Eczema!

[OutOfTheCube]

Eczema. It sucks! And it gets worse and worse the colder and dryer it gets. Mine has been worse than ever this year -- at least it is the worst on my legs so people can't see it, but it's even been bad enough to wake me up with itchiness in the middle of the night sometimes.

So -- what are your best solutions?

I've been trying a myriad of over the counter creams and lotions and they help a little bit, but nothing seems to really be able to kick it. Do you just bite the bullet and go the doctor to get some cortisone prescribed? Magic home remedy? Rip all your skin off? I'm sure I'm not the only person suffering!

[Slava]

I've had it for years and the cortisone is the only long-term relief that works for me. I say long term because years ago I tried Emu Oil (which I am 100% sure is a scam, but I will try these for eczema), and it did seem to work. I can't explain why or anything like that. Maybe it was a placebo or something, but for me it stopped working and that was the end of that.

[Locke]

Wow, so they grind up Emus and you rub it into your skin?

[Fuzz]

Have you tried a cleanse? Maybe detoxify your liver. Some milk thistle might help. Or ground up grizzly bear testicle tea followed by acupuncture.

[EldrickOnIce]

Ever considered a biologic pharmaceutical, like Humira?
For those it works for, in whatever indication, it (and other TNF inhibitors like it) is truly a life changing, miracle drug.

[The Yen Man]

Try stop eating wheat and gluten. A lot of times, diet plays a big part in preventing it. Plus, you get the added benefit of eating healthier. I know there's a ton of people here who think gluten is just a myth, but hey, it worked for a buddy of mine who had bad eczema.

[CroFlames]

I have a nasty cold and it's pissing me off. Nothing else to add to this thread.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Locke

Wow, so they grind up Emus and you rub it into your skin?

That's how I understand it! I was given it originally, so I hope that was why my mother purchased it.

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

Try stop eating wheat and gluten. A lot of times, diet plays a big part in preventing it. Plus, you get the added benefit of eating healthier. I know there's a ton of people here who think gluten is just a myth, but hey, it worked for a buddy of mine who had bad eczema.

I do wonder about this or a somewhat allergic reaction of some kind. I would love to know if it was that, although I love bread and wheat-made things. I am kind of trying to decide whether I would actually stop eating them if I knew it would eliminate the eczema...tough call.

[Hack&Lube]

When I was a kid I used to get it on my elbows and now as an adult, I've had the same breakouts on my neck and other regions for years every time winter rolls around and it's dry. Cortisone only seems to dull the itching. Polysporin brand makes a high concentration one that I've found is better than the typical strength ones.

[GoinAllTheWay]

I had it BAD when I was a kid. So bad, the pool I used to take lessons at almost refused to let me in the water. Had to get a doctors note saying it wasn't a risk to anyone else.

Just a few years ago, it flared up again much to my surprise but was luckily localized to just my legs. Still sucked though as it was summer time. What I found that REALLY helped, especially with the itch, was Goldbond. Worked wonders and am convinced it really sped up getting rid of it.

[crazy_eoj]

I like the dry skin lotion bar from Rocky Mountain Soaps. It comes in deodorant packaging and has no scent. It's a staple for me during winter.

It's not supposed to be good for you to constantly use cortizone cream but it seems to be the very best of anything. Also a trip to the coast works wonders (which makes me dubious of the diet/gluten claims but if it works, it works).

ECZEMA SUCKS

[MrMastodonFarm]

Had to get cortisone cream for the first time in almost 15 years this spring, had a bad bought on my wrist and back of the hand.

Mostly I just stay moisturized, switch up creams often is a good idea I've found. Eczema adapts quicker than the born.

The aveeno stuff is good, switch that up with the thicker oatmeal one too seems to work. Moisture after the shower etc, lock that wetness in homeboy.

[psicodude]

I have it on my hands, eyelids, and ears. I've had some decent results with the "Working Hands" cream. It doesn't go away, but it stops the horrible cracks and bleeding at least.

I actually saw a specialist and his only advice was to move somewhere with more humidity. He told me that nothing will ever completely cure or contain it, so try a bunch of creams until I find something that eases the symptoms.

[Buzzard]

Doesn't marijuana fix everything these days...have you tried that?

[bossy22]

My son gets it, but he's got a low tolerance for sugar. When he eats healthy, and avoids sugar, it goes away.

[Sainters7]

I've got it in an extra crappy spot: my scalp. Which of course involves a whole different product. Thankfully it's a minor case, you would have no idea if you saw me, and I shave my head. But if I stopped using my specialized shampoo/conditioner and drops for 3-4 days, it'd start getting very itchy, red and irritated.

I use a shampoo/conditioner/serum called Murad, it's made a world of difference. Sadly after a decade of using it, it seems like it's going out of business or something, as I can see on Amazon people asking $200 for a bottle, that's absurd! Not sure what I'll jump to in a couple years when the bottles run out, if that's the case..

[Caged Great]

Penaten works really well. I rarely get it, usually only when my sleep pattern is screwed up, and it clears it up quickly.

It comes in a light blue and gold circular tin. It's a white paste.

[Zulu29]

I had terrible eczema as a kid, wrists, elbows, legs totally brutal. I went to a naturopath and found I was allergic to cows milk. I don't drink milk anymore and avoid dairy where possible and it really helped. I'll get a tiny spot on my shin once every few years but that's it. Not saying that'll help you but it's worth a shot.

[PepsiFree]

I don't know, ya scratch it.

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Have you tried a cleanse? Maybe detoxify your liver. Some milk thistle might help. Or ground up grizzly bear testicle tea followed by acupuncture.

I've had my share of bear testicles and I highly recommend for curing what ails you.