Eczema woes

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has any new ideas or found ways in which they've helped treat their eczema? I'm 21 and suffered all my life and it's not budging. I've stopped eating dairy, tried thousands of creams, limited products that I use on my skin, removed all dust traps from my house etc and it's not giving up.

I was also wondering if anyone has been to see a specialist that they can recommend? I'm starting a new job after university in September and I don't want it to be affecting me etc.

It really gets me down and when people start making comments about it (as it's mostly on my neck/shoulders/arms I feel so self conscious.

Any tips would be appreciated so much

Reply 1

LSD

Manuka honey helped me but very slowly. I also recently went to a traditional Chinese medicine centre, you know the kind that do acupuncture etc. and the guy noticed my arms and gave me some herbal cream that smelled like curry powder (no idea what was in it) and within 6 days my really bad itchy cracked bleeding eczema was totally gone. I'm actually quite shocked but I'd have a go at that kind of thing. Never know.

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Reply 2

username2088165

I've found that putting a spray called Topida Cooling Spray Formula by Salcura (this), whenever I have a flare up, helps to stop the itching and make the rash go away. It says it's for thrush, but it also says it treats irritation, itching and soreness, which is why I tried it on my eczema, and now I swear by it! Salcura also do sprays specifically for eczema, which you could consider trying if you haven't already! I haven't tried them myself though, so I can't comment on their effectiveness.

I hope you find something which works soon! :smile:

Reply 3

Madame Skin

Official Rep

Hi KatyPiee

I would consider a vitamin A based approach... I'll explain..

Most of the body’s immune system is directly linked to the gut. When bugs make holes in the gut wall, harmful microbes, toxins, undigested foods and other foreign substances that should be restricted to the gut end up leaking into the blood. This can trigger an inflammatory response i.e. eczema.

In eczema, the skin experiences a “leaky” damage similar to the one found in the gut. This leaky skin damage is caused by pathogens colonising the skin's surface and gland ducts.

Vitamin A and its analogues reduce bacterial population in the skin but also in the gland ducts of the skin. This means that vitamin A compounds can help restore the protective barrier of the skin by stopping the bacterial damage that leads to leaky skin. In addition, vitamin A can relieve eczema by reducing local inflammation in the skin.

One of the most effective drugs for treating acne is isotretinoin (a vitamin A analogue). A related drug known as alitretinoin (taken orally) is also approved for the treatment of severe hand eczema in Europe and Canada.

Although vitamin A has no direct antimicrobial effect, it plays an important role in the immune system defence against invading microbes. It boosts the immune system and helps reduce the effect of leaky gut syndrome in the development of eczema.

Cod liver oil is one of the few ideal natural supplements that can be safely used to raise the vitamin A level in eczema patients. The vitamin A content of cod liver oil is sufficient to make up the daily recommended intake of the vitamin. (You would need to ensure you don't exceed levels as vitamin A can be toxic). Therefore, cod liver oil can be used solely as a vitamin A supplement and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, these essential fatty acids can improve skin health and restore the gut flora.

In summary, consider vitamin A topically and orally.

I hope this has helped..

Feel free to PM me if you need further explanation or any recommendations.

Liz