Eczema outbreak - Aggghh thought i'd got rid of it
Discussion
Great Pretender, an interesting post. When my eczema got dry this time I applied e45 and noted how it stung, I thought it was just the flair up. I'm going to switch to simple, and simple with tea tree as Steffan suggests (didn't manage to get to the shops today).
Hydration and alcohol - a good point thanks.
Brilliant to have so many suggestions on this thread. I'll keep on trying until they work.
I wish I'd had suggestions like this when I was a kid.
Hydration and alcohol - a good point thanks.
Brilliant to have so many suggestions on this thread. I'll keep on trying until they work.
I wish I'd had suggestions like this when I was a kid.
Just started using the malibu oil recomended earlier, ive got pretty bad eczema over 70 percent of my body and the only thing that really controls it is steroid creams. Bloody hell though the malibu is the most painfull thing ive ever applied, ile give it a fair trial though and use the full bottle. One good thing ive noticed about it is the smell, as a 23 year old i9ve allways been really conscious about smelling of steroid cream and aqueous cream on a night out, the malibu smells nice at least.
mat13 said:
Just started using the malibu oil recomended earlier, ive got pretty bad eczema over 70 percent of my body and the only thing that really controls it is steroid creams. Bloody hell though the malibu is the most painfull thing ive ever applied, ile give it a fair trial though and use the full bottle. One good thing ive noticed about it is the smell, as a 23 year old i9ve allways been really conscious about smelling of steroid cream and aqueous cream on a night out, the malibu smells nice at least.
I would be VERY careful with the steroid creams, there are REAL downsides as I know to my cost.Your skin may become very fragile and thin as mine has and tear on contact with a door handle or brushing against objects.
I would try everything to avoid Steroids.
They work but there is a hell of a downside long term
I'm 2 days through applying the tea tree and simple mix as recommended by Steffen above. I started on one arm and after a day applied on the other as it seems to soothe very well.
By all accounts Steffan is wrong - it doesn't smell clinical, it smells of pine forests!
I've stopped using the steroid cream since mixing up the Steffan cream. I'll post here how it works in the longer term.
By all accounts Steffan is wrong - it doesn't smell clinical, it smells of pine forests!
I've stopped using the steroid cream since mixing up the Steffan cream. I'll post here how it works in the longer term.
mat13 said:
Just started using the malibu oil recomended earlier, ive got pretty bad eczema over 70 percent of my body and the only thing that really controls it is steroid creams. Bloody hell though the malibu is the most painfull thing ive ever applied, ile give it a fair trial though and use the full bottle. One good thing ive noticed about it is the smell, as a 23 year old i9ve allways been really conscious about smelling of steroid cream and aqueous cream on a night out, the malibu smells nice at least.
I hate to post 3 times in a row. However in my experience anything that hurts isn't something you want to apply more than once. I've always known when I don't agree with a cream on this basis. Linalool is a scent - it isn't the same thing as lanolin at all.
Be aware that products described as 'fragrance free' or 'unscented' can still contain small amounts of linalool.
I have very sensitive skin and use pure olive oil shaken together with water for washing and as a moisturiser. Cheap and effective.
Be aware that products described as 'fragrance free' or 'unscented' can still contain small amounts of linalool.
I have very sensitive skin and use pure olive oil shaken together with water for washing and as a moisturiser. Cheap and effective.
Great Pretender said:
This is a great thread folks.
I've been an eczema sufferer since early childhood and have been to hell and back with it.
When I started uni, my skin went into melt-down (not terribly great timing given my new-found freedom and the truckloads of girls) to the point where even the local dermatologist was scratching his head (as it were). I tried all sorts. I was even put on immunosuppressant drugs normally used for transplant patients, which worked, but ferk me, I'd hate to think of the long term damage...
Anyway, the usual suspects like Betnovate and Eumovate are always kept on standby, but as above, should not be used long term (albeit I am guilty of that). But for me, I owe my life to this beasty:
It's the only moisturiser that I've found to work (and I've used them all). I can apply it in the morning after a shower and then not have to re-apply until the next day (albeit sometimes in the summer or season changes, I'll clart it on a little more often). It's expensive (£10.48 per 500g currently) but worth it. It's unlike any other moisturiser I've tried (which either don't moisturise nearly enough or worse still, cause a reaction (see below). It's also pretty greasy, but IMO the upsides far out way the downs. Like Betnovate (scalp application) it cools the skin on application (feels great after a shower) but crucially it doesn't contain a potentially harmful ingredient which took me years to uncover: Linalool.
This b
d substance (extracted from sheep's wool I think (can you imagine anything more inherently itchy?) is in all sorts of creams and potions, both medical or otherwise - especially hair gel. Like I said it took me years to conclude that the reason I was literally scratching my hair out was down to this evil ingredient in my hair products. The biggest surprise for me however was E45 - you know, the cream that's advertised on telly as being the answer to all your eczema related prayers? Well, guess what the active ingredient is sports fans? Yep - effing Linalool. Again, I only realised this after buying some E45 as a substitute for my then usual Dermovate when I was away travelling with work, to wake up in the middle of the night, sweating profusely, red raw and covered in blood. It was so bad that I had to go and buy a black shirt in the morning to hide the blood!
Now it won't be the same for everyone, but once I focussed on cutting Linalool out of my life, my skin has improved notably. This combined with liberal applications of Doublebase is helping me to keep it all under control.
Tea tree oil is another miracle worker, albeit I tend to use it for healing rather than anything else. However, a drop of tea tree oil massaged into the skin can at least keep it free from infection, which is sometimes half the battle with a big flair-up.
On the diet side, I find a heavy session on the booze will cause a flair-up or at least make my skin very dry. Drink plenty of water too. I find that, like a plant, keeping your body watered keeps your skin (leaves) hydrated.
i only recently worked out linalool was affecting me. and just 5 minutes ago i went and looked at the hair gel i use! that'll be getting binned! double base seems to be working for me just now i too am a product of the e45 which doctor after doctor suggested until i binned it myself. I've been an eczema sufferer since early childhood and have been to hell and back with it.
When I started uni, my skin went into melt-down (not terribly great timing given my new-found freedom and the truckloads of girls) to the point where even the local dermatologist was scratching his head (as it were). I tried all sorts. I was even put on immunosuppressant drugs normally used for transplant patients, which worked, but ferk me, I'd hate to think of the long term damage...
Anyway, the usual suspects like Betnovate and Eumovate are always kept on standby, but as above, should not be used long term (albeit I am guilty of that). But for me, I owe my life to this beasty:
It's the only moisturiser that I've found to work (and I've used them all). I can apply it in the morning after a shower and then not have to re-apply until the next day (albeit sometimes in the summer or season changes, I'll clart it on a little more often). It's expensive (£10.48 per 500g currently) but worth it. It's unlike any other moisturiser I've tried (which either don't moisturise nearly enough or worse still, cause a reaction (see below). It's also pretty greasy, but IMO the upsides far out way the downs. Like Betnovate (scalp application) it cools the skin on application (feels great after a shower) but crucially it doesn't contain a potentially harmful ingredient which took me years to uncover: Linalool.
This b
d substance (extracted from sheep's wool I think (can you imagine anything more inherently itchy?) is in all sorts of creams and potions, both medical or otherwise - especially hair gel. Like I said it took me years to conclude that the reason I was literally scratching my hair out was down to this evil ingredient in my hair products. The biggest surprise for me however was E45 - you know, the cream that's advertised on telly as being the answer to all your eczema related prayers? Well, guess what the active ingredient is sports fans? Yep - effing Linalool. Again, I only realised this after buying some E45 as a substitute for my then usual Dermovate when I was away travelling with work, to wake up in the middle of the night, sweating profusely, red raw and covered in blood. It was so bad that I had to go and buy a black shirt in the morning to hide the blood! Now it won't be the same for everyone, but once I focussed on cutting Linalool out of my life, my skin has improved notably. This combined with liberal applications of Doublebase is helping me to keep it all under control.
Tea tree oil is another miracle worker, albeit I tend to use it for healing rather than anything else. However, a drop of tea tree oil massaged into the skin can at least keep it free from infection, which is sometimes half the battle with a big flair-up.
On the diet side, I find a heavy session on the booze will cause a flair-up or at least make my skin very dry. Drink plenty of water too. I find that, like a plant, keeping your body watered keeps your skin (leaves) hydrated.
something to note with my skin its like the bloody borg it adapts to new creams after a few days. rotating creams seems to work but have to avoid alot of them.
Mobile Chicane said:
Linalool is a scent - it isn't the same thing as lanolin at all.
Be aware that products described as 'fragrance free' or 'unscented' can still contain small amounts of linalool.
I have very sensitive skin and use pure olive oil shaken together with water for washing and as a moisturiser. Cheap and effective.
Interesting thanks. I thought linalool/lanolin were the same thing. Either way, I avoid both like the plague.Be aware that products described as 'fragrance free' or 'unscented' can still contain small amounts of linalool.
I have very sensitive skin and use pure olive oil shaken together with water for washing and as a moisturiser. Cheap and effective.
Evening all, just got back on PH after a family do. I could have missed it nut the consequences with SWMBO would have been very bad. When you have my history with women this would not be good. Ho Hum
The Calypso SPF15 dry oil spray is available at:
http://www.semichem.co.uk/p-1898-calypso-sun-care-...
or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Calypso-Dry-Oil-Spray-SP...
Priced around £4 -£5.
I would STRONGLY recommend limiting the use of topical Steriods.
Eumovate, Betnovate Synylar and the like.
You WILL get thinning skin. This is not good at all. I have it- Steroid use.
My skin is now like parchment where, if someone pinches me as in a four year old playing, I will bleed and continue to bleed. Mild abrasions rip the skin like tissue paper. And bleed and bleed.
It has taken me 50 years to get in control of my Eczema. Over the years I have seen literally dozens of consultants, three Harley Street specialists and not one suggested the treatment that worked. Tried Hypnosis three times tried Homeopathy three times nothing worked until I tried my own methods by trial and error.
Eczema is a very personal problem. Causes vary from Individual to Individual and so do the cures.
The Calypso works for me as does the Tea Tree Oil mixed in a moisturiser base. I still have the condition but the treatment I use keep it to an absolute minimum and currently I have no problems with my skin.
Good luck to you all.
The Calypso SPF15 dry oil spray is available at:
http://www.semichem.co.uk/p-1898-calypso-sun-care-...
or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Calypso-Dry-Oil-Spray-SP...
Priced around £4 -£5.
I would STRONGLY recommend limiting the use of topical Steriods.
Eumovate, Betnovate Synylar and the like.
You WILL get thinning skin. This is not good at all. I have it- Steroid use.
My skin is now like parchment where, if someone pinches me as in a four year old playing, I will bleed and continue to bleed. Mild abrasions rip the skin like tissue paper. And bleed and bleed.
It has taken me 50 years to get in control of my Eczema. Over the years I have seen literally dozens of consultants, three Harley Street specialists and not one suggested the treatment that worked. Tried Hypnosis three times tried Homeopathy three times nothing worked until I tried my own methods by trial and error.
Eczema is a very personal problem. Causes vary from Individual to Individual and so do the cures.
The Calypso works for me as does the Tea Tree Oil mixed in a moisturiser base. I still have the condition but the treatment I use keep it to an absolute minimum and currently I have no problems with my skin.
Good luck to you all.
Steffan, at the risk of annoying/stalking you would you mind saying how you apply the tea tree oil mix/ Calypso SPF15 dry oil spray stuff (now ordered, many thanks for the link).?
I have mixed up a batch of tea tree and it seems to calm my skin. Even though I only have an outbreak on the inside of my elbows I have applied it to all of my arms. All of my skin seems calmed, so thanks indeed.
I have been able to reduce the steroids to nothing and am applying the teatree 3 times per day.
I have mixed up a batch of tea tree and it seems to calm my skin. Even though I only have an outbreak on the inside of my elbows I have applied it to all of my arms. All of my skin seems calmed, so thanks indeed.
I have been able to reduce the steroids to nothing and am applying the teatree 3 times per day.
Edited by 0a on Sunday 27th November 00:00
I don't get it myself, but have heard that evening primrose oil can be effective, but have no proof, so don't blame me if it doesn't work.
Aveeno was mentioned earlier, its a very soothing effective moisturiser, quite expensive, but I can get on prescription for dry skin on my father's leg. He's 92, you know.
Aveeno was mentioned earlier, its a very soothing effective moisturiser, quite expensive, but I can get on prescription for dry skin on my father's leg. He's 92, you know.
Great Pretender said:
Mobile Chicane said:
Linalool is a scent - it isn't the same thing as lanolin at all.
Be aware that products described as 'fragrance free' or 'unscented' can still contain small amounts of linalool.
I have very sensitive skin and use pure olive oil shaken together with water for washing and as a moisturiser. Cheap and effective.
Interesting thanks. I thought linalool/lanolin were the same thing. Either way, I avoid both like the plague.Be aware that products described as 'fragrance free' or 'unscented' can still contain small amounts of linalool.
I have very sensitive skin and use pure olive oil shaken together with water for washing and as a moisturiser. Cheap and effective.
It is a natural product akin to our own skin's sebum. Far more effective as a moisturiser than mineral oils, IME.
Lanolin is used widely in lip balms, nipple creams for nursing mothers and high-end body lotions... because it works.
I cover my skin every morning with a Tea Tree Oil mix with Moisturiser followed by Calypso dry oil spray Factor 15SPF.
The one seems to assist the other in penetration. I allow a good half an hour for the cream/oil to sink in before dressing. I usually wander about in an old dressing gown and read papers etc.
I then get dressed. This procedure minimises the danger of oil/cream staining clothes, You will get some transfer whatever you do but this does cut this down
That is usually it for the day now, I do not need any other treatments.
If I have a real attack I would change out of mu clothes and reapply as in the morning.
Thankfully my skin has improved to the point where one treatment is sufficient.
Quite simple and uncomplicated process really.
It does take a few weeks to establish control but as you said, Da, in your post there is a feeling of relief from the start of the process.
Hope this helps, Steffan
The one seems to assist the other in penetration. I allow a good half an hour for the cream/oil to sink in before dressing. I usually wander about in an old dressing gown and read papers etc.
I then get dressed. This procedure minimises the danger of oil/cream staining clothes, You will get some transfer whatever you do but this does cut this down
That is usually it for the day now, I do not need any other treatments.
If I have a real attack I would change out of mu clothes and reapply as in the morning.
Thankfully my skin has improved to the point where one treatment is sufficient.
Quite simple and uncomplicated process really.
It does take a few weeks to establish control but as you said, Da, in your post there is a feeling of relief from the start of the process.
Hope this helps, Steffan
My routine as an ex sufferer, touch wood. Had eczema for 3 ish years as an adult and was pretty severe
Best Moisturiser for me
Handwash, Moisturiser and anti bacterial (use both this and above)
Shower wash
Amazing Alternative to Steroids (dyor). Life changing for me
Shampoo:
Wash bedding at 60 degrees or more to kill dust mites
Dustmite proof pillow covers
Use sensitive washing powder
Always use extra rinse function on washing machine
Consider a dehumidifier if you dry clothes indoors, leave bathroom window closed after a shower etc
Avoid Stress
Eat healthy ish
Don't be overweight
Get a good nights sleep
Many gp's are clueless, especially the e45 monkeys... if you don't feel confident with yours insist on a dermotologist referral
Best Moisturiser for me
Handwash, Moisturiser and anti bacterial (use both this and above)
Shower wash
Amazing Alternative to Steroids (dyor). Life changing for me
Shampoo:
Wash bedding at 60 degrees or more to kill dust mites
Dustmite proof pillow covers
Use sensitive washing powder
Always use extra rinse function on washing machine
Consider a dehumidifier if you dry clothes indoors, leave bathroom window closed after a shower etc
Avoid Stress
Eat healthy ish
Don't be overweight
Get a good nights sleep
Many gp's are clueless, especially the e45 monkeys... if you don't feel confident with yours insist on a dermotologist referral
Edited by amir_j on Sunday 27th November 00:45
amir_j said:
My routine as an ex sufferer, touch wood. Had eczema for 3 ish years as an adult and was pretty severe
Best Moisturiser for me
Handwash, Moisturiser and anti bacterial (use both this and above)
Shower wash
Amazing Alternative to Steroids (dyor). Life changing for me
Shampoo:
Wash bedding at 60 degrees or more to kill dust mites
Dustmite proof pillow covers
Use sensitive washing powder
Always use extra rinse function on washing machine
Consider a dehumidifier if you dry clothes indoors, leave bathroom window closed after a shower etc
Avoid Stress
Eat well
Get a good nights sleep
All good advice.Best Moisturiser for me
Handwash, Moisturiser and anti bacterial (use both this and above)
Shower wash
Amazing Alternative to Steroids (dyor). Life changing for me
Shampoo:
Wash bedding at 60 degrees or more to kill dust mites
Dustmite proof pillow covers
Use sensitive washing powder
Always use extra rinse function on washing machine
Consider a dehumidifier if you dry clothes indoors, leave bathroom window closed after a shower etc
Avoid Stress
Eat well
Get a good nights sleep
Edited by amir_j on Sunday 27th November 00:31
Edited by amir_j on Sunday 27th November 00:36
Tgel did nothing for me nor did Lenium, Selsan or anything similar. Obviously it did work for you.
I do not think there is a single cure: you have to find what suits your skin and develop strategies to minimise the flare ups.
But a least there is relief possible nowadays.
When I was a child Zinc and Castor Oil was the messy suggestion.
Not a very good one at that.
At one point I was living abroad and was able to see a private dermo, one of things we did was try different creams etc 50-50 I.e.half skin with one for a week and other half with another to compare effect.
One thing I cannot stress enough, especially if you have eczema in a visible place where it will affect your life significantly is Protopic. A hardly there thin layer applied once of twice on a flare up would clear for a fortnight. Doesn't seem as well known over here. If you have a client facing career then its a life changer.
Note: dyor as its a possible but unproven carcogenic
One thing I cannot stress enough, especially if you have eczema in a visible place where it will affect your life significantly is Protopic. A hardly there thin layer applied once of twice on a flare up would clear for a fortnight. Doesn't seem as well known over here. If you have a client facing career then its a life changer.
Note: dyor as its a possible but unproven carcogenic
Nobody has mentioned coal tar soap. I use Wright's. Think of it as the anti-moisturiser. It dries the skin out and disinfects it in a matter of days. Perfect for bringing particulalry bad flare ups under control. My hands went critical after some simple DIY. Months of powerful steroid creams couldn't stop it weeping and it was continually getting infected. Coal tar soap got that fixed and steroids did the rest.
With regard to triggers: The thing I find most relevant to my skin isn't chemical (though washing detergents are trouble) or biological (though cats are very bad indeed) it's mechanical. The amount of force I apply or subject it to is critical. I'm one of these people who is always in a rush. When drying after a shower I'd be quick and quite abrasive with the towel. I now take a lot of care to avoid that, and I'm avoiding DIY, working on cars (even grime-free interior tasks). I even rub creams in more gently. Currently the only eczema on my body is where I've been opening bottle tops. It hasn't ever been this good before.
When I do get a flare up I control it with Elocon and keep it down with Centraban.
It's frustrating, as it means I'm having to find all-new hobbies, but it is absolutely worth it.
With regard to triggers: The thing I find most relevant to my skin isn't chemical (though washing detergents are trouble) or biological (though cats are very bad indeed) it's mechanical. The amount of force I apply or subject it to is critical. I'm one of these people who is always in a rush. When drying after a shower I'd be quick and quite abrasive with the towel. I now take a lot of care to avoid that, and I'm avoiding DIY, working on cars (even grime-free interior tasks). I even rub creams in more gently. Currently the only eczema on my body is where I've been opening bottle tops. It hasn't ever been this good before.
When I do get a flare up I control it with Elocon and keep it down with Centraban.
It's frustrating, as it means I'm having to find all-new hobbies, but it is absolutely worth it.
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