Copyright © 2008 Demand Media, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Updated. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the advertisements are served by third party advertising companies.
Member Comments
By RainDots on November 10, 2009 at 03:29 PM
I've had it since birth, but it really started to kick in around grade 4.
Every Fall my skin usually gets better, in fall my feel peel from wet boots. In spring, it pops up somewhere new. It goes from behind my ears, to legs, to inside-elbows to hands to anywhere.
Two years ago it got so bad on my neck that I started to (stop eating or you'll throw up.) ooze white bloodcells everytime it got the tiniest bit wet (including showers) or I even touched it. It would go puffy, red, and white. I've lost color on my elbows (forever, or temporary, I don't know.)
Nothing works, pills, creams, exercise (Makes it so much worse)
but what HELPS is showering immediately after getting sweaty, keeping feet out of the blankets (so you don't sweat even if you have a bad dream) and PATTING not RUBBING your self dry after a shower. And if your legs are what ails you, stop shaving as much. I put lubriderm on before my shower, and after, but I find that I'm itchiest on days I shave or three days after I stop. It sounds gross, but It's really cold, so why bother? I'm wearing jeans. And wax or nair...don't get me started....
the most annoying thing is one of my friends cannot get over the fact that I'm so tanned everywhere except my elbows, and my neck gets really Ashy. Really? Drop it, please.
By doublewong on September 26, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Okay, this is it. I know I've never been able to do this before, but I quit!
This is my plan:
1. stop scratching
2. carry steroids with me everywhere
3. wear smart clothing
4. being active
For me, Eczema is all about pleasure and stress. Which sounds weird, but I love scratching, it is a terrible addiction. I think about it, and when I'm stressed out, or angry, or sad, I'll tear my skin apart. Once it's an active site, I'll scratch without thinking. So get it to an maintainable state, then seeing how not terrible looking it is will make me want to keep it from going back that way. I'm also practicing self-reflection to help me keep perspective in my life, and not give into the comforts of the scratch.
It's been one week, with minimal scratching. (just to pick off the itchy flakes) Currently looks like a big splotchy scar.
By doublewong on September 30, 2009 at 01:02 AM
damn it, had a moment of weakness. Back to day one.
By Monsterparts on October 24, 2009 at 11:14 PM
You are fantastic. I think I'm going to try this too.
By BeckyDK on November 5, 2009 at 10:02 AM
I do this too, I always scratch or pick whenever I'm stressed/bored/upset.
I really want to stop as well.
Keep up the good work!
By Anonymous on November 9, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Same here! I'm fourteen and dealing with eczema, and its hard. I have scratched so hard my skin has lost some of its color. I'm tired of dermatologists giving me false hope, only o be disappointed again and again. I'm taking charge of my life and I'm definitely am not going to let eczema control my life.
By Anonymous on October 6, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Hi everyone!
Let me quickly tell you my story. I have had atopic dermatitis since I was an infant and am now 26yr old. My dermatologists have rated it at chronically severe and when I separated from the military I was categorized as a Disabled Combat Veteran (with the majority due to my skin.)
I have tried every cream, ointment, lotion and oil - and even injections and pills. There is NOTHING I have not tried. This "disease" has significantly impacted my life. BUT, I hate talking about how it has ruined my life or going on with a stupid sob story. So what I will tell you is that because eczema is not well-understood and is thought of nuisance, at most, people will underestimate the physical and mental pain we endure.
Parents tell their children not to scratch, friends recommend their lotion, strangers give advice.. it's a frustrating situation. But the thing to take away from it, is how strong and poised you can be in those situations. Grow thick skin (no pun intended) and get crazy.. live your life daringly as if to say "F.U. I still control my life (even if I can't control my skin.)" Go skydiving, get ripped in the gym, go surf, do something!
I hate to sound so corny.. but it's really all you have, because if you sit around and feel sorry for yourself.. you'll cause your skin to itch more anyway. I hope you all luck and I wish you all the strength to beat this thing. (And let's all cross our fingers for a cure to this thing.)
By Anonymous on October 16, 2009 at 09:54 AM
This is the best advice I have ever gotten!
Ive suffered from eczema since birth. The typical flare ups.
The worst thing is being told 'Dont scratch' Arggggghhhhhhh!!
And evvvveeeeerything else you mention, the advice and what not.
My biggest issue is relationships. Im 33 and female. And its effected my being in a relationship or commitment all my life. What is your take on relationships?? Do people with eczema manage to get into relationships??
By Anonymous on October 22, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Well, my experience is always to just bring it up casually. I never speak of it like a terminal disease or in embarrassment. I always mention it as if it's a common knowledge issue.
Sometimes I get questions like, "What happened to your hands?" or "Why don't you just put some lotion on?" I used to get really embarrassed and ashamed, like some circus freak (especially if it's brought up in a crowd.) I just casually say.. "Oh I have eczema, which just means I have really sensitive skin.." If you make it a non-issue.. they will treat it the same.
As for relationships, it falls along the same line.. you can't play the victim or disabled person. You have to stay busy and be active (because it keeps you happier and it distracts you from the itch.) Do it for you and not because you are trying to meet/keep someone - because eventually your confidence shines through and will attract the right people anyway.
By kshreenan on October 11, 2009 at 04:46 PM
how do i stop taking this dare?
By raquelcovington on January 14, 2009 at 06:01 AM
As I approach 40, it would appear that some of my childhood ailments are coming back - allergies, asthma & eczema to be exact! Of the 3, the eczema is by far the most uncomfortable. At times I want to scratch my skin off! And, it seems like it's spreading to cover a larger area! I rarely eat dairy, I don't feel particularly stressed (although I also have IBS which seems to have flared up recently as well), and I have always kept my skin moisturized through the daily use of a colloidal oatmeal body wash & body cream and taking a daily dose of Xango (mangosteen puree). More recently (within the week), I have started to add more water to my diet (I always drank 2-3 twelve ounce glasses a day; now I try to do 4-6), record my food intake to identify any possible food-related reactions, and exercising regulary (to hopefully reduce any stress that I may be dealing with on a subconscious level). My next plans are to add the topical application of either coconut oil (somewhat expensive, but apparently very effective) or olive oil to the irritated areas in order to hopefully turn this breakout around! Any other suggestions are welcomed!
By Shayna_g on January 24, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Read my comment above regarding the California Baby Calendula Cream, it should help. I also use both coconut oil and olive oil, but I am not crazy about smelling like either.
Also, I would get checked out by a Chiropractor. It sounds like you have a few issues going on (allergies, asthma, eczema and IBS) which leads me to believe your body is not in allignment. Spinal subluxations cause nerve interference and prohibit the body from functioning optimally. Chiropractic treatment is not just for backpain as many people believe. Getting regular adjustments have proven to help with many of the issues you are facing.
Best wishes to you :)
By kimuram on October 6, 2009 at 10:22 PM
It's very interesting that you said you mentioned the eczema, allergies, and asthma came back - because those exact ailments are called the Triad. It is very common for a person with eczema to have the other two. I'm the same way as well.
By Shayna_g on January 24, 2009 at 06:16 PM
I have suffered from Eczema my entire life. I have tried many different treatment options, including prescription steroid cream, non-steroid prescriptions, over the counter treatments, diet changes, etc...and nothing ever worked. Unfortunately from the steroid use the skin on my face and neck have been damaged and show signs of very early aging.
I was devestated when my son starting breaking out with extremely bad Eczema and feared that he would spend a lifetime of dealing with this condition. After many hours of research I learned one key thing that no doctor ever told me. Any product containing petroleum makes Eczema worse, and almost every product made to treat Eczema has a petroleum base!
I stumbled across an amazing cream that treats Eczema, is all natural and safe for babies. It's called Calendula Cream made by California Baby. Don't be deceived by the name though, it's great for adults too. There is a whole line of products that California Baby makes, like shampoo and body soap that is great for eczema too.
By rabitstew on March 22, 2009 at 07:24 PM
You might want to try a liquid base whole food supplement called Body Balance, I have been taking it for 6yrs and it is an amazing product (raw whole food liquid w/sea vegatables) and company, go to www.lifeforce.net, you can order over the web, my pin#20808301,
Make a good day, Steve
By kimuram on October 6, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Wow, I relate with you completely. I have had it my entire life as well and it's been a nightmare. Having it for so long, I feel like I'm just coming to grips with the fact that there is no cure and I will flare up.. but now my daughter has it - and it kills me. She has it worse than I ever did. The guilt that I did this to her is heartbreaking. I will try the cream you recommended and cross my fingers. Good luck to you!
By kshreenan on October 6, 2009 at 07:48 AM
!! I didnt itch
By Anonymous on October 5, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Back to Day 1
By araulLaura on September 16, 2009 at 06:10 PM
well i'm new to this site and i just love it! it gives me lost of feedback on topics i need more understanding of and topics that bother me like this one!
I've had eczema for 12yrs now since i was 10, so u do the math. It was dormant through my infancy but i slowly woke up around d face and spread behind the knees, on the arms and now ALL over the body.
Being stressed out makes it worse. I try to maintan active and occupy my hands with something so I dont feel the urge to scratch (although sometimes its an unconscious motion).
After i had my son, it kind of calmed down now i just try to be patient relax and put the oinments on. Of course i have my spurts of outburst and bad flares due to the intense irritation.
I still have to work on my diet and see what gives me allergic reaction and causing therefore the irritation on the skin. Its very tough since i LOVE food but if its for my own good then i will have to work on it!
What I dislike about this disease are the sores and frustation I have to put up with since I have tons of scars and discoloration on mu skin. my hands are spotty and at times looks dry and flaky, or when irritated, red and yucky!!
I wish there was a cure to this I dont want anyone to go through this the way it has affected me has been horrible. I'm left with scars and like i said my skin is discolored. I dont like to wear short sleeves or shorts... .. well i dont know wat else to sayyyyy
i guess good luck to all u guys that are just getting it. BE STRONG!
By vanitylies65 on September 13, 2009 at 12:06 AM
everything I try just doesn't help I go on prednisone it goes away while I'm on it but the day after it comes back, i try every cream under the sun it doesn't help I've cut soda, high fructose corn syrup, dairy wheat and legumes out of my diet I still have insanely bad flares. I get sick because my immune system is off fighting whatever infection i've gotten because of the flair ups. I can't sleep unless I take a handful of benadryl. can anyone shed any light on what I'm doing wrong?
By greyrose42 on August 19, 2009 at 04:46 PM
I was just diagnosed by my dr with Eczema last week. I've only had it for three months so I have no idea what to do for it. Worse, I don't have insurance so going to the dr in the first place maxed me financially. Does anyone have any simple (aka cheap) ways that I might control my eczema?
By gracefullysony on August 19, 2009 at 09:36 PM
I've had eczema for a couple years now and get random flares here and there, but it gets worse for me when I forget to moisturize, so make sure you're eczema areas are never dry... Nivea or Vaseline body lotion is what I use, something with Aloe.
Avoiding itching was the biggest key for me to avoid scarring and to minimize the itchiness- if it gets bad enough, put something cool like ice on it.
A third suggestion - I got a tattoo a while ago, and was recommended A&D ointment (Google it) while it healed. The thing is, the ointment works really really well for itching and eczema too, so it's worth a shot. It's a few bucks at your pharmacy or Walgreen's or wherever.
Good luck!
Sonia
By knitwhit on August 25, 2009 at 12:37 PM
I've had eczema my whole life. Aside from going to the doctor, there are plenty of things you can do for yourself. Being healthy overall will help. You need to STAY HYDRATED. What they say about your skin reflecting what's going on inside of your body holds true (to an extent) with eczema. The only exception being is that eczema can be and usually is a herditary issue as well.
I've found that a lot of the lotions out there don't work for my eczema. I need to use a Fragrance Free lotion that is not heavy or will stay on the surface of my skin. I recommend the Lubriderm brands; for me the generic Lubriderm from Wal-mart stores works even better.
Aloe is the BEST for soothing of flare-ups and for moisturizing. The best thing to do is instead of spending your money on the processed aloe you can buy in stores is to invest in an Aloe plant. They are highly self sufficient (need very very little attention) and it is the purest form of aloe. You literally break a piece of the plant off and squeeze from the "leaf" onto your skin. The pieces you break off will heal themselves and continue to grow. SO worth getting an aloe plant.
Good luck!
By ozcanbyrnes on August 28, 2009 at 08:38 PM
I've had eczema & psoriasis for many years, and I must say I agree with knitwhit. Increase your water intake. I was amazed at the difference.
Flare ups can often happen during stressful times as well.
After lots of investigation I have found that it's usually an indicator that there's other issues going on in your body that need to be resolved (e.g: my eczema would flare-up, I'd use creams to get it under control & then it would go away but my IBS would flare up or something).
Besides increasing water intake, diet changes made the biggest difference. I went on a detox diet and within a few weeks my persistent rashes went away completely. I'd suggest trying a few weeks of reducing dairy, then switch to reducing wheat, or sugar, etc and you can likely find a particular food that makes it worse.
Good luck!
By deenakay on February 15, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Anyone know how to get rid of eczema scars???? Anyone???
By Agent48 on August 17, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Good Luck!! Time is the only answer. still got feint scars on my legs from year or 2 ago but funnily no scars on my arms from the same period. Seems like it depends on part of body.
Tony
YNWA
By Anonymous on July 27, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Sebbhoric dermatitis. Just doesn't go!!
By Anonymous on March 19, 2009 at 02:29 PM
I have been suffering Dyshidrotic Eczema for about 2 1/2 years now. I learned after going to many doctors, and finally going to a Holistic doctor, which was quite expensive!!! that my skin condition was caused by dairy and wheat. Sounds easy enough, except it's not!!! It always gets me down when I feel out of control, knowing that my skin will break out into this awful painful ugly rash if I eat the wrong stuff, but I still seem to do it anyway. I was pleased to find so much information about it online, I have felt so alone and strange. It all started on my right hand ring finger. Then it spread to my eyes, nipples (yes) and creases of the arms. It did go away during my last pregnancy, thank goodness, but all do to my diligence and avoidance of dairy or wheat. It came back about 6 months after I gave birth to my daughter, and has now spread to my middle and pinky fingers as well. Thanks for the tip about the Candula cream, definitely going to go pick some up this evening.
Anyway, thanks for listening and best of luck to you all in the fight.
By Anonymous on July 16, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I suffer from psoriasis or eczema and It has completely dissapeared with each of my three pregnancies and come back as soon as I delivered. It still cycles with my periods and I am just convinced there has to be a hormonal connection. I just wish I knew what it was exactly.
By Anonymous on May 26, 2009 at 04:20 PM
I suffer from dermatitis of the hands which I have had since my twenties. It starts of with little tiny blisters filled with fluid and gets very itchy especially during the summer months. I scratch my hands like mad until the blisters break, these tiny blisters are scaly and greyish in color before they break. Once I start scratching it sometimes spreads depending on how much you scratch and becomes red and sore and the skin starts to crack and can also bleed depending on how bad it gets. I use ointments on my hands prescribed by my GP but can be quite expensive depending on the brand I use. My hands look old in appearance due to this condition. Looking at my hands at this very moment they look dry and cracked and wrinkled due to the creams I have been using on them over the years.
By juswannaBbetter on May 19, 2009 at 08:35 AM
First of all I want to say thank you all for sharing your stories. This is so empowering! I went to a Derm about a month ago and she said that I have a form of Eczema. But my skin is not dry, in fact it is very oily. The breakouts I've seen look like huge Mosquito bites on my face, with little white puss filled bumps inside of the larger bumps. Has anyone experienced anything like this? I am not convinced that the Derm is correct. She prescribed me a steroid cream that has controled the itching a little but i still get the breakouts, about one a week or so. Please help!
By marcusprice on September 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM
not quite your normal eczema. wiki defines it as "a skin condition that is characterized by small blisters on the hands or feet. It is an acute, chronic, or recurrent dermatosis of the fingers, palms, and soles, characterized by a sudden onset of many deep-seated pruritic, clear vesicles; later, scaling, fissures and lichenification occur. Recurrence is common and for many can be chronic. Incidence/Prevalence is said to be 20/100,000 in the USA, however, many cases of eczema are diagnosed as garden-variety atopic eczema without further investigation, so it is possible this figure is misleading."
there are no real known causes, which could make this dare a bit more difficult, as i may not be able to pinpoint what causes it.
By marcusprice on September 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM
thankfully mine isn't too bad...or visibly bad. i just don't want it to get worse...ya know?
By rosslarocco on December 30, 2008 at 08:09 AM
I've had bouts with Excema my whole life. Not sure what causes it each time, but right now I get it from my job. I work at McDonalds and the grease/chemicals seems to be the cause. Wish it were just easy enough to get another job right now, but we all know the economy isn't the greatest. Took a week off for Christmas, and it actually went away.
The Dermatologist place I go to doesn't seem to take a young guy like myself seriously (being the youngest in the lobby too). Last two appointments I waited almost an hour past my scheduled time. They did prescribe me Desoximetasome which is basically a stronger version of Hydrocortisone. However, I learned that if I keep using Desox, it could permanently thin out my skin.
So basically, it's stressing me out trying to find a "cure" without having to resort to expensive surgery. It's an itchy feeling that I wish I could live without.
By Anonymous on April 8, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I've also read that eczema is affected by allergies and asthma. I noticed that my eczema flares after an asthma attack, especially if the asthma was cause by an allergy.
For me, controlling asthma, allergies and eczema all involved getting healthier. That meant regular exercise and eating right. Although I can honestly say that a healthy lifestyle definitely helps me, it doesn't eliminate eczema during harsh winters.
So to treat, I make my own lotions, which are basically a water and oil emulsion. I make it with a nourishing oil like sweet almond oil or coconut oil and aloe water and emulsify it in a blender with e-wax or a beeswax and borax mix. There are LOTS of recipes on the web. Adding a few drops of vegetable glycerin draws moisture from the air to your skin to keep it moisturized, reducing the itchy feeling. The aloe water promotes healing and the oil helps protect and seal in the moisture.
By superwomyn on December 6, 2008 at 01:02 PM
My eczema is caused by ingesting dairy products. All I have to do to control it is stop eating things with milk or butter in them. Seems simple enough, right? I just gotta avoid most of the snacks at work and be diligent about not eating anything unless I know what the ingredients are. So far today I have avoided all dairy products. Wahoo!
By Jbasso on February 12, 2009 at 06:27 PM
I suffered with excema for all of my 42 years. I have flare up's which seemed to come almost on a schedule of 7 years or so. I was about 35 when I got my most servere episode ever..... The excema had TAKEN over my hands. It took only about 12 hours to take over the left..... Incredible.....I went doctor to doctor, Hospital to Hospital, many top Doctors in Boston and all they could do was to try the different medicines ie: Tar baths, Steriods, Creams, Lotions. I think I tried EVERYTHING they had. One doctor told me, after I showed him the pharmacy of persciptions I had tried, "I can't help you."...... My friend suggested a Holistic Doctor. I had nothing to lose at this point, I was willing to try anything. My first impression was "this guy is a quack."...WAS I WRONG. The Holistic Doctor had giving me some vitimins..? I went and saw him once a month, for 3 months. Each time he increased my vitamin intake. All I had to do was take the vitimins I bought from him in the dosages he reqiured and to this day I have not had any excema and nor do I have to take any vitimins or see him. To me he is my Savour. I will still see my western medicine doctors for regular check-ups, but I will always try the Holistic treatment first...The ironic thing in this story of mine is that many people comment on how beautiful my hands are. If they only knew the hell I went through before..........GO HOLISTIC!!!!!
By deenakay on February 12, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I saw a post at the bottom about avoiding dairy. That is a great help. It's taken me 33 years to realize I that dairy aggravates it. So no more ice cream. That would definitely make it worse.
Peanuts does too.
By -liquorette on February 12, 2009 at 01:01 AM
I'm suffering from sebhorric dermatitis on my scalp and it's really annoying, I use clonate and tar based shampoos, but.. its just not working out. I keep my diet in check. Any adive?