Eczema

Question: Eczema...? Ive had eczema since i was just a few years old and ive been in fairly good control of it all, using creams etc to keep it moisturized etc... But recently its started flaring up quite badly on the inside part of my elbow (where i normally get it). im still in control of my scratching in the day time and use aqueous cream to stop it itching.. The problem is, i scratch it in my sleep...meaning i cant control myself from scratching it...this seems to put all of my willpower in the daytime not scratching it to waste.. Anyone got any tips on how i can not scratch my arms in my sleep?

Answer: I've e same problem since childhood days too. its common for ppl staying in tropical area to have eczema... I resides in SGP by the way... A few tips to reduce itch: 1) use diprocel cream (gradually i found tt it itch less often) 2) take Atrax (an anti itch pill - not immediately felt but usually next day u dun feel itchy at all) 3) take a flu tablet pill (the yellow colour type) - i was told that it has the same effects as Atrax. 1 & 2 requires a doctor's prescription while 3 can be bought over the counter at pharmacies. when it itch real bad i will take 2 or 3 option. it works for me and i seldom has itchy "attacks" now. maybe once a year or something? and every "attach" is mild as compared to my childhood days. Please consult a doctor! what works for me might not work for others! I went to National Skin Centre to have a specialist's opinion before, for your info. As for tips to prevent u from scratching during sleep - wear long sleeve (make sure its loose / not thick material so that you can loose heat easily) sleeping in air con room might help cos heat is the main cause for eczema attacks. having a cold shower before sleep helps too! In short - avoid and reduce HEAT! (put ice packs on ur arms when u sleep to numb ur hand maybe?) oh, and stop scratching!!! slap or beat ur skin instead!!! =] => just to add on after i see Minx's answer: i do not have constipation problems often lol!

Question: ........................................… i go on holiday in 4 weeks, and i have eczema on my legs and a little bit on the creases of my arms. I was just wondering does anybody know any creams or tablets in fact anythin that will help my skin clear up, or releave the itching!? any tips or advice on what to do? please help thanks in advance x

Answer: oiletum i think that's that its called that helps a bit or if u ask your doctor about the use of steroid creams, that really helps me (i use Protopic) but the downside with that is when you stop using them, it may come back a bit worse than before. to stop the itching an antihistamine should work, unless your like me, then you again will need to as your doctor for a stronger one (unfortunately i cant find the ones i use, if i find the box, ill re post)

Question: How is Eczema transferable to my partner/ways to deal with it? Can eczema, on my legs, be transferred to my partner just from cuddling in bed? AND What's the best method to reduce irritation/itchiness or reduce my partner's chances of getting eczema?

Answer: Hi Jake. If it is Eczema that you have, there's no need for concern about you transferring it to you partner. It is not contagious. One of the best ways to reduce the itching is to use Aveeno Colloidal Oatmeal. Your local Walgreens or CVS drug store should have this. Put 2 cups of the Aveeno Oatmeal in a bath filled with luke warm water. Just soak in it for about 15 minutes. When you dry yourself off, make sure you use the towel and pat yourself dry. Do not rub the towel to dry as this can cause the irritation to get worse. After your dry yourself off, apply a good moisturizer. There are numerous things that will help you relieve the itchiness. I would try to avoid prescribed medications if your eczema is just isolated on your legs. Cortisone cream for example will have some long term side affects if used often. Look for natural remedies to help with your eczema. They provide much better relief and the most important part, it's safer. I provided a link below that should give you some ideas on other methods to help you with this. Don't let eczema take control of your life. You can treat this and actually there are ways to keep it from returning time and time again as it often seems to do. Hope this has helped you out a little.

Question: How do you treat eczema on fingernail beds? The eczema affects the growth/production of my fingernails and takes several months to begin to clear up. I'm in a wedding in October and am worried that it won't be cleared up by then. I am currently using Elecon cream to treat my eczema on other areas and it works really well, but doesn't seem to work on my fingernails at all. Any suggestions?

Answer: That could be a fungal infection. Nail bed is a very common site for that. It won't heal with any cream but with proper antifungal treatment that too for 4-6 weeks

Question: What causes eczema and what makes it pop up in different places? I have eczema on the back of two of my fingers and now I'm getting it inside my elbow (where it bends). I also have a patch of it on the back of my leg. What causes it and why does it show up in such random places?

Answer: Eczema is caused by a lack of Vitamin E and dry skin. Avoid pool water. Always moisturize. My index finger has eczema too. I used to have it inside my elbows and other fingers. But they are all gone. Use steroid creams (prescribed by your doctor of course). Try shea butter for your skin. Use lotion with oatmeal. Use Ucerin cream for your hands. Do not let them stay dry. Eczema usually show up in joints (inside elbows and knees) and palm of hands (mostly fingers) and maybe feet. Use Aveeno cream (it has oatmeal formula). Hope this helps. It is not curable (Im mad about that). It's usually seasonal (usually summer for me). Might be winter for you. It's treatable by using the steps above. Good luck!

Question: How do I reduce the effects of scars from eczema? I'm 19 years old and have had eczema since I was roughly 15. It started just on my stomach cause of the belts I wore, and then on my arms, but that was nothing until this past year. I have it bad on my arms, stomach, half my back, upper thighs, chest, and neck. And I am also half hispanic, so I scar very easily. They aren't raised scars or anything, but just dark marks. And they stay, for years. Lotions for dry skin don't work, I know that. But even if I do control my eczema, the scars from it will last for a long time. Can anyone relate and possibly know any way to help me with my scars, or eczema? I'm running out of options! I feel like a leper here!

Answer: HI Amber Here are some ideas to start the healing process. Cause Eczema is often called Dermatitis, and may be a symptom of an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. Eczema can be due to allergies, allergies secondary to digestive disorders such as hydrochloric acid deficiency, rashes secondary to immune diseases, genetic metabolic disorders, and/or nutritional deficiencies, especially of niacin (vitamin B3) and B6, as well as other B vitamins. To minimize your risk of developing eczema, avoid irritating substances, wear natural nonirritating materials, use soothing ointments, and check to see if dietary, nutritional, and/or and allergy-causing factors need to be considered. --------------------------------------… Natural Cures Aromatherapy: Bergamot, chamomile, lavender, melissa, neroli, eucalyptus, geranium, and/or juniper can help speed healing and relief of symptoms when applied topically to the affected areas. Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet and avoid potentially allergy-causing foods, especially sugar, wheat, milk, and dairy products, including yogurt. Also avoid excess consumption of fruit, especially citrus and sour, as these foods may aggravate symptoms. Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy® for accompanying stress, and Rescue Remedy Cream® on the affected areas. Herbs: Herbal remedies such as cleavers, nettle, yellowdock, or red clover tea or tinctures may be very effective. They are often combined with relaxing herbs such as chamomile, linden flowers, or skullcap. One combination would be equal parts of cleavers, nettle, and chamomile drunk as an infusion three times a day. A stronger mixture combines the tinctures of figwort, burdock, and cleavers in equal parts; take one teaspoon of this mixture three times a day. To alleviate itching, bathe affected areas of your body with lukewarm or cold chickweed infusion. For cracked, dry, or painful skin, use a salve made from calendula flowers and St. John`s wort leaves. Goldenseal applied externally may also be helpful. Homeopathy:Dulcamara, Rhus tox., Sulfur, Arsen alb., and Graphites, taken alone or in combination with each other can help speed healing. Petroleum and Psorinum are also effective homeopathic remedies, but must be taken alone. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. I suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Juice Therapy: The following juice combinations can help speed healing: black currant and red grapes; carrot, beet, spinach, cucumber, and parsley; and wheat grass juice. Nutritional Supplementation: Vitamin A and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), an omega-6 essential fatty acid found in high quantities in evening primrose oil, have both been shown to improve the symptoms of eczema. Vitamin E. Other useful supplements for preventing and reversing eczema include vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. Topical Treatment: Apply evening primrose oil directly to cracked and sore areas of the skin. A topical paste made from ginkgo and licorice root extract has also been shown to improve eczema symptoms. Alternative Professional Care If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating and relieving the symptoms of eczema: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Biofeedback Training, Bodywork (Acupressure, Shiatsu, Reflexology), Detoxification Therapy, Energy Medicine (Light Beam Generator, Ondamed, Photon Stimulator), Environmental Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Magnetic Field Therapy (North Pole Magnetic Energy Application), Mind/Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, and Oxygen Therapy Best of health to you

Question: How can you control eczema around your eyes? Every winter I get eczema around my eyes and today it is especially red and irritated. I know that is a sensitive area and normal creams and topical steroids that you would ordinarily use are not good to use near the eyes. Are there any over-the-counter creams or gels I could find to help with this? It is bothersome and unattractive. Thanks!

Answer: I have the same trouble, it's so bad my eyes puff up like balloons overnight from the irritation. I use Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for dry/sensitive skin, it really helps, even though people they say you shouldn't put normal moisturiser around the eye area because it's too rich, I don't see what else can be done.

Question: I get eczema and acne on my face, what can I do to get rid of it? Acne medication makes my eczema worst and eczema medication causes my face to get pimples. I don't know what to do, my face looks horrible!

Answer: Hi Peacon I would like you to try this cream it really works great: It is called - Rescue Remedy cream , made by naturals company called Bach, might also be known as Flower Remedy I really should have found the site for you, it is available in Australia and should be available elsewhere, It was recomended to me years ago by this really weird spiritual natural healer lady, but i tell ya what she was right i never had eczema again. Email me if you have any trouble finding it let me know how you get on? hope it gets better soon. Bach rescue remedy cream

Question: Will my eczema be a problem in getting a tattoo? I have had eczema ever since i can remember, and it was horrible when I was a kid. However, since i moved to Florida I've hardly had a break out in 4 years. Now, i have this awesome tattoo designed and ready to go. I was just wondering if my eczema is going to cause any side-effects and possible infection when i get the tattoo?

Answer: i don't think its going to cause any side effect or infection when you get it. but keep in mind i hope you're getting a tattoo in a place where your eczema doesn't break out. hoped i helped. ♥ kaye

Question: What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema? What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema? I have a patch of dry scaly red skin on my thigh that is itchy. How can I tell if it is psoriasis or eczema?

Answer: My guess is you have eczema a.k.a. dermatitis. Psoriasis is usually constant, more intense, usually involves a lot of flaking, and can be very widespread. From what you describe it sounds like an occasional localized flare-up, so that's why I think it's dermatitis. If this is a rare or one-time occurance, I'm thinking contact dermatitis, meaning you rubbed your thigh against an irritant. If it happens regularly, it may be atopic, meaning it's most likely triggered by pollen, weather, or food. Try keeping it moisturized. You may have to experiment with different products to find the one best suited for your skin. If you're not going to see a doctor, try any of the various OTC steroid-based creams and ointments out there.

Question: What is the reason as to why eczema cannot be cured? I myself, like so many other people, have eczema. I'm 16 now and for as long as I can remember, I've struggled and struggled with the problems that eczema brings about. Scientists say that eczema cannot be cured, but treated. Can anyone explain to me the reason eczema can't be cured?

Answer: Hi Adrian, the reason that eczema cannot be cured through medications, is because not everyone has the same cause. Different people get eczema because of different factors. This can vary greatly, and can include factors like diet, clothing, allergies, pets, the weather, the air, smells, stress, and so on. Because of this, science is unable to find a medication that is going to cover all these bases, no 0ne tablet or medicine is going to be a solution for everyone. This is one of the main reasons as to why eczema cannot be cured. Another issue is that eczema can change in many people. Meaning that some people can naturally grow out of it, some people get it only now and again, while others suffer with eczema symptoms and dry skin problems all the time. Virtually all medications treat the symptoms, and rarely the cause. This means that in many cases the symptoms continue to return because the causes of eczema are not being addressed. This is why a lot of people over the last few years have started to use more natural eczema treatments. The advantages are that they do not have any side effects, they are not expensive, and not only do they treat symptoms, they treat the cause of eczema by making the immune system stronger, so that it has more of a chance of fighting eczema. If nothing has worked for you in the past, perhaps you need a change of direction. You can get some more free information on how to cure eczema naturally at the resource below. I hope that this has been helpful, take care Adrian.

Question: How can you get rid of eczema? I think it's eczema. The insides of my elbows are red and flaky and itchy, it also hurts and feels stretched when i bend it. I've put a lot of moisturiser on it (aloe vera + cucumber and soya + oat) but they haven't helped. It only turned yesterday but before that it was relatively okay.

Answer: there are hundreds if not thousands of homemade cures for eczema, such as: homemade eczema cream: just mix oatmeal with water and create a past, which you can apply over the infected area, leave it for at least 15min and then washout using water. If so do not have oatmeal you can use raw honey instead, although oatmeal is more effective (IMO). you can also take a warm bath with milk, the warm water will open skin spoors and the milk containing hundreds of enzymes will penetrate your skin and slowly kill eczema from inside out! as I said there are thousands of natural ways to treat eczema, visit http://www.eczemacuretoday.com and find thousands more homemade medicines for skin dermatitis (eczema)

Question: How do you get rid of eczema without buying anything? No prescriptions. My friend has eczema above her elbow and arm area , and I wanna help her out. But I can't buy anything , and I know she has a habit of scratching. Help ? I wanna help my friend.

Answer: u can't, simple as. i've had it since i was two, now im 13 (14 in july) and even with all the prescriptions, dermatologists, dietitions and paedritions it hasn't gone. so sorry but you will have NO luck on your own. tell youir frind to visit a doctor, its VERY important before it gets out of hand. but meanwhile here's a few tips (if anyone has tips it's me!): 1. stay away from perfumes and other potentionally irritating smells 2 don't do the washing up 3. have short, quick warm (not hot) daily baths 4. of course 'not scratching' is hard so only scratch with a clean surface that won't infect 5. cut nails as short as possible 6. imagine that if you scratch something bad will happen (like you will melt or turn into a frog!) 7. wear soft, cotton clothing 8, don't wear too much cothing, the cooler the better 9. wear long sleeves and fully cover legs.so you can resist the urge to scratch 10. keep yourself busy!!!!! i have my entire day full of things to do and keep my hands busy just so i forget about scratching. hope these work and good luck, once again i stress the importance of seeing a doctor ASAP.

Question: How long does it take for Eczema scars disappear? I've had eczema scars all over my legs for about 4 months now and they aren't looking any better. Can anyone tell me how long it'll take for them to at least fade?

Answer: Hi, I have been helping a friend get rid of his psoriasis’ on his skin, it covers about 2 square feet of his arms and hands. He has been spraying on 2.5 PH water for about a month now, and it is working. He is also drinking 9.5 PH water. His wife has MS, and is also drinking the 9.5 PH alkaline water, and is doing much better. You can get free alkaline water - place a wanted add on http://craigslist.com Here is a demo video to watch for the eczema cure as seen in Japan. Sorry but the hospitals in the United States and Europe are not this advanced at this time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxLW-HKgQ… Alergies to food include shellfish, garlic, and others. Stop eating things like cheese, then milk products, then anything brewed (beer, yogurt, breads made with yeast). When it goes away, then you have some idea of what you should stop eating. Or use the process developed in Japan, and eat what you want to. Good Luck !

Question: How can I get rid of eczema located on my shin? I have eczema on my shin and it's embarrassing to wear shorts because it's like a big oval of redness. How can I get rid of it? I tried Aveeno cream but it only takes away the itch.

Answer: some eczema treatments are harmful to your skin since they can contain ingredients that can potentially harm your skin rather than making it heal. you can try covering the affected area with a gauze, be able to keep your fingernails short to avoid scratching it. a break in the skin can cause a secondary skin infection. be aware of it. the key to treat eczema on face is never to keep the skin of the face dry. check out your diet and avoid foods that can trigger allergy on the skin. keep the skin hydrated by drinking adequate amount of fluids. using an all natural skin moisturizer can help keep the skin moist all day. know what are the triggers of eczema and try to avoid. consult a dermatologist for the best precautions. visit http://www.skinoriginal.com for more tips that can help avoid eczema flares.

Question: How often should you bathe an infant with eczema? I have a six week old son with eczema. I bathe him every night. Should I be bathing him every other night? His eczema seems to be getting worse and I'm not sure of proper treatment for eczema. What kind of lotion is best for eczema? I've tried Johnsons, Aveeno Baby, Palmer's, and am currently using Euceran Calming Creme which was recommended by a friend.

Answer: I have a little boy with severe eczema and we were told by our pediatrician to treat it with Hydrocortizone (sp?) cream applied to the affected area twice a day. We only bath him every 2 days and only for about 5-10 minutes. Frequent bathing removes the natural oils from the skin which can cause eczema to become worse. We also use a cool mist humidifier in his room to help keep his skin hydrated. Oh and after a bath make sure you moisturize his skin within 5 minutes of taking him out so he doesn't dry out too much. You can also use baby oil in the bath water. EDIT: Also switch to a baby safe washing detergent and don't use any fabric softener or dryer sheets.

Question: What should people with eczema avoid eating? I have Eczema on my hand and little on my neck.My doctor said I should avoid eating some food, but he did not say what foods.Please help form a list that shows what foods people with Eczema should avoid.

Answer: Hi Gerald Although there are certain types of food that can act as triggers for eczema, not all types of these foods will affect all eczema sufferers in the same way. For example, some sufferers will find that eggs will make their condition worse, while other sufferers will have no problem with eating eggs. Th reason that eczema cannot be cured through the use of medications is because there are too many variables in the causes, and no one treatment will work the same way for everyone. Your best bet is to try a systematic approach, where you get a list of foods that commonly trigger eczema and try cutting them out one at a time for a couple of weeks, to see if the condition improves. Here is a list to start you off Milk Eggs Cheese White Sugar Wheat Seafood Nuts Foods with high levels of fat The other thing is to see what is going on around you. Eczema can be triggered by something that is coming into contact with your skin, so try changing your washing powder, soaps, shampoos, stuff you use to clean the house, certain smells, and also if you have a cat or a dog, the hairs can increase eczema, so use gloves to handle any pets. A good way to try and get rid of eczema is to make your immune system stronger. This can be done through eating different types of foods. Remember that your immune system is having difficulty fighting eczema, this is why you get the symptoms. Take a look at the site in the resource box, which can give you more information. Hope this helps.

Question: What is a good eczema lotion for a baby with really dry skin, not eczema? My one year old has very dry skin and regular baby lotion does not help. I was wondering if anyone on here new of a good eczema lotion, they could recomend?

Answer: My baby has severe Eczema and i use Eucerin calming itch relief lotion,or just the regular Eucerin lotion. Kinda pricey but it works very well! I hope that helps.

Question: What should i use to treat my 9month old with eczema? Sorry I have just one more question lol Okay same with the cradle cap, he's had eczema since he was born on and off. Any suggestions what i can use? I have baby eczema lotion that i have been using, but i want something that works faster.

Answer: My daughter also had eczema luckily it got better as she got older. But, I used to use Aveeno oatmeal bath and it really helped/worked

Question: What is the difference between Psoriasis and Eczema? Ways to treat both without visiting a doctor? I either have psoriasis or eczema, but i dont have health insurance (american) What are some things i can avoid to help this problem, and what are some things i can do to treat it? over the counter and natural treatments, soaps and shampoo's. ANYTHING!

Answer: Hi, you can try one of the natural treatments available on the Internet. Some of them do actually work. For my psor./eczema I use herbal cream by Champori quite successfully. It takes just a couple of weeks to clear the spots and they then stay clear for months on end. Try it: Champori is available online without prescription and comes with money back guarantee so if it doesn't work for you - it's free. Cheers, Antje get their cream for psoriasis - in my book it's more potent than that for eczema