next »

[treehouse]

Here is a thread for commiserating about atopic eczema.

I had it as a kid and it comes back now and then. Last bad flareup was in 1986, and now, it's back. This time my eyelids are affected. It's miserable. Can't wear makeup or contact lenses. Went to an allergist and he found no sensitivities except to nickel. So this is stress and weather related. It was triggered back in August by a ragweed allergy plus a bad reaction to a new mattress (it was emitting some kind of fumes that caused my partner and I to wake up with itchy, puffy, bloodshot eyes) and now it's worse because of the dry indoor heat and cold outdoor air of winter. Itchy rashes on my arms, neck and eyelids.

Next week I'll collect all soaps, detergents, perfumes, hair products and makeup in the house, and box them up. I'll wash my clothes with Ivory soap flakes and use only unscented soap and hypoallergenic shampoo.

[msparticularity]

I have been doing the drenching and slathering thing, using jojoba oil, and it has worked wonders for me! I still do have a couple of perennially itchy patches on my leg and periodic flare-ups in other spots, but I'm doing the best I have for years. And Ivory is the very worst for me; I have done much better with Dr. Bronner's castile soap products.

[concordancia]

I have hyper sensitive skin, and I find that any of the fragrance and dye free detergents are fine. I have been using ALL Free for a while now.

I also swear by Aveeno. Especially the Aveeno bath treatment.

When I do have eczema like flair ups, neosporine really helps keep it from cracking open.

[chenar]

I have been doing the drenching and slathering thing, using jojoba oil, and it has worked wonders for me! I still do have a couple of perennially itchy patches on my leg and periodic flare-ups in other spots, but I'm doing the best I have for years. And Ivory is the very worst for me; I have done much better with Dr. Bronner's castile soap products.

Chime on the Dr. Bronner's soap.

[philrels108]

Couldn't resist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn3nbFimBtc&feature=related

[inthelab]

If the OP has true atopic eczema, the OP should seek help from a dermatologst.  There are now prescription drugs (many are topical) that can help.  Winter makes it worse; you may need to humidify your surroundings, use occlusive moisturizers (Aquaphor, for example), and start your winter regimen before Thanksgiving.  I have rosacea; if I don't take care my face hurts and I have ocular complications from it, so I can empathize to some extent.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you want more advice.  I will be off-line this afternoon until Tuesday.