April 1997 Eczema Mailing List Archive

Unfortunately I cannot get acces to this site but am I correct in assuming that this statement is refering to *allergies* and not sensitivities?

The reason I am being so pedantic about this is that there is a huge difference between the two. A true allergy is a rare thing indeed - for example I have an allergy to walnuts which causes an anaphylactic fit (can't breathe and immediate medical attention is needed) but am sensitive to some foods. I have rarely met anyone with true allergies to things but have met many with food sensitivities (not just eczema people).

Allergy testing is often discussed on this list and I think (remembering from a lecture I attended on food sensitivities a couple of years ago) that sensitivities don't show up through allergy testing. I have been tested for allergies ad nauseum and the results of the tests show what I am *allergic* to but never shows the stuff that I know makes my skin worse.

Ted- You wrote a little while back re: your baby's eczema. We're having the same problem with our son. He was 100% breastfed and I eliminated dairy, eggs, chocolate, nuts, tomatoes, etc... from my diet and he still remained red all over. I spoke to his pediatrician about my diet and she told me that breastmilk still has a milk protein and that could be causing the eczema.

It's very frustrating because neither my husband nor I have any allergies, asthma, etc... My mother did inform me, however, that when I was an infant I was started on a milk based formula and I did develop a "red, scaly rash". I was switched to soy and have had no problems since then. I'm so desperate to clear up my son that I'm now starting to wean him to a soy formula. I really believe this will help because all the conventional methods haven't done any good. We've done everything: switched soaps, lotions, etc... We even recently spent a week where it is sunny all the time and it didn't work. The only thing that helps is hydrocortisone and I don't like using that long term. If switching to soy helps I'll let you know!

Lynn: My heart goes out to you after hearing your story. I'm so glad that you found us, your peers in the eczema community, because we are the only ones who can truly understand your experience. I know exactly what you mean about the sheer joy of feeling "normal" after being in agony. I was hooked on prednisone for about a year, maintaining on 2 mg/1 mg alternating daily doses, until I was finally able to wean myself off.

Until I got off it, I was sure that life without it would be hell again, but I've been fortunate in being able to be somewhat OK most of the time. Not as great as on prednisone, but I've figured out a bare minimum that's acceptable and when it gets worse than that I use prednisone for a minimal amount of time and get off as soon as possible. Good luck in managing your adrenals. It won't be easy but we're here to listen and support you along the way!

When my baby was 8 months old we put him on soy milk which did not improve his eczema although it did improve his bowel movement which lead to less diaper rash. As you know everyone says breastfeeding is best so that is a judgment call. You have to do what you feel will help.We have learned most things are temporary relief. Does anyone know of a permanent relief???? I would also try enriched rice milk if soy does not work.

I would like to address the notion that certain foods cause eczema in only 10% of cases. This statement is probably true but the key word is "cause". I don't believe for a minute that drinking a glass of milk caused my eczema. My mother, aunt, uncle, two daughters, a son and myself all know that our eczema is deeply rooted in our genetic makeup and more than likely not avoidable. But, what is avoidable is the things we do to ourselves to make our lives worse.

I'm in a group of 48 people locally that share this condition and we all know that what we eat and do affects our eczema. I've also observed the same responses on this list. When Dr. Bob posted the opinion that we should "avoid all milk products that are uncooked", I wholeheartedly agreed. Myself and my family have been doing this for many years with great sucess.

When Christine questioned his wisdom with a quote from the American Academy of Dermatology, she misquoted the AAD. She asked, "What then happens to the statistic that food aggravates eczema in only 10% of cases? How does this statistic correlate with your thoughts?" The question posed to the AAD asked "Since this condition is associated with allergies, can certain foods be the cause?" Their answer was, "Yes, but only rarely (perhaps 10%)." They are saying that only 10% of the time food CAUSES eczema. I personally believe it's probably less of the time. I also believe that food AGGRAVATES our eczema probably 100% of the time.

In my family's case, dairy foods are the #1 cause of aggravation. I don't think Christine meant to twist the meaning of the AAD's response. I just feel it is very important to convey that at the present time, all we can do is treat the symptoms of eczema and wait for the cure. What we do to and put in our bodies is of the extreme importance and I think 100% of the time it makes all the difference to our livelihood.

Here's a new one. I was talking with a friend today (who also has eczema) and he commented that he never saw me without sunglasses, I must be sensitive to light. He then told me light also bothered him, and had ever since he'd had eczema. I'd never thought about it, but he's right. I'm wondering if there's a connection. Does anyone else find this to be the case?

Hmmm... yes. I'm light sensitive *and* have had eczema for as long as I can remember. Weird...

This sounds like the 'Eczema sufferers don't gag' rumor.

Here are a few extremely interesting articles on eczema and pityrosporum ovale.

Croatian Medical Journal:
http://www.hsp.de/pabst/cmj/1995-2/art3-4.html

Bandolier:
http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/Bandolier/band7/b7-3.html

American Academy of Family Physicians:
http://www.aafp.org/patientinfo/dermatit.html

Keio Journal of Medicine, Tokyo:
http://204.156.149.237/skin/docs/medline/p-ovale2.txt

RxList - The Internet Drug Index:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/ketocon.htm

MedicineNet:
http://www.medicinenet.com/MAINMENU/pharmacy/ARTICLE/KETOCO.htm

Med Access:
http://www.medaccess.com/consumer_rep/hc0018.htm

Yesterday Brian had his allergy tests and found out he can't have cow's milk, eggs, wheat, pork, or beef. So MILK is the culprit for my son, too. The allergist wanted me to try soy formula, but that made Brian vomit horribly last night (and that was mixed half with reg. formula). So now they told me to try Alimentum or Nutramagen (spelling??). I've seen the Alimentum and know it's very expensive. I also noticed that Enfamil has something called Lacto-free and wondered if anyone ever used it.

I remembered reading about rice milk in previous posts so I mentioned it to the allergist and, believe it or not, he had never heard of it!!! He said to just stick to the formulas they know that are nutritionally balanced. Doctors can be so frustrating sometimes. I don't know if rice milk would be any better for him, but I just thought it might be an alternative. I thought I might call his pediatrician to see what she recommends.

So the search for a formula Brian can tolerate is on -- oh what fun! But at least now we know his allergies (and can avoid them) and can hopefully help his eczema. Also, do any of you moms grind food for your children rather than buying the prepared baby food. I noticed that even corn has egg yolk and milk in it, as well as any of the yummy baby food desserts (but he won't even miss it since he's never had it!).

My 11 1/2 month old was on Allimentus since he was 7 1/2 month, his face eczema got much better, I say from 90% to 10%, in just 2 days, now he is almost eczema free if I just give him the food which I successfully tried. He was allergic to egg, milk, soy, nut when he had his allergic test done 3 months ago. But I don't think he is really allergic to those food, just those food aggravate his eczema.

My experience is starting from Allimentus and Rice cereal, try one kind of food at one time, very small amount first, gradually add the amount if there is no problem, because I do find for some kind of food, he can tolerate small amount, but not big one. It is a very time consuming process, but it worth that. Currently I don't need any cortisone on his face, his legs get much better by using over the counter 0.5% Cortide once everyday for the first week, once every two day on the next, eventually stop using that.

By the way, I don't think the Neutromagen is the same as Allimentum for my son, I tried on him, but never got success.

We found that our son vomited with some "lactose free" forumulas and not others. Our soy formula of choice was Isomil... expensive but not as expensive as Allimentum. I called Carnation because even their soy formula caused our son problems and they said that there was no lactose of any kind but it still created problems so we just went with Isomil with good success.

Christine, What I think (for whatever it's worth) is that whether it's the cause or effect doesn't necessarily matter when you're trying to cope with eczema. There are foods that aggravate my eczema plus I have several other true allergies- I can't touch a dog or cat without having a severe allergic reaction. I don't think that any of the things I'm allergic to are the cause of the eczema but they definitely affect it so I try to avoid those things so I don't flare up. It's not that I think that by avoiding these things I will be "cured" but if I don't avoid them my skin will get worse.

Trying to find a "cure" for eczema is too frustrating to deal with right now so I just try to deal with it as best I can by avoiding the things that provoke it and doing the things that I think will help it. This list has been a tremendous help to me. The support, insight, knowledge and personal experiences from this list helps so much. What a great group of people with the common bond of a skin affliction... I think we are probably all better, stronger more caring people from it though. What's interesting is that the research on eczema (the little of it that's out there), when presented to this list, is really put to the test. We are a diverse group of people who have experienced eczema in many of its forms. More doctors or researchers should get in on this, they may learn a thing or two.

My doctor said rice milk was fine as long as he's on solid foods, but after three months he was not gaining enough weight so I had to go back to soy formula.The eczema was such a problem I had a hard time getting him to eat foods, which might not be a problem for you.Would you please let me know what your doctor says because mine did't seem to have a clue. Also Westsoy makes a soy milk that is enriched with vitamins and is 2% fat instead of 1%, and it's premade.

My earlier posting talked about the drug Ketoconazole as being effective in the treatment of pityrosporum ovale; here's an article that connects it to high cortisol levels.

Doctor's Guide:
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/9ac6.htm

Carnation Soy is what I tried to give baby Brian last night since he was previously on Carnation Good Start. I thought it would be gentler on his stomach, but obviously not. I think I'll try to Isomil before giving up and going to Allimentum. Although Allimentum might be worth a try since Jessica had such good results for her child. The rice milk is always another option since he eats well now and is gaining weight just fine. Hmm, lots to consider and try. I feel like I'm putting my child through the wringer trying all these different things. I felt so guilty/terrible giving him formula that made him so sickly.

Something that I wanted to add to this was that Eczema is considered part of the "Atopic Disease Triangle" which is Eczema, Allergies and Asthma. They are not "caused" by each other but if you have one, you have a higher propensity for the others. In my families genetic history, childhood eczema has been followed by asthma so I am watching my son closely. It doesn't mean the eczema caused the allergy or asthma, there is just a higher likelyhood that he will "inherit" it as well. And to reinforce the statement below (according to my son's dermatologist and pediatric allergist) allergies don't cause eczema but they can aggravate it just like any physical stress (e.g.: teething, colds, etc.)

Something that my son's dermatologist said that helped us immensely was that we needed to focus more on what made my son comfortable and not what "caused" the eczema because he said eczema has an ugly life all its own. This is not to say that we don't pay attention to patterns but we were spending so much time trying to figure out what we were doing wrong that we were stressing ourselves out to the point that we were going to need medical attention pretty soon too. I remember one night that our son was having a bad eczema flare-up and we were worried sick that we had been outside too long the previous evening... now we work at avoiding irritants but we try to keep on living as normally as possible. Not that we don't still get very frustrated but we have ourselves a little more under control which helps us to help our son.

We are doing ok, still not a whole lot of sleep though. Daniel went to the Dr. last Friday for a well child exam and shots. The Dr. didn't seem concerned with Daniel's size, but I sure am. He is 17 mos old and still 23 lbs, 30 in tall. Quite a bit smaller than my other son was at this age. I really feel its because his diet is so limited. All the rice products... Most of his food is fat free or low fat, and little ones need fat. That would also be my concern for your son with his formula. Rice milk says right on the label--not to replace infant formula--.So definitely talk to your pediatrician.

Hopefully, now that you know Brian's allergies, omitting these foods will help clear him up! Daniel is a lot better than he was as a little, little guy, but not totally clear. His hands are really red (he chews them) and face is still really dry and red, but not oozing like when he was little.

I was wondering if anyone has tried treating their eczema by washing with Head & Shoulders (containing zinc pyrithione)?

I never used to care about the kind of shampoo I used; but, then, my scalp started to feel like it was burning whenever I washed my hair. Perhaps I developed a chemical sensitivity.

I began to wash less frequently, and even went so far as to use Aquanil cleanser instead of shampoos. The burning seemed to subside, but after a month or so I noticed itching and some scaling. I bought some T-Gel shampoo by Neutrogena, but that burned my scalp and was really destroying my hair. In the meantime, my scalp was so itchy and I was losing my hair (probably from scratching so much).

I went to the health food store and bought Jason Natural Jojoba Shampoo (no lauryl/laureth sulfates) and Jason Natural Jojoba Conditioner. Both said on the label that they soothe and correct dry, itchy scalp, excessive dry hair and the look of dandruff. Remember my posting on jojoba oil? See: http://www.ultranet.com/%7Eadamo/CA_Gold/news.htm. I really like them, but I still had the problem. My scalp also was beginning to feel bumpy instead of smooth.

I tried Selenium Natural Blue Shampoo by Aubrey Organics (I got it from a health food store), but it burned my skin.

So, that's why I posted yesterday's findings about the pityrosporum ovale as it relates to seborrheic dermatitis. I got a prescription for Nizoral (ketoconazole) 2% shampoo and used it just last night. It didn't burn my scalp. With just one treatment, the scaling is markedly reduced, the scalp is not red with inflammation, and the bumpy feeling is going down. Looks like pitryrosporum has met its doom.

Here's a final note: For a couple of years I was complaining to my doctor and dermatologist about a bad odor under my arms. Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, anti-bacterial soaps & deodorants wouldn't remove the smell. Doctors always gave me a funny blank stare when I asked them for advice, but I never got an answer as to why I had the problem, until now. I didn't want to just throw away the bottle of Selenium Shampoo, so I started to use it under my arms. I immediately notice the stupid idiot smell went away. I don't even have to use deodorant anymore. Selenium kills fungus spores. The problem must have been due to a fungus. I also used the Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo, and now my armpits smell so delightful. Hope you have a "scents" of humor. 

Head & Shoulders doesn't make a noticable difference to the eczema on my scalp. The eczema on my scalp is still a problem. I have also tried Nizoral shampoo and it didn't seem to work. I still have 3/4 of the bottle left so maybe I'll try that again.

I don't have Daniel's mattress encased because he is still in a crib, I thought having a vinyl mattress might be ok. He also does't have a pillow yet. I wash all his clothes and bedding in a Free and Clear type detergent- I think its Wisk. Also use Bounce free. Since I have changed to all these, it does't seem to matter though. Also, he winds up in bed with my husband and I, so some of this I think is just wanting to be with us, we get tired of fighting it. But, our bedding is not encased or washed in the good detergents.

He does take an antihistimine every night. 3/4 tsp.

The air ionizer is something to think about... we used to use a cool air humidifier, but was told it probably wasn't needed because our house stays kinda damp anyway... windows fog after showers, lots of quick growing mold in the bathroom...We probably need better ventilation.

He has had a really hard time since last Friday's shots. He got the MMR, which is egg based--his second severest allergy. He has been scratching all day now, too.But, we have another appt tomorrow..

And we thought eczema was bad enough of itself. Now there's a big article in today's paper that reports on a new study finding that inflammation is the major cause of heart attacks, even bigger than cholesterol and high blood pressure. They suggested that pharmaceutical companies developing drugs to prevent heart attacks should focus on compounds that block inflammation. (Maybe all that prednisone I'd been taking was actually good for my heart?!!) According to the article, the inflammation associated with heart attacks is caused by "overactive immune system cells lodged in blood vessel walls".

The question for us is: is inflammation of the blood vessel walls likely to be higher in people who have inflammation of the skin? That is, is it a general inflammatory process in the body, or just specific to different sites? The test they used in this study to determine the amount of inflammation measured something called C-reactive protein in the blood. I wonder if that would be elevated when we are having bad inflammatory eczema. Also, if it IS related to our skin inflammation, I wonder if we would be always at high risk just by having eczema, or if we would be at high risk only on days our skin was bad. (I've heard of bad hair days, even bad skin days... but now we might have bad risk-for-heart-attack days too). The original study appears in the current New England Journal of Medicine; I will try to read it; in the meantime, if any of you has seen it, please report!

I talked with this very nice lady over the phone. She told me that her husband has suffered from eczema over 17 years and finally found something that really works for him: Lac-Hydrin Five lotion. She highly recommended to my 3 1/2 year old daughter.

I went and bought it last night and applied to her skin. She told me it was burning her skin a lot and I got really scared. The stinging stopped after few moments and she went to sleep until this morning ( first time after so many days without sleep). Her skin looks like it is about to be shed and kind of leatherly. She is not scratching as usual and good mood is evident. I called the lady back and told her. She told me it supposed to do that at the beginning. Skin needs to get used to it. She told me the magic of it is using the lotion for 21 days twice a day and I will see the difference. Lac-Hydrin Five is made by Westwood-Squib and cost $6.99 for a very small bottle. We will see how it goes. If anybody has experience with it, please let me know.

Hi Tina, Good advice about the rice milk -- I'll keep it in mind if we ever try it. But I think we may have found a soy formula that will work for him (Isomil). He had two bottles last night of half soy and half Good Start (milk-based formula) and seemed fine. So today I'll try adding more soy to the mixture. The poor little boy is fighting a BAD cold (very congested) which he didn't have until Tuesday evening (the same day of his allergy tests). Hmmm, I wonder if he picked up germs at the dr's office? ....oh the risks we take sometimes.

I wonder what you can do to help Daniel with his low weight problem. Hopefully others on the list will be able to give you some suggestions and possibly the doctor you're going to see on Friday. In any case, I wish you success with Daniel's weight and eczema. Brian is now 17-1/2 lbs. at 8 mos. but has always been about 25% for his weight and 50% for height. The one good thing is that he has steadily gained weight. He has chubby cheeks now -- the allergist said on Tuesday, "Looks like he's eating good."

You mentioned Daniel's hands and face still being red even when avoiding allergenic foods. Brian's hands are also red from chewing on them and a little cracked again. His face is still clear since the prednisone last week. I know I can't expect miracles, but am hoping that with eliminating the milk products it will keep his skin clear (or at least much better than before) -- crossing my fingers and saying a prayer (one for you and Daniel, too)!

Be careful that the vinyl doesn't trap moisture too much and make him sweat a lot.

My derm gave me a prescription for LacHydrin a year or so ago; I still use it off and on. Contents of mine are: ammonium lactate equivalent to 12%, lactic acid, light mineral oil, glycerl stereate, PEG-100 stereate, propylene glycol, polyoxl 40 stereate, glycerin, magnesium aluminum silicate, laureth-4, cetyl alcohol, methylcellulose, fragrance, methyl and propyl parabens, water.

When the skin on my hands is cracked & open, it hurts *a lot*, probably from the alcohol. But it is painful enough in those circumstances that I prefer not to use it. It's kinda greasy, another strike against it, and the pamphlet lists eczema, dryness, and hyperpigmentation as potential adverse reactions in rare (1 in 60 patients) cases.

Frankly, it really hasn't improved my condition much. When I slather on it constantly my eczema gets a little better, but it's not worth it most of the time.

Tina: I know that in the past, someone, maybe it was you, talked about their house being moldy, so excuse me for bringing this up again if it was mentioned before, but mold aggravates or triggers eczema in many people. Part of your child's problem may be due to your house's tendency to be damp. If you own your home, you might consider having a contractor give you some advice on eliminating that problem.

I was just going to say that I might try washing my skin with Head and Shoulders. And hearing that Christine got results from washing with selenium shampoo makes me consider that too.

You can order Theraplex directly from the company: Medics Dermatologics 1-800-845-1313. FYI, I like the emollient & the clear lotion but the hydra lotion doesn't seem to do anything for my eczema.

My daughter has been diagnosed with eczema the only symptoms she has right now is redness on her cheeks, forehead and the ears. When I take her out the sun bothers her.

The question I have is it since she is only 3 months old is the sun too strong for her or is it part of eczema? Should I start protecting her from the sun?

I know that I've written this before, but I just wanted to add that I had a rather negative experience with selenium sulfide body wash and shampoo, and have found that Neutrogena (and "store brand") tar shampoo works well for me. I'm still a little flaky (my scalp, I mean!), but the tar shampoo doesn't make my eczema burn. Funny how different our reactions are.

I was fascinated by the "cortisol connection", particularly because I was diagnosed with major depression that had developed at the same time as my worst-ever eczema flare-up. I was also interested in the ketoconazole treatment/fungus problem, because I had a ringworm (not a worm, actually a round fungus condition) infection years ago, and mistook it for eczema for a long time until I got it treated. I feel that there really must be a connection between all these things, but I'm stymied by HMOs and Western medicine, which insists that I see a derm. for the skin problems, a shrink for the head problems, a nurse for the dandruff, etc. I wish there were more doctors listening to our conversations here!

Daniel's mattress--he could very well be sweating due to the vinyl, sometimes we put down a fresh blanket for him to lay on. Also, what I know for sure bothers him--when his water bottle leaks and his bed gets soaked! It happens when he sleeps with me sometimes! Wish we could get rid of that thing!

The mold is mostly in our bathroom, we have to use bleach or X-14 a lot to keep up with it. But our livingroom windows fog up real bad when we shower or boil water in the kitchen. We probably should look into some sort of ventilation and an ionizer.

I have two girls with eczema. My oldest one is 3 1/2 and became allergic like your son to those foods. I give her a lot of rice products including the rice milk. Believe me she likes it very much and at least it is fortified with calcium. I supplement with vitamins and minerals. Cream of rice or rice puffed in the morning with rice milk mmm!!! Rice cakes with jelly are one of her favorites for snacks.

The baby is 1 1/2 and she is allergic to airborne allergens only. No food allergies were found. Her allergist could not understand why. Blessed I guess. She also was on rice milk when she turned 10 months and now is on regular cow's milk after all this time. The allergist told me to try it because she did not come reactive to it and luckly she did tolerate it. Recently my oldest one (her eczema has been terrible) started sleeping all night. Her diet is still strict and with avoidance although she has cheated couple of times with the cookies on the pantry. She is on Tavist syr. and some chinese herbal tea that a chinese medicine practitioner prescribed for her. She has been taking this tea for about a month. I keep praying for my girls and all the little guys out there.

Patsy, I am bothered by the light when my eczema is bad. I associated this with not wanting to be seen, rather than sensitivity to light.

But, interestingly, I do not need much light to read or work. My wife makes fun of me saying that I like to read in the dark. At work, I like to use only the light coming from the window, and rarely turn on the overhead fluorecent lights. My co-workers also make fun of me for it, and usually turn on the lights when they come in because they cant see.

I typically do not feel sorry for people because they don't have eczema. However, I understand your emotion. I think that my appreciation for feeling "normal" is greatly enhanced because I know what it is like to be miserable with the eczema. Good luck. I hope that your bouts of "normal" far exceed your bouts with the eczema. You'll know you've made it when the joy of feeling normal starts to dissipate, although you should try not to forget.

I have had El off milk for a full 2 weeks now and I can really see an improvement. He is not sleeping the night, he comes to sleep with us about 2:00 a.m. but like Tina indicated this is more due to habit than itching right now. I did try powered goats milk for two days last week and he was back in the itchy red place within six hours. Now he as vetoed rice milk and the soy stuff so I have decided to just go without "milk" for another week then get hold of a dietian to see what can be substituted. I am really excited but trying not to overdo it because as we all know it may be back tomorrow and not have been related to the change in milk at all. Just to remind Tina, push the doctors, they don't know as much as the act a lot of time. I ask about rice milk and flax seed oil once and the Ped acted like I was off my rocker.

I've been subscribing to this list for a month or so now, but I haven't seen anyone mention a problem I have: weirdly wavy, buckled nails. When my left thumbnail started getting wavy about a year ago, I thought it was a fungal infection. I filed the surface of the nail to try to make it look normal, but the nail got so thin that it ended up coming off, and I've had an ugly nail ever since. My dermatologist started me on a 3-month course of Lamisil (terbinafine) pills for the fungal nail, but it hasn't had any effect. In that time, several more of my nails have begun buckling. I've since learned (from a website I can't recall) that this condition often accompanies eczema. Has anyone else experienced and been able to deal with this purely esthetic problem? I'm worried that if I go to a manicurist, she'll just file the nails down and they'll *all* come off.

I am finding the topic of light sensitivity to be quite interesting. I have always been very sensitive to sudden changes in light, and I often prefer to be in near darkness. I have no difficulty navigating in the dark, so I frequently keeps the lights in my home low. I enjoy indirect sunlight, but glare makes my eyes hurt. I find my moods are very affected by light. I really notice that here where there is very little sunlight during the winter. I get quite depressed during that time. I wonder why that is? Anyone else have any light stories?

Hi Pat I was interested to read in your posting on Thursday that you have a 3 1/2 yr old with whom you have tried Chinese herbal remedies. Can I bother you for a bit more info? Are you having any success with this? Did you have any doubts about trying this (you never know if the scare stories are just that or if there's something in it)? Our 2 1/2 yr old son has been diagnosed dairy allergy & dust mites - keeping off cow's stuff has done some good but not as much as we'd like. He's had homeopathic remedies which have had some good results, but I had heard that the Chinese herbal remedies in some cases have had more lasting results. Your experience on this would be appreciated; or anyone else's who have tried Chinese herbs.

Also, earlier this week, I read from someone, that they were having problems with a sicky toddler. Both my sons have been fairly sicky with cow's milk, but not with soya milk - I literally buy the cartons off the supermarket shelf - after I finished breast feeding neither of them were interested in formula milk - soya or otherwise. Although this is perhaps not so nutritiently sound as formula milk, supplimented with a good diet, they are both healthy, fit lads (apart from eczema of course!) and they drink so much more of it then they otherwise would!

I also keep lights in my house low, and always have. If we are sensitive enough to something to burden us with eczema, it's hardly a huge leap to add a sensitivity to light.

Remember the American Academy of Dermatology's ("AAD") web page at http://www.aad.org/publicfrm.html saying that eliminating foods rarely will bring about lasting improvement or a cure? Here's a different view:

Better Health, USA, Inc.
http://www.betterhealthusa.com/igg.htm

"Eczema is a chronic itchy skin disease ... it is an allergic disease and the first step is to try identify allergenic foods." Dr. Robert Giller, M.D., author of "Natural Prescription." And: "food sensitivities are usually just temporary. They typically disappear when you eliminate the reactive food for 60 to 90 days." AAD, on other hand, said "If all else fails, foods such as cow's milk, soy, eggs, fish, wheat, peanuts and other foods that are suggested by your dermatologist can be avoided at least for one to two weeks on a trial basis."

Sites on eczema and food allergy (use Edit/Find to search for eczema).

http://www.njc.org/MSU/10n7MSU_Food_Allergy.html

http://www.nutramed.com/zeno/section3.htm#Skin

http://www.nutramed.com/zeno/gastroint.htm

http://aspin.asu.edu/msnews/aller.htm

http://aspin.asu.edu/msnews/foodall.htm

http://aspin.asu.edu/msnews/jean.htm This one lists what the author has to do to stay well. (Drinks only distilled water, etc.)

Don't give up on rice milk. I bought rice milk about 7 months ago and both my kids rejected it. Then, the other day (after 7 months of dry cereal) my daughter (age 4) climbed up into the cabinet, got the rice milk down and drank a huge glass of it and has been drinking it and having it on cereal ever since! She says she loves her special milk and even served it to her friend who came over the other day! He liked it too. My two year old still won't drink it but I haven't given up! KIDS!!!!

Eczema CAN affect the nails, especially if you have eczema on your fingers... the nail actually starts growing from the nail bed about an eighth of an inch or so underneath and beyond the cuticle...

My nails don't get 'wavy', but instead tend to start growing straight up from the nail bed instead of straight out...it looks like they are lifting off, which in fact they are...

A properly trained manicurist wouldn't 'file off' your nails, but rather very gently buff them to GRADUALLY smooth the ridges and waves...you may not have 'perfect' nails after your first visit, but after a couple of visits, they should be in pretty good shape...

You may also want to consider acrylic nails...the acrylic would fill in the 'waves'...if this is an option you'd be willing to consider, I'd suggest having the nail tech only do one nail (specify a 'French' or 'natural' style, so that the tech will use colored acrylic to mimic natural looking nails)... just doing one nail would minimize any adverse reactions you might have to the acrylic, you wouldn't have all ten fingers affected but just one. Many people are allergic to the acrylic, I'm lucky in that I'm not (but I DO react to a lot of the nail glues -- basically 'Crazy Glues' -- they use to attach artificial nails with).

Instead of acrylic nails, you may want to look into 'gel' nails...the gel is still an acrylic, but less is needed than with traditional acrylic... again, the gel would fill in the 'waves'... and again, I would caution to just have one nail done as a test at first to see if you have any adverse reaction, before going ahead and having the other nine done...

If all else fails, there's the old 'used-teabag-and-nail-polish' standby... but again, you'd be better off seeing a professional manicurist who'd gently minimize the 'waves' first... and if you didn't want to do the teabag routine yourself, discuss 'nail wraps' with the manicurist/nail tech.

A number of illnesses are accompanied by light sensitivity. Migraine is probably the best known you may wish to do a search on Photophobia. As for the Depression it is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder and is very common. There is page explaining it at http://www.mentalhealth.com/book/p40-sad.html I wonder is there is any relationship between lack of sunlight and eczema since eczema is sometimes treated with ultra-violet light.

My eczema started towards the end of 95 or beginning of 96. It's concentrated at regions where my clothes are tight such as socks, waist band of my pants, or cuffs at my wrists. My derm calls it a type of eczema that my PCP (primary care physician) has never heard of. My PCP calls it atopic derm. My eczema is characterized by large red spots on my legs, red itchy bumps that turn into white flaky skin. The skin breaks on my legs very easy, so there are many sores also. I've never been "allergic" or had a sensitivity to anything before.

Hydrocortizone and lanolin make it a lot worse. I've been using Lubriderm Seriously Sensitive lotion with some success for minor itching. I haven't been able to manage the severe itching yet (except for the brief period of time, I has fluid in my lungs and I was on codine cough syrup. I slept thru everything then. :-)) I'm also trying the laundry detergents and soaps listed in the FAQ. My questions are these...

1. Is is true that soaps never completely come out of clothes? If I start using a more "Mild" soap, will the old detergent still irritate my legs? Should I buy all new socks?
2. Someone at work recommended Fluocinonide. Has any one heard of this? What's in it? Does it work?
3. Also, my doctor (derm) put me on Psorcon (diflorasone diacetate) .05%. It works for a few days on the really bad spots, but the skin breaks open easier. It clears up the redness, but doesn't help the itching. Can this be used in combination with something?
4. Finally, my eczema started about 9 months to a year after I moved to a small village with an antiquated water facility. Could the change in water combined with the soap cause my problems? (I've used the detergent and soaps now for several years.) Can anyone recommend on how to get water tested?

My 3-year-old with eczema also has problems with her fingernails, and has been treated for fungus underneath her nails. The dermatologist says the fungus condition goes along with eczema, and he said to continue treating the nails for about a month after the fungus is no longer visible.

Hi Ruthy: To tell you the truth at this point I don't know yet. Frances has multiple food and airborne allergies. She has been taking this Chinese herbal tea now for about 2 months. I took her to the National Institute of Oriental Medicine that we have a block from our house. This was for the first time about a year ago. They started with a tea (by the way really bitter taste) and some small black pellets.

I kept going for about 3 months and it became too expensive for reasons that our health insurance did not cover it. Then I went back after 6 months on and off. Recently I decided to give it a good try and we have gone there for about 2 months now. The original prescription of the tea has been changed to something stronger and more bitter because it was not doing anything to her in terms of the itching. The original small black pellets were increased to five three times a day. The tea was increased to twice a day after breakfast and dinner. So far I have not seen significant changes on her sleep pattern (itching and scratching) nor during the daytime but the surface of her skin has improved greatly.

I am also giving her some other larger pellets that we bought at some local Chinese market. The name is Kai Yeung Pills and the functions are to nourishing the blood, promotes its circulation, removing dampness and dispelling toxins. Her bowel movements are more frequent and likes water more often. The Chinese guru at the market told me that she needs to take at least three of the bottles of these pellets to see any results. She has taken one bottle already.

I asked the Chinese doctor at the Institute about these pellets and he said it was ok for her. Only half the adult dosage. I am just going to give it a try for a while to see what happens. I know that Chinese medicine is slow and you need to give it some time. I am not concerned with the side effects of these pills. I just pray to God it will work. We actually spend around $30-35 a week for this tea.The Chinese pellets cost only $5. I would rather give her this tea than many medications she has been prescribed and haven't done anything for her condition.

I do research and have learned that one must read scientific journals and research reports with care. Especially when seeking "cause and effect" relationships, because such relationships are often difficult to establish. (Often there are just too many variables that contribute to the "picture" and it is nearly impossible to isolate them from one another...this is particularly the case with complex phenomena like eczema)

However, just because A cannot be shown to cause B does not mean that there is not some relationship (correlation) between the two.

I have also learned to carefully distinguish between terms that have very precise meanings to those in a particular field (ie. allergies and food sensitivities)-- and the common meanings these same terms have for the general public. I think these scientific conventions (which are really meant to clarify communication!) are one source of Christine's sense of frustration and confusion.

Recently, Sam wrote: >>Perhaps we can get everyone on the list to answer yes or no to this question... Do any foods/drinks have any adverse effect on you eczema?<<

This question is a good example of the problem in communication. (Don't take offense; I like your idea!) "Any adverse effect" may be taken to mean exactly what? My assumption is that it would refer to a worsening of the condition of the skin, or increased discomfort (or are these the same?). But then Sam says the following:

>>I know that it wouldn't be conclusive (especially because those with babies with eczema would only be able to answer for the foods that they *suspect* might be culprits - often a food may not bring on a full attack but just make the skin feel a little uncomfortable - hard for poor little bubs to articulate) <<

How much discomfort would one need to notice before attributing it to the food? What other factors might be influencing the discomfort? If you're not careful, people who believe that food influences their eczema will report discomfort (and will really experience it!) because of their expectations. Or, those who are desperately seeking some solution may report discomfort (and really experience it!) because this might be the "answer" (this is sort of the opposite of the well-known placebo effect).

Actually, Sam's idea to get some sort of response from all the people on the list is a GOOD one. I just used the question to demonstrate the problems faced by those who do research on these things, and why people doing reading in the area need to be aware of the degree of precision scientists try to reach in communicating their research, and how this very precision can be a source of confusion to those of us less concerned with alpha levels of .05 than with acquiring information we can use to get relief for ourselves and our loved ones.

P.S. My personal opinion is that food is more frequently than not involved in eczema outbreaks. This still cannot be interpreted to mean that food causes eczema. Why I believe the way I do:

Medical opinions are frequently at odds with one another...and with experience. My third daughter had eczema at birth. I removed milk from her diet (meaning I quit taking in cow's milk in any form, and also stopped eating whole grains) and her skin cleared up. Although I was told it was too early to know she had any food sensitivity and that her rash was probably "heat rash", I trusted my instincts. I waited a week and then ate tons of milk. She had eczema again within an hour or two.

(My second daughter had the same rash at birth and we treated it like heat rash, as Dr. suggested. Finally when she was 3 months old Dr. said it must be eczema, and she was weaned onto Isomil. Her skin cleared up but later got worse when she ate anything except lamb, carrots, rice, and bananas) Whereas my younger daughter has beautiful skin with just a few dry spots, her older sister (who had to wait 3 months before being diagnosed) has had nothing but problems with her skin. She is told now that her life-span has likely been shortened by the amount of cortisone and other steroids she has had to take.

Of course it could be that Dr. was right and my third child just had a heat rash that went away for a week and reappeared on the day I tried my "milk experiment" (but I doubt it). It is possible that her eczema wasn't as bad as her sister's. But in both cases food HAS played a role in their skin's appearance and their comfort level.

Sorry this is so long! Also, I hope that my comments don't offend in any way. I just sense the frustration that incongruencies (or at least apparent incongruencies) in the research can cause, and hope that you will be able to find your way through the maze of conflicting evidence and advice to a way of dealing with your eczema in a way that works for you --- :)

Hi everyone, I just wanted to bring up this option again being that summer is on its way! I have been tanning now for about two months and my eczema I would say is gone, not cured but gone! My face has never looked better and it is nice to have a little color in my cheeks! I would recommend that anyone willing, would try low doses of UV for at least a month because the first week I seemed to make the eczema worse! Be careful but hey, you never know!!!:) Eczema free today and loving it!

I also notice huge improvements when I am exposed to sunlight. Last summer I was swimming in an outdoor pool ~3 days/week. (even in the forbidden chlorine!!) and I thought for sure my eczema was gone for good. My skin had never been so clear. But, alas, autumn came and so did my eczema. I have tried tanning beds with reasonable success.....however, I have also developed some odd moles that I had to have checked out (everything checked out fine, but I recommend that anyone considering tanning beds or even sun exposure consider the risks as well as the benefits).

I had thought about using a tanning bed and had brought it up to the group before. I don't remember now who it was, but someone said their doc had said it wasn't a good idea. I know tanning beds are dangerous, but I'm still willing to be microwaved if it will help. Has anyone checked with their derm or family MD on this issue?

Larry wrote: >>I do not need much light to read or work<<

I'm exactly the same way but I never thought it had anything to do with my eczema.

Months ago, my dermatologist recommended PUVA treatments. The oral medicine I was taking made me burn quicker than we thought. So, be careful. I continued to burn quicker than I was supposed to; and, every time it gave me sunburn itch. Sunburn itch on top of eczema itch was too much itch for me. I stopped the treatments.

By the way, vinegar takes "sunburn itch" away better than anything else I tried. Luckily, I love the smell of vinegar. I read a web page where a homeopathic doctor said vinegar helps dandruff. Also, my pediatrician taught me to use a drop of alcohol followed by a drop of vinegar in the ears of my children to prevent swimmer's ear. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which kills the bacteria and fungus. See: http://www.ramseymed.org/entspecialty/swim.htm.

Darcy, I too tanned for several years and my skin looked great. Then as I started to get older, I started worrying about wrinkles. You'll notice them around your laugh lines and eye area. I had to give up the good skin and great tan for the wrinkles. I still go back every so often before a wedding or big event. What a tough one to give up!!

In the past, when my skin has gotten infected, I've used antibiotics plus prednisolone to get my skin back on track. Last week I realized that my skin was again infected because my steroid ointments had been having no effect for two weeks. I got antibiotics alone this time (Dicloxacillin) and my skin has already shown major improvement within 3 days! I'm amazed that I didn't need prednisolone. It was an experiment to see if the antibiotics alone could do the trick, and sure enough that was all I needed. So in the future I may be able to avoid prednisolone most of the time. Hurray!

So those of you who have always used prednisone with antibiotics may consider trying the antibiotics alone. Curing the skin infection may sometimes be enough for the skin to recover...

Tetracycline was one of the first things I tried when I first got eczema and it worked well for me. But when it came back, neither the tetracycline nor erythromycin worked at all, plus I didn't like the side effects of the antibiotics. I don't know why it only worked the one time. Maybe it didn't work because the eczema might not have been infected the other times (I don't remember now). I'm glad it's helped you, let us know if it continues to help.

I need some suggestions here. My eczema is mainly on my feet, and I can control it to an extent whenI can go barefooted so my feet can stay cold. My problem is that I'm not able to do that all the time. And if I take enough antihistimine to knock the edge off the itching, I'm half asleep. It's really difficult to concentrate and to be alert enough to pay attention to what I'm supposed to be doing. And I'm still itching. Short of amputation, does anyone have any suggestions?

I went in for an allergy patch test on Monday, had it read yesterday. For those of you who have never had a patch test, they take a number of little dots (51, in my case) of various substances and stick them on your back. They then cover the whole thing with several layers of surgical tape to keep the dots from moving or falling off. 48 hours later, they peel everything away and see what reacted.

In my case, the biggest reaction was to the surgical tape holding everything on! :) There was only one little substance dot that was able to compete with the tape reaction, and that was the dot for nickel. The nickel info page the derm. gave me talked about things like underwire bras (hey, maybe that's why I only occasionally get a reaction under my breasts?) and pocket change (hey, maybe that's why the rest of my reaction is around my hips and groin?). And it occurred to my husband last night that the last time I cleared up, during our trip to Maine last summer, I'd been carrying my wallet and change in a separate bag, rather than in my pockets. Hey, I smell a correllation here! :)

SO, the grand experiment begins today -- I'm back to carrying a purse for the first time in several years. I"ll give it a week or so. If I still haven't cleared up the itch, the next step is to go out and buy some slacks that don't have metal zippers. But hey, I've got something I can DO about this damned itch now -- and it feels great!

Now if I could just get my back to stop itching from where the tape was, I'd be in great shape...

Patsy, Have you tried taking Claritin? I take it daily and it helps with the itching and doesn't make me drowsy. Unfortunately it is strictly prescription.

I wear tennis shoes all the time with arch supports. My feet perspire a lot and itch. I was using hot water and burning the itch.

Benedryl gel, available over the counter works well for me.

I have recently been on antibotics too for my eczema. Dicloxacillin upset my stomach way to much so I didn't take it very well, and it didn't really help. The Dr. then prescribed Cephalexin, and this has help tremendously without upsetting the stomach. The majority of the red spots on my legs are gone (I have the most serious e problems with my legs), but my legs are still itchy. (One little red patch remains.) I'm now left with very white flaky skin. I've been using Lubriderm for seriously sensitive skin. Any other suggestions to get rid of the white flaky itch?

Thanks for this suggestion, Wayne. It's not what I rub on, it's the tootsies being enclosed in socks and shoes that makes them worse. I can grease, lubricate, moisten, and medicate them, but the moment I tie that shoe, I'm in big trouble. They are well rubbed down before they're covered. I think my best bet at the moment is to look into something systemic that won't make me sleepy. This group is so so supportive. I felt as if I had sympathy scratchings world wide.

I too just had the same Patch Test on Monday, and got it read yesterday too. Unfortunately, unlike Faith, I didn't react to anything on the strips. I think the Dr said that there were a total of 24 on my test (actually 2 strips, side by side). The worst part of MY test was not taking a shower for three days! Yeah, I know - I could take a bath, but REAL men don't do baths - or is it quiche.

I have been itching to see (pun intended) if I was allergic to anything (Christine's suggestion, I think,) that may be causing or aggravating my (hand) eczema. I guess it's never that simple. It would have been nice to eliminate an allergin and kiss my eczema goodbye.....

My Derm Dr is cute. Maybe I should say "quaint" - She is perplexed by my flare-ups, gives me something to use and tells me that "this should work" - then seems genuinely surprised and concerned when it doesn't. I tell her that I'm used to this kind of thing, that, yes, it works for awhile, but then it doesn't anymore.

Mindy, I have just started down this route three days ago with an antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin) and a cortisone ointment. I still have red blotches on arms and legs, but the good news is that the itch has (almost) disappeared, certainly better than at any time over the past three or four years. The ointment goes under the trade name of Dermovate here in the UK. It says on the tube that it is Clobetasol propionate 0.05%. I don't know if it would help your residual itch, but it might be worth a go.

Claritin is over-the-counter in some states and prescription only in others. I know it is over-the-counter in MN but prescription in the DC area, so anyone interested will just have to check their local pharmacy. I have heard good things about it. From what I've heard though it's only for kids six and older. Is this true? I would love to change from Benadryl (which doesn't seem to be particularly effective on my toddler anymore) to something else. But hate to start with an antimhistamine that will make him drowsy (he no longer becomes drowsly from Benadryl). It would just be so sad to see him get sleepy when he is such an active full of life (as two year olds are) kid.

Rachel: If the skin is not infected, you're right, the antibiotics wouldn't help. On the other hand, I had a doctor tell me that an antibiotic would not work if the particular bacteria that is infecting the skin at that time is resistant to that particular antibiotic. In that case, you'd have to try a different antibiotic. I told him my concern about developing resistance to antibiotics and he said that it isn't the body that develops resistance to antibiotics, it's the bacteria that develops resistance, and that each time the skin is infected, the bacteria are different creatures. He said that I shouldn't worry about taking antibiotics when I need them for skin infections.

Shelley, I'm so glad you said this. I've told the Drs. that for awhile somethings work, and then they become ineffective. They look at me like they don't know what I'm talking about. The Dr.s do a lot better controlling the red blotches than they do the white flaky skin.

Sid suggested that I put some vinegar in the water of my bath. He thinks the pH of my legs is too high, and the vinegar will lower the pH. I'm going to try this today. It's a no-cost easy one to do. Have you tried it? I'm also going to start taking much cooler showers. I've always taken really hot showers.

I received the following information through my private email:

>>I have never mentioned this here because it is one of the things I thought everyone who has a skin problem would know. Skin is supposed to be slightly acidic. If it goes towards the alkaline side, it will become dry and begin to flake, etc. Two or three tablespoons of vinegar in the bath water prevents (or even reverses) this. <<

Just to let you know that Claritin is non-drowsy and can be taken very well for long periods of time. I took it for over a year every day. It is not to be taken if pregnent or nursing. It is OTC in Canada and is now available in more the one strenght. I have never taken it for the itching but more for the allergies. It is no longer covered by most insurances and is expensive (about $1.00 a dose). I have been trying zinc oxide on my hands and taking zinc capsules 50mg once a day. I seem to be doing better but the itch is somewhat still there (not as bad) Anybody else trying zinc? I make sure to use a good lotion or vaseline after. Hope one day we can find the cure for this skin problem if not for us then for our kids...

I tried to make my weekend real interesting. My son's eczema had been looking so good and the no milk seemed to be really doing the trick so I decided to let him try a scrambled egg on saturday for breakfast. He had not tested postive for eggs but they had appeared to have an adverse effect last summer and my dad had problems with them when he was a kid. So we had been avoiding eggs "just in case".

Well, within 30 minutes of eating he was itching and within an hour he was one big hive!!!! Red as a beet and unhappy. I broke out the antihistimine ( had not used it for over a months) and took all tight cloths off. ITCH, ITCH, ITCH he ended up with several bleeding scratches (none too bad) and within 8 hours all signs of the reaction were gone.

My husband says the next time he tries eggs he will be 21 and have made the decision his own. Moral of story, don't get to cocky because there is alway something to jump up and grab you.

I share the following email I just received with you:

>>

I am a fellow eczema sufferer and marketing director for a mortuary products manufacturer. Our company had spent over four years formulating a product that would create a natural appearance for postmortem tissue (very real problem in the industry). Our team of formulators consisted of some of the most credentialed biochemists, cosmetic chemists, one oncologist, one forsenic physician and one dermatologist. Our goal was to eliminate dry skin on dead tissue. Noble goal--dead tissue has no metabolic activity whatsoever and represents THE MOST TRAUMATIZED SKIN KNOWN.

Well--you won't believe what has happened. We have found that our formulation also eliminates the symptoms from eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and a variety of other skin irritants. The formulation is so unbelievably simple that I feel real stupid whenever I think about the time spent. Anyway, patent is now pending and the product is an incredible success with the mortuary industry. NOW-- since I suffered so badly with eczema (and had lots of friends who did as well), I requested that the formulators give me samples to use--I figured that if it worked on dead skin why not give it a try--which I, along with my associates have used for the past six months. This has been tested on over 87 individuals (from babies to older adults, male and female, all race groups) with remarkable results.

You are absolutely correct to tell your associates that lanolin, silicone (in many makeups), mineral oils, petroleum-based anything, waxes are absolutely forbidden for anyone with these skin symptoms. They so greatly alter the skin's metabolic activity (which is already compromised) that these products should be outlawed. What we found is that troubled skin needs water and the loss of water (through the skin's natural equilibrium process) and the inability of the skin to retain moisture because of a deficiency of certain lipids causes these symptoms. Needless to say, exacerbating the condition was the presence of chlorides in the water we drink and shower with as well the the continued use of soap-based cleansers that stripped the skin of its acid mantle. I am not a biochemist, but believe me, there is not much that anyone can tell me about skin after these past four years! We take far too many baths, use far too much soap (since our skin has bacteria which do in fact protect it quite well when it is in a healthy state), and are obsessive about "cleanliness" (the only areas that we need to be truly concerned about in terms of bodily sanitation are the areas where the sweat glands reside).

<<

I'll share with you the developments as they arise.

I too hate fluro lights. They make me feel revolting - I had always assumed it was because they show up every flaw in my skin thus making it look worse than it was.

However, I was in a lightling shop recently and walked under a bank of fluro lights and I got extrememly prickly and uncomfortable skin-wise.

Maybe I imagined it.

Since I have already received a few private emails asking for samples of the product, I want to assure all of those interested that as soon as I hear back from the marketing director for the mortuary products manufacturer, I will ask her how she wants to handle the flow of requests. My suggestion to her will be for me to post her email address so that any of you can email her privately.

I'm interested in this for the following reasons:

1. Her team of formulators consisted of "some of the most credentialed biochemists, cosmetic chemists, one oncologist, one forsenic physician and one dermatologist."
2. She shares my Dr 's theory as to a cause of eczema: the inability of the skin to retain moisture because of a deficiency of certain lipids.
3. She's aware of the problem with irritants.
4. She skin smart when she talks about soaps stripping the acid mantle of the skin. (We've been discussing vinegar recently to offset this problem.) I did an electronic search in the Bible to see what was used for thousands of years before us, and the phrase "wash with water" came up repetitively.
5. I liked what she said about natural bacteria protecting us quite well when the skin is in a healthy state.
6. Remember in one of my emails about food I said there was a lady who only drank distilled water? I remember many months ago, when I first joined this group, I raised the concern about the chlorine in the water. I liked what this lady had to say about that. Wouldn't a water softener alleviate this problem? Also, when I used to have pet fish, I learned that if we let the water sit for 24 hours, the chlorine would "disappear" out of the water so as not to kill the fish. Not to be like a fish out of water ... we keep the perspective that chlorine in water may just be a litte attributing factor and not the biggest fish in the sea.

Kim, I couldn't believe how similar this is. While we were watching TV and having ice cream on Sunday, we tried very little ice cream yogurt (1/4 teaspoon) to my son, since he has been looking great for such a long time, I couldn't believe my eyes, he started to react it in less than a minute, suddenly he stopped playing, felt so uncomfortable, try to scratch everywhere, his face started to get red with some red, white spots coming out, we gave him Benedryl immediately, used a cool wet towel to pat his face, put him to sleep, half hour later, those signs started to go away, when he wake up two hours later, his face almost clear up. I guess nobody in our family wants to be the "criminal" next time.

Regarding a possible linkage between skin inflammation and heart attacks, this sounds far-fetched. I'm certain that if there were such a linkage, medical science would have noticed by now (e.g., if people with eczema were getting substantially more heart attacks than the general population). Also, there are many types of immune-system related inflammation. E.g. many people with asthma have continually inflamed lungs caused by overactive immune systems, yet the majority of such people live normal lifespans. Perhaps we should ask the older folks with eczema on this list if they have ever had heart problems. How about it?

I've never heard that inflammation of the blood vessel walls had any connection to skin inflammation. And I've never heard of increased heart attacks.

I'm a man whose family has a history of heart problems. I've had eczema off and on most of my life. In 1989 my blood cholesterol rose above 200 for the first time in my life. My doctor advised a more strict diet (I had been on a lifelong diet, mainly excluding dairy products and fatty foods, because of the eczema). Shortly thereafter my triglycerides rose above 250. My doctor then put me on gemfibrozil (lopid which is a drug to lower triglycerides. Within 60 days my eczema was back with a vengeance. I had serious outbreaks that covered 50% of my body. Worse than I have ever had in my life.

At the time, I made no association between the lopid and my eczema. Slowly, over months of laying in bed scratching and trying to remember what I had done to trigger this outbreak, I began to suspect the lopid. I talked to my doctor and my derm about my thoughts and both disagreed with my theory. My derm said although eczema was a listed side effect of lopid, he didn't believe that it was the cause of my eczema. On my own, I stopped taking the lopid for about two months with little or no effect on my eczema. I came to the conclusion that my doctor and derm were right. I resumed the lopid and began searching for another cause as my eczema went wild.

With the help of ultravate ointment and an occasional dose of prednisone, I was able to limit my eczema to my hands and feet. These areas are constantly involved. I wear cotton gloves and socks 24 hours a day. It never goes away. I have given up on these areas and try to concentrate my efforts on other parts of my body. Late 1995 my triglycerides again rose above 250. I had been taking 600MG lopid a day. My doctor recommended that we double the dose to 1200 MG a day. My eczema took off with a new vengeance. Never had it been so bad. I had to retire from where I had worked for 28 years.

I have not worked since. I stay at home and wage a full time battle with eczema. I am presently not taking the lopid. I don't know which is worse, having the eczema or a heart attack. I don't relish the idea of either one but I have to know once and for all if the lopid is the cause of my eczema. I've only been off the lopid for 2 weeks so I don't see any improvement yet. My doctor strongly recommended my staying on the lopid but I've got to do something. I've got to the point that I don't go out anymore because of the stares and "What's wrong with you?" questions. It's easier to stay home. My children come to see me and do my shopping for me. I have a 2 year old grandson that could not care less about my gloves and red face. He is the love of my life. I don't know what I would do without him. Sorry, I'm starting to ramble. The point is that I believe that there is a definite relationship between lipids and eczema. I haven't posted my feelings before because this is the first reference I've seen on the list to this relationship. I hope my history helps someone.

Have any of you heard about this?

From Medical Sciences Bulletin (Reprinted from the April 1994 issue) at http://pharminfo.com/pubs/msb/vitamd.html

Recently an active vitamin D3 analog, calcipotriene, was approved for the topical treatment of psoriasis (see Calcipotriene Approved for Topical Treatment of Psoriasis). The preparation has proved to be at least as effective as topical steroids, without the "skin-thinning" side effect. According to Michael Holick at the Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory at Boston University School of Medicine, topical preparations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and calcipotriene "are likely to replace corticosteroid cream for patients with mild limited psoriasis."

See also, http://pharminfo.com/pubs/msb/calcip.html

Usually I only have eczema on my legs (it is REALLY bad at the moment, all my usual stuff isn't working), but when I was in California 4 years ago I got it all over my body - well, not quite - it stopped in a line which corresponded to the bits of me that were out of the bath water (I bathe every day, sometimes twice). I'd already noticed that the water tasted very chloriney compared to what I was used to. When I got home, the eczema went away again (except on my legs - I don't think it will EVER go away).

Candidly speaking, I believe that if we were to filter the chlorine out of the water that we drink and bathe in, our skin would get better. Chlorine irritates the skin and kills good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria. I am going to buy a filter for my water as soon as I figure out what kind to buy. The lady who told me about the patent pending product said she would send me information on filters.

Also, she is sending to me today a sample of the product, information about it, and some research backing it up. The product is not available over-the-counter, nor is it FDA approved for our use. This is because the product was developed to hydrate dead tissue and therefore was only approved for that use. The name of it is Epiderma, and it allows the skin to bind water internally. It is safe and natural, because it was also developed to be kind to the hands of the people who work in the mortuary. Tomorrow I will be prepared to share more information with you.

I believe that chlorine is removed from tap water after it is boiled for a couple of minutes. It comes out as some sort of gas. Boiling a whole tub full of water is a bit excessive, but for hand washing it is reasonable.

I wonder if chlorine can get trapped in clothes when they are washed and then aggravate eczema?

This past week despite my daughter's terrible itching day and night I had a little time to do some reading and heard some tapes about essential fatty acids like EPO, EPA and GLA and kids with eczema. I heard of a testimonial of a mom with a little boy with severe eczema and itching and oozing of the skin. She was adviced to use these three fatty acids as her son's eczema and nutritional supplements on his diet. With great results: after 10 days his eczema was almost cleared out. The itching stopped, his immune system and methabolism went back to normal. After three months on these fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals he is a happy little guy.

Before that he has gone to over 7 different doctors and was told that his eczema could be controlled with steroids and medication but he and his parents had to learn to live with it. That eventually he will outgrow it.Well they were not happy with the answer and decided to pursue things more aggressively. He is 6 or 7 years old today and remembers some of the things he suffered.

Does anybody has any experience with any of these essential fatty acids? I am actually giving my daughter EPO 4 a day and a tsp of cod liver oil with her meals. Zinc, vit c, multivit. I heard that selenium is also very beneficial for kids with eczema.

I have an appointment for my 17-month old Hannah to have an allergy test done to hopefully find some of her "aggrevators". After we get the results I am taking her to a doctor about an hour and a half away who is a pediatrician who practices a blend of western and alternative medicine. I hope to find some alternatives to the constant use of the topical steriods. I have had some degree of success with using a thick coat of Aquaphor lotion all over after bath followed by zinc oxide at night and another coating of zinc oxide in the morning on the rough, dry patches. I have cut down of the steroid use from every day to now only every now and then when she gets a very "angry" spot (bright red, swollen, extremely itchy and painful...).

I found an interesting Website that will e-mail you and let you know about clinical trials by subject. They have eczema listed under dermatology/atopic dermatitis. They did have lists of trials they are currently recruiting patients for in Chicago, Texas and New York. Each one describes exactly what product they are testing, and includes a form for you to request more information. If anyone is interested in checking it out the address is as follows:

http://www.CenterWatch.com

Kim, it sure sounds like El is allergic to eggs. Daniel did test positive to eggs (whites and yolks) Was he tested for both? On Christmas Eve, Daniel had a severe reaction to some home made fudge that contained marsmallow creme--it has egg whites in it. The reaction was within five minutes of eating it. He turned beet red, scratched all over, wiggled like he had a stomach ache--it lasted for an hour or so. The next morning, he was fine and not broke out at all, just his normal eczema.

My 2 year old son has eczema, contact dermatitis, and uticaria. He was diagnosed about 6 months ago and I have been trying to understand everything.

He is taking Cyoroheptad Syp 2mg/5ml, 1/2tsp. twice daily. He also has some ointment (my husband threw away the tube, so I don't remember the name) that we have to put on his "spots". Then we totally grease him up with Cetaphil ointment twice a day. My questions are: Has this medicine been effective for others? Is anyone aware that people with eczema should not eat nuts? Is there any other food that we might try cutting out, besides eggs?

Chlorine will evaporate from water left out in the open for a few days. This is why you have to keep putting chlorine in pool water. I believe it escapes as chlorine gas, which is highly toxic, but rather harmless in the quantities that will escape from tap water.

FYI, my eczema is better in the summer when I do a lot of swimming in a chlorinated pool.

In response to Pat's questions on GLA etc. we were advised by our nutritienist to put Rees on a supplement of Evening Primrose Oil, which has a high GLA. After talking to a friend at our local playgroup, I was told I could get this on the NHS (UK) in the form of Epogam capsules. These are 80mg of Eve. Prim. Oil and Rees who is 2 1/2 has 4 per day. We were also advised that if his body is busy fighting off an allergy, the imune system needs a fairly hefty boost, so the nutritienist gave us some multivits which are stronger than the usual recommended dose for kids (a point which she felt was necessary). He's only been on these a short while, but combining this with removing his allergens as diagnosed, and hoovering his matress to get the dust mites, initial signs are good. This week we have tried not using any other form of lubricant, and although he is fairly dry, he is 10 times better than before. Also, in a book I have called the Vegetarian Baby, the author put forward the theory that as a rule we all lack essential unsaturated fatty acids which she said could assist with skin disorders - good sources of these are sunflower oil, corn oil, soy oil and wheat germ.

By the way, we tried one of the sprays you can get to kill dust mites (from Boots chemist) and did the whole of Rees room with it. Within about a week he had completely stopped scratching at night and all his open wounds had healed up! How long this will last I don't know, but we are beginning to feel that we underestimated the role dust mites had to play in his eczema! Has anyone else tried this?

From: http://www.healthfinder.gov/

Healthfinder is a gateway consumer health information web site from the United States government that can lead you to selected online publications, databases, web sites, and support and self-help groups, as well as the government agencies and not-for-profit organizations that produce reliable health information for the public. The information you find can help you make better health choices for yourself and your family.

Please remember that information alone can't take the place of health care you may need. Also, healthfinder does not control the content of the Internet sites or organizations listed.

I've noticed a definite eczema flare after I eat tomato/spaghetti sauce. Saw this twice when I'd had spaghetti sauce for dinner & then for lunch again the next day (the double dose seems to aggravate the eczema). I'm not sure about regular tomatoes yet; will try those soon. The irony is that I grew up eating tomato sauce at least 2x/week! I'm also a master tomato grower, more's the pity.

I know this isn't news to many folks, esp. parents of eczema babies, but I had never considered it because I had never had problems with tomato sauce before this year.

I have a shower filter that filters out chlorine, and I drink only bottled water (spring or distilled). Can't say this has worked any miracles for my eczema though, as far as I can tell. However, I believe shower filters are a good idea, because apparently the chlorine we inhale from steamy water vapors is even greater and worse for us than the amount we get through skin penetration.

My eczema got so bad about 2 wks. ago that I finally went to my derm for some relief. Of course I always wait until my eczema is severe -- so he put me on prednisone for 15 days, gradually decreasing amount, some type of cortisone ointment, and an antibiodic (WOW!). I'm about half-way through this regimen and doing MUCH better -- rarely itchy at all. But why do I always wait until I'm SOOOO bad to call the dr.?

Anyhow, after reading some of the web sites that Christine mentioned a couple weeks ago re: food allergies, etc. I've been wondering if I should consider a special diet. I had allergy tests done last year but he didn't test for foods for some odd reason. Kinda frustrating if food is considered an aggravator to eczema! I know many of you on this list believe food aggravates your eczema, but I have never noticed any specific foods to aggravate mine probably because it never seems to clear up much. Have any of you ever followed a special elimination diet to find out what you're allergic to? Just a side note, my son Brian is allergic to milk, eggs, wheat, beef, and pork. My father (who also has eczema) is allergic to milk/ice cream also . Wonder if this is just coincidence ... maybe I should start by eliminating milk products.???

Since my eczema has calmed down and is looking much better, I'd like to keep it that way! That's why I'm considering an elimination diet or something -- anything to keep my skin clearer (which is what we all hope for). If I could find the main cause, maybe it would help to prevent another bad flare-up in the future.

Last summer, I started taking borage oil capsules, which are high in GLA and have some other fatty acids too (I don't have the bottle in front of me right now, but Andrew Weil had suggested that borage oil is the cheapest as well as the most potent of EFAs). I had previously tried a bout with evening primrose oil, with no success, but decided to give it another shot. I had heard that it might take up to 8 weeks to see an effect of EFAs on eczema, so waited patiently. Well, lo and behold, at about the 8-week mark, my skin did clear up rather nicely (the power of expectation?). However, although I have continued to take it daily, my eczema has had its ups and downs nevertheless. In retrospect, I note that that first clear came at about a time when my skin tends to clear up every year (early fall) regardless of what I do. So it may have had nothing to do with the borage oil. It is true that I took rather large doses of it during the first 8 weeks, and then cut back to only one capsule (about 345 mg of GLA) per day, so it could also be that megadoses do work. There have been enough anecdotal success stories (and I guess reasonable theories as to why EFAs should work) that it is certainly worth a trial for your daughter. Supposedly most people are deficient in EFAs anyway, as they are hard to get through our modern diets, so I take it as general health insurance, whether or not it has any benefit to my skin.

Last year when I was pregnant, we decided to paint the nursery. Well, the room was ventilated (windows open) and I was painting for only about 1-2 hours when I got itchy all over and miserable for the following couple days. That frenzy sent me to the derm. too and he totally disagreed with me that the paint fumes could have caused my reaction. I thought, don't tell me it was coincidence that I had such a STRONG reaction/flare-up that very night after painting. My skin had been under control before that! I wonder if the reaction was so strong due to hormonal changes during pregnancy -- WHO KNOWS?

My dilemma, I want to paint my kitchen this year and am a little leery -- anyone else ever have problems with painting or suggestions to possibly help alleviate a reaction?

I have had eczema all my life (head to toe) and in the last 3 years it has reached the point where I have had little relief except for steroid wraps which cleared up all of my body except my face.

A dr in Houston recommended I try interferon (this is a substance our body makes naturally). I had to fight my insurance company (HMO of course) for several months and was ready to have a hearing re: this issue when they finally approved it. The approval was based on a 1992(?) study out of Oregon (I believe) that used interferon. I have the study at home and can be more specific if anyone needs this info.

There are 3 kinds of interferon - alpha, beta and gamma (most expensive and most pure). The approval was for alpha interferon. My dr here in Austin administered the shots and we tried it for over a month with no results so my dr got my insurance to approve the gamma. I have been on the gamma for about 3 weeks and have shown great improvement. For the first time in 3 years my face is clear. I m almost afraid to get too excited for fear of a setback.

Just like with any drug there are side-effects and liver damage is the worst of the side effects from this drug (as far as I know). I have blood tests about every 10 days to monitor my liver. So far so good.

I believe the interferon has helped but equally mportant in my recovery has been my faith/prayers. Believe me, I like you, have gone through some tough times. Three weeks ago I hit rock bottom and prayed that I either be healed or I die. Well I am doing better, I would not say I am healed but I have to/chose to believe that my improvement can be attrbuted to the power of prayer (mine and others who have prayed for me). I and others have been praying for 3 years and only now have my prayers been answered. I cannot say why it has taken this long and that is not important. The important thing is that I am doing better and and equally important is what have I gained from this experience (I know it is not over).

I didn't know until just last year that I'm allergic to nuts. Supposedly, nuts are one of the most highly allergic foods. I also try to avoid too much citric acid which is in fruits (including tomatoes). Yeast just became a problem for me so I avoid eating too much bread. Everyone is different though so I don't think that everyone with eczema should stay away from these foods. Also, I was allergic to eggs for years but now I have no problem with them. I read, maybe on this list, that if you cut out a food for 60 or 90 days the allergy to the food will go away- I don't think that's totally true but I do think that our bodies change as we get older and so can the things we're allergic to.

Last year I found out, by doing my own detective work, that I am allergic to a chemical called Propylene Glycol. This chemical is in many shampoos, moisturizers, creams (including cortisone creams) and other medications. I've never been allergy tested for chemicals because I always thought certain foods were the main cause. Maybe there are others out there with an allergy to a chemical that they come into contact with every day... just a thought.

When I had the fluid filled pocket type eczema my doctor called it "bad water" (I forgot what he said the technical name is). He said that regular treatments with cortisone creams etc. wouldn't work. The only thing he said that would make it go away is to dry it out & to try Hydrogen Peroxide. It turned the bumps white, dried them out, calmed the itch & eventually went away. Hope yours goes away soon, this type of eczema made my skin the itchiest ever.

Heather, It sounds like your body has become intolerant to tomatoes after all those years. Last summer my doctor took a blood sample and sent it to a company that looks for intolerances in many varieties of food. Among my list was tomatoes, however it was near the bottom of my avoidance list. The higher up the list the more intolerant you are. Now, I am no expert on how intolerances and allergies come about (I have been told there is a difference), but it seems that you are more likely to become intolerant of a food/chemical if it is something you eat regularly and over a long time. To put it in lay man terms (the only way I understand) is that the body becomes tired of it and then starts rejecting a particular chemical within that food.

I have been told that if I stay away from tomatoes and all the other foods on my list then I can gradually reintorduce them into my diet, starting with the bottom first.

Following is my avoidance list and I would appreciate any comments or help in what I can safely eat and drink as there are a number of basic foodstuffs which I MUST NOT touch.

• Coffee - most intolerant
• Sugar Cane
• Malt
• Baker's Yeast
• Brewer's Yeast - no alcohol - shucks!
• Curry Powder
• Pea - surprised me
• Sesame Seed
• Chocolate - very obvious
• Brussels sprouts - pretty happy about this one
• Baked Beans
• Tomato
• Whey - the watery part of milk
• Cheese

While I was going thru with all the patch tests and such last week, my dermatologist gave me a replacement for the Pramosone lotion I'd been using (I hadn't used it in a few weeks, and when I did, it had the same effect on the itch that pouring gasoline has on a fire -- WOW did it itch!) This stuff is a mixture of triamcinolone (steroid cream) and something called "Sarna". I was so happy about being told I could go back on my antihistamines that I forgot to ask what Sarna was, but I've been using it for the last 4 or 5 days. This stuff seems to be working well, and it feels really... um.. interesing! About the closest I could come to describe it would be something like oil of peppermint or wintergreen ("when I wear a York peppermint patty, I get the sensation..." :) And given that my eczema is in the area of my hips and groin, well, that just makes the sensation even more of an eye-opener... :)

Anyways, I'm curious to know if anybody knows what Sarna is. I tried a search on the web, and kept coming up with references to a number of doctors named Sarna (most of whom were gastroenterologists, near as I can tell) and some African or African/American association. Nothing having to do with topical medications.

And for an update: my back has gone back to normal after the reaction to the patch test tape, though the test spot for nickel still tickles every now and again. I've been carrying my pocket change in either my purse or a heavy leather changepurse in my pocket since last Wednesday, and it's made a noticeable difference. I'm going to give it another day as is, then start weaning myself off the antihistamines to see if it is *really* making a difference... :)

A few years back I had to eliminate amost all of my favourite foods from my diet, and gradually my eczema went away. Was I ever thrilled when I could start drinking milk and eating peanut butter and tomato sauce (not together) again. So thrilled, in fact, that I went overboard and had them almost every day. You have probably guessed that once again I have to eliminate them from my diet (it took almost a year before I began reacting again). In other words, emphasize the GRADUALLY in reintroducing them!!

I've seen Sarna sold OTC at some drugstores. My derm gave me a sample once that I never used. The bottle says it's a "steroid-free anti-itch lotion". The active ingredients are camphor and menthol. Other ingredients weren't listed.

Active Ingredients:

0.5% Camphor, 0.5% Menthol

Also Contains:

Carbomer 940, Cetyl Alcohol, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Glyceryl Sterate, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-8 Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Petrolatum, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Water.

Allersearch ADS(TM) Anti-Allergen Dust Spray maintains a Web site at http://aaabiz.com/AL/aframe.htm

What I understand is that clothes should be washed in hot water to kill the mites. Mattresses and boxsprings should be encased with vinyl covers--which this company sells as well, but you should be able to buy them at bedding stores. Woodwork should be cleaned with a damp cloth; I don't believe there's a need to spray it. What could be sprayed are rugs and maybe sofas, too. Also as important for those allergic to dust mites is a vacuum cleaner that has a filtration system with the ability to trap the allergen; otherwise, vacuuming just stirs up the allergen and redistributes it around the room. The above-mentioned site has information on vacuum cleaners as well, although calling vacuum cleaner dealers will give you a variety of choices. For those unaware: it is a protein in the waste of a mite that has the allergen. The mites itself don't bother us.

The maker of Epiderma, Claude T. Mitchell, wrote a great article about how the skin works. I retyped the article and made it part of my home page. If you are interested in reading the article, see http://www.angelfire.com/ct/Eczema/Epiderma.html

I tried the product today. It made my skin feel like it was breathing moisture. It's the best moisturizer I've ever tried. It's probably the only true moisturizer that I've ever tried. I think that soaps messed up my skin and then the lotions I used to fix the problem caused further problems. Now, I just want to use the oatmeal cleansers with the Epiderma.

Epiderma is a new product that delivers water and moisture into the skin and allows skin to bind water internally. Since experts agree that a cause of eczema is the failure of skin to retain water, this may be just what we need. There are no harmful ingredients in Epiderma, because its ingredients are the skin's constituents. Formulators of Epiderma--who work for two of the largest cosmetic manufacturers--said that Epiderma is far superior than anything on the market. The last six months have shown excellents results for about 175 people who are now using it on a trial basis.

Until now, occlusive barriers such as petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, and beeswax have been used to try and seal in moisture. However, research now shows that the use of occlusive barriers changes the equilibrium of skin and makes the problem of dry skin worse. Epiderma may revolutionize basic skin care.

Epiderma has been FDA approved only for mortuary use, because it was developed within the mortuary field to hydrate dead tissue. Therefore, it is not found over-the-counter and cannot yet be sold for use on live skin. I'm still working on this particular issue.

My experience with chlorine has been that the more I swim in the public-highly chlorinated pool, the better my eczema gets. If I miss swimming for a week, I definitely notice that my skin gets worse. Strange, I know, and contrary to what you all have posted and what my dermatologist says. It does make my skin drier, but the itchiness definitely decreases, and with it the rash.

I have had eczema since second grade but it was only confined to my hands until my 20's. At that time, it spread to my arms and lgs and eventually my face. After all the traditional treatments, it went away everywhere but my hands and face - it figures, huh?. I've been treated at all top hospitals on the eas coast and even went out west to Oregon Health Sciences University and they were wonderful - treated the mind and body. I had totally given up.

I still have constant flaking, redness and itchyness on my face. My hands get blisters (mostly fingers) which I pop and then frequently they turn into what I call "splits". When my hands get real bad, I do what I've done for nearly 30 years: put on a steroid cream under the disposable plastic gloves. Plastic anywhere on my body typically drives me nuts, but for some reasons my hands can tollerate it.

I've been buying the packages of disposable gloves from Walter Drake in Denver. for years and years. It's a mail order catalog place. Gloves cost about $3 for 100. (Also use the gloves when I pump gas!!) The only thing that brings relief to my face is ice. I sleep with ice packs. I've tried to eliminate various things, including tarter control toothpaste, citrus, lanolin, etc. but keep coming up clueless.

I recently started with an acupuncturist. Feel a bit skeptical about it but what the heck. I too find swimming sometimes helps my skin - sort of exfoliates my face. As long as I load on the moisturizers right afterwards, I'm usually OK. Products I use: Curel, plastibase (light vaseline avaliable from Oregon Health Sciences University) and baby oil everywhere but my face.

A few years ago I was swimming in the morning at a local YMCA. I noticed the same thing. My eczema seemed to get better. I always thought that maybe the chlorine was keeping bacteria levels on my skin in check. Unfortunately, I've moved and no longer have a Y close by, so I don't know if it would still help me.

After waiting 4 months for an appointment, I finally had the opportunity to take my two year old to the nationally renowned pediatric allergist Dr. Hugh Sampson at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. I only wish I could have met with him when my son was 2 months old. He is really top notch. I'll try to summarize the points he empahsized.

I'll just start with chlorine since folks have been discussing that. Sampson thought chlrorine was actually a good thing. It's just important to rinse your child very very well after a swim and grease him/her up immediately with Vanicream (or your cream of choice). His preference was lanolin-free Vanicream. It comes out of the Mayo clinic and can be ordered at most pharmacies.

His most important take home message was that after years of research on hundreds and hundreds of kids, they have found a very strong colleration between their itching and food allergies. He emphasized the importance of making sure our kids are to avoid ALL foods (regardless of the amount) they are believed to be allergic to. I thought I was careful, but after what I learned, I realize I haven't been nearly careful enough. Basically you cannot trust labels, even if it does not indicate a milk product on the label. For example I fed my 2 year old plain rice cakes all the time. But they have found that because they also make cheese rice cakes and honey nut rice cakes there is a lot of contaminiation and you cannot trust that the plain rice cakes have not been contaminated. They have actually conducted lab tests on plain rice cakes and found levels of dairy or nut. Pretty scary.

If you want to be 100% dairy free, look for brands that are kosher labled with a circled "u" followed by "paerve". A circled u followed by a "D" means there is dairy in the product, even though the label doesn't say so. If there is a circled "u" only on the box, that means you can't be 100% certain it is dairy free. Manufacturers by law are not required to label a product as dairy if it is present in less than 2%. Bakeries and bagels and all the stuff is not safe either. The botton line is that we need to make most of our own foods. Most margarines have dairy in them, and the only one I've found with a u followed by paerve is the lowfat Fleishmans margarine.

Avoid all products labeled with natural ingredients (that can often mean milk).

A common but little known allergen is GARLIC. They conducted a skin test on my son for garlic and he got a huge welt. We've been giving him garlic since he started on solid foods. Garlic is in a lot of things and will often be the ingredient when the label simply says "spices".

Dr. Sampson also emphasized the importance of keeping down the level of dust mites in your house, covering your child's mattress, etc., but I won't go into that, I'm sure most of you are already aware of those precautions.

The bottom line is...if we are as careful as we possibly can be NOW, it improves the likelihood of our child growing out of his/her eczema sooner, and decreases the chances of our children developing asthma, or at least developing asthma to a less severe degree.

My dermatologist said that if I am allergic to Propylene Glycol (which I *am*) then it's a problem because this is a common ingredient in most skin & hair care products. As far as a shampoo, I searched high & low and tried several until I finnaly gave up & started to use palin old Pert Plus. Believe it or not, this one seems to be working the best. My scalp is not totally cured but it's better than it was. The Person & Covey products are supposed to be irritant free but I can't use most of them because of the Propylene Glycol. That's probably why you had that reaction to their shampoo.

My doctor and some people on this list highly recommend Nizorol shampoo (perscription) but it didn't work for me. I tried that liquid Cort. stuff too but it didn't help. Sorry I don't have any great recommendations but I'm still struggling with this one myself. All I can say is if you are allergic to this chemical then you should try to read all labels and look for it as an ingredient because it's in tons of products.

David wrote about not going outside because of his eczema. The day his post showed up, I had been in the local butcher shop picking up a nice big steak for myself and I overheard a small child asking her mother, "What's wrong with him?" --- Not me, as my eczema is only on my hands, but one of the butchers. I had never really noticed before, but his face, around the nose and mouth were beet red - obviously eczema, and obviously active.

I know he overheard her, and also the mother shushing her. He didn't give any reaction, and when it was her turn to step up and ask for what she wanted, she asked for "the other butcher."

Now I can't really say that this was BECAUSE of his eczema, or if she just wanted the other butcher for another reason (we all have our favorite clerks). He just gracefully called for the "other butcher" and turned to take care of me.

I really felt sorry for this man, to have to put up with this kind of slight. Just pure ignorance. I wanted to tell him that, but in the short few minutes I was there, I just couldn't think of a way to say it. It has bothered me ever since. I guess it just proves that there is all kinds of prejudice. Makes me think of the child's book by Dr. Suess about the people with stars and the people without stars. Should be required reading for everyone - children AND adults!

Epiderma can be purchased "for mortuary use" by calling 1-800-700-5960. I don't know how much it is. Remember: they can't sell it to you if you tell them you want to put it on your skin.

The dust mite spray I used is made by Secto. It is available over here through Boots the Chemist and cost about GBP5. It's supposed to last for up to 4 weeks, but that remains to be seen, as we're only one week 2 - but so far so good! I used the whole cannister on Rees's room, spraying the curtains, carpet, matress, pillow & duvet. The problem I guess is that there are quite a lot of sprays on the market, and you never know if they're any good until you've tried them, but Boots is a reputable firm here so we felt it was a safer bet than through mail order catalogues. We were quite worried about using a chemical spray on his bedding, but you do hoover it up after about 2 hours, which I was very thorough about, and there was no adverse reaction.

Marilyn- Nothing will set my eczema off on an itching frenzy like sweating. Often I can relieve those night itchies by standing under a cold shower and then air drying the itchy spots. When I'm out in public where it seems somewhat inappropriate to strip down and shower, I can usually relieve the symptoms with a coating of Itch-X.

I called two different health officials from two different towns today. I asked them about chlorine, showering, and soaps. My first question was how frequently do we need to shower. Both said once every **four** days. The lady who works for the company that sells Epiderma was the first person who told me about the problem of Americans showering too much. She said she showers once every four days; but, she daily uses an oatmeal cleanser to clean where the sweat glands are--that is, under the arms and the between the legs. One health official said that not all cultures do it the wrong way. So, now we know.

I checked out the price of the Aveeno cleanser at my local grocery store. It was about $7.00 for a not so big bottle of it. So, I asked the health officials if I could use regular oatmeal (like Quaker oats) to cleanse. The answer was probably so from both officials. I am continuing to research this. They both knew that soap is not good because it dries the skin. So why do American think that they have to shower from head to toe every day with soap? It is our responsibility as holders of the truth to share with others proper showering habits. We can change this world. You know we can.

They did not know about the problem of occlusive barriers causing further dryness. They both said it makes sense, though. One official wants to try Epiderma. I told him I was working on encouraging the company to hurry up and get it approved for our use so we can quit using occlusive barriers. He said there was an article in Consumer Reports that talked about moistures in the last year. I'd like to somehow dig up that article.

Concerning chlorine in tap water ... They confirmed that boiling the tap water rids it of chlorine. Also, leaving it to sit uncovered for 24 hours rids it of chlorine. They both said that the amount of chlorine is so little that it shouldn't bother anyone except for people who may be sensitive to it. I think that since eczema is a hypersensitive skin condition, we might be the few who could benefit from a filter system for the whole house. One official said that it was expensive, another said it wasn't.

The best my 17-month old Hannah's skin ever look was in December of last year when she had pneumonia and was hospitalized for 4 days. They put her in an oxygen tent that had a cool mist blowing in there and hydrated her skin. After the first day or two she was absolutely beautiful. Her skin was glowing and her naturally waving hair turned into ringlets from the moisture, she looked like an angel! I have tried a humidifier at home which does seem to help a bit but nothing like her experience in the hospital. Does anyone else try the humidifiers? We even looked into renting an tent like the one from the hospital and having the cool mist blown in when her skin was very bad, but could not find one. We may break down and try a makeshift tent in her crib...just a thought.

Regarding the frequency in which we shower, when my eczema is bad, if I don't shower daily I feel worse. The build up of emollients and all the other junk I use on my skin makes me feel dirty if I don't wash it off. Also, when the e gets bad it's usually very dry/flaky & I need to shower in order to wash away all the dead skin cells. Sometimes, I feel the best right after I shower. The only time I feel okay skipping a day of showering is when my skin is clear and e free. On the subject of using regular oatmeal like Quaker Oats, when my skin was really red & raw I used regular oatmeal and thought it helped reduce the redness (temporarily). I think oatmeal is supposed to normalize the pH level of the skin. Now I use Aveno gentle skin cleanser *only* - I think Aveno's products are really good for sensitive skin.

I used Aveeno - Dry Skin Formula in the bar up until I was 28 and then became allergic to it. I believe the bar cost around $3. Do not leave it in water or in shower flow as it will melt away.

Grind the Quaker oats into a fine powder with a blender and put it directly into your water, you must soak 20 - 30 minutes; or after grinding, put the oats inside cheese cloth, tie up, wet and use as a washcloth without appling any other cleaner. Remember, oatmeal is drying, best used with wet eczema.

Years ago when I lived in winter weather and dry air, I used a cold water vaporizer at night or I didn't sleep. They're quick and cheap and you can find one anywhere, I'm talking about table-top style. 2 ways I found to use effectively were,

1. run for about an hour or hour and half at bedtime in the room with the door closed, if you are not walking in and out a lot this should hold 'til morning.
2. with the door open and the spout aimed in the direction of the doorway, not necessarily at the doorway, run it all night but if you aim it in the opposite direction of the door, the room will become too wet and cold if left running all night.

I heard that after constant use humidifiers can get moldy & sometimes end up doing more harm than good. ??

There is an Epiderma 1 and Epiderma 2. Currently they are sold as a set for $159. We only need Epiderma 1; and, since it hasn't been sold for use on live skin, there isn't a price for it yet.

In the research I have done on the eczema subject, at least via the Internet... I have found info stating that more showers help those suffering with atopic dermatitis... or eczema. as I have read as well, those of use with atopic d. lack the ability to retain moisture... so, basically, I was advised to take a shower of at least fifteen minutes in duration everyday (as my condition as become quite severe lately), lotion right after the shower to lock in any moisture because it has been found that lotioning the skin without such moisture exposure can actually take away water/moisture from the skin. of course, this may not help everyone. but, as I know from my own research, this is the info I've found, and it's actually helped me a lot.

I've heard of mold and things like that causing probs... I was told that using an air cleaner every now and again helps, too... as far as airborn stuff is concerned. however, I don't know about if humidifiers cause more bad than good. I guess you'd have to keep them clean, use new water each time, and dump out the old water to avoid any problems with mold. I've had a humidifier for a year, and done the preceding steps, so, I've had no problems.

I have tried a humidifier and it is wonderful... having had the condition of atopic dermatitis, eczema, for 19 years (since I was two years old), I can tell you that I've tried a lot of things... humidifiers help a lot... I've done a little research on the subject via the internet and through books and dermatologists, and I found out that keeping moisture in the room at about 55-75% will truly help the skin. when I visited very humid places, my eczema condition disappeared... I didn't even need medication!!! so, basically what I'm trying to say is that humidifiers are good. also, I have found that after taking a shower for about fifteen minutes to hydrate the skin and then sealing the moisture in immediately after with some sort of moisturizer, like curel or eucerin or something like that, helps to alleviate my itchiness and dryness. good luck with your little girl... I hope this info will help you to give whatever comfort to her that you can.

I, too, have found that oatmeal has really helped me out as far as bringing down redness and itchies... colloidal oatmeal, aveeno or just plain pharmacy brand, seems to definitely help me out.

My daughter's eczema is doing better. Almost not itching and better moods. I am giving her EPA and GLA (Essential Fatty Acids) on high dosage for the last week and a half. She is sleeping better and itching during the day is almost gone. I know she needs more time until her body gets use to it. Borage oil capsules and GLA on fish oil and Evening Primrose. Believe me everybody around town have noticed the difference on her.

I am still giving her 1/2 teaspoon of Tavist at night but I don't think is necessary anymore. I am just making sure she sleeps better. During the day she only gets her Essential Fatty Acids, vitamins and minerals.

Melissa, I went through about the same process last year and I would want you to watch that she don't start getting colds for some type of lung infection. I kept my son's room like a rain forest and thougth I was helping him breath easier because he was having constant ear infections. Are doing more reading and looking back I have figured out that bacteria and germs are very happy in cool moist areas and I was contributing to his illness. Talk about feeling bad, will our search for better ways of dealing, help us get over the guilt of failures. Take this for what it is worth, I am not a pro but a Dr. told my the best humidity is from 45 to 50%

Pat, How long have you been using the Tavist? I took my son off after about 11 months of 1/2 tsp twice a day and I saw no difference in the itch orsleep factor and maybe a little differnce is daily behavior as far as having more energy but that could be just being 2 1/2 years old. I would suggest giving it a shot stop taling it and if you are up in the middle of the night itching with him just give it then.

Distilled Water & Humidifiers

A town health official told me that we are supposed to use distilled water in the humidifiers because it is pure water without chemicals or minerals. He said that breathing the chlorine from the tap water may not be so swell, especially for people who are sensitive to it ("like people with asthma"). Distilled water is water that has evaporated and was trapped (like under the lid of a pan while cooking)--chemicals are boiled out into the air and what is left is pure water.

Showering

The hotter the water the less chlorinated it is, because as water is heated, the chlorine evaporates into the air. However, remember how someone on the list said breathing chlorine is worse than bathing in it? Health officials said that's true. I think that hot showers also can remove our hydrolipid film and that it might be better to avoid them. (Just as hot water cleanses grease better than warm water.)

So, we shouldn't want to constantly wash away this hydrolipid film only to replace it with occlusive barriers that dry it out further. Ya know what I mean, Vern?

Drinking Water

We don't want to drink distilled water, though, because we need the minerals. Boiling water, as we discussed, will rid the water of chlorine and even concentrate minerals in the water. That's good: no chlorine and concentrated minerals. Minerals are very important to our body. I also take trace minerals. Chlorine is what gives our water an "off taste", according to one health official.

Hi, I have been trying the evaporation technique for 2 nights in a row, wrapping a wet cotton t-shirt around my leg, covering it with a towel, and then wearing sweatpants over it. It seems to be working very well, when I wake up in the morning my skin feels soft and almost normal although it is still very red. However, after I remove the t-shirt the itching is out of control, worse than it has ever been. Has anyone else had this experience? I'm wondering why this process that seems to help so much is making the itch so much worse.

I agree with Royce that I feel my best after I shower. I shower at least once a day and sometimes as many as three times. At night, when I feel extra itchy, the best relief I have found is a cool shower (without soap). Bacteria grows on the skin constantly. The removal of this bacteria and it's odor is a basic need. I can't imagine going for days without a cleansing shower. The removal of bacteria and all the remains of the various lotions, sprays and ointments I have applied to my skin through the course of a normal day is paramount to my personal cleanliness. I'm already a semi-hermit due to my eczema. I sure don't want to keep my family and friends away because of my lack of a shower.

Most health officials agree that eczema is closely related to our body's immune system. My derm goes further than that and believes that it is the direct cause. The solution lies in finding what causes our immune systems to react this way. Many times, when we have a infection in our bodies, our eczema clears up dramatically. For years I assoiated this effect with the various medications that I was taking to relieve the infection and its effects. I would continue to take these drugs after the infection, thinking that they either reduced or relieved my eczema. The eczema always came back.

My derm explains it this way. When our bodies are invaded with a foreign substance, our immune systems are pressed into service. All of the bodies resources are focused on removing this invader. As soon as our immune system removes the infections or "invaders", it returns to normal. Shortly, our eczema returns.

I've been having some luck with a coal tar cream this week, but then noticed, by following one of Christine's links, that prolonged use of coal tar is associated with skin cancer. And the idea of putting "coal tar" on my skin and leaving it there struck me as kind of unappealing anyway. It does seem to be reducing the inflammation better than the topical steroids were. My spots aren't hurting as much.

I used a humidifier when I was a child but mold was a problem. And it's hard to regulate temperature, often got too cold in the room, then piled on blankets and then got too hot and started scratching in my sleep....

Actually, the only O-U (circled U) products that contain dairy will be the ones labelled dairy or O-U D. If there is an O-U without a letter following it, you *can* be 100% assured that there is no dairy in it. It doesn't have to say pareve. Ask any orthodox rabbi. (O-U is the symbol for the Orthodox Union, which supervises the production of all food items carrying that mark). They have a web page, although I don't know the URL.

Other kosher (and dairy-free) indications include the circled K and a K in a triangle. Again, if it is followed by D, it contains dairy. A free standing K that is not circled or in a triangle is not supervised or guaranteed. There are different symbols used in Canada, I don't know what they are, ask a local rabbi.

Hope this info is helpful for those trying to avoid dairy.

Hi,. I'm just wondering if anyone has tried the fleecy type of sports jackets - I'm not sure whether that will irritate my skin or help pull sweat away from it. (Or both....) Note: I don't mean wool - that WOULD screw my skin up - I'm talking about the artificial stuff.

I was really pleased with the results of the evaporation after leaving it on all night, I had tried it before for shorter periods of time with little success. But the itch this morning after I took off the wet wrap was unbelievable. Maybe it was the moisturizer I used this morning, It was lanolin free, but who knows what else might irritate my skin. Although my skin feels much softer after the evaportion, not scaly at all, the color has also deepened to a darker red, but that might just be because there are no dead scaly flakes on the top layer anymore.

I think Royce and I must have the same type of eczema: I shower every day and it makes me feel better. And if I am having an itching attack, I jump into the shower and wash the itchiness really well with lots of SOAP. I know, I know, soap is drying and bad for you, showers are drying, etc. I can't explain why it works, but it does. When my skin is too moist, i.e., sweaty, foggy weather, saunas, it gets worse.

I think there are different types of eczema, and different causes, and they all get lumped under the blanket word "eczema" by doctors. there is definitely an infectious component to eczema, whether bacterial, fungal, or otherwise, which is probably why soap and chlorine work so well with my skin.

As far as oatmeal goes, I am extremely allergic to it. The three times I tried bathing or soaking in it, I ended up with head to toe hives and a resulting outbreak in eczema.

I must admit that when I heard that every 4 days was what is best for our skin, I thought it was strange. That's why I called the health officials and asked them. They just confirmed it was indeed every 4 days. I want to emphasize, though, that we should daily cleanse the sweat glands. Twice daily is recommended. I probably didn't emphasize that enough. For something about water and cleansing, see How Things Work (I searched for water)
http://www.phys.virginia.edu/Education/Teaching/HowThingsWork/qsearch.html

DON'T BE FOOLED! Many years ago, I was in the commercial laundry machinery business (big stuff, like in hospitals and laundries) and the same thing was going around then.

The deal then, was to purchase this (at the time, rubber) ball, use it in every load and then, instead of using your regular amount of soap, use HALF the amount. Hey! Guess what? It worked! Why did it work? Not because of the ball, but because we all tend to use TOO MUCH soap in our washing machines.

If you had the occasion to watch a washman in a commercial laundry, he doesn't put a measured amount in each load. He titrates each load according to it's need. Each load will take varying amounts of soap depending on what it is.

For us, the same thing works. Put in only enough soap to make the wash water feel "slippery" - any more is TOO MUCH! Try it, it works. In addition, use an extra rinse - today's washing machines are set to use water sparingly, and an extra rinse helps to get all the soap out. Test yourself. Take something you just washed, put it right back in the washer, fill with HOT water, and if you get ANY suds, you're using too much soap. You don't need "suds" to clean clothes (with detergents) - you need slippery water.

There are "built" soaps - detergents - and there is regular soap. Regular soap is like Ivory soap - some 99% (usually) animal fat, the rest is lye. For pure washing efficacy, detergents are usually better. They're cheaper, rinse easier, work in hard water and take up less space.

I just wanted to say that I can't live withour my humidifier! It was the best thing I ever purchased! I can feel the difference in the air!

I am still using Lac Five. I used it for 21 days on my daughter consistently and now I used once every other day. It helps to get rid of old skin. It has a stinging feeling when you apply it but goes away after a while. Her skin appears to smoothen out and spots kind of went away.

Sarna has fragance in it so that is why I don't use on my daughter's eczema. You probably want to look for that ingredient.

For about ten years I have had eczema on the scalp and if I don't use Betnovate Scalp lotion at least twice a week it erupts. I an very concerned about the strength of this steroid and am very eager to stop using this product. I have tried numerous shampoos with little success. I.e Alphosyl and Capasal. Does anybody have any ideas?

I would say that I shower 9 days out of 10, primarily because my hair looks lank and limp if I skip a day and also I work out up to 4 times a week and wouldn't be able to get by with just localized cleansing. I'm sure many people shower "too often" for the same reasons, and more.

Rachel got to it before I did, but anyway, here's the URL for the Orthodox Union's "Kosher Talk" page:

http://www.ou.org/kosher/index.html

According to the page, they're planning to have the whole OU Kosher Directory on-line sometime this spring. (They've already got the much smaller Passover version (accessible from http://www.ou.org/chagim/pesach/pesachguide/), but it doesn't appear to list the dairy or nondairy nature of foods.

I had a bad reaction when painting and now I stay away from it altogether (in other words I will never be a great artiste...) I also had a very bad reaction just this week and I really can't point a finger what triggered the reaction. I had not itched that bad for such a long time. I was at work with no medication and came home to get some Benadryl and that helped some. Did any body hear anything about goats milk doing something good with eczema. One guy that works with my husband had to stop work his eczema was so bad and a Dr suggested he tried goats milk and it seems it did him a world of good.

For people that are trying to stay away from milk I have a list of other thing that we do not usually think of buy have milk in. I will try to find and send the information.

When I get really hydrated and my eczema was really kinda broken out, my skin was really red... I think just the fact that it's hydrated makes it red. What kind of lotion did you use? I used some lotions when my eczema was not so good and they made me itch like mad. right now, I'm seeing a derm and he's helping my skin to not itch so much... it's quite a routine that I have to go through but it really helps. I shower for about fifteen minutes to get my skin really hydrated, and then follow it up with medicreme... then I put on my medicine, and then I follow it up with lanicream, which is pretty good stuff and doesn't make me itch. For the rest of my day, the skin is very soft and not itchy. but I have to get through a ton to get it that way. I haven't tried the wrapping technique as of yet... but I do use a humidifier. I'm sorry that things get so itchy... I wish I knew of real way to relieve it. but that's what I do.

It's so hard to try to figure out what works and what doesn't. But, I think I may be allergic to Bounce sheets. Not Snuggle, just Bounce. Is this possible? Does anyone take Borage Oil and/or Zinc tablets? Also, I found a new great all-over lotion - non-rx but I got it from my derm. It's called Vanicream. Anyone ever use it??

Yes, Vanicream is really great stuff... I just recently started using it, and it really helps with the itchies. Also, it's best used after a shower... keeps you hydrated.

It's been only the last 50 years or so that people have felt compelled to shower everyday. For example, in the last century, most people got by with bathing about once a week. Myself, I can't stand to go more than two days without showering, but I always make sure to trap the moisture in my eczema skin by using Vaseline, Aquaphor, Curel or some combination thereof. I apply the latter two within a few minutes of exiting the shower and I apply the Vaseline before showering, to protect natural body oils. I find it helps my eczema to have a shower head on the end of a long hose so that you don't end up concentrating the hot water for too long on the head and upper portion of the body, and it makes it easier to clean those "out-of-the-way" places.

Just wanted to mention that my dermatologists asked me *first thing* if I used dryer sheets. I don't, but they both said that it contributed to some folks' dermatitis. So maybe you'd want to try going without for a while? (not to mention that it saves $$!)

I don't care what town health officials say. When it comes to personal cleanliness, I say do what feels comfortable to YOU, regardless of supposedly scientific facts about what the body needs. Each of us is different and we have to experiment with what works best.

If I don't shower every day my skin gets worse, plus I just feel disgusting if I don't.

When I was a child, the supposedly scientific way was to take a bath three times a day, advice I also rejected. Once a day is my happy medium.

Evaporation works for me when I put a good emollient on before & after the wrap. I use Theraplex Emollient which can be ordered from Medics lab 1-800-845-1313 for about $11 per 4.3 oz tube but it works well (for me) and it usually lasts for about 1 month. Most moisturizers make me itchy & red. I try to avoid lanolin & propylene glycol (I hope people aren't sick of me talking about this chemical I just think it can be important & something that can be so easily overlooked).

I was wondering if anyone with cow's milk allergy has ever had an allergic reaction with goat's milk as well. I have a severe cow's milk allergy and only the slightest trace of milk that get's into my system makes me break out with a rash all over my face, and in the creases of my elbows and knees. I've read some messages on the archives where people or their kids with cow's milk allergy actually showed some improvement of the skin with goat's milk. But I'm still pretty hesitant to try it.

In Mexico, people all shower twice a day. That's what I have done in the past. Also, when my skin was itching, a cool shower would cool down the itch. But do you really need to use soap all over every day? Water alone removes salt.

When I talk about showering every 4 days and cleansing twice daily the sweat glands, I know that it sounds off. But, that is what I learned from health officials. I care about what they said because we need to know why our skin is dry or unhealthy. Stripping the acid mantle by using soap and removing good bacteria and our hydrolipid film on a daily basis can account for one reason why eczema flares up. Since our skin obviously feels dry from doing that, we load on the occlusive barriers because that's the only thing we knew to do; yet, they prevent our skin from breathing and cause it to dry our further.

See http://oz.net/%7Ejohnre/neways/avoid.htm from Casco Enterprises (but don't let the music suprise you) for info on why mineral oil is not a good idea.

My new goal is to protect my acid mantle and to protect my natural cream (the hydrolipid film). I have to follow the advice of the health officials in order to do that. If I want my hair to look fluffy, I just rinse it with water inbetween those days. If we soap up our whole body every day, we'll strip the acid mantle and remove the hydrolipid film, resulting in dry skin.

See: http://www.drgreene.com/rashes.html from Dr. Greene's House Calls; and AAD, at: http://www.aad.org/mature.html for info on how important it is to preserve the acid mantle and protect the hydrolipid film. Further, do we understand that using occlusive barriers further dries out the skin?

MUCH more info at the Biophysical Studies of Human Skin Barrier, see: http://www.mbb.ki.se/forsk/bf.html

This whole idea is made very simple in my mind by saying that we are hurting our skin by showering too much with soaps. This is enough for me to take it seriously. Nobody has to sacrifice personal hygiene. Hygiene is defined in the dictionary as the science of health and the prevention of disease. Isn't that ironic that our obsession with hygiene can actually cause our skin to become diseased, defined as an abnormal condition of an organism or part, especially as a consequence of infection, inherent weakness, or environmental stress, that impairs normal physiological functioning. The real disease I see here is our thinking that the cosmetics industry cares more about us than they do about selling their products.

By the way, here's a great site: http://www.mic.ki.se/Diseases/c17.html

I felt obligated to let you know how Jeremy is doing after following Dr. Sampson's advice to a "T". Jeremy has been completely CLEAR for 4 days now. This has never happened since Jeremy was 2 months old (he is nearly 2 years now). I really have to believe that there was such a strong link to his itching and what he was eating. I had no idea that there are many foods that contain dairy but that the ingredient isn't actually marked on the label. Apparently tiny amounts of dairy were making him itch, besides the fact that he was having garlic just about every day. The difference is phenomenal...I would love to share everything I'm doing with other parents in hopes of helping out other itchy uncomfortable babies.

I have not tried the evaporation method yet, but I do know that on the days when my skin has been the most unbearably itchy, it was days when it was feeling *very* hydrated and smooth (and usually very red, but not always). Some people say that the dryness and scaliness are what itches, but for me, that is only a "topical" itch, whereas the profound, intense, unbearable kind of itch seems to come from somewhere inside. I have noticed, in retrospect, that my skin is often at its most beautiful (moist and pale) one day before a big flare up comes. Perhaps the skin is becoming delicate and vulnerable, which is what will make it hostess to a flare, but in the meantime (usually only one day or so, alas), I look like Camille of the porcelain skin.

Vanicream is the compounding base that pharmacists usually use to put medicines in... basically, it's a thick lotion/cream... but different because it works better than lotion usually does. I got mine from a pharmacist... it was $13.29 for a big thing of it... but it's pricey stuff. so, if you really need something to moisturize... it's good. I feel that it's better than Eucerin at providing relief, but that's just my opinion.

Americans, for whatever reasons, tend to shower more than other cultures. Humans don't normally need as many showers as we take, and our skin actually develops a natural resistance to bacteria under these conditions. The need for daily (or more often) showering is a PERCEIVED need. We may smell a little strong, but it really doesn't mean too much - except maybe to others!

Of course, when we put all this stuff on our skin to medicate the eczema, these different medications might make it necessary to shower. Medications themselves collect and trap dirt and bacteria. A shower FEELS good - we're just used to that feeling.

In Canada there is Glaxal Base, which sounds like it is the same thing. It is an excellent (but somewhat greasy) moisturizer which is lanolin free.

I'd like to get in touch with people who have a similar type of eczema as mine. I've had eczema in the spring and summer since puberty (11-12 years old). It flares up around May of each year and used to last through September. I even had some during a February trip down South (sunny and warm). In the past years, it has gotten better and completely gone away by July. It used to come up on my hands (top), elbows, knees, and even ankles. Now it only appears on my left hand and right elbow. Needless to say, it is very itchy, ugly, and frustrating. It is without doubt due to sun and heat, which makes my summers less pleasant than they could be. I'm desperately trying to get rid of it... I've tried corticosteroid creams, acupuncture, and take Atarax at night to relieve the itch, but nothing seems to really help in a significant way. I just started a Chinese Herbal Treatment a few days ago as prevention, so I'm waiting to see if that will help.

I'm having a really bad facial flare up. I know I ate a little milk product which gives me eczema but I think I'm also reacting to something in my environment. My mom read somewhere that some major news magazine, TIME I believe, reported symptoms associated with computer use, one of them being skin problems. She has told this to my other family members and they try to discourage my time at the computer. I hope it's not that because I cannot live without my computer, I'm addicted to the Web, not to mention this wonderful list, where I continue to learn so much about this disease.

Pascale, our daughter has eczema, she is 7 months old, she really likes to stay cool, and just a degree or two makes a difference in the itching, we keep the house and car at 68 or 69 degrees.

Our daughter has had eczema since 3 months, we are now trying accupuncture and chinese herbs, what is the homeopathic remedy you mention? We use cortisone when we have to but are trying any and all natural methods, our girl is all breastfed, and we have just started an organic rice cereal mixed with breastmilk.

We have been using a tea tree oil based shampoo for our daughter, watered down a lot of course, and with two washes a day her seb. derm on the scalp is much better, has anyone had experence with tea tree oil? BTW it is also a good antifungal.

Has anyone tried any of the herbal remedies for eczema that David Hoffman lists? I am taking burdock root but I think that my be aggravating my eczema, he says sometimes roots can be too strong for eczema and can aggravate it instead of helping it. I wonder if it is worsening my eczema or if it's just cause I relapsed when I saw an open bag of doritos lying there temptingly on my kitchen table-- covered with cheese. Milk is my dire enemy. It is apparently not as fond of me as I am of it, which seems to be a recurring theme in my life. Anyway this site is a must for anyone interested in self-help herbal therapy. It can be found at http://www.healthy.net/library/books/hoffman/skin.eczema.htm

Another good site which gives a naturopathic explanation of eczema and its treatments is http://www.naturomed.com/eczema.html. One interesting claim they made is that burdock corrects the underlying defect of eczema. I forget why/how.

I really think borage oil, or starflower oil (a prettier and thus perhaps more lucrative name) should replace EPO. According to David Hoffman, "borage acts as a restorative agent on the adrenal cortex, which means that it will revive and renew the adrenal glands after a medical treatment with cortisone or steroids". Something we cortisone junkies could benefit from I think. (I am wondering if this is a benefit from the GLA that is in borage or from something else). Also, borage oil is suppossed to be the most potent source of GLA, its GLA content is 3X greater than that for evening primrose oil. As a third note, borage oil is much cheaper than EPO too, at least here in the States. And considering the huge doses of EFA that seem to be needed in order to make a dent in our condition, that could add up to a lot of money saved.

My brother recently got me some Dermapor gloves to aid in my ongoing struggles against hand eczema. They are made of Gore-Tex, so are permeable, but still provide protection. They are also non-absorbent and re-usable.

They are not particularly stylish; frankly I gave up using them as they are somewhat crinkly and interfere with my daily activities (lots of typing). They work fairly well with lotions etc. but start to discolor (this does not apparently limit their effectiveness). Personally I have much more luck with cotton gloves with the fingers snipped off, using copious amounts of lac-hydrin & vaseline intensive care lotion, alternating with the evaporation technique. Over the last few weeks this program actually has made a difference in my eczema.

But if you are looking for somthing to wear when washing dishes & the lined gloves on the market are not working, Dermapor might be worth a try.

W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. DERMAPOR Gloves 297 Blue Ball Road Elkton, MD 21921 1-800-535-4673

Has anyone ever heard of having an eczema personality? My derm. told me that out of all the people he has met who have (or had) eczema, most of them were very driven, stressed people. Driven to succeed, people who demanded a lot from themselves and who have a tendency to really interalize stress.

I know myself pretty well, and I know that I am very very ambitious, and sometimes I wonder if being more laid back would help my skin condition. I also know that stress definately affects my eczema. It's exam time now and I AM STRESSED. Needless to say, my itching has increased also.

The thing that I don't really understand is, that people who are very stressed out such that a biological change occurs, shouldn't that help eczema/allergies because in times of stress the immune system is shut down because of the release of stress hormone.

Anyway, just something to think about. I was really just wondering if anyone else has heard about this theory regarding being extremely driven/ambitious and eczema.

Neoprene Gloves

My hands were doing just great. Then I bought some MAPA Bluettes "Dermatologist Recommended" gloves made from neoprene. I called the company consumer hotline 1-800-537-2897 to see if neoprene is rubber or latex. The girl who answered the phone said "no". The gloves are lined with a little cotton. Someone even recommended these gloves to me in the context of eczema. Anyway, **they messed up my hands**. So, I did a search on the Net for Neoprene, and found http://www.press-seal.com/rubbersp.html

"Chloroprene Rubber (CR, Neoprene): Neoprene is the common trade name for a synthetic rubber ...."

When I go to the grocery store to buy gloves, there are tons of rubber gloves. The only gloves that looked safe were the Neoprene gloves. How tricky of them. I should have to stuck to Allerderm's vinyl gloves.

Dermapor Gloves: see http://www.gorefabrics.com/gorefabrics/html/dermapor.html. When I called, I learned that they **do not recommend using them for washing dishes** or anything like that--note: their web site doesn't specifically say that (a bit misleading or what?).

My hands were hurting; they looked like hands of a 100 year old person. They were totally dried out and red. My hands recovered without the use of corticosteriods. I just rinsed them with the water that I let sit out for 24 hours to rid it of chlorine and used a little Epiderma. I totally avoided soap. A key may be no soap, no irritants, no occlusive barriers & hydration. Let's research companies who know about such things. You know, as well as I do, that most will tell us to use occlusive barriers.

Also, on humectants, see http://oz.net/%7Ejohnre/neways/avoid.htm.

I think stress/personality comes into it partially. Sure when I'm stressed the eczema gets worse; although if I've got something which I'm working on sometimes it can give me some concentration to help relieve the eczema.

I think its very difficult to relax with eczema when your constantly being irritated; especially when you loose sleep etc. I don't think its a case of how much stress people put themselves under causing eczema (except perhaps in rare cases); it probably makes it a bit worse, but I think its more to do with howmuch stress eczema puts people under. (Of course this now becomes a recursive argument and the stress of the eczema makes the eczema worse).

I think there are also various types of stress; so I suspect the stress of worry from an exam or something is quite different from the fight/flight type stress response of a sudden shock which gives you the adrenalin (?).

Interestingly my eczema was fine all the way through my finals and only really got worse as I became a postgrad. It will be interesting to see how it reacts to me starting work.

Yes! I have the same type of personality...I'm very motivated about certain things and I will go all out on them...But I also (as you mention) keep to myself in terms of things that bother me and don't really express my frustrations as much as friends. In fact, many people I know have termed me "easy going" because I'm always calm and never seem to get flustered or angry. The downside of all of this of course is that I just don't express it.

I have long noticed the stress relationship with my eczema. I can be avoiding all the foods I am allergic to, using all the right creams/lotions/etc, and doing everything I can to limit my exposure to things that will "aggrevate" my eczema.....With no result.

On the flip side...If things are going well for me personally I can eat whatever I want, take 20 minute showers in scalding hot water, stop using moisturizers, skip allergy shots....And my skin stays clear.

Unfortunately...Given the way my personality is (hehe) I can't figure out how to manage my stress levels more effectively. I have noticed that regular exercise really helps me a lot...Others say that sweating and such aggrevates their condition but I think the physical benefits of really intense exercise really help.

Many computer users I know don't go outside enough. Outside is often good for the skin. I guess there could be a correlation between skin conditions and using computers, but it's vague at best. I bet there is a correlation between television viewers and eczema, yet Time Magazine has never mentioned this.

About your Family vs. Computers: I've had eczema since I was 8 or 9, and when I was a teenager I had really bad acne. This combined with normal teenage stress and too many teenage hormones made me very anti-social at times. The computer community (geeks) have always provided a solace for me in times of my bad eczema or acne outbreaks; partially because they didn't have to see me if I didn't want them to; but also because many other geeks have the same skin and self-confidance problems I have (That's one reason we're geeks! :) As long as we turn off the computer and go outside to play, and have other hobbies, there isn't a problem.

That's my personality.. to a T. hmmm. - Royce

I used to have eczema all over, but now primarily get it on my face, especially on my forehead and under my eyes. The strange thing is that, while my skin was incredibly dry when I was a teenager, it's really oily now. I still get eczema, but it appears as red, imflamed bumps under oily skin. My dermatologist claims that it's still eczema, and it responds favorably (for about a day) to the normal treatments: psorcon cream, antihistamines, etc.

I also have acne, which, when I'm not on antibiotics, I get all over my face, my shoulders, and my back. Without antibiotics, the acne and the eczema get into a vicious cycle where they both worsen each other. Does anyone else on the list have this same problem? It occurred to me that, while I used to avoid overwashing, and used to pour on the lotions, I can't use lotion at all on my face or back anymore. Even sunscreen makes my skin oily. Doesn't this contradict the usual eczema pattern? Does anyone know if the eczema and the acne are related, or am I just doubly-cursed?

Oh yeah, one other question: I've been trying to discover whether or not my facial eczema is caused by contact with an allergen. I've experimented with shampoos, etc. One thing I've been thinking lately is that I might be allergic to something in the topical antibiotic gel I use (it has propyline glycol, which has been mentioned lately on the list). Has anyone ever had a reaction to something topical that only manifests itself in one place (the face) but not on the other parts of the body where it's used (neck, back, chest, shoulders)? Or should I cross this one off my "possible allergens" list?

I have had a nasty case of eczema on one hand for about five years now. Clobetasol Propianate Cream (sp?) is the best relief that I have found (outside of a trip to Bangladesh, where the rash completely disappeared!)

Fluocinolone, Diprolene and udder balm have also offered mild relief.

Paraphase of something I remember from reading "Skin Deep, A Mind/Body-Program for Healthy Skin": "Unexpressed angry is the primary cause of skin disorders".

If you'd like more info on this book (at least 30% of the book is available from the Web), check out "http://grossbart.com/sd/index.htm".

Well of course the Clobetasol Propianate Cream worked, the only steroid you can get more potent stateside is the above mentioned in ointment form, don't ever use it on your face.

My 9 year old and both suffer from eczema, fortunately, it has been mild lately, only in a couple of areas. Unlike last year where it was everywhere including the scalp. Nothing seemed to help except cod liver oil tablets and cranberry juice. Right now we're trying primrose oil tablets and someone recommended grape seed oil extract. Is there something straightforward that people have had success with and some ointment I can give my son to relieve the itch. It seems to flare up. when he is under stress but it is mild and only in a couple of areas. BTW we have tried several strengths of cortisone, it clears up briefly and then returns.

I have read that though stress makes eczema worse, it does not cause it.

In response to the discussions regarding the use of humidifiers as a source of moisture for the skin, resent discussions with my allergist leads me to beleive that high levels of humidity can promote the growth of dust mite population in bedding, carpets, etc..

The following is my own formula for eczema control:

1. dust mite control (mattress & pillow covers, no quilts)
2. Drink plenty of water
3. at least 100 minutes/week cardio vascular excercise
4. two showers per day followed by vaseline coating before toweling off.
5. 10 mg Claritin daily

I am pretty sure that stress caused my eczema. It started about two years ago out of the blue right around the time some "stressful" things started happening. I tend to keep things inside too which I figure doesn't help. Anyway, now that I know this, whenever I start to think about the "stress" things, I try to just take a deep breath and relax. Amazingly, my skin has really cleared up. It's scary the effect that your mind can have on your body.

I have a demanding job and can confirm that stress is the main culprit with my eczema. I am also very ambitious and quite hyperactive.

I know when I get stressed at work the skin all over my body becomes very red and extremely itchy. I had to resign from an excellent job four years ago. I loved it but my body just could not handle the strains. I made the conscious decision to find a more relaxing job, but within three years I am now a manager of a very busy dept. I guess my ambition got the best of me again and my skin really is suffering now.

People have said many times that I should find a job that is less demanding but I know I will get bored. I am reading books on the mind and how to keep it in a constant state and I know it will take a long time to change the way I am.

I have tried evening primrose oil, both internally and externally. It seems that it helps sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. The thing I have found that works the most is Lubriderm unscented. I use it three times a day, especially after a shower. It seems to be the only thing that adds moisture or helps the skin to retain moisture.

I have heard many people say that the sun helps their eczema. In my case, it is the opposite: the sun and heat give me eczema!

Yup. I've heard before that some dermatological symptoms are psychosomatic (though I always hate it when people suggest it to me--as if my stinging, itching sensation was just in my head). But I've got to admit, I fit your description scarily well.

I truly believe my eczema has been due to repeated contact to an "alien" element. I've tried to list all of the changes in my life since the eczema developed. These include a new house, a new community with an out-dated water system, a new husband, a water softener, new laundry detergent, new shampoo, new cats, etc.

The shampoo has several potentially harmful ingredients. So, I'm off to look for a new shampoo. I'll start with the ones in the FAQ. Note: I don't have eczema on my scalp, just my legs. Mabye the shampoo is getting on my legs and not getting rinsed off well?!

Then, I lived in places without water softners several years before moving to this house. I decreased the days between regeneration cycles on the water softener when I saw the pans coming out of the dishwasher all rusty. I thought the element that caused the rust might be bothering my legs. Could the opposite be true? Am I using too much salt? Should I increase the time between regenerations on the water softener? I'll try and find out.

I'm going to a new derm in early May for another opinion. I'll ask her about these chemicals and write back if she provides any more information on them.

One more note, I have always suspected the laundry detergent as the prime suspect for aggrevating the eczema because it only appears where my clothes are tightest! The latest test is Shaklee Basic-L free. It's free of fragrance, dyes, and masking agents. It's also dust-free and has no phosphates, borates, or nitrates.

Gretchen, I think you can be more sensitive to allergens over different parts of your body. For instance, I am allergic to nickel, so I often get a rash from my glasses frames on my nose and cheekbones, but never on my temple, which they also touch. My reaction to nickel is also influenced by the temperature and the amount that I sweat -- I almost never get a reaction in the winter when it's cold, but when the weather is warmer my pores are more open (?) and I sweat more so I get a rash almost every time I wear my glassses.

BTW, I am still doing the evaporation thing overnight on the big patch of eczema on my leg. I have stopped moisturizing it right after I remove the wet wrap and this seems to have lessened the intense itch that I was experiencing.

Being the one that put Vanicream out there, I took a look on the label. Here's what it says: "A non greasy, long lasting moisturizing cream, VANICREAM is easy to spread, quickly absorbed, noncomedogenic and contains no perfume, lanolin, dyes, formaldehyde or parabens.

An oil-in-water emulsion type vanishing cream base composed of purified water, white petrolatum, cetearly alcohol and ceteareth-20, sorbital solution, propylene glycol, simethicone, glyceryl monostearate, polythylene glycol monostearate, sorbic acid and BHT." Made by: Pharmaceutial Specialisites, inc. Rochester, Minnesota 55903 800-325-8232 Wow, it has more stuff in it than I thought. All I know is that my skin likes it much more that baby oil. That, Plastibase and Curel are my main-stays.

If I don't use soap, I am miserable. I have tried everything from Ivory, Dial, Aveeno, Nutrogena, oatmeal soaps, and on and on. The best soap for me is Palmolive. The dermatologist tells me that it's not good for me. But it is not his skin and it works for me. Ivory was without question the worst soap I have ever tried.

Like Royce, If I don't bath once a day, I am miserable. When my eczema is bad, the hotter the better. The dermatologist tells me this is bad for me, but again it's not his skin and it works for me.

Don't know if it is the chlorine or the water or the exercise or something else... but my eczema is generally better when I swim a lot. Since I swim a lot at night when there is no the sun is not a factor.

Finally, although I have not run a conclusive experiment, I believe that tomato sauce aggravates my eczema. Fresh tomatos are not as bad.

You can buy Glaxol base in Canada in the pharmacy departments at London Drugs, Safeway, The Great Canadian Superstore, Save-on-Foods and most pharmacies. Some stores have it on the shelf; others have it over the counter. Glaxol base works great on me so I buy it in large quantities. The 450g container costs about $15. The label is blue and white. If your pharmacy does not carry it you can order it from your pharmacist. The Drug Identification Number (DIN) is 00295604. Hope this helps!!

Pascale, I have a similar problem. My dermatologist recommended that I spend 15 minutes in the sun each day to help my eczema. However I found that after ten minutes, my skin (especially my face) would burn and my eczema would act up. Consequently, I now try to avoid sun exposure as much as I can in the summer. In the winter though, some sun seems to help. One year when my eczema got really bad, I had to go for Ultra violet (UV) treatments every other day for about three weeks. My eczema improved really quickly in that time period. From my own experience, I found that quick changes in temperatures (like coming into a heated home from the cold outdoors) and extreme temperatures aggravate my eczema.

There's just something about the feel of warm water over ones body in the morning....

I find that putting Johnson's baby powder with pure cornstarch on the area that itches really helps. I usually put on my prescription cream first and put the baby powder on top. The itching usually stops within a couple of minutes. You can get the Johnson's Baby Powder at any drugstore, but remember to get the one with the pure cornstarch. It has worked for me, I hope it works for your son as well.

Has anyone tried creamy baby oil as a moisturizer? If so, what were the results? I've just started using it, and can't tell yet if I'm going to like it any more than other lotions. It isn't as greasy as regular baby oil, and that's a plus. If no one else has had any experience, I'm willing to be the lab rat.

I am going to take my son to a kinesiologist. He is a naturalopath (sp?) with a speciality in this field. Have you ever tried this alternative speciality? By the way, Mac is doing better. I have been able to increase his foods to 10, your list of food is still my bible for trying new foods, thanks so much for your help. 

That is interesting. I just got a sample of Ivory's new kind of bath soap in the mail. I used it to wash my hands, and BINGO my eczema had spread twofold on my hands. Took me days to control it.

I pay $30 a month and go to the tanning bed in the summer. It works. Plus, I feel aglow all over.

I'm forwarding some info that was sent to through the misc. health alternative newsgroup. Has anyone heard of this stuff, before I go out and try it?????

>>

What is Intra? The extract of 23 herbs, berries, barks, and roots blended with grape and pear juice to make it drinkable (sounds horrid, but not so). These extracts I am told give the body the nutrition that is lacking in our everyday food. Our body, whose natural instinct is to heal itself and remain healthy, picks out the nutrients it needs to put your body back into balance. It sounds so simple, but all I know is that it worked for Jonathan's eczema and because of the way it works has helped others with different problems such as arthritis, PMT, and more (the whole family and many friends are on Intra and benefiting).

Do not worry, it does not cost the moon or stars. When I was first introduced to Intra I was very sceptical. My wife comes from a conventional medical family, they are doctors or nurses. My son Jonathan had been treated conventionally for his eczema for 18 month, since he was 10 months, and his back was still as bad as very. So I started giving him 1/8 oz (4 ml)/day of Intra, because he was only small (an adult normally takes 1 oz / Day (30 ml), in days we noticed a difference and by the end of the 1st month he was nearly clear. At the end of the 2nd the purple scaring had nearly gone caused by 18 months of constant scratching. That was May 1996, he still has his eczema under control (wish we could say as much for him).

Important: it is not a medicine but a nutritional herbal drink. What gave me the confidence to give it to my young son?

1. Father in law, who is a doctor looked at the contents and a local hospital doctor looked at the contents and both told us that there was nothing that would cause any problems (both were sceptical, however they have seem Jonathan's back now).
2. The man that put Intra together and has put his name and reputation on the line, is Dr Albert Leung, who is regarded by his peers as one of the foremost experts in his field. He is the author of two definitive texts: "Chinese Herbal Remedies" & "Encyclopaedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics". Most importantly he put together "PHYTOMED" a database of hearbal medicine for the National Cancer Institute, which is used world-wide.

I have been sending it out around the world for GBP 25 per bottle including P&P. A bottle lasts 1 month at 1 oz/day (If this sounds an expensive product there are 2 things to think about: 1- what costs good health and 2- if it works and I gain a belief in the product I can join the distribution network get the product at a discount and even make a little money, it is a legitimate business with a proven system). I have laid everything out for you, and I hope you will try Intra because it works.

<<

Pauline, My eczema is even rarer than yours because I don't have it in the winter! I only have some in the summer and when I go down South for a winter trip. It is therefore directly caused by sun and heat. My derm. said that he has seen this condition in a few teenagers (I'm 21 and I've had eczema for 10 years) and that it gets better with age. Indeed, my eczema is already better than it used to be.

I have not tried creamy baby oil on my 18 mo. old, but did try creamy vaseline and he cried a lot. I think it just had too many ingredients in it compared to regular vaseline to make it creamy.

I am trying urea in petroleum jelly that our ped. had mixed for us. We thought Daniel couldn't handle urea when it was in Carmol-10, but it must have been some other ingredient.

I use Creamy Vaseline and have found it to be the only thing I can use long term with no reactions. It really works for me.

I was told that Ivory soap was one of the worst soaps out there for eczema skin. I don't even have eczema and I used some Ivory that came with my newspaper a few weeks ago--did not like it one bit! It just felt funny compared to Dove. I have just started using Aveeno Cleansing Bar--can't tell if its doing any good on my 18 mos. old or not, yet.

I do NOT have a driven personality but I have had eczema my entire life. Perhaps a driven personality might exacerbate an eczematic condition that develops later in life. Nevertheless, in my opinion, stress can only be one factor, not THE cause.

Pascale, heat is terrible for my eczema too. I stay out of the sun as much as possible and never wear shorts or short-sleeve shirts. Long-sleeves and pants are a must for me. I have lots in light-weight material so I do OK, but must frequently take my clothes off for awhile on hot days.

I also take cool or cold showers, not hot or warm. And I must make extra efforts to adjust to temperature changes at all times. It's hard because I don't seem to have the ability to realize when subtle temperature changes are taking place. At some point I realize I'm too hot and then I get very itchy. I am working on building my awareness of subtle increases in temperature so that I can take steps to cool off before getting overheated.

Anyone interested in current medical research might consider ordering copies of audiotapes from the American Academy of Dermatology Convention held in March here in San Francisco. The audiotape service number is 800-373-2952. It costs $10 per tape plus shipping.

The most informative tape was #SYM313 "Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis". This gave info about specific treatments, current research, and covered immunology and allergy. At some point soon I will post a summary of what I learned from this tape.

I also enjoyed #FOC698 "Quality of Life Measurement in Dermatology". This one discussed the impact of skin problems on people's lives and documented the various ways of measuring that impact. (The narrator is a doctor in Wales who sounds very understanding! I wish I lived in Wales and could see him....)

There are two other sessions that haven't yet been shipped to me but the titles sounded good enough to order. #FOC636 "Atopic Eczema: New Therapeutic Views" and #DSG451 "Eczemas and Eczemas".

I've never heard of kinesiology. What is it? Is it anything like reflexology? I do believe in some types of alternative medicine and I have been at points in my life when my eczema was so bad that I would try anything. I tried reflexology and polarity and found no significant difference but acupuncture seemed to be beneficial. I believe that my eczema is partly related to certain hormone imbalances (I used to always get a premenstrual flare) and I think the acupuncture helped to regulate that. Let me know if the kine. helps.

Has anyone ever tried Aveno Gentle Skin Cleanser (I thought the Aveno bar was okay but this worked better)? It comes in a pump bottle and is similar in consistancy to Cetaphil cleanser. If so, what do you think? It's the only thing I can use- any soap I've tried irritates my skin (Ivory was the worst).

I also use the creamy Vaseline in a tube. I have used it for years, in the morning. I accidentally bought the kind with Alpha-Hydroxy in it at Wal-Mart. Big mistake. Spread it like wildfire on my hands, and left my elbows cracked and bleeding. Back to the good old cheap basics. Live and learn. It doesn't cure it, but it does a good job of controlling eczema.

Date: 23 Apr 1997 17:06:04 From: Christine Subject: Glycine & NaPCA

From http://www.nikolas.com/naturesrain/faq.htm

1. What is NaPCA?-- NaPCA is the accepted acronym for the "sodium salt of pyrolidone carboxylic acid". NaPCA is a potent hydrophilic (water seeking) agent and is the primary humectant in human skin.
2. Why does the skin dry out?-- The skin dries because of a loss of the ability to retain water.
3. Why can't we just drink water and fix dry skin?-- The skin cointains a significant amount of fat and oil which repel water. The skin must have NaPCA in it to overcome this situation and remain hydrated.
4. How can dry skin be made normal?-- In order for dry skin to be rehydrated two things must happen: 1) Water (moisture) must be moved into all the layers of the skin and 2) NaPCA levels in the skin must be returned to normal.
5. Where does NaPCA come from?-- NaPCA is made from a protein component (amino acid) called glycine.
6. Why does the skin dries out when it is immersed in water?-- If the skin is immersed in water for a time the NaPCA in the skin migrates into the water the skin is immersed in. NaPCA will, via osmosis, move to the area where the concentration of NaPCA free water is greatest. A bathtub full of water from the tap has no NaPCA in it. When the body is submerged in the tub, NaPCA moves out and the skin dries out when the body gets out of the tub.
7. How much NaPCA is supposed to be in the skin?-- About 5% of the weight of the water in the skin should be NaPCA under ideal conditions.
8. Why is advancing age often associated with dry skin?-- As the body ages, it becomes less efficient at manufacturing NaPCA and thus older skin can lose it's ability to hold water (moisture) in place. In additon, there is an accumulation of cross-linked collagen which makes the skin less pliable and results in a loss of mechanical absorbent capability.

How long do you give a new "itch remedy" or eczema remedy before you decide if it does or doesn't work? Are your tests controlled? Do you just try one thing at once and hold everything else constant?

Some times I itch so bad and the old itch relief tactics don't work anymore, I try to make multiple changes at once. It's impossible to tell what worked and what didn't. I'm too impatient during bad itching periods to conduct a good trial. When the itching is minimal, it's also hard to tell if a new medicine or treatement is working. What works when the itching is minimal will not work when it's severe.

What is the best way to evaluate a new medicine to treatment? Although I've won battles with the eczema on my torso, I've never won a battle with it on my legs. I'm wondering if maybe I didn't stick with a treatment long enough.

According to "The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book" by Shari Lieberman and Nancy Bruning, both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) "appear to have positive effects on immune functions and inflammation. By blocking the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, EPA tends to improve symptoms of...atopic dermatitis (eczema).... In several studies, GLA relieved the symptoms of eczema and atopic dermatitis and reduced the amount of skin area that was affected.... Since GLA's anti-inflammatory mechanism is slightly different from that of EPA, it appears to complement EPA's anti-inflammatory activities." (p. 196)

Furthermore, Dr. James Braly, in his book "Food Allergy and Nutrition" notes: "Eczema has responded in scientific studies to supplementation with evening primrose oil and Max-EPA, particularly in combination with therapeutic doses of zinc and Vitamin A." (p. 151)

Therefore, it appears we eczema people should be taking both EPA and GLA. I note that EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid while GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid. The major sources of EPA seem to be cold-seawater fatty fish oil and (I believe) flax seed oil. The major sources of GLA are evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil. The Max-EPA that Dr. Braly refers to is a supplement that can be obtained in health food stores.

Later in their book (p. 197), Lieberman and Bruning state: "Both in scientific studies and in clinical practice, capsules of evening primrose oil have been the mainstay of GLA supplementation. The problem is that each evening primrose oil capsule contains only 45 milligrams of GLA along with over 100 milligrams of linoleic acid - the essential fatty acid that has inflammatory effects. However, other, richer sources of GLA have been discovered, including borage oil and black currant oil. These oils supply more GLA while containing less linoleic acid. Since most of us already have an over- abundance of linoleic acid in our diet, I prefer to use GLA from borage and black currant oils to correct the imbalance and obtain the desired therapeutic effect."

I just saw my allergist today and he told me about a new drug called Accolate (Zafirlukast) which he is promoting for asthma. Apparently, the drug (which has been available since late last year) blocks the actions of leukotrienes, chemicals in the blood that play an active role in causing asthma. I note that leukotrienes are also responsible in part for causing eczema. I asked my doctor if Accolate would help my eczema. He said he thought it would and he gave me a 30-day trial sample. I believe this Accolate is the first of that new generation of drugs that block allergic reactions at the cellular level that many of us have been reading about (but I thought those drugs were not due for release for at least another year or two). My problem is, I don't want to take this drug unless I have more information about the likelihood that it will help my eczema. Unfortunately, the package insert was only marketing hype. I intend to look it up in the PDR as soon as I can track down the latest version (assuming Accolate is listed).

Does anyone on the list have information on this drug. Has anyone tried Accolate for eczema? What were your results?

Controlled test? Hah! On our own self, maybe - but I don't think it would be universal. I know what seems to work on ME, and I'm sure it would work on others with my same problem too. But I'm also positive that there are many it WOULDN'T work on!

On me, if something is going to work, it works right away - overnight even. If I go longer than a few days with no results, I put it aside. Notice I say, "aside" - it MAY work in the future!

I think the best is the 2 P's -- Patience & Persistence!

Gary, This page and its links should answer most of your question and has the most current info on said drug.

http://www.cponline.gsm.com/scripts/fullmono/showmono.pl?mononum=638

The humidity near to a VDU is very low and this has a significant drying effect on the skin. Unfortunately there's not much that can be done about this (anti static/radiation filters in front of the screen aren't very effective in this regard).

I have two VDUs at my desk, I always turn off the one I'm not using. Having a plant by the computer is a good idea. It increases humidity through transpiration and can remove noxious hydrocarbons from the atmosphere.

I also wipe my computer keyboard and phone with a damp cloth each morning, just in case someone has decided to use cleaning products, polish etc. on them.

To Gary, who wanted more info on Accolate: If the product insert is just marketing hype and you can't find a recent PDR, usually any pharmacy that carries the product can give you the "scientific" product insert which is a copy of what's in the PDR. Even if you don't buy the product from them, they will generally be happy to give it to you (in my experience).

>>CONCLUSIONS: The respiratory route may be relevant in the induction and exacerbation of dermatitis in a subset of patients with atopic dermatitis who have early bronchial reactions after house dust mite inhalation, a history of asthma, and an elevated blood total IgE level. Furthermore, these findings suggest a possible causalrelationship between bronchial reactions and skin reactions. <<

When I was younger I had a type of chronic allergic bronchitis for years.

Remember from http://www.nikolas.com/naturesrain/faq.htm we learned that NaPCA is a potent hydrophilic (water seeking) agent and is the primary humectant in human skin? From that site we also learned that NaPCA is made from a protein component (amino acid) called glycine.

At http://www.vaxa.com/vaxa/621.htm you'll find a description of Dermatin, "This Homeopathic Nutraceutical is specifically formulated to correct the imbalanced chemistry of dry, flaky, rough skin as well as to combat and relieve the medical problems of various forms of dermatitis, including the pain, swelling, itching and skin eruptions associated with acute and chronic eczema, psoriasis, and seborrhoea". Dermatin's Nutraceutical Ingredients: L-Glycine, L-Proline, L-Alanine, L-Cystine, ....

Also read http://www.gelatin.com/structure.htm, about gelatin, "which is widely found in nature being the major constituent of skin, bones and connective tissue"

Knox gelatine home page is http://www.nabisco.com/knox/knoxdrink.html Knox can be bought in bulk.

Since I don't use soap (to preserve my acid mantle), cut down the baths (remember how NaPCA leaves our skin and goes into the bath water), and quit putting occlusive barriers or cortisone on my skin (to allow it to breathe and maybe irrigate), I may logically be winning back healthy skin. I do take 2 packs of knox gelatin daily.

For the first time ever, our son's pediatrician has recommended that we bathe our son daily (not with soap every time, I decided) and to lather him with Crisco Shortening immediately after. Has anyone ever heard of this? Of course, he prescribed steroids to get it under control, as well.

In addition to steroid creams, we are using Aquaphor. We were only bathing him every 3 days. He is 19 months old. Any comments?

I read an interesting study suggesting that topical aspirin would help against histamine-induced itching. Suggestions, anyone, for a topical aspirin concoction? Aspirin doesn't solve completely in water, so that's not the way to make a wash; but perhaps the fizzy type would work?

BTW, has anyone tried Head&Shoulders on their eczema yet?

My 2 1/2 year old has just been diagnosed as having a wheat allergy as well as a dairy allergy - what on earth can I feed him instead of the usual Weetabix, biscuits and sarnies? And please don't say porridge, rice cakes and rye bread, 'cos he's spent the last 2 weeks flatly refusing all of them! He used to really love his food, even on the non-dairy diet, but since we started down this path he seems to have gone off everything. Help! I'm running out of ideas!

Hmm - no wheat. What about:

• Cornflakes (they're nice enough)
• Coco pops (popped rice coco flavoured)
• Cake made from Potato flour
• Chocolate (it takes effort but you can find dairy free stuff).

When I was younger I used to get bronchitis and pneumonia all the time and still have asthma.

The more I read from this group and web sources, I have to agree that supplementing with the essential fatty acids is important. I have been taking both evening primrose oil and borage oil (usually only one each daily). And yesterday I read on the Naturomed Inc. web site that Anjum referred us to this week (http://www.naturomed.com/eczema.html) that zinc and Vitamin A are also very important for body to convert the EFAs properly. I had heard about the EFAs, but not zinc before. I found that very interesting. So I found Vi-Zac at a health food store containing Vita. A, C, E, and Zinc. One more point, this website states that the first and foremost treatment of eczema is changing the diet. To find and remove all food allergens. I would like to do this if only I knew what foods I am allergic to. Does anyone know what the "elimination diet" is -- I keep hearing/reading about it, but don't know exactly how it works.

Gary, Do the books you wrote about suggest how much fatty acids, etc. we need to take to see results?

We used Crisco all the time on our son's diaper rash (this was already 12 years ago); it was better than Desitin and certainly cheaper. We laughed when it was suggested (by our pediatrician, I think, or perhaps by other parents), but it worked great. Of course, this was diaper rash, which is caused by external irritants, which Crisco provided a barrier against. It may not work so well on eczema, which needs to breathe.

My dermotologist recently started putting aspirin in the steroid-based skin cream that he prescribes for me. It has really helped cut the itching but he was reluctant to explain to me why it works.

• Aspirin: I haven't checked yet but I would guess that they are going after the salicylic acid just by another route.
• Was always warned not to go near Head&Shoulders but then I have always been warned to stay away from OTC's due to the severity of my eczema.
• But I did run acroos a product that contains no dyes, protein, lanolin, perfume, parabens or formadehyde. They sent me samples on all 5 of there products but of course, I was allergic. This is where you'll find your Vanicream. There site is http://www.web-site.com/psi/
• Crisco Shortening is an old time suggestion of Derms, just don't use the butter flavored.
• You can take all the individual supplements you want but they won't be assimilated unless you also are taking a complete multi.

Has anyone here ever tried a Chinese itch removing pill called Trisnake (San She Jie Yang Wan)? If so, please tell me if it worked for you cuz I'm thinking of getting some!

Have you tried rice dream? It's a good milk substitute and it tastes great! Corn flakes or rice crispies with rice dream would be really yummy. I am off wheat too. I eat lots of rice stuff. Go to your local health food store, you should be able to find all sorts of stuff. I have rice pasta instead of wheat pasta, it tastes pretty much the same. There are a whole bunch of strange grains you can eat to break up the monotony of rice, like Quenoa (sp?) or buckwheat groats. There are alway lots of soy products too. They should have wheat free bread products too (most of them taste nasty though ).

Kelly, Can you elaborate on this? Does this assume that you are deficient in some nutrient supplied by the multi? It seems there are many studies around studying the effects of individual nutrients that show clear cut differences when the nutrient is taken. Do all these studies include a multivitamin?

Several times I have read things like "absorption of nutrient A is enhanced/hindered by nutrient B". Is this the same kind of thing you are talking about? Is there reason to believe this about all vitamin/mineral supplements?

To avoid any misunderstanding, I think taking a vitamin/mineral supplement is a good idea, especially for people with a condition that could be caused or aggravated by a nutritional deficiency.

How about Rice Crispies and Rice Dream (for milk). Legume, buckwheat or rice pastas are better than wheat ones - especially the legume ones.

We also have a 19 month old and have found that a daily bath in lukewarm (never hot) water helps him immensely...we then follow that up with a good coating of Bag Balm which does the same as Crisco (I assume anyway). The idea is to trap the moisture in the skin. If we don't bath our son at night before bed time, we pay the price at about 3 am. We don't use soap except maybe once a week for hair and a mild soap 2 or 3 times a week on his bottom. One nice thing about bag balm is that it has an antiseptic agent which helps with fighting infections (at least we think so) from scratching through the skin. Before we started using bag balm, we would have to occaisionally administer a dose of antibiotic to clear up staph infection when he would scratch so much that his skin was open to germs.

Our son (18mos) has a wheat allergy also. We give him Quinoa noodles in spaghetti, mac and cheese, etc..They are pretty good, taste like a corn tortilla....Also we buy bread through Ener-G Foods--Rice loafs and Tapioca Loafs...They are a lot harder than wheat bread, but he is young and likes it anyway! I have also started buying some different flours and have been doing some good cookies from scratch(no wheat or eggs) Look for The Food Allergy Network on the Internet. I joined for the year subscription and think it is worth it. I also have been going to the library for allergy cook books and come across some good ones..

There are a lot of good cereals without wheat in them. We buy Crunchy Corn Bran, HoneyComb, Cocoa Pebbles, Rice Krispies, Rice Chex, Alpha bits.....I still double check the ingredient list every time I buy them though, you never know when they will change the way its made. I am not sure if there is dairy in any of these, Daniel is not allergic to milk so I don't have to watch that one.

I tried Pert Plus rather than Head&Shoulders, which also has zinc pyrithione as active ingredient. I tried washing my legs (where the eczema is mostly) with it, no noticeable difference. My eczema is always worse after I shower anyway.

I tried Trisnake about 3 years ago and it's just a sale's pitch.

For any individual nutrient to be assimilated by the body it takes several other nutrients to do this process.

Here is a copy of the prescription my dermatologist gave me for eczema. As you can see, it contains aspirin. I'm no doctor; check with your own doctor about this.

• Pulverized aspirin 3 grams
• Heavy mineral oil 100 ml
• Triamcinolone acetonide powder 100 mg
• Diprosone cream .05 45 grams
• Acid mantle cream 380 grams

I have tried Head&Shoulders on my eczema, for about a week.

The plus point was that it hurt my eczema so much on application that it helped take away the itch. The mega-minus was that by the end of the week, I had terrible oozy eczema on my legs, an outbreak over my arms (very unusual for me) and my right ankle had swollen to twice its normal size. I felt very rough, and deduce that I had become infected.

Has anyone tried Atarax (anti-itch "pill")? Has it worked for you? Is there anything better available in Canada? I'm continuing my search for a non-topical anti-itch remedy that works cuz we all know that over the counter stuff such as Benadryl creams don't provide much itch relief...

I have a prescription for Atarax. At the moment, it helps. I took it about a year ago and had built up a tolerance so it no longer worked. Like just about everything else we rub on or swallow for this condition, nothing works very long.

The most single herb that has helped my eczema is still Pau d'arco. You will find that the majority of herbs recommended for eczema are classed as blood purifiers.

I also have found success with taking EPA & GLA with my eczema. But as mentioned by others, a good multivitamin is needed to promote absorbtion. But you have to be careful, not all multis are the same!

Has anyone out there had any luck surviving an elimination diet? I am trying to not eat dairy, soy, wheat & corn for three weeks to see if it makes a difference. It certainly isn't easy!!! Especially when I still have to cook for my family!

I use Atarax at night since it makes me sleepy.

I used Atarax for few months. At first it seemed to help, but the effect wore off. It is an anti-histamine, so it can make you feel drowsy. I thought it was a toss-up whether the good effects were worth the side effects even when it seemed to work.

If I understood correctly a posting to the list yesterday, it seems that histamines may not be involved in eczema itching, so maybe Atarax won't work.

Atarax doesn't help me much except as a sleeping aid. I find that Claritin works best for my hives, even though it's supposed to be best for sinus allergies.

We used Crisco lard on my daughter last year, on the advice of the dermatologist. He said to always use the Crisco brand. Apparently it's an old remedy for dry skin and eczema. It worked pretty well, but be careful when your child goes outside because the my daughter had more tendency to sunburn with Crisco on. During the summer months, we used the Crisco mostly at night.

Also, don't make the mistake I made. I let her "help" smear on the lard. She was 2 at the time. By the time she was done, she was so greasy and slippery I couldn't hold onto her!

My 3-y-o is also allergic to wheat and yeast, along with dairy, soy, and a ton of other foods. Since she tested only a 2 on the wheat and yeast, the allergist said we didn't have to eliminate those foods completely from her diet. So I guess it would depend on how severe an allergy your child has to wheat.

I limit the amount of breads my daughter eats. She's not a big bread eater and doesn't really care for things like cake, so this isn't a real problem for us. However, she does like crackers and some cookies, which I also try to limit.

I'm slowly learning to read labels and have accepted the fact that I must spend more time in the kitchen, preparing lots of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. We eat lots of rice and corn. We cook popcorn a lot for snacks.

Be sure to ask your allergist for suggestions, too.

I have tried Trisnake on my daughter for about 3 months and did not see any changes. The Chinese that sold to me told me that she was supposed to do better after 4 or 5 bottles of the stuff. I don't know if it was the half dosage I gave her. I did not want to give her a full dosage. For adults probably would work better.

I tried the Head and Shoulders dry scalp and it worked for me. It kept the eczema on my scalp away for years. The minute I went back to a normal shampoo it came back within about 2 days. However, I very recently found out I am allergic to parabens (which is in my normal shampoo, but not head and shoulders), so I am unsure if the zinc in Head & Shoulders helped or the lack of parabens. Yesterday, I found another shampoo without parabens, so I'll let you know soon.

I have been on atarax for the last 10 years of my life. I only take 10 mg. a night, sometimes, when allergy season hits, Itake 20 mg. which is really a baby dose but I think it does the trick. What it does for me is make me sleep deeper so that I don't wake up in the middle of the night and have an itch attack.

At first when you take it, it might knock you right out, but after a few days you'll get used to it. You have to pick the right dose for you. (My prescription says 1-10) (but I WOULD NOT ADVISE MORE THAN 2 on YOUR FIRST TRY.) If you still get up in the middle of the night feeling itchy, you need more, on the other hand if you have big problems dragging yourself out of bed in the morning you need less.

What I'm interested in is the long term side effects of Atarax seeing how I've been on it for so long. I'm planning to do some research as soon as my exams are over.

A good antihistamine to try is Reactine. In Canada it is available over the counter. I only use it in the summer (May to September) when my nasal allergies and itchy watery eyes kick in but apparently it is effective at preventing hives etc.

Go to any pharmacy and ask at the prescription counter for glaxol base. They have it in an a very large size jar since they use it to mix with other medication. I am pretty sure you don't need an RX for it.

I have tried Neutrogena shampoo on my eczema, which I have on my feet. I didn't really notice any difference so I stopped using it.

For anyone that has eczema on their feet, from my experience of having eczema just about everywhere, your feet is the worse place to have it. The skin on the feet is so thick that is it hard for any medicine to absorb in the skin. I have had just about every prescription there is and have spent about $400.00 on creams, pills, you name it I have had it.

Now, I am using Vanicream and the evaporation method, which has really, really helped a lot.

I took this Chinese herbal formula for some months. I found that it was good for relieving itching, but unforunately did not cure my eczema. I took it for a long time with no bad side effects. I quit taking it to get back to a basic level not taking anything, so I could experiment with other things.

I realize that humiditity is essential so that dry skin is not so dry. However I am also allergic to mould which flourishes in humid conditions.

So I guess my question is should I keep a vaporizer in my room or not?

Also, our house doesn't have a dryer so in the summer time I hang my clothes outside to dry. Just struck me a few days ago that maybe I shouldn't do this because the clothes will pick up mould which I am allergic to. Any thoughts?

I have shared my experience with USANA multivitamin, mineral supplement, antioxidant and grape seed extract-Proflavolin. I find it interesting that there was no discussion generated at all. I am continuing my success after many years of eczema problems (full body) and chronic steroid usage. I have glaucoma due in part to facial steroid use according to my dermatologist. I haven't used any steroids since early November 1996 and have skin that seems to be quite normal and eczema-free. If anyone has interest, please contact me privately or post questions on the list. I am not selling this stuff. I would just like for others to benefit from it if possible.

Bill, what kind of facial steroids were you using to cause you to have glaucoma? I have been using a prescription cream called "2%HC 8%Tar in Bacitracin" for the last 17 years on my face each night. If I don't put it on each night, my eczema would act up and my face would be totally irritated in the morning. As well, in the winters when the skin surrouding my eyes would crack, I use a ointment called Ophthocort. Do you know if these creams would be considered facial steroids?

Pascale, I have tried both and, sad to say, they didn't work for me. They may work for you, since everyone's different. The effect of Atarax wore out after several days; I took the max. dose and it didn't work. I was on a Chinese herbal program for several months and I didn't see any big effect.

I was wondering if any good multi-vitamin/mineral/anti-oxidant supplement would be ok. Or is there something special about USANA? What also is grape seed extract supposed to do?

I hear discussion about Atarax, Claritin etc. For eczema the only thing that has really helped the itching is called "Reactine" in Canada, the generic name is "Cetirizine" and I understand it is called Zyrtec in the U.S. The doctors here in Canada carry samples and I would recommend anyone suffering with eczema to try some samples. They recommend 1 10mg. tab in 24 hours. I have taken 3-4 /day at different times with no ill effects. 2 a day is my normal dose. It doesn't make me sleepy unless I take 3-4tabs per day then I notice some drowsiness. I highly recommend it especially for this with eczema.

I see some messages regarding asthma and not being able to control it even using inhaled steroids. I am told, by my sister in law a pharmaceutical rep working in Asthma, that in the U.S. the more powerful inhalers are not available. For example I use as many as 3 different products to control my asthma at different times. The first is called "FloVent" generic is Fluticasone and I use the 250mcg(micrograms) 2 puffs twice a day. It leaves me asthma free even playing squash daily. The second one I use is called Pulmicorte generic is called Budesonide 400 (IUG's?or ug's) 2 puffs twice a day. I have used Beclovent but found it didn't control my asthma. But for those of us who need something stronger "Beclofort" is available and it is 5 times stronger per dose than "Beclovent". All of these are very effective even for severe asthmatics.

Perhaps someone in the U.S. could check and correct me if I'm wrong and they are available there. If I am right inquire with your Dr. about these stronger doses. They are very effective at leaving me completely asthma free and I am considered a serious asthmatic.

I use Atarax (irregularly, as my eczema does not always itch), and for me it's the best. One little pill and the itch disappears, as if it's never been there. In my case, it does not make me sleepy, either.

It depends how sensitive the child is...I believe all of these cereals have malt or barley malt in them which is a wheat product. We're in the same boat with our 14 month old. Nevertheless, I give her some Rice Krispies, Rice Chex (good for snacking because they're real crunchy) and Campbell's Chicken w/ Rice soup (I rinse it off first--she likes this better than plain rice). She doesn't really react in any obvious way to these. By this, I mean she's not completely clear but she's not flared or itchy after eating them. Eating becomes a compromise of the lesser of two evils: letting her eat a trace amount of the stuff and being a little itchy or not eating at all...for days!!? Be careful of corn--another popular allergen. Introduce it with caution.

By the way, on my daughter's RAST (2 months ago) she tested moderately allergic to all of the proteins (milk, wheat, egg yolk, peanuts, & egg white as the highest-----in that order). Despite these results she's been eating all kinds of things without much reaction for about a month. She's been eating more and more variety, etc. (out of desperation). However, still no nuts, eggs, milk.....She had a flare up last week--- involving scratching her cheeks again with a little bleeding and oozing----but she also got a tooth and had a cold! So, I don't know what to think. Overall, still seems as though she is more tolerant of foods and animals than she was a few months ago, so I'm inclined to think it may be due to the homeopathic remedy she's on (along with the chiropr.)

I have also found Zyrtec (10 mg per day) to be more effective than all the other antihistamines I have tried. Atarax was okay but I thought Zyrtec was better for relieving the itch. My derm. said that it is good for eczema because it has a direct effect on the skin cells (or something like that).

I just have to reiterate the tremendous success we have had with eliminating ALL foods my son is allergic to from his diet. I just read a message from someone who said her allergist said she did not have to completely remove wheat from her daughters diet cause she only tested 2 for those foods. Well according to my doc at Johns Hopkins, he was absolutely adamant about removing the food completley. This means no crackers, or any prepared foods 'cause often the food isn't even included on the label if it is present in less than 2%, and yes that little tiny 2% makes a difice wondering how in the world I would remove some of my 2 year old sons favorite foods from his diet.

But believe me, we followed the doctor's advice religiously and saw results within 3 days and it has made a world of difference in our lives. The work preparing foods is nothing compared to treating his skin and feeling guilty about using cortizone and benadryl daily. For the first time in our sons life, he has been benadryl and cortizone free for 9 days now!!! Our allergist said regardless of the degree of sensitivity, remove it completely, you have to clear your child up first before you can start playing with their tolerance level.

I really have to believe the 100% elimination works. Again, I'd like to mention that garlic has been found to be a common allergen, and that is found in ketchup as spices, and chicken broths, hot dogs as spices. So the fun foods are out of my child's diet and he's not even two but he understands that he feels better and can't have any of his favorite foods anymore...he really understands...I was so surprised. I thought it would be a lot more difficult to remove those foods, but it's all been worth it and he doesn't even mind.

Ruthy, I can sympathize with the problem of no wheat -- my 9 mos. old is also allergic to wheat, and milk and eggs. It hasn't been much of a problem yet, but as he gets a little older it will be stressful, I'm sure. But when the time comes for Brian, I'll just have to remember to search the archives for these great ideas you've gotten. He's still on soft baby food (vegies and fruit) and not interested in the advanced baby food (chunky dinners) I found that were OK for him to eat. Here's hoping they outgrow this allergy!

I read an interesting and relative article from Bio/Tech News. Here's my summary of it:

>>

Medical and scientific researchers are convinced that uncontrolled free radical activity in the body is directly associated with a number of health problems. Dry skin, allergies, asthma, inflamed tissues, psoriasis, stress damage, wrinkling of the skin, skin cancer and liver damage are just a few of over 60 diseases/disorders in which free radicals have been implicated.

To help understand, electrons normally come in pairs; a free radical is an atom or molecule with an unpaired electron. This unpaired electron in a free radical causes it to collide with other molecules so it can steal an electron from them, which changes the structure of these other molecules and causes them to also become free radicals. This can create a chain reaction in which the structure of millions of molecules are altered.

How do free radicals get into our bodies? From "within", as the natural by-products of ongoing biochemical reactions occurring in normal metabolic functions, in the detoxification processes and in immune system defense. From "without", free radicals come from food, water, drugs, medicines, radiation, pesticides, air pollutents, solvents, fried foods and alcohol.

But, free radical scavengers (**antioxidants**) neutralize the activity of these free radicals. Antioxidants work by donating or "sacrificing" an electron to the free radical, which then becomes paired with the formerly unpaired electron, thereby stablilizing and, in effect, eliminating the free radical. Although the body will produce anti- oxidant defenses, it also makes great use of nutrients and minerals such as vitamins E, C and beta-Carotene and the minerals selenium and zinc.

Now, a whole new subclass of bioflavonoid compounds called flavenes has been discovered. These flavan molecules are called Oligo Proantho Cyanidins ("OPCs"). As free-radical scavengers, these substances are 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and at least 20 times stronger than Vitamin C. OPCs are many times more effective as free radical neutralizers than anything previously discovered. Dr. Masquelier named his new find pycnogenols (which means to condense into one).

Active pycnogenols have been isolated from many plants that are natural food sources like apples, hawthorn berries, cocoa beans, quince, cherries, grapes, rasberries, blackberries, cranberries, sorghum, strawberries, beans, hops and rose hips. Pycnogenols have been found to be present in many red wines. But, by far the most potent concentrations are from **pine bark** and **grape seeds**.

<<

So, let's go eat some trees why don't we? How about some pine bark mulch for dinner tonight? Bill, please share with us your knowledge concerning this issue and information about the product you mentioned "antioxidant and grape seed extract-Proflavolin". Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

To Linda: I see you've already taken the plunge with eliminating foods from your diet. What made you choose those items (dairy, wheat, soy, and corn)?

I've been contemplating an elimination diet while my eczema is still very clear (since I was on prednisone). Now would be the time for me to do it so I could have true results. Any suggestions on how to start this? Do you just choose what you want to eliminate and go for it??

Pascale, I have been doing CHT for almost a year. For the year, I've taken no steroids (cream or pills), antihistimines or other prescription drugs. For the last month, I've taken herbs in pill form and Black Been Oil Extract cream to rub on. The cream, though it smells, is wonderful! Herbs and creams prepared by the dr. Though it was rough during the winter, I now feel better than I have in a long time.

I have had eczema all my life, but for the past months, it has been the worst. After reading about it, Ive stopped using soap, and avoided lanolin. Im using this pH Eucerin cream, that is supposed to keep your skins mantle acid. Has anyone heard of it, or used it?

I believe my parents tried this regimen on me when I was a child, both the Crisco shortening and the Aquaphor. I don't think it helped me. But as others have said, not everything works on everybody.

In the US there is a product called Colloidal Oatmeal, the big brand name being Aveeno. It is oatmeal that is real finely ground and easily disolves in bath water. When I have oozing, I make a paste out of it and let it dry on the oozing areas so that it absorbs the ooze. It provides much relief for me in those instances.

Karen, three things:

1. Crisco (shortening) isn't actually lard; it's a solid form of vegetable oil made by Procter & Gamble. Lard is made from animal--specifically hog--fat.
2. Putting Crisco, butter, Pam spray, or baby oil on skin before going out in the sun is like greasing yourself up for the griddle! Skip the Crisco and use some non-irritating sunscreen (sorry, I don't have any suggestions) on your daughter (and you) instead.
3. Why did your dermatologist say to stick to Crisco brand? Does he think it's purer than generic shortening? Maybe he's getting kickbacks from P&G!

Richard, Did it take a whole year before the CHT kicked in and helped your eczema? Do you have any eczema left? Do you have to be on CHT for your whole life or can you be healed after one treatment of say 1 month? Where can I get Black Bean Oil Extract cream?

I have a friend who has very severe food allergies and has found lots of recipes and food advice on the net, especially from celiac sufferers groups. Perhaps these might help. I can find addresses from her if you like. Also things like polenta she has found useful instead of bread.

In July 1996 the Academic Medical Centre of the University of Amsterdam started research on the effectiveness of a new medicine to treat eczema, SDZ ASM 981 (ascomycine) cream. This medicine is new, developed by Sandoz Pharma, and not based upon hormones and is supposed to become an alternative for the usual corticosteroid cremes.

The first group of people involved had eczema only on spots on the arms. In a period of three weeks they were asked to use the creme on certain spots, and a placebo - which was known - on other spots. The results were very positive and without side effects. Now this research will be continued with people dealing with eczema at other parts of the body. I myself will also participate in this new research group. The first week will be in hospital, the two weeks after policlinical.

Bag Balm is much 'stickier' than Crisco, and will stay on longer (designed for use on cows in the field, after all...)...it also contains 8-hydroxy- quinolane-sulfate, which has antiseptic properties...

Thanks to Gary for his wonderful concoction. I took the 'recipe' to my pharmacist this morning and he mixed a batch for me. It feels really good.

About avoiding wheat--

You might want to look at the Food Allergy Cookbook. It seems to be in many bigger bookstores, and it has lots of recipes for no-wheat items, including cookies, cakes, crackers, main dishes, etc. It also explains elimination and rotation diets.

We have quit Isaac's (2 yrs old) rotation diet now, and while we still eliminate eggs, corn, dairy, tomatoes, peanuts, and peas, we are able to give him small quantities of wheat. Before, though, he got no wheat, and on a 4-day rotation diet, that meant that we had to find lots of other carbohydrates. We got very adept at quinoa, esp. "quinoa pilaf," wich is pretty much like rice pilaf and pretty edible. The recipe is in the cookbook mentioned above. Amaranth, another grain not related to wheat, was harder, and we never made it taste very good, even in cookies.

What we learned is that wheat is related to lots of other grains--oats, rice, kamut, spelt, barley--and we had to put ALL of those grains on the same day, in order to do a real hard-core elimination of it. So our four-day rotation was wheat-relatives on day 1, amaranth on day 2, quinoa on day 3, and bean-based flours on day 4. It was hard, esp. because almost any commercial product that doesn't contain wheat DOES contain oats, barley, or corn. Amaranth products, for example, almost always have lots of corn--another no-no for Isaac.

Has your allergist talked to you about trying to eliminate all the relatives to wheat, at least for a short time, to see if any of them are a problem? It will be hard, because it limits you to amaranth and quinoa and beans, pretty much. Buckwheat is also not related to wheat, but apparently has some chemical properties SIMILAR to wheat, so we were told to treat it as in the wheat family, even though it's not.

Another problem with quinoa is that it's expensive. Like $6 for a little 2-lb bag.

Has anyone tried anything for facial pigmentation due to eczema/cortisone that works?

I am more a user of the Usana set of products and have not done any indepth study of the product. It was suggested to me during a particularly difficult eczema episode which had me bedridden for about a week and I finally decided to try it while trying to wean off prednisone. At any rate, anyone can visit the USANA site at http://www.usanainc.com.

I have also had very irritating facial eczema especially around my eyes for about 20 years which resulted in chronically bloodshot eyeballs and fissures at the corners of my lids. I can report to you, that since on the USANA products, my eyes are clear, green and with ample and normal whiteness....no hint of redness or irritation. All I have been using is Glaxal Base, a moisturizer in the facial/eye areas.

I noticed definite differences almost immediately and have noticed steady improvements ever since in skin health, irritation level, general feelings of well-being and restfulness (related to no bouts of midnight scratching and irrited sleep interruption umpteen times a night).

I don't know which of the products or which combinations are working for me but I have a new quality in my life that I had forgotten about and that I hope will last for a long time. I encourage anyone who is interested to explore the web site listed above and contact me privately or on the list if you have questions or comments. Its worth every cent to have some freedom, sleep and relief after long years of scratching and rubbing.

I got the same recommendation from my Dr. before my son was a year old. Can't say I thought the Crisco helped much but I felt a little better that is was a "natural" product. We are now using olive oil and I have not decided if that is working or not. Watch out for the fewer baths, my son broke out in little pimples (3 months ago) I really believe for not bathing more than one time a week (Dr. recomended) and they are just starting to fade. And I don't think his eczema was any better for the fewer baths.

Royce, I have been using a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione. It does not say how much zinc pyrithione it has in it, but it seems to have help with my dry scalp. I have been using it three times per week for about a year.

Firstly a really big THANX to everyone who posted advise on what to feed my lad! He still won't eat cereals that crunch! But, instead I've been giving him sheeps yoghurt and then a separate little bowl of oat crunchies - so far so good! He does still miss his bread however, but the biscuit thing has been solved with baking some myself with rice flour.

On the subject of allergies, before Rees was thought to have a wheat allergy, I wrote to Tesco (UK) to check out the ingredients of their store baked bread, and in return they sent me a list of all Tesco products that are dairy free, egg free, both and gluten free. I haven't studied these thoroughly enough yet to see how useful they will be, but I understand they are readily available if you mail your postal address to Customer_services@Tesco.e-mail.com - maybe other supermarkets do the same thing.

Re dust mites, I was told by a friend that putting soft toys in the freezer for an hour or two kills their DMs! Has anyone got an opinion on this? I'm sure it would be more preferable to all cuddlies then once round the hot cycle in any washing machine, however sympathetic it may be!

Have you tried talking to your health visitor ? Mine has referred me to a NHS dietician who has given me a booklet which identifies wheat free products (it covers most of the large UK supermarkets).

I have been using Ultravena lotion for about a week. Yes, indeed, I feel as if I smell like a bowl of breakfast cereal (with sour milk!), but it's tolerable and seems to go away after the product has been absorbed. I rather like it so far and *think* it's helping, but hard to say, as my eczema has been somewhat unstable this week. It seems best at relieving the itch, rather than the rash itself.

I am 29 years old and have a demanding job. I have had eczema all my life and have used steroids (to varying degrees of strength) to control it. I have tried to wean myself off these things without much success and it has reached a point where my eczema has completely taken over. It has completely covered my body, literally from head to toe and is extremely uncomfortabe and unsightly. I am seeing my specialist tomorrow about the possibility of taking time off work to sort this out. I have spoken to my boss about the possibilty of this. He has been very understanding and in fact is pleased that I have taken this decision.

My eczema is very much related to stress and food allergies and I know my immune system is pretty much depleted. Mainly because of the use of synthetic steroids over many years. My specialist wants to do tests on me to ascertain how depleted my immune system is but he said I cannot use any steroids during this period. That is a scary thought for me.

I know I have to do this but I am racked with guilt about letting my colleagues down (I am in charge of a department). Has anyone else done this and if so, how did they get on??

I'm the father of a 17 year old wonderful girl who has been afflicted with atopic dermatitis for 16 years. During these 16 years she has been shunned by her peers, avoided like the plague, and basically had no social life, other then what her mother and I can provide. She's never been to a sleep over, her only birthday parties were her own, and now that she's a young lady, well, as many of you can guess... no phone calls, no boys, no dates, her friends, Jesus, I said friends, I mean classmates, peers, whatever, are out buying prom dresses, and Jessie, well, Jessie's gotten to the point of believing that being avoided is probably better than being noticed, especially when being noticed is based on how she looks on the outside and not based on what a beautiful young lady she really is.

I know there must be several of you out there that can relate to this situation, many of you experiencing the same problems, or even worse. Jessie needs to know you are out there. She needs to know that she is not alone with these problems, that indeed tomorrow can and will be a better day. Of course, as her parents, we tell her all the time, but we are her mom and dad and it simply doesn't mean the same as it would if it were coming from someone who truly understands.

Jessie has several allergies, asthma, and of course eczema. She has flare-ups continuously, and is hospitalized twice a year. This has been the only way we have been able to get a handle on it and then it of course it is only temporary. 

We love our kids and it's so very hard to watch them suffer. Have a great day.

One year ago I threw in the towel and headed for Mexico. At the time I was on a daily 10mg dosage of prednisone. After about a week, I weaned myself from the steriod, although interestingly enough I was still pretty much in the same bad shape. It took about 2 weeks befor I started to clear up...I lterally burned off the upper layers of my skin a couple of times, and after 3 weeks I was pretty much eczema free...I attibute that to a couple of things:

1. stress relief
2. sun and salt water and
3. I really wanted it to work

Tami, In my experience vitamin E cream is the best thing to heal scarring, but if you are going to be out in the sun a lot you should cover the scars up, either with clothing or with zinc oxide. I have been told that sun exposure makes the scars worse in the long run.

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