Eczema outbreak - Aggghh thought i'd got rid of it
Discussion
Xaero said:
I've had it since a child on the back of my head. So usual skin applications I can't use due to hair in the way.
On the up side the hair hides the redness of it, on the downside, it flakes and looks like I permanently have dandruff.
I find a hotter climate and shorter hair (air) helps reduce it.
I use betnovate hair shampoo, but it's certainly not a cure, seems to do nothing if I use it constantly too.
One other thing I found helped that no-one else has mentioned is salt water. A few years back I got in the sea daily (I was in Australia in summer so this wasn't such a problem as old blightly in winter
), but it virtually cleared up then. I recently went to a place in London called Floatworks (you lock yourself in a tank with saltwater and float) and had intense stinging on my eczema when I first got in, but after 5 mins it settled, and it was trouble free for around 2 weeks afterwards before it returned again.
The salt water treatment is a long regarded cure for many skin ailments.On the up side the hair hides the redness of it, on the downside, it flakes and looks like I permanently have dandruff.
I find a hotter climate and shorter hair (air) helps reduce it.
I use betnovate hair shampoo, but it's certainly not a cure, seems to do nothing if I use it constantly too.
One other thing I found helped that no-one else has mentioned is salt water. A few years back I got in the sea daily (I was in Australia in summer so this wasn't such a problem as old blightly in winter
), but it virtually cleared up then. I recently went to a place in London called Floatworks (you lock yourself in a tank with saltwater and float) and had intense stinging on my eczema when I first got in, but after 5 mins it settled, and it was trouble free for around 2 weeks afterwards before it returned again.The dead sea is supposed to be the best place because the salt content is much higher than than that of ordinary sea water.
I have found the Alpecin hair restorer shampoo and lotion highly effective in keeping down the scurf in my hair. Supposedly a Caffine based product it certainly has cured my dandruff but is supposed to be a hair restorer.
Hasn't restored my hair at all but 10/10 for eczema control and dandruff prevention.
Like you, I suffered from dreadful dandruff: this has stopped it dead and I no longer have dandruff.
Or eczema currently which is very good news.
Well I had another flare up (I think i've been lax on the dairy, it really seems to have an effect).
I've been on the tea-tree mix, but not applying regularly enough. To work well, it needs to be applied liberally several times a day and not just on the eczema area, I think.
It is notably soothing, a very good recommendation Steffan. Next is to vary the moisturiser base.
I’ve not had to treat it for a while, so I was just applying when I felt a flare up was coming rather than as a preventative measure.
My Calypso dry oil spary, Eurax and Diprobase came today – I’m building my “eczema toolkit”.
The dry oil spray definitely stings though!
Thanks all for the suggestions, I will be trying on alternative elbows to see what's right for me!
I've been on the tea-tree mix, but not applying regularly enough. To work well, it needs to be applied liberally several times a day and not just on the eczema area, I think.
It is notably soothing, a very good recommendation Steffan. Next is to vary the moisturiser base.
I’ve not had to treat it for a while, so I was just applying when I felt a flare up was coming rather than as a preventative measure.
My Calypso dry oil spary, Eurax and Diprobase came today – I’m building my “eczema toolkit”.
The dry oil spray definitely stings though!
Thanks all for the suggestions, I will be trying on alternative elbows to see what's right for me!
The Dryb Oil does sting but it does work for me. The Tea Tree Oil also works but does need several applications daily.
Anything other than topical steroids IMO is good. The thin skin downside, which I have in profusion, is bad news.
I would exercise great care with steroids.
But I do still use them if my skin really flares up.
It has not done so for over two years with the Tea Tree/Dry Oil system.
Good luck to everyone in their quest!
Anything other than topical steroids IMO is good. The thin skin downside, which I have in profusion, is bad news.
I would exercise great care with steroids.
But I do still use them if my skin really flares up.
It has not done so for over two years with the Tea Tree/Dry Oil system.
Good luck to everyone in their quest!
Just so i know its not just me, the calypso oil stings more than steroids for me, but only for a few seconds, is this right? I am toying with the idea of mixing the dry oil spray with a moisturiser to try and take the sting out of it a bit. Mine has got very bad though again recently so i think i need another tube of betnovate, a large tube only lasts two or three applications though.
Steffan said:
The Dryb Oil does sting but it does work for me. The Tea Tree Oil also works but does need several applications daily.
Anything other than topical steroids IMO is good. The thin skin downside, which I have in profusion, is bad news.
I would exercise great care with steroids.
But I do still use them if my skin really flares up.
It has not done so for over two years with the Tea Tree/Dry Oil system.
Good luck to everyone in their quest!
As with Mat, can I ask if you use the Dry oil straight out of the bottle Stefan?Anything other than topical steroids IMO is good. The thin skin downside, which I have in profusion, is bad news.
I would exercise great care with steroids.
But I do still use them if my skin really flares up.
It has not done so for over two years with the Tea Tree/Dry Oil system.
Good luck to everyone in their quest!
And also, what Simple moisturiser do you add to the tea tree - I used the heavy and have just mixed up a batch with the light.
Have you tried tea tree in your bathwater?
I'm sorry to be so nosy, but you have clearly sound what works for you (as far as it can) and the devil is in the detail here!
Thanks!
Edited by 0a on Wednesday 14th December 00:32
0a said:
Steffan said:
The Dryb Oil does sting but it does work for me. The Tea Tree Oil also works but does need several applications daily.
Anything other than topical steroids IMO is good. The thin skin downside, which I have in profusion, is bad news.
I would exercise great care with steroids.
But I do still use them if my skin really flares up.
It has not done so for over two years with the Tea Tree/Dry Oil system.
Good luck to everyone in their quest!
As with Mat, can I ask if you use the Dry oil straight out of the bottle Stefan?Anything other than topical steroids IMO is good. The thin skin downside, which I have in profusion, is bad news.
I would exercise great care with steroids.
But I do still use them if my skin really flares up.
It has not done so for over two years with the Tea Tree/Dry Oil system.
Good luck to everyone in their quest!
And also, what Simple moisturiser do you add to the tea tree - I used the heavy and have just mixed up a batch with the light.
Have you tried tea tree in your bathwater?
I'm sorry to be so nosy, but you have clearly sound what works for you (as far as it can) and the devil is in the detail here!
Thanks!
Edited by 0a on Wednesday 14th December 00:32
When you have cocked things up as many times as I have over the years you do become inured to the consequence of dropping b
ks.I have survived and recovered along the way!! And I bloody well enjoyed every damned minute.
I wish I could do it all again!!
Answers are:
I use the dry oil spray both straight out of the bottle and mixed in solution with the tea tree oil/moisturiser mix depending on what I am doing.
If I am booted and suited on business I use the dry oil spray alone because it is MUCH less greasy.
On the days I am bimbling about testing Kit cars or sorting engines etc I use both because the greasy consequences are less important.
I use a mixture of Moisturising creams with the tea tree oil. Sometimes I mix in Unguentum Merck sometimes I add other heavier creams.
The heavier the better but you must balance the greasy consequences on clothing etc. Hence my dry oil/moisturising approach.
I see no reason why you could not add Tea Tree oil to the dry oil;l spray but mind the eyes and see what happens.
Never tried Tea Tree in bathwater it might be too diluted to work but why not try it? It might help.
Tried Avon Skin So Soft oil once it was a compete disaster my eczema was much worse.
I took three weeks to get my skin back with tea tree/dry oil etc then!
Exercise care and try most things is my advice.
Finally I have recently tried the Alpecin Hair Shampoo double treatment.
I do not think this make hair grow (it might!) but it has completely eradicated my scurf in the hair and beard. Also use the Alpecin lotion. Wonderful stuff again!!
My head eczema is MUCH better indeed almost gone.
FAR BETTER than Betnovate which I have used for thirty years AND NON STEROIDAL. Got to be worth a try!
Keep experimenting: after 50 years of experimenting . my eczema is really not a big problem.
It can take time just keep going!!
Had eczema since I was 2 - I'm now 39!! I used to get it on my face and hands but it seems to have migrated to patches on my legs.
Obviously, Betnovate etc helps to stop the flare-ups, but moisturiser wise, I have tried everything - E45, Aqueous cream, Oilatum, tea tree oil, you name it, Ive tried it, and nothing works, except Eucerin. Easily the best moisturiser - applied twice a day, it lasts and lasts and seems to lock moisture in, and still stays there after repeated hand-washing.
It's expensive, but top stuff.
Obviously, Betnovate etc helps to stop the flare-ups, but moisturiser wise, I have tried everything - E45, Aqueous cream, Oilatum, tea tree oil, you name it, Ive tried it, and nothing works, except Eucerin. Easily the best moisturiser - applied twice a day, it lasts and lasts and seems to lock moisture in, and still stays there after repeated hand-washing.
It's expensive, but top stuff.
Well I thought I'd give a quick update. I've been learning how i react to the various substances I now own, and it seems to be as much of a case of "when" I apply than "what".
On a good day, I start by applying the simple (heaviest one)/tea tree mix, let it settle then apply dry oil spray.
If i am inflamed at all, the dry oil makes it much worse, it takes mild steroids to recover when I make that mistake. At the moment I'm in the slightly silly situation that my left arm is great, the dry oil definitely keeps it calmed and that's all I use after a morning application of the Steffan tea tree solution.
I have reduced the amount of tea-tree to around 2%.
My right arm is being managed down and it seems applying either annoys it. I apply weak steroids or nothing. It is better with nothing than any moisturiser I have tried.
Every other moisturiser has irritated my skin and left me scratching for days. I know I shouldn't scratch but i start to go mad otherwise.
Regarding tea tree in a bath, I rather forgot that as oil it splits and floats. Therefore it irritated me around "the waterline".
On another note, I will be going for allergy tests soon. I was recommended a "Chinese Doctor" by a family friend who claims she used to suffer bad skin and was cured with some kind of Chinese herbs. My default position is to assume this is a waste of time, but does anyone have any real experience?
On a good day, I start by applying the simple (heaviest one)/tea tree mix, let it settle then apply dry oil spray.
If i am inflamed at all, the dry oil makes it much worse, it takes mild steroids to recover when I make that mistake. At the moment I'm in the slightly silly situation that my left arm is great, the dry oil definitely keeps it calmed and that's all I use after a morning application of the Steffan tea tree solution.
I have reduced the amount of tea-tree to around 2%.
My right arm is being managed down and it seems applying either annoys it. I apply weak steroids or nothing. It is better with nothing than any moisturiser I have tried.
Every other moisturiser has irritated my skin and left me scratching for days. I know I shouldn't scratch but i start to go mad otherwise.
Regarding tea tree in a bath, I rather forgot that as oil it splits and floats. Therefore it irritated me around "the waterline".
On another note, I will be going for allergy tests soon. I was recommended a "Chinese Doctor" by a family friend who claims she used to suffer bad skin and was cured with some kind of Chinese herbs. My default position is to assume this is a waste of time, but does anyone have any real experience?
0a said:
Well I thought I'd give a quick update. I've been learning how i react to the various substances I now own, and it seems to be as much of a case of "when" I apply than "what".
On a good day, I start by applying the simple (heaviest one)/tea tree mix, let it settle then apply dry oil spray.
If i am inflamed at all, the dry oil makes it much worse, it takes mild steroids to recover when I make that mistake. At the moment I'm in the slightly silly situation that my left arm is great, the dry oil definitely keeps it calmed and that's all I use after a morning application of the Steffan tea tree solution.
I have reduced the amount of tea-tree to around 2%.
My right arm is being managed down and it seems applying either annoys it. I apply weak steroids or nothing. It is better with nothing than any moisturiser I have tried.
Every other moisturiser has irritated my skin and left me scratching for days. I know I shouldn't scratch but i start to go mad otherwise.
Regarding tea tree in a bath, I rather forgot that as oil it splits and floats. Therefore it irritated me around "the waterline".
On another note, I will be going for allergy tests soon. I was recommended a "Chinese Doctor" by a family friend who claims she used to suffer bad skin and was cured with some kind of Chinese herbs. My default position is to assume this is a waste of time, but does anyone have any real experience?
I do understand the frustration Eczema brings on in the sufferers. It is a multi cause condition and therefore no one solution or product works for everybody.On a good day, I start by applying the simple (heaviest one)/tea tree mix, let it settle then apply dry oil spray.
If i am inflamed at all, the dry oil makes it much worse, it takes mild steroids to recover when I make that mistake. At the moment I'm in the slightly silly situation that my left arm is great, the dry oil definitely keeps it calmed and that's all I use after a morning application of the Steffan tea tree solution.
I have reduced the amount of tea-tree to around 2%.
My right arm is being managed down and it seems applying either annoys it. I apply weak steroids or nothing. It is better with nothing than any moisturiser I have tried.
Every other moisturiser has irritated my skin and left me scratching for days. I know I shouldn't scratch but i start to go mad otherwise.
Regarding tea tree in a bath, I rather forgot that as oil it splits and floats. Therefore it irritated me around "the waterline".
On another note, I will be going for allergy tests soon. I was recommended a "Chinese Doctor" by a family friend who claims she used to suffer bad skin and was cured with some kind of Chinese herbs. My default position is to assume this is a waste of time, but does anyone have any real experience?
Trial and error are really the only way to manage the condition. Fortunately it is not contagious in any way which is one blessing.
Years of experience with specialists and doctors have convinced me the patient is the best source of management. None of the skin specialists I have seen knew any more than I did about the reality of living with this condition.
Eucerin does work for many people but not for me. Nor does the Oilatum range
I think 2% is about right for the Tea tree oil mix, mine varies depending on how much carrier cream and moisturiser I have about at the time. I have added more moisturising cream to the mix when I have been running low on mixed cream thus diluting the Tea tree oil further and this has not affected the efficacy on my skin.
Tea tree oil is very strong in strength as it sold in the UK and should never be used neat, it is very likely to be too strong in undiluted form and burn or irritate the skin.
I would urge caution with the Chinese Herbal medicines. Da.
I have been made aware by biochemists friends that there is frequently high lead and other unsuitable compounds in some of these products that are not at all good for humans. Unless you know exactly what these compounds contain I would be very cautious.
I may be completely wrong but I know the chemists from Uni days and they are not prone to exaggeration.
My daily routine of applying the tea tree mix, letting it settle and applying dry oil spray is working for me at the moment.
Interestingly my right arm is also more affected by the Eczema. I wonder if it is because we are both right handed and use the arm more giving more abrasion in movement to the skin?
Stick at the management of the condition is my advice.
You are very likely to be by far the best judge of how the products work on you. It is a very personal condition. Good luck to you in the quest.
I do believe you will find the best combination of products that suit you with determined research as you clearly are ding now.
There is no one product for all with Eczema.
Finally whatever else keep the steroids to an absolute minimum: the long term use is very risky.
Hello Eczema followers (with particular regards to Steffan). A quick update.
I had been managing with Simple/Tea tree with good results until about a month ago when the inside of my elbows started to flare up again. This was followed by red itching spreading down my arms (distinct from the Eczema).
After seeing the Doctor (booking an appointment was like booking a table at The Fat Duck) I have been prescribed:
Betnovate 0.1%
Trimovate
and Balneum bath stuff and told to use Diprobase (I hate the smell of that stuff).
They seem to have controlled it very quickly. I have not used the Trimovate before, any ideas what this is?
I had been managing with Simple/Tea tree with good results until about a month ago when the inside of my elbows started to flare up again. This was followed by red itching spreading down my arms (distinct from the Eczema).
After seeing the Doctor (booking an appointment was like booking a table at The Fat Duck) I have been prescribed:
Betnovate 0.1%
Trimovate
and Balneum bath stuff and told to use Diprobase (I hate the smell of that stuff).
They seem to have controlled it very quickly. I have not used the Trimovate before, any ideas what this is?
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