Anyone have eczema, need help to stop the itching?

Question

I was diagnosed w/ eczema about 2 years ago. It seems to get worse at certain times of the year, Fall and winter usually. I have not had a problem all summer long and all of a sudden I'm itching like crazy and breaking out again, what on earth causes eczema? I put on lotion w/ collidal oatmeal twice a day and it isn't helping for now. Anything to help it?

Answer 1

If you live close to the beach sea water is really good for it.  Also there is some sort of strange tar you can get that is natural and relieves it.  Im not sure what the tar stuff is called but I am sure a pharmacist can help you with that.

Answer 2

Yes I used to get eczema in winter  and found that it was related to showering and washing off the natural oil and then not producing enough skin oil because of reduced perspiration, not enough heat. I also discovered that certain clothes caused a problem such as wool against the skin.

So reduced shower time and the heat of the shower, that is the most important since the hot water washes off the oil and irritated the eczema. Yes it does give temporary relief, but then the condition gets worse.

Reduce the stress on your skin by dressing warmly for the weather.

Diet does have an influence and you may consider reducing the things like dairy products, but individuals may have certain food sensitivities that should be stopped.

Moisturise regularly and try different types of moisturiser. I use Aloe Vera types water based moisturiser. I now swim all year around and have very few problems, but I do put on a barrier cream (just to the sensitive areas) each time before swimming. I notice a few outbreaks when I indulge in longer hot showers.

Give it a go, take care and get healthy skin.

Answer 3

There are three common types of eczema. The first is Atopic eczema (aka infantile e., flexural e., atopic dermatitis) it is believed to have a hereditary component, and often runs in families whose members also have hay fever and asthma. Itchy rash is particularly noticeable on head and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind knees, and buttocks.

The second is contact dermatitis is of two types: allergic (resulting from a delayed reaction to some allergen, such as poison ivy or nickel), and irritant (resulting from direct reaction to a solvent, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, for example). Some substances act both as allergen and irritant (wet cement, for example). Other substances cause a problem after sunlight exposure, bringing on phototoxic dermatitis. About three quarters of cases of contact eczema are of the irritant type, which is the most common occupational skin disease. Contact eczema is curable provided the offending substance can be avoided, and its traces removed from one’s environment.

The third is Xerotic eczema (aka asteatotic e., e. craquele or craquelatum, winter itch, pruritus hiemalis) which is dry skin that becomes so serious it turns into eczema. It worsens in dry winter weather, and limbs and trunk are most often affected. The itchy, tender skin resembles a dry, cracked, river bed. This disorder is very common among the older population.

It sounds like the type of eczema you have is the third, Xerotic and that is why it becomes more severe during the winter and fall months. This is often treated by ointments, creams or lotions. They do not cure eczema, but are highly effective in controlling or suppressing symptoms in most cases. Since it's not really working for you, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Medium-potency corticosteroids such as clobetasone butyrate (Eumovate), Betamethasone Valerate (Betnovate) or triamcinolone are also available. Generally medical practitioners will prescribe the less potent ones first before trying the more potent ones.

Answer 4

I also have eczema, for years, I buy the Cortaid or Cortizone 10 cremes at your local store or pharmacy. It will help take the itch away. Mine also gets worse in the winter, but if I have been cooking or even making a salad with fresh tomatoes, I itch like crazy. Watch what you are  cooking with and try one of these cremes I mentioned.

Answer 5

Eczema can be difficult at any time at any age.  We have dealt with it in our baby and my wife's brother and father also deal with it.  We have been to numerous doctors and tried all kinds of creams and remedies.  In the midst of everything we found that a company called Arbonne Int. has a baby line that is all natural and free of the extra chemicals that can cause flair ups.  It is a baby line but works great with people with sensitive skin at any age.  Arbonne also has many other items that are specifically made for people with sensitive skin.  If you go to my wife's website you can read a short story of what we have learned and gone through with our son.  The website is www.babysoft.myarbonne.com

There are even before and after photos on there.  This isn't just someone's story that we found it really is our story and we are passionate about helping others.

If you have any questions I know my wife will do anything she can to help you, there is a link on the bottom of her page to email her if you want.

I hope this will help you.