not responding to every single comment. I only had the energy to respond to what seemed helpful at the time. But I appreciate every single good thought on my behalf.

I also want to note that the two products that most helped me survive were Aquanil and zinc oxide ointment. They didn't heal anything, but they soothed and didn't make it worse the way everything else did. Without those two products, I really would have gone crazy. So thanks to those who suggested trying them.. Love and Hugs, Shelley

Diane: The only cycle I've noticed is that my skin was really bad for the first 14 years of my life, then seemed better for the next 14 years. At age 28, it became terrible again. 12 years later (now age 40), I'm curious to see if I get improvement in 2 years. Though I assume that female hormone disruption in the future will throw off the cycle... 

During late Nov to early Dec, I had an eczema flare that was worst than any I've had before. It attacked basically my face and neck with this sunburned looking patches that were very itchy and weepy. Erythromycin failed me for the first time and I was itching and scratching and took 3 days off from work because I simply did not want to be seen. Death would have been welcome if I had to stay like that. I was in that condition for about 10 days.

My derm prescribed Pencillin (Dicloxacillan 250 mg) and Prednisone after it was clear that the cortisone cremes were not working. [Moisturizers that I have used were actually burning my face.] This combination cleared it up within two weeks and I felt relief within 2 days. 

Well, just last Wednesday, it started to happen again. I went from a 95% clear face to 25% itchy, red, and weeping spots in a matter of 2 days. I had a derm appointment on Friday because I didn't want to ever feel like I did a couple of months ago every again. I had thoughts that anything would be better than this. 2 more days of negligible sleep. ECZEMA ROBS HOPE.

My derm prescribed another 2 weeks of Dicloxacillan and a stronger cortisone creme, but wouldn't prescribe Prednisone for me again. His comment was that the long term side effects of Prednisone were much worse than its value. I told him that I couldn't imagine anything worse than the way I was about a month or so ago. [I stopped myself and didn't tell him that I wouldn't want to live under those conditions.]

One useful thing is that he said he's seen this happen before... that "symptoms sometimes come back with a vengence after Predisone has been discontinued". Well, even if he didn't prescribe it, I'm back on it because I have a prescription from my allergist for severe asthma attacks. I'm planning to withdraw from it in decreasing amounts this time to prevent the likelihood of another such flare up after stopping Prednisone. Three days on Predisone and the itching is mostly gone. I feel "normal" again.

In Nov, he prescribed 10 days of Prednisone. I believe I'll stay on it for about another 2 days and than decrease dosage for about another two days.

Re: Echinacea - Ann said "I was reassured by a trusted doctor that my chances of being seriously allergic to it were nil" and Vicki said that she takes "echinacea and it seems to help with infections". This is kind of a coincidence because one of the side effects of Prednisone is that one is more susceptible to infections. I postponed my Echinacea test when I went back on antibiotics and Predisone, but think that I will continue with the herb now to counteract the Predisone. Shelley: you should probably continue with your Homeopathic pills that contain echinacea, esp. since you are on Prednisone.

Re: zinc oxide: I haven't found it to help more than a moisturizer so far.

Re: Cold spell. Altho some of you have said that the cold weather here recently has helped with your eczema, the nurse at the derm said that many people are flaring now because of the cold weather.

Where do they get lechithin that is used as an ingredient in some foods from? Do they get it from eggs? I have an allergy to eggs and have noticed that some chocolates give me a reaction. Usualy on reading the ingredients I notice lechithin listed.

Lecithin is a fat emulsifier, and I think that helps eczema because maybe eczema is the result of an inability to digest fats. I have been taking it in the non-dairy, soy form, in my breakfast cereal for a while. The formula is supposed to boost the immune system and reduce allergies. The recipe follows:

• 1 cup ground flax seeds 
• 1 cup ground milk thistle seeds 
• 1 cup lecithin granules 
• 2 cups oat bran 
• 4 cups flakes - oat, rye, barley, etc, but not wheat

If the skin (heels of foot or anywhere) is cracking, it might mean that there is an excess of dead skin that has thickened and is starting to slough off. Helping to remove it might be effective as a treatment. Remove with directions from a chiropodist. I file down such areas with a nail file. There are solutios such as "Pretty Feet" that "dissolve" such skin easily. If you are not senstive to such things, they work. 

We have a daughter Esme (aged 9) who we started wet wrapping in September 1995 and continued till very recently. When we first used wraps her skin improved dramatically and all through 1996 her skin was reasonably good. Having said that, her eczema in the past was very bad and widespread so even with wet wraps it wasn't completely clear and the eczema had a way of popping out on the bits of her body which were uncovered - her face, shoulders and bottom. During Christmas 1996 we stopped wrapping - mainly because we were so busy and she was having late nights. At present her skin is fairly clear so we haven't had to start again. If her skin deteriorates we shall start wrapping again.

It is a real nuisance I know. I dearly love just to be able to send Esme to bed at night without faffing about with emollients and steroids and pills and moisturizer. And I'd love not to have to worry about damp dusting and boiling bedding every few days and cleaning the top of cupboards. We've been living with eczema for nine years. Esme may have to live with it for the rest of her life. If wet wrapping helps Sam then it's worth the effort.

I'm sorry not to be able to give you a definite and encouraging answer, but these are our experiences. Good luck.

I also noticed that my skin got a lot worse a day before my cycle but it could have also been due to the dry cold weather. I have sugar cravings around this time too. 

From Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary:

LECITHIN: [Gr., *lekithos*, egg yolk] A fatty substance of the group called phospholipids (phosphoglycerides), found in blood, bile, brain, egg yolk, nerves, and other animal tissues, and yielding stearic acid, glycerol, phosphoric acid, and choline on hydrolysis.

When taking any vitamin and/or mineral supplement it was my impression that all these nutrients are linked together and to a large extent work together and depend upon each other to complete a complicated balance of nutrients. Taking any one would be enhanced by taking others. For example vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium, and calcium needs to be taken in balance with magnesium and on and on.

Your therapist must be keeping this in mind. Could you tell us a little more about his/her approach? Are there any possible negative effects to watch for when taking phosphorus?

I am very interested, as I get good results with calcium/magnesium and vitamin C and D, and am wondering how phosphorus fits in. I cannot have any milk products and am not sure if the few vegetables I do eat supply me with adequate calcium/mag and, now that you mention it, phosphorus. 

I've taken a lot of prednisone over the last year, basically self-medicating myself. I felt it was my only choice...my flare ups were debilitating...I was very depressed and I just couldn't function. But it came to a point where I realized the drugs were making everything worse. I've decided to clean up my system. Over the last while my eczema is bright sunburned looking and very itchy and dry. It makes me extremely whiney and is worse on my face, neck and arms. Though at times I have had it from head to toe.

But something changed for me...I'm not sure what. This is what I'm doing for myself and would appreciate any advice on detoxification. I feel like I should have a physician or somebody helping me through this but I haven't found one that doesn't advocate hopelessness and antihistamines.

On Tuesday I eliminated things I'm allergic to (sulfites, dairy, corn, soy, coffee, chocolate, and egg whites) from my diet. I'm am taking vitamins and minerals. My eczema got worse (probably from getting off of prednisone) but then cleared up. I feel better now. I slept a lot, cried a lot and drank a lot of water (3 litres a day, 1 litre first thing in the morning). I also took 1000mg of vitamin C (calcium Ascorbate) every hour or so until 'bowel tolerance'. Then I would stop. I guess when our bodies are stressed we can use up more vitamin C than when we are well. (from The Whole Way to Allergy Relief and Prevention, Jacqueline Krohn, MD, published by Hartley and Marks Publishers Inc.)

Well, yesterday, I was feeling better, and I slacked off on the vitamin C. I also ate bread (which I haven't eaten in a long time) and I made lentil chili (with lots of yummy spices). A couple of hours later I developed a headache (kind of like a sickening hangover type). I also started getting hives...I almost never get hives just eczema...they started on my arms (one was so big it was the size of my palm?!) as they would subside they would appear at different parts...my shoulders...my thighs...the back of my knees. I'm not sure what was going on..I also felt constipated. So...I think I'll go back to a simpler diet. Could be that my body was doing another phase of getting rid of junk and toxins....could be that I have more allergies or that my body is still stressed enough to freak out at too many things at once. Don't know. But I'm going back to simplicity for awhile longer. The headache is still there but I'm drinking water and ginger tea (sliced fresh ginger root steeped in hot water). It feels a little better. I've promised myself to try and flush out the bad stuff and only put good things in. I feel lucky that this seems to be working....

Just soaking the feet, even while taking a bath, may help... softens the skin enough that rubbing the skin, while under water, will slough it off. Getting the dead skin off helps the absorbtion of whatever ointment one wants to put on.

BTW, as much as I swear by Bag Balm, I found that if I put it on my feet, then put on socks and shoes, I would get itchy little bumps. Don't have a problem with putting it on my feet and keeping them exposed to the air, tho, so I only do it at night when going to bed and then make sure my feet aren't covered by the blankets/sheets (my feet tend to be warm at night, anyways)...

My question is: since my eczema tends to be very dry, wouldn't letting the water evaporate make it drier in the long run? Has anyone tried putting on emollients after letting the skin air-dry, and does that work as well as slathering on lotions while your skin is still damp? Christine, what did your Dr. say about moisturizing creams and evaporation?

Maybe I'll try letting one hand air-dry, and put lotion on the other as a test.

Heather, YES air drying without first putting on something ( i. e.grease or a plastic bag) to seal in some moisture is hard on dry skin. I cringe whenever someone says they air dried their skin and did nothing else. Chapped lips are a classic example of air drying. Evaporation of moisture FROM THE SKIN is drying. Evaporation of moisture from something else (i.e. wet clothing, or a bed sheet over you) INTO THE AIR AROUND THE SKIN is hydrating. Some moisturizers (like vaseline) go on easily over real wet skin; others (like Eucerin) work best on lightly towel dried skin. Since you work with dusty books, have you considered getting vaccinated against dust mites? 

I was told a Rimunonyl (or Rimonunyl -- sp?) vaccine is now available by prescription in France. It was said to be successful combatting eczema. I did a very comprehensive search on this vaccine on the Internet and found nothing. 

Garret, did the article you saw in the Sunday Times (UK edition) mention the name of the vaccine? 

The "vaccine" article was in the Sunday Times of 12 January 1997. The full text can be found in their Web archives, starting at http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/Sunday-Times/frontpage.html?1567751. No name is mentioned.

Once there I searched on, and found that in The Times of 11 January 1996 and also on 4 December 1996, there were articles on Glaxo's latest steroid cream and ointment, Cutivate (fluticasone), which "is as potent as Betnovate but is less likely to cause any side-effects if it is absorbed".

I have looked in a medical dictionary which lists prescription and non-prescription drugs. The closest I could find was Ribomunyl, available as a vaccine or as pills. It is apparently used against infection of the upper respiratory system. There's no mention of it being used for eczema or anything else.

I did another comprehensive search on Ribomunyl on the Internet and all returns are in French. I can barely make out the vaccine being an "immunostimulant" manufactured by Pierre Fabre S. A. I also found the company's e-mail address being pf@mediacastres.com and sent them an inquiry about their product. I can only hope that someone at Pierre Fabre would take the time to return my e-mail.

Not that I don't trust doctors, it's just that when it comes to eczema, just a handful of doctors may know less than us sufferers together as a group. After all, they don't live it. If you or anyone has a chance to take a look at the Journal De Tocixologie Clinique Et Experimentale or the Concours Medical, please tell us more about this vaccine. Many thanks.

The 12C of phosphorus is 12C in a homeopathic measure which is so dilute and minute that it is negligible compared to nutritional doses of anything. It's not about nutrition. It's about tweaking your energy ... or no one knows what it's about, it just works a lot.

Phosphorus may be a poison for all I know. I've had arsenic from a homeopath!

When I first went to a homeopath I was pregnant and taking vitamins and iron because the previous MD recommended them for all pregnant women. I was sick from diarrhoea and didn't connect it with the pills.

The homeopath told me it was from the iron and to stop and to write down what I eat for a week. He looked it over and said I needed no nutrients. He warned me of the dangers of pills like that, putting yourself in imbalance, clogging up your digestive system.

The baby was (and is, at 15) fine.

The rash is a little worse today, particularly on the cheeks. However, it is still much better than I've seen in weeks and it takes a week or two to have any idea if the phosphorus is really what I need.

Wow...I forgot how prone I am to getting frostbite. Went skiing this weekend (-25 C) and it did not take long for the little white patches to appear on my face (completely covered). Does anyone else encounter this? Could it be correlated to thinning of the skin? I posted a question a while ago about non-irrating face covers to wear in the cold... particularly if anyone has tried wearing the neoprene face covers, but received no replies. Anyone?

You should be careful about overusing any kind of antibiotic. I have also had Staph infections as complications (I think I mentioned this to you already) and I understand the importance of preventing infections and/or keeping them under control. I would just like to make sure that no one is taking antibiotics without valid reason.

If I'm itching ... I like to rinse with cool water and air dry. However, BEFORE my skin is totally dry, I rinse again with cool water and air dry again. Then, I do exactly that again until the itch goes away. (I don't usually let my skin totally dry out before I rinse it again.) Then, BEFORE the skin is totally dry and after the itch has subsided, I apply an emollient (if my skin feels dry). 

Whatever I do, I must avoid scratching with my fingernails, because that only seems to bring on the itch even more. I've been recommended Theraplex Emollient. It's manufactured in Switzerland for MEDICIS Dermatologics, Inc., Phoenix, AZ 85018. Tel: 1-800-845. My grocery store's pharmacy has to special order it. It was $10.96 for 4.3 oz. The ingredients are special petrolatum fraction, cyclomethiocone, and microcrystalline wax.

Theraplex emollient is part of the Theraplex line of therapeutic moisturizers and shampoos. 

http://www.smartbasic.com/glos.news/adrenal.stress.index.html

http://www.smartbasic.com/cat.supplements/dhea.html

http://www.smartbasic.com/glos.news/DHEA.Pregnenolone.html

http://avsunxsvr.aeiveos.com/diet/dhea/

I've collected some information and put together a thought ...

Could Eczema Be Due To Insufficient Production of Corticosteriods by Adrenal Glands?

Dermatological web sites say stress has a relationship with eczema.

Adrenal glands produce Adrenaline, DHEA and cortisol (the body's three major stress hormones). A critical marker of overall hormonal health is the ratio of serum cortisol to DHEA(s). Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys that work as hormones and are used as pharmacological agents to treat many conditions with an inflammatory component. Corticosteriods are immunosuppressive and have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Prednisone, a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid, is used to achieve prompt suppression of inflammation in many inflammatory and allergic conditions (including eczema). Eczema is classified as a "hypersensitive" skin condition characterized by chronic skin inflammation. Patients with atopic dermatitis usually have high serum levels of reaginic (IgE) antibodies, and my biopsies showed allergic cells.

There are three components to allergies: mast cells, which contain chemicals like histamine; antibodies, a specific type of protein made by the immune system, known as IgE; and allergens, which trigger the reaction. Mast cells are the allergy-causing cells and are found in every tissue throughout the body, though they are most heavily concentrated in those tissues that are exposed to the outside world -- the skin, linings of the nose and lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive system.

The IgE antibody, which actually causes allergy, sits on the surface of these mast cells. A mast cell has about 1,000 histamine-containing granules in its cytoplasm, and on its surface are between 100,000 and 1 million receptors for IgE. When the IgE encounters the allergen, it triggers the mast cell to release granules from its cytoplasm. Those granules contain histamine and other chemicals. These mediators that are released then interact with the tissues, causing the allergic symptoms. The chemicals that are released from mast cells are the mediator that cause allergies. At last count, there were 28 separate chemicals released by mast cells that orchestrate allergic responses. The allergic symptoms a person experiences depend on the tissue in which the mediators released. For example, if these chemicals are released in the nose, the person will get hay fever, allergic rhinitis. If they are released in the chest, the person will get asthma or coughing. Chemicals released in the skin will produce hives or eczema, in the intestine will produce food allergy or diarrhea, and in the brain may result in a migraine. There is a whole spectrum of problems that these mediators can cause.

Allergic attacks occur when the body mistakes a harmless substance for an invading parasite. A complex chain reaction results in the release of histamines -- hormones designed to help the body cope with stress. Such releases occur naturally, but in allergic reactions the amounts are huge. The overload can cause rashes, asthma, eczema, rhinitis and respiratory problems.

Allergy patients have immune systems that are "too good." The problem is not one of "impairment" or poor response, but rather one of "super-efficiency" or "over-responsiveness." Since corticosteriods are immunosuppressive, could an imbalance of hormones produced by the adrenal glands be responsible for insufficient production of corticosteriods thereby resulting in an overactive immune system resulting in allergies and therefore eczema?

Progesterone is an important precursor in the biosynthesis of the adrenal corticosteroids, which protect us against stress. Progesterone will not create an excess of any of these other hormones; rather, progesterone acts to balance or neutralize them.

I don't know. What do you think?

Karen, I can feel for you. Although my daughter doesn't have eczema (yet!), when she was a baby we went through the allergy routine. I had to use a damp cloth to wipe down her room every day, special filter on the vent in her room, etc. 

I took her to an allergist at 18 months over the protests of her pediatrician. But it was one infection after the next, croup, antihistimines by the bottlesful, you know the routine. She skin-tested positive for some pretty mundane things, as well as things she hadn't come into contact with - cattle hair??? She took "allergy shots" from that time until she was 8 years old at which time the allergist stopped the injections and she had no further problems. The point of this story is that sometimes it's wise to listen to your gut and look for answers beyond the pediatrician - or any other professional who doesn't seem to be able to find and treat the problem. 

I am curious to know if anyone else on the list uses Diprobase - it is one of the few emollients that I can use without having any reaction. What I am looking for is something very similar that is available over-the-counter - it is a pain having to get a prescription issued for it every time I need a new 500g tub of it.

I suppose this is mainly aimed at UK people, but there are two/three questions: Is it really prescription only? And what *other* emollients have you found useful if you also like Diprobase? And where can you get them?

Allergies tend to aggrevate eczema; however it is possible that getting rid of all allergens you'll still be left with eczema. The bedding (and the bed) can all be sources of allergens - as can dust in the room and things like trees and flowers close to the room.

Try and make sure that the bed isn't too warm otherwise sweat will aggrevate the eczema but being too cold can be a problem too....

If its just flaky and isn't causing too much irritation and isn't red then I wouldn't worry about it too much. Perhaps a bit of a light emollient will help loosen the flakes gently.

The sufferer can be allergic to the emollients etc as well; so watch out for it getting worse when you use them; but also eczema goes in cycles, so the fact that it gets better while using something for a week or so is no indication it was caused by the new treatment.

If its not causing serious distress then you also have to trade off the distress involved when applying creams etc. and trying different things against the benefit.

If the problem involves scratching you can try cotton gloves - to protect the hands and the skin being scratched; although these are probably difficult to keep on.

Do not tell the child off for scratching; or at least try gently coaxing them away from doing it. Try and make them comfortable and stop the itch, but it is very difficult not to scratch when it is itching badly.

Our 2 and a half year old Sam has had severe eczema for a year now, he was hospitalised 3 times. Sam also has very dry skin, although it is not so inflamed now he is still in full body bandaging.

Despite our dermatologist not thinking that eczema is diet related as nothing else was working we removed all dairy products from Sam's diet and he went on to Soya formula milk. He really only likes taking this from a bottle but the the dentist said that soya milk is very sweet and he shouldn't be on a bottle at his age as this was very bad for his teeth, you just can't win sometimes. Since then we have seen a homeopath who recommended that Sam go vegetarian and organic, as she suspected the problem could be all the pesticides ecetera in food. We haven't gone completely vegetarian but we do use completely organic meat and vegetables. We also cut out all sweets with artificial colourings. This really limits the sort of sweets he can eat but he does have dark chocolate and certain hard boiled sweets.

At home we try and limit the amount of dust mite (droppings) he comes into contact with, covers on all bedding, short carpets or none at all. Cool and airy house, but it's freezing at the moment.

As for allergy testing we haven't given that a go yet as most doctors and others seem to think that the tests will be inconclusive on very young children as their reactions will change over the next few years, so he may be allergic to something this year and not next and vice versa. I'm not sure how much truth there is in this but the the thought of allergy testing Sam is quite distressing.

Hi, again, parents of baby sufferers!

EJ's "Leg Trials" continue.

We have been using Aquaphor for three months. But recently both sides of both legs (only) presented with angry eczema fine blistery rash which progressed to large acne-like bumps filled with clear fluid and having an obvious head. The base of the bumps was bluish-red. Since he is gaining weight (hooray!), is resting better at night now that I am totally SANS wheat, and had no fever, we decided to experiment.

TRIAL ONE: We used Aquaphor on one leg and plain Zinc Oxide on the other. Both seemed to moisturize the skin quite well. The bumps continued to thrive on both legs. After five days, I could tell no difference between the two legs. Zinc Oxide is cheaper, I note.

TRIAL TWO: We discontinued using Zinc Oxide on the one leg and began using Lubriderm "for extremely sensitive skin" on it, continuing the Aquaphor as the "control" leg. We conducted this experiment for five days. The Aquaphor leg remains the same. The Lubriderm leg is resolving steadily. Many areas are fading.

TRIAL THREE: We discontinued Aquaphor totally and used Lubriderm for both legs at every diaper change. (I couldn't go on "for the sake of science" when I thought it could help our little guy!) There are no more new angry acne-like pimples. Many are fading. This phase lasts three days.

TRIAL FOUR: We are using Lac-Hydrin 5% (over-the-counter) on one leg and Lubriderm on the other. The Lac-Hydrin burns at first (I have used it so I can sympathize) for about 10 seconds of fussing on EJ's part. I would never have used it before since he had so much broken skin before the Lubriderm. By the third day, he no longer cries with the Lubriderm as his skin is so much better. The acne on the Lubriderm leg is slowly resolving. The Lac-Hydrin leg is clearing SO FAST. No new acne at all. We are continuing this trial for a full seven days and then expect to choose between the two for his moisturizing needs (unless something else pops up.)

I realize that our information is just that--ours. Whatever caused the Aquaphor to incite the acne-like blisters remains a mystery. It does not affect me that way on my hands. Perhaps babies' pores are different?

Do we know anything about the toxicity of zinc oxide? Is there a reason to fear it more than Lubriderm, for example? It's so visible that it's scarier, but is it truly more dangerous to ingest?

When I cook, I wear cotton gloves and then latex gloves on top. It's cozy and it separates the food from the skin and the ZOO. But I know I must be eating some. When I put the oven mits on top, it's pretty absurd.

p.s. Homeopathy report, day 5: The rash continues to heal but more slowly. There's not much left. Hot water is no fun anymore. I'm losing sympathy around here.

When I asked my Gyn if using steroid inhalers would thin my skin he said "thinning skin" was a natural occurance of aging. Well, after being on a series of steroid inhalers and on/off doses of prednisone, I have noticed my skin bleeds if I so much as gently brush up against a bush. Now I have verification of my hunch! I'll be curious to learn if the thinning is reversible, although I think I'm stuck with the inhalers, etc. for life. Oh, well! Better to be a thin skinned breather/bleeder than a thick skinned corpse!

I talked with a nutritional biochemist (a man who has a nutritional consulting business and does the Adrenal Stress Test), and he believes that atrophy from corticosteriods is reversible.

Yesterday, I wandered into Boots and they found something which they said had "almost the same ingredients" as Diprobase ... namely Aqueous Cream. Diprobase has one extra ingredient listed that Aqueous Cream does not and vice versa. Aqueous Cream's extra ingredient is "emulsifying wax", so I reckoned that this was my best bet to find something (a) cheap and (b) effective. *AND IT IS* Cost less than 3 quid for a 500g tub ... no unusual skin reactions either. Excellent. I might go back today and pick up a few more tubs ... !

Cecile, As I understand it, it is the TOPICAL steroids (ointments that are applied directly to the skin) that cause skin thinning. This is why derm drs. are so often inclined to prescribe systemic steroids "to give the skin a break." Of course, long term use of systemic steroids can produce serious side effects, but to my knowledge, thinning of the skin is not one of them. 

Anyhow, you are using INHALED steroids which are not really systemic (i.e. almost all of the drug stays in your respiratory organs.) I've been told this and I believe it because when I use inhaled steroids, I notice no lessening of the eczema. It's the pills and shots that zap the whole creature. Years of rashes and scratching probably also thin the skin, so like you say, it's better to keep things under control even if one needs meds with side effects. 

You can get Diprobase over the counter but last time I asked it cost GBP12.50 for 500g, more than twice the cost of a prescription.

I have used Diprobase and aqueous cream and there is practically no difference. Aqueous cream is water, white soft paraffin and something else which I forget, but no lanolin or preservatives.

You get it at any chemist but you have to ask for it. "A 500g tub of aqueous cream, please" usually works. It costs about GBP2.50, half the price of a prescription.

It's the cheapest yet probably most effective emollient. It is the basis for all sorts of creams. Anyone who uses handcream or other moisturisers (not necessarily for eczema) could throw them out and use aqueous cream. All you lose is preservatives, perfume etc. 

TIP: Transfer the aqueous cream to an old pump dispenser, like the ones you get for Diprobase or liquid "soap", to avoid contamination of the cream from fingers or airborne bacteria.

Re EJ's acne-like spots - is it possible for a baby to have folliculitis? My eczema, which is largely confined to my legs, recently developed into a similar state and a doctor diagnosed it as folliculitis. (It was painful and nasty enough to make me think I'd developed shingles, as my friend's little girl did on top of her eczema.) The doc warned me not to use greasy creams, dished out some aqueous cream and put me on a short course of e-mycin. (Only two days in, so we'll see if it works.)

It must be really distressing for a baby. I hope EJ remains clear.

Jolie and I were discussing "Leaky Gut Syndrome" and the book "Healing Psoriasis: A Natural Alternative", in which Pagano talks about a misalignment of 5 or 6 vertebrae.. for which he recommends spinal manipulation...

Jolie (Lots More Questions):

1. Could you please, once again, describe the back massage technique that you use on your son? I thought it was going to be covered in the book but I can't find it.
2. I am considering a chiropractor, any thoughts on that with your experience so far?
3. How is your son doing? When you said he still scratches at bedtime, do you mean a little itchy or real skin-damaging fits?
4. Are you still using Allimentum? Can he drink anything else (juice,etc.)? Any recommendations for what he'll be progressing to after that?
5. I've read in a few sources that the food group "nightshades" (tomato, potato, peppers, paprika, eggplant, etc.) , along with fatty foods, are real bad for eczema and psoriasis. Julia seems to have reacted badly to potatoes and tomatoes, even in my diet, so I wasn't surprised but I'm interested in the fact that you mentioned potatoes as a new food in your son's diet. How's that going?
6. I took a chance on Rice bread--no gluten, but it does have yeast. The same day I gave her some extremely soft cooked butternut squash with millet boiled with it. Millet was a first for her as well. Stupid, I know, to try 2 new things in one day...but that's the kind of daffiness resulting from sleep deprivation. Anyway, she had the worst all-over itching fit she's had in months. And poor appetite the next day, when she otherwise has been eating well. And a pink diaper rash the next day--very rare for her. I'm more inclined to think it was the millet since she reacts badly to oatmeal too. I broke down and gave her Benadryl that night for the first time in 4 months. (Homeopath had said in Sept. to quit Benadryl, and that's when our real sleepless nights/major itchy fits began.) Any thoughts?
7. This may sound surprising, but I've never gone to a ped. allergist. It just seemed like it was going to be futile. But now I'm reconsidering...Do you think a ped. GI doc will want to see results from an allergy test? How much did that weigh into your doc's assessment?
8. What exactly was involved in the diagnosis of Leaky Gut?

Dear Debbie, I am so sorry for you, you must be exhausted! 

1. The back exercise was provided to me by a Shiatsu massage expert. Hold left shoulder to the floor, cross left leg across the body so the knee/foot touches the floor.. 
2. No experience on chiropractor but I do know spinal manipulation is cornerstone to their theories. 
3. My son is doing great, changing the sheets every day and opening the window makes a huge difference. He is through the skin damaging part of his recovery, his ankles are almost clear. His hands are the worst part of his body. 
4. Yes he is still on Allimentum, I met with the Dr. last week, he will use it atleast another 6 -12 months. He does not drink any juice yet. Just water and allimentum. 
5. Yes nightshades can certainly cause problems, he did not accept potatoes but yams and sweet potatoes are ok, I don't know the difference. 
6. Isn't millet a wheat product? If so wheat is definately out. 
7. Forget your husband, get to the Dr. and get her going on a diet that will help her heal. I recently put my son back on Periactin every night. I found he could handle more foods and had fewer breakouts. The doctor agrees it is better to let the body heal than let him starve and not have the nutrition. I am ok with this for now, the medicine has helped tremendously, this is another reason you need to get to the doctor. Get her some relief also! Benedryl was a help at first (pre-doctor L.) but he became immune to its benefits. Believe me I am not big on drugs, but this has helped my little guy. 
8. Ped. Allergist, do not waste your time until you meet with the Gastro Dr., he will recommend an allergist to work with you. I am now and it is through his office that I have contact with a dietition. She is coming up with the foods to try for my son. 
9. When I saw the Dr. last week he said the refreral he gave you is a guy he worked with and is familiar with this type of problem your daughter has. 

If she is allergic to milk protein, eliminate uncooked milk and she may completely clear up.

Thanks for the great explanation between topical vs. inhaled steroids. I have the kind of job which requires frequent hand washing, glove wearing, and contact with others' bodily fluids. 

Love my job, so I've tried a variety of "soaps" which have to be affordable as well as functional (cleansing). Gave up on harsh anti-bacterial soaps and am not using "Dove". Finding it okay for MY skin, followed up by immediate moisturizing with non-lanolin based moisturizer. I have found "Purpose" by Johnson and Johnson to work... though hard to find and a bit expensive. I like it because it is not greasy and seems to replenish moisture while adding a sunblock. I use it "everywhere".

Karen was quite correct, according to my pediatrician. She surmises that EJ's bumps on his legs are folliculitis.

It appears that bathing in tepid water for 20 minutes (no soap) every other day (some dermatologist recommended this to her) and using Lac-Hydrin 5% at each diaper change on the affected legs (the alpha-hydroxy helps the skin exfoliate [shed] quicker) is doing the trick in making EJ's eczema, acne, and dry skin clear right up. It is becoming silky smooth and quite resiliant to touch for the first time--ever.

He will still attempt to dig at the back of his legs as soon as I take off his clothing to change him and apply lotion. Perhaps removing the carpet and weaning him by summer will rescue him from the need to scratch! He is so busy during the day that the itch doesn't seem to pre-occupy him.

Kay, I appreciate your experiments with your son's legs. It shows what a difference various products have. Of course, with eczema, there's no real "control" area, so the trials can't be precise, but the point is to give the skin a chance to react to different things that might help. Eventually, something does.

One thing to be aware of is different reactions to ointments vs. creams. I am very aware that sometimes parts of my skin prefer cream-type products, and other times seem to prefer ointment-types. This may be a factor for your son too.

My experience in using Aquaphor for over 20 years is that it is NOT for areas that are red, itchy, rashy, bumpy. For me, it is purely for areas that are just dry, or if an area is slightly red it's OK if the main problem is dryness. Sometimes I want the thickness of it but sometimes it is too heavy for the pores to breathe. I have a very instinctual method of knowing when it's good to use and when it isn't. As your son gets older and can communicate, he must learn to figure that out for himself.

One of the problems of being parents trying to help kids with eczema is that you can only go by the visual appearance. For me at least 75% of the experience is how it FEELS on the inside. The visual appearance is often deceiving and can't really be used as an accurate gauge of the problem. Children need to be encouraged to communicate as early as possible about how their skin feels on the inside, and what it feels like it needs. 

Christine: I'm impressed by your information and ability to present it coherently. Your theory sounds reasonable, though it is likely to be a factor contributing to the problem, rather than the sole cause. I appreciate your efforts to keep hacking away at the dilemma, trying to figure it out once and for all. 

I believe the threads discussed over the more than a year online now are all pieces of a huge puzzle. Each person's jigsaw is cut a bit differently, so unfortunately the answers cannot be standard issue. But we all get a bit of help from each other's ideas. My understanding has increased dramatically since the group began. 

I was diagnosed with discoid eczema last week (by a photo I took of my leg a month and 1/2 ago.) I used pyrithione zinc for three weeks, and my eczema cleared up.

I have an appointment with the company on Wednesday. They are looking for people that the product has helped. My dermatologist told me that I was the second person to tell him that this product works. (I took a before picture).

What do you know that I don't know?? Is this a temporary remission? Are there horrible side effects to PZ? If this works so well, why are so many people suffering? My doctor said he could not prescribe it for me - it's strictly over-the-counter.

What kind of zinc is pyrithione zinc? I tried Desitin and zinc oxide over the counter. No change. 

Karen, I'm curious to know what treatments the allergist has recommended. My 11 mos. old daughter, Julia, also seems to be intolerant of a lot of things. We haven't had her tested yet. However, I think she may have "Leaky Gut Syndrome" so she's soon going to a ped. gastroenterologist. 

It just doesn't seem right to me that a baby should be so allergic to everything (no one in our family is allergic to anything!). Much of her trouble seems to be stomach related too: Apparent stomach aches, irritability, poor appetite, spitting up/throwing up (a lot as an infant but less and less as she gets older), flatulence, very loose b.m.'s, strong smelling urine...These symptoms are all worse when her skin is worse. Does your child have anything like this?

"Leaky Gut Syndrome" is a condition where the intestinal walls become thin and porous and half-digested proteins are allowed to seep out into the bloodstream. The immune system doesn't recognize them and reacts to them as if they are toxins. They are then released through the skin, causing eczema or psoriasis. There is supposedly a spinal misalignment that goes along with it responsible for sending the wrong neurological messages to the intestinal area in the first place (causing a bunch of chemical imbalances that mess up proper functioning)...Kind of confusing but it sounds a lot more logical to me than anything else I've heard.

Jolie's 11 mos. old also has this. Treatment seems to involve major diet restrictions while healing, along with an antihistamine. And some kind of massaging, etc. of the spine. Plus, lots of safeguards taken to reduce the amount of toxins taken in to the body in the first place. Once the intestine has a chance to heal, foods can gradually be introduced/reintroduced... over time (she was told 7 years) this is supposed to heal. 

Sarah's allergy tests were positive for: cow's milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, yeast, dogs, and cats. The highest sensitivities were for milk, peanuts, and cats.

We knew she was allergic to milk all along because she couldn't tolerate the formula she was on. Eventually she was changed to a soy formula and we never suspected she was allergic to that, too. We also knew about peanuts because she broke out in hives after her first taste of peanut butter.

I'm not familiar with "leaky gut syndrome" so can't comment on it. However, I understand that some allergies do cause gastrointestinal problems in addition to skin and respiratory problems. Sarah has had symptoms of each.

The allergist recommended a rather complicated treatment plan. He put her on 10 days of antibiotic (Cefzil) twice daily because her sinuses and skin were inflamed. She's on an oral liquid medication called Prelone (or something like that) each morning, along with Claritin 10 mg each morning. She only has to take the Prelone for a week. And we do Vancenase nasal spray twice a day.

At night we turn her bath tub into a pool by filling it full (hate to see our water bill!) and adding 1/4 cup bleach. She is allowed to "swim" and play for up to 15 minutes. So far 5 minutes is about all she can tolerate before her skin starts burning, and we let her get out. We stick her under the shower afterwards to rinse off any chlorine residue. We then pat her dry, then apply Temovate-E cream to the really bad areas and Elocon to the not-so-bad areas, then cover her whole body with pure Vaseline. Put on long cotton PJs and socks, and she's supposed to wear white cotton gloves but we haven't found any of those yet. She will not leave socks on her hands, so probably won't leave gloves on either.

We're also keeping a food and symptom diary. The plan is to test her for some of the specific foods she eats next time. We can tell a big difference just in leaving off the soy. The doctor recommended a non-dairy product called Vitamite. It's found in the milk section of the grocery store, and it tastes like cardboard. He also recommended Carnation Good Start baby formula. It has milk in it, but apparently the particles are somehow broken down. She's not particularly fond of the taste of either but has not had any obvious allergic reactions to either. He also recommended, if she could not take one of those, Nutramigen (sp?) formula.

Our allergist says they can test a child as young as 6 months. I don't know which kind of test they use on a child that young, though. Sarah had the patch test (I think that's what it's called) on her back where they stick 8 different things at once by rocking this plastic thing on her back. She had 4 of these. Although it was uncomfortable and she wasn't thrilled about it, she did fine. She did cry when they used needles in her arms (4 in each).

If your family doc or pediatrician isn't thrilled about seeing a specialist, do what you feel is best anyway. Our family doc didn't think a dermatologist was necessary, but I took her anyway. The dermatologist didn't think allergy testing was necessary, but I took her anyway. If your insurance requires a referral and you feel your child needs it, then insist on it. I feel that now we have answers and my daughter is on her way to better health.

The zinc discussion was fascinating (I remember using it as a youngster but hadn't thought about it since my adolescence and my cursed introduction to cortisone - I will certainly try it again).

I take zinc orally every day and I seem to recall that there is a warning on the bottle not to take it while pregnant (I will check this).

I finally tried the evaporation technique but because of the humidity here in the wet season my very thin piece of sheet never dried out (my sweat was keeping it damp - and I was sitting under a fan!). I'll give it another go in the air-con or during the dry season.

From: http://www.hkma.com.hk/std/eczema.htm

>> Swimming is permitted but chlorinated water irritates skin and hence immediate showering is required afterwards. <<

>> Dear Christine,

Stress does aggravate eczema but it is not the cause. The scientific data you cite are generally correct and make a good story but there is no evidence that hormonal imbalance from the adrenals produces a defect in the immune system. We simply do not know the real cause of atopic dermatitis; the two leading hypotheses are a disturbance of cell mediated immunity involving lymphocytes or some damage to the epidermis by external factors that alter hydration resulting in induced inflamation. The disturbance in cell mediated immunity is still conjecture and the steps between that event if true and adrenal gland hormonal imbalance are many and totally unknown. Keep up your curiosity! Best wishes.

<<

The allergist instructed us to do this and even admitted that it sounded a little crazy. However, we have to stick her under the shower afterwards to rinse off any chlorine residue. Anyway, it must be working--along with the other regimens-- since her skin is clearing up, she rarely scratches, and there are no dry flakes in her bed. I'm not sure what the bleach is supposed to do. Perhaps it aids in cleaning her skin since she cannot use soaps? However, I would not recommend anyone doing this unless advised by their doctor.

I've tried zinc oxide for a few days. It seems to help a lot. The cream that I use is 20% zinc oxide in white wax. I use it a lot on my body. But I hesitate to wear it on my face and neck if I am going out because I hate to be seen in white patches. Does anyone know of zinc oxide in transparant form?

My skin remains under control since taking the prednisolone and antibiotics. I met with a new dermatologist as a follow-up and he gave me some information that will help in the future.

He said that when I notice my steroid ointments/creams aren't working, that's a sign that the skin is probably infected. I should have gotten antibiotics weeks before the flare got really bad, when I first noticed that the topicals weren't working. Unfortunately my primary care doctor didn't know that info, so she just said "I'll see you in a month or two if it gets worse," when she actually needed to prescribe antibiotics right away. In the future, I will insist on getting antibiotics much sooner.

The derm said that the clindamycin (Cleocin-T) I use is good to kill most of the bacteria but that some bacteria will be resistant and need a systemic treatment of erythromycin. He said that it's OK if I need antibiotics as much as every few months, though of course I don't expect to need it that often.

So this posting is a reminder that infection is more of a major factor in this disease than we may realize. 

Diane, Are you certain what you're experiencing is frostbite? Is it possible it might be poor circulation? Just curious. 

I go swimming once a week in a heavily chlorinated pool. I pay particular attention for it to make me worse but it never seems to. Indeed, it always feels a little better.

But of course, I rinse well afterwards and I rub baking soda into my hair which is supposed to neutralize the chlorine. I suppose it neutralizes it on the hands, ears and arms too.

PS. Homeopathy report, day 9: It still comes and goes but always improves. It's hard to find the traces but the ears are still a bit rashy. It can still itch some but it doesn't manage to erupt in any way.

One interesting thing. When this attack first started (4 months ago?) it started on the left hand only and stayed there for awhile. When the rash was its worst, it was considerably worse on the right than the left. When it was retreating the right hand cleared before the left.

This left-side/right-side stuff is always interesting to the Dr.

Is it "bad" to be on antibiotics so much, particularly for an infant? I've also heard that eczema skin is very high in bacteria/ prone to staph infections, due to the high acid levels I think it was. And every time she went on an antibiotic she cleared right up (temporarily). But I am reluctant to keep doing it because I think I heard being on antibiotics so often can be harmful...? Thoughts anyone? 

Sherry, you asked what kind of zinc pyrithione zinc is. I don't know... I'm going to ask the company on Wednesday. I wonder if it has something to do with the strength. This is 0.2% What does Desitin have?

Also, I was looking at my "Flea & Tick Carpet Powder," and the active ingredient is Pyrethrins 0.15%. I wonder if pyrithione and pyrethrins have anything in common. I think pyrite is "fools gold." So that would be iron?? Anyway, I still wonder if I used a bug killer. <grin>

I was told by the company "ad man" that there is a dermatologists' meeting in Minnesota coming up soon where they are going to discuss PZ.

The information they sent with the product also shows someone with psoriasis along most of his arm. They did a 1-2-3 week photo, and the psoriasis is gone at week 3.

I'll let you know.

Debbie, One of the major problems with repeated use of antibiotics is that our bodies can build up a tolerance; new strains of bateria mutate and these drugs are then no longer effective. This can be a serious problem when a major infection comes along and there is no drug that will combat it. 

DHEA: I've been taking it for a while (not available here in the UK without a prescription, so I buy it from the US by post) and it does have its plusses. I started on it for other reasons, but then I read that it helps reduce cortisol levels and high cortisol levels are said to be present in eczema. There does appear to be some lessening of my symptoms, but I'm trying so many other things at the same time that it's hard to attribute that to any one substance. I would like to be more scientific but the itch takes over and I'll try anything going - and all at once.

One of the doctors I see says he only prescibes DHEA in cases of M.E. and says we have no idea what its long-term use will do. But I do feel pretty good on it generally.

Re the role of infection in eczema: now that makes sense! I've been using tea-tree oil products and they seem to have some effect. That's a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent, and one of the few things that seems to beat antibiotic-resistant bugs in trials.

Minerals: well, I take zinc religiously and it didn't do anything for me. But we're all individuals, so give it a go.

One weird thing I did notice - red wine generally does good things for my skin, especially when I have hot rashes. I've been told it may have anti-histamine effects. Anyone else tried this?

Karen, Not long ago Kelly reported the same effect from red grapes. This resulted in a short thread, and it turned out the substance that does the trick (for some!) is quercetin. You can buy it separately, as a food supplement.

Ken, There is no way you can have a transparant zinc oxide cream. The point is that zinc oxide itself it very very white; that is why it's used in sun blocks, it's so white that it reflects the sun rays.

What I've found is that even with the 20% zinc oxide, I can get just an extremely thin layer on which is barely noticeable...there's no need to slather it on. Of course, it helps that the only area on my face I need it are my eyelids, and I wear glasses, so that helps disguise it...but I find that a very thin layer only slightly lightens the skin and is barely discernible.

Our pediatrician is a contortionist when it comes to antibiotics. She does anything she possibly can to get around their use and use the body's defense system. When the crisis is past, she does all she can to educate parents regarding bolstering the immune system.

Why?

Well, there are numerous bugs which can't be stopped by antibiotics. 78% of all ear infections in children are resistant to antibiotics in this area. Folks just got too used to trotting down to the pharmacy at the first sign of a virus (which can't be touched by antibiotics).

The Atlanta Journal did a large piece on this recently about people who died because a later bacteria could not be stopped by their bodies and it was resistant to antibiotic intervention. Then Reader's Digest did one as well. Why don't you hop on down to your library and search the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature and then microfische up a few articles on their computer and copy them.

It is kind of like being bitten by a black widow. You can use the serum. ONCE. Do you want to tough out the stomach cramps and have your misery carefully managed while you body makes repairs or do you want to use the big gun now? Do you feel lucky?

Just a few things that help me through my worst times: 

• Cut down your fingernails to an absolute minimum -even it doesn't look nice - they are the highest source of infection through scratching. A possible infection of your skin can be easily detected through UV-light (infected areas are more darken - infected wound liquid is sort of yellish). 
• Get some sun - either natural or artifical (UV-light - controlled by the doctor) - brown skin is less likely to get inflamed. 
• Avoid stress as much as you can (atopic dermatits is referred in german as 'Neurodermitis atopica' which points out one of the sources of outbreak - stress - although it is definitely not the main problem). 
• Use stronger cortisone creams if necessary and switch to less potent ones when the rash is away. The usage of a stronger cortisone cream also helped me to get some sleep.

If you are having an outbreak get some relief for your mind - this group is wonderful! - it keeps me away from sitting around and examining my skin and digging around it. Most important keep sharing your emotions with us (applies to all subscribers) - remember you are not alone! 

I think there is a consensus that it is not good for anyone to be on antibiotics a lot.

I get infected spots and boils breaking out all over the place. I have had several courses of strong antibiotics in the past. I now add two or three capfuls of liquid antiseptic to my bath which seems to help keep infections at bay. I also apply antiseptic directly to any spots which appear.

You can also get some bath emollients with added antiseptic. I would guess that this is more expensive than buying the two separately.

I get very bad eczema on my legs, since I took up swimming daily in 1992 (I stopped when it became too unsightly). I've given up on doctors completely, as even the dermatologist I went to just said ' don't scratch it', as if I wouldn't do that if I could!

At night, it has been driving me crazy, but since I tried the cold shower/moisturise/damp sheet, it has been much better. Last night I only had one scratching frenzy.

I'd been taking graphites and sulphur homeopathy, as that was what a homeopath friend recommended, but I didn't realise that I shouldn't be drinking coffee. I stopped when I read that here (I've gone on to herbal tea) and this week, thanks to the combination of things, my legs seem to be calming down and healing up. However, I've come out in very mild eczema over the rest of my body - patches of dry red skin, flakey, not very itchy. This is unusual for me. Does any one have any idea what could have caused this? I also take a multivitamin and evening primrose oil.

I've seen a lot of people talking about zinc supplements, and when I worked in a burns unit the patients were given zinc supplements to help them heal. They were given copper supplements too, as the dietician said that zinc interfered with copper metabolism (I can't remember how, or what copper does in the body). I thought it would be worth bearing in mind if you take zinc long term.

My homeopath told me to expect all symptoms (even emotional, disposition, etc.) to disappear in the reverse order of their appearance. 

I missed the earlier thread on red wine -- but from what I can see, there is some thought that it is beneficial! I have had the unsettling thought that my favorite drink might be exacerbating my eczema -- so many tannins and other compounds in wine! I stopped drinking for about 10 days, and while nothing cleared up completely, no new rashes broke out. Now that I have enjoyed a bottle of supposedly "natural" French wine (contains sulfites), I have a renewal of an old flare on the elbows.

I would appreciate any references or experiences on this connection... especially since I am looking forward to some time in France soon, and would hate to miss the wine!

For the past couple of weeks my eyes, around my mouth and my neck have been very irritated. I have tried evaporation several times, and each time my eyes are swollen the next day and the irritated spots feel a little raw. It does take the redness away, though. Is this a normal reaction that means maybe I should do it longer or more often or should I not do it at all?

My son finds that tree tea oil helps a lot with acne. Perhaps it would help your infections. He had dandruff once and began using Everclean Antidandruff Shampoo that has tree tea oil.

His dad, who has some kind infection thing on his scalp off and on for years was instantly cured (forever, so far) by the same shampoo.

He'd had several dermitologist appointments over that scalp.

This is a little aside but my X's allergies flare up for a moment with one sip of red wine. However, I had a bottle without sulfites and he tried it and it seemed to affect him much less.

Who knows?

Karen, I, too, have gone from decades of one or two localized bad areas to all-over, milder rashes. I don't know what causes this. My advice is to really work on keeping the all over eczema under control, because if it covers you and it goes downhill (I hope it doesn't for you), you've got major trouble. 

Last evening I quit using zinc oxide. I'm worse today but not in a deep way, I think. Except my cheeks are certainly itchy tonight.

Homeopathy is about knowing that your body can heal you better than anything else can. Now that my body is remembering how to heal this problem itself it's probably time for me to stop using artificial things on my skin. It confuses it.

For 16 years before this outbreak it's possible that I never used a lotion, salve or ointment on my skin. 

Homeopaths tell us to take off our rubber gloves and fear not the environment, homeopathy can make us less sensitive.

But still, it's too early to tell. My cheeks are worsened by the lack of zinc oxide -- they still look better than the zinc oxide, however.

Just a note to remind those who also have rosacea along with their excema, the red wine is a real no-no. (yummy, tho.)

In response to this interesting bit of information, first I'd like to ask the group to help me with a couple of definitions:

1. Antiseptic - Sea Breeze is antiseptic, kills germs - does that make it antibacterial, antiviral?
2. Antibacterial vs antibiotic?
3. Germ - bacteria? Virus? catch-all term?

I.E.:

What makes Lysol stronger than PineSol? Kills with bigger guns? Does Lac Hydrin 5% function in any bug-killing manner? Does alphahydroxy acid relate directly to above 3 in any way?

Second, I need input on the contradictions of eczema care:

Confusion: I get periodic outbreaks of folliculitus due to my dry skin condition so have to stay a. greased up and b. very clean. Sooo, I'm told - Use antibacterial soap on your back so you don't get that folliculitus. Then I'm told "Your skin is so dry, one scratch can open it to infection. Use soapless soap like Oilatum, and follow up with tons of emollients"

Same with hand eczema - cream attracts dust, packs it into my gloves, life is messy! But gotta go wash it off all the time to get rid of chance of infecting self when "picking" or scratching.

I need some sane "happy medium" way to live! I will hang on every word of your replies!!

Folliculitis is inflammation of a follicle or follicules, probably caused by a staph infection, hence the advice to use antibacterial soap. The dry skin is probably a result of the folliculitis and use of the antibacterial soap, not the other way around. I'd look for a soap which is both antibacterial AND moisturizing, make sure I then rinsed thoroughly plus dried my skin thoroughly, as bacteria thrive in moist environments. I'd then put a thin coating of an antibiotic ointment over the area.

Using soapless soap like Oilatum, and following up with tons of emollients is good advice; would avoid the problem of water encouraging bacterial growth, but I'd still put the thin coating of antibiotic over the area afterwards.

I like using a product called "Complex 15", it's not greasy, and attracts ambient moisture to the skin...I find it's the only thing that helps when my eczema goes into the thick, dry, crusty stage.

I also swear by Cetaphil's waterless soap...again, it moisturizes without being greasy.

Cheri, I have had eczema for 29 years. Probably my worst years were up until age 13 or 14 when I found a wonderful dermatologist. 

I used to take tons of steroids which she stopped and as awful as this sounds, she would inject cortisone directly into my open sores all over my body. It was not pleasant but worked. She also prescribed Lidex E cream. Again bingo. It takes the itchiness away and the redness also. I am fairly eczema free (accept for all my nice depigmented scars I have.) 

I am a nurse now and I have eczema still on my hands from constant washing and wearing gloves. You had mentioned gloves in you letter, Winter of latex gloves? If latex make sure you get powder free. It will be murder for you hands if you put dry powder on already extremely dry skin. I also found that St. Ives collagen hand cream works best to keep moist. 

An antibacterial usually is an antibiotic of some sort. For instance Penicillin is an antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection or Neosporin ointment has I think 2 antibiotic in it to try and help prevent or treat an infected wound. 

There are some antiviral medications but one must be able to distingish the virus. Usually viruses run a course and you get better without precribed medication.. For instance the common cold/flu is a virus. An antiseptic does help to kill germs and prevent from getting an infection. Sepsis is an infection in your bloodstream. 

I hope I answered some questions. My advise is find a good dermatologist and follow his advice for you folliculitis. Winter time always seems worse for me.

Wish you could come over and feel EJ's silky skin. First time in so many months! I haven't given enough consideration in the past to how lovely healthy skin feels until now. The protocol has worked wonderfully well. For us that means:

1. One large part providence.
2. A little more self-control for Mommy's diet (who is nursing).
3. A little less nursing and more baby food (fewer opportunities to be bothered by Mom's diet). [Note: Ethan is now 14 months, so I have this option when others may not!]
4. Lac-Hydrin on all the evident skin eruptions and flaky patches at every diaper change.

His bad leg outbreaks are almost totally resolved. We are to the fading spots stage, now.

Very big grins from us all. Hope you have an equally lovely week.

I have also experienced horrible flare ups after drinking even a sip of red wine. Too bad! white wine doesn't have the same effect, although any alcoholic beverage causes some degree of irritation. 

Cheri, I don't have any experience with acne. I always thought it was a result of oily skin. So how can someone with eczema (dry skin) also have acne (oily skin)? Excuse my ignorance. 

For some inexplicable reason, I also have eczema and acne; that is, I have dry itchy spots on my back, interspersed with (yuck) pimply spots. In my particular situation, I think that some emollients tend to clog my pores. I also had a tendency toward acne before I got the eczema on my back.

If my eczema is a defective immune response, rather than plain ol' dry skin, then it might make sense that eczema and pimples could co-exist.

Re: right-left patterns of outbreaks: I had a friend with psoriasis who also had symmetrical flare-ups, as we eczema sufferers often do. He surmised that it had something to do with the nervous system.

I want you all to know that Dr. Yu has warned me repeatedly that red wine, and all alcoholic drinks, are the WORST foods one can ingest if one has eczema. Please do carefully test before gulping down that daily nightcap.

On the subject of red wine - for me it is perhaps one of my most intense allergens. I can barely even look at a bottle! I think (please someone correct me if I am way off track here) that it contains buckets of histamines.

I do not have a bad problem with acne, by any means, but I do have a bit on my face, yet I have eczema. I do not understand how it works, but all I do know is that it happens. I've noticed that zinc oxide seems to help it more when it's on my face, while non "eczema-matics" seem to have little help from it. 

Dunno how it's possible, but it sure does happen -- I've got the same problem. Needless to say, I don't have full-body eczema. My face, upper chest and back are where the acne flares up; the eczema tends to limit itself to below my breasts, around my hips and down thru the crotch area (all pretty much places where you don't dare scratch where it itches if you're in public!). Luckily the soap I've been using (Dove for sensitive skin) seems to work well on both areas, and I use the Eucerin only on the eczematic areas.

I guess it all comes down to having overactive sebaceous glands (the oil producing ones) on my face and upper body, and underactive ones everywhere else. I've had the acne since I was in my early teens; the eczema came on when I was 31...

I don't have acne. I was diagnosed with "adult onset acne" though, when the rosacea began worsening and I was picking it trying to figure out how to get rid of it, and using acne medicine that burned me to bits. I just thought that type of group discussion might lead me to another and another - - the search goes on. Lots of people think it's acne-looking when it gets really bad. Mine really just looks like a MEAN BLUSH!

Can you get the tree tea oil at a health food store? My daughter has acne and it might help. 

Tea tree oil is definitely available at health food stores, and there are also special formulations of it to help with acne. 

I too have both acne and eczema. For the most part, the acne is limited to my face and upper chest while the eczema is on my back, arms, hips and legs. I tend to agree that some creams/lotions block my pores and cause acne since there are occasions where I have acne on my arms right next to spots of eczema.

What kind of liquid antiseptic do you use? Also, ever heard of Bag Balm (for cow udders)? I remember seeing that it has antiseptic in it. Haven't tried it yet (because I thought it would interfere with the homeopathic remedy), but I've heard some good reports. 

I was at the drugstore looking for oatmeal soap and happened to look at Oilatum because someone recently mentioned it. It has peanut oil in it! Are any of the people who use Oilatum allergic to eating peanuts? I'm deadly allergic to peanuts and stay away from ingesting peanut oil too. I'm wondering whether using it on the skin is not a problem.

While I was looking for new soap, I checked out the moisturizing lotions. I was amazed at how many different products there were! Five shelves of them, and I'm not talking about the typical commercial stuff "normal" people use, I'm talking serious dermatological treatment strength. Companies must have recently realized we're out here desperate for new products because there is definitely an increase in the amount of what's available. I'm going to bring in the list of ingredients from Shepard's Lotion and see if there are any cheaper ones similar enough for me to use.

One thing that I noticed is that there were no small sizes. I'm considering contacting the companies who make all these products and seeing if I can get them to make sample sizes. I would try a tiny size of every one of them if I could buy such a thing. Maybe if I tell them there's hundreds of us who would buy a "sample pack" they'll be interested.... 

Shelley, I used Oilateum (spelling) without any problem years ago. As I understand it, peanut oil has none of the protein in it that causes the allergic reaction. I too am real allergic to peanuts, but I survived many meals in Chinese restaurants where peanut oil is used heavily. My allergist suggested I use Crisco as a moisturizer. I told her I was afraid to as it contains soybean oil and I am allergic to soybeans. She told me not to worry: oil and nut/bean are two separate things. But I still avoid nut oils on general principles. 

BTW, How are you doing now? I hope the prednisone cleared you completely and that you stay that way for a long time. 

My son has been real bad since mid November, this week is the first nice skin week we have had. I hate how his eczema comes and goes and I can't follow it backward to a point, however 2 people recently have told me about themselves having skin problems after tomatoes or oranges (acidy food). 

Does anybody have a comment on this? We are now (he is 2.5 years) not eating corn, eggs, oranges, or tomatoes. I have tried the non dairy route but he was at his best ever in the fall and his diet was full of dairy at that time. I really I think the "leaky gut" route is worth following.

I also have acne and eczema. The skin on my face has become oilier as I've gotten older (I'm 38). Something that's helped my acne tremendously is "healthy skin" lotion by Neutrogena. It's got some kind of AHA and vitamins, and you can use a moisturizer on top of it if necessary.

These days the eczema is mostly confined to the hands and occasionally the thighs. Something that's recently helped keep my skin in good shape is jojoba oil, which is available in health food stores. I massage it in when I step out of the shower while I'm wet.

There are several brands of tea tree oil. They come in tiny little expensive bottles -- but they last forever. Get Q-tips and only dip clean ones into the bottle. It stinks and stings for a bit.

I'm sorry to report that I had a suddent violent attack Tuesday night. Geesh, I had forgotten already how much a person can itch. This list is a comfort at a time like that. What a phenomenon!

So at my last message I had quit using zinc oxide ... gone cold turkey on my son's advice (usually as good as any). My hands were dry and a bit red but not itchy at all until Tuesday night.

Now then, after bragging to you folks about how I never used any kind of salve on my skin, I remembered that once in a while I'd put on some lanolin. And that I did that for a while when this rash came on.

So I tried it again. That's what triggered it. It could be the lanolin or it could be that the lanolin is very old. 

It's calmed down a bit now but I can't work. But I did go folk dancing. It's not oozing. And my spirits are high.

I swear by Bag Balm, but that said, I'd also add that it's probably not something everyone would like or even find helpful... My brand consists of an inactive base of petrolatum lanolin, with the active ingredient being 0.3% of something called 8-hydroxy-quinoline-sulfate, which is the antiseptic.

It is VERY sticky... well, they want it to stay on those udders when the cows are out in the field... so I tend to only use it at night, on my hands, with cotton gloves over them so the Bag Balm doesn't wipe off on the bedclothes. I also put a thin coating on the eczematic patches I have on my eyelids... it's so sticky, it doesn't 'melt' into my eyes like some other creams/ointments do.

It's very economical...a 10-ounce can runs for about $6 in my area, it's probably cheaper elsewhere, and my current can I bought over 3 years ago and I still have about 1/3 of a can left...a little of the stuff goes a LONG way! ;-)

Here's the blurbs printed on the sides of the can:

BAG BALM. For chapped teats, superficial scratches, abrasions, windburn and sunburn. After each milking, apply the BAG BALM thoroughly and allow a coating to remain on the surface...This antiseptic protective ointment helps to keep superficial tissue soft. CAUTION: In case of deep or puncture wounds or if rash or irritation develops, discontinue use and consult veterinarian. Keep out of reach of children. VETERINARY USE ONLY.

Antiseptic. Inhibits bacterial growth with which it comes in contact.

BAG BALM. Massage thoroughly and allow ointment to remain for full antiseptic and softening effect on udder. Active ingredients: 8-HYDROXY-QUINOLINE-SULFATE 0.3% in a PETROLATUM LANOLIN base.

Dairy Association Co. Inc., Lyndonville, VT 05851

I found the can I currently have for sale in a pharmacy, where they were selling products for nursing mothers to use on their breasts to soften the nipples. I've also seen it for sale in pharmacies along with other products designed for chapped skin. So it seems pharmacists don't have a problem with it being labeled "for veterinary use only"....

Dear Kim, Both Debbie and I have infants with total body eczema coverage. I was lucky with my son, at 5 months I went to a gastroenterologist who diagnosed his problem as inflamed gut. This was a birth defect. He will grow out of the worst part by age 2. He is on a very limited diet. 

Debbie is waiting for her first appointment with the gastroenterologist so she will have more to report soon. Leaky gut is the case for us but as you see on this list very few have exactly the same solutions to solve their eczema. A limited diet means Allimentum formula, gerber pears, apples, squash and a few other items. I am testing new foods every week to expand his diet. 

We Are Not Alone!

There is a newsgroup on skin disorders. Their Archives are at

http://www.pinch.com/skin/fetch?newsgroup=alt.support.skin-diseases

but it's a lot of clicking to get at the individual postings.

Liquid antiseptics can be found on supermarket shelves. Sometimes with medical products but often with disinfectants and floor cleaners. (But they are for medical use.) Brand names in the UK include Dettol and Savlon.

The active ingredients vary. A couple are Benzalkonium Chloride and Terpineol. I believe Benzalkonium Chloride is known to be effective against staph. aureus (the usual bacterium which people with eczema may have a lot of.)

I'm *much* better again. I think the homeopathic remedy is still going strong and it must have been the lanolin (or old lanolin) that caused the flare-up.

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.