Another Eczema thread

[Daisys and Diamonds]

There is also a product called Udderly Smooth.

Products

Udderly Smooth® has been a fan-favorite for over 40 years – loved by families, healthcare workers, cyclists, knitters, celebrities, stylists and so many more for its 24-hour moisturizing, ultra-healing, non-greasy formula.

udderlysmooth.com

Could be a derivative of it. I mean it was first and formost an animal remidy .But It was kinda greasy but it worked and made people happy

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

We use Bag Balm for our mini outbreaks.
I have also found relief using Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, but it has to be super diluted before you apply or it will sting something awful.
It depends on what stage your eczema is in...weepy=ACV or dry/bleeding= Bag Balm.
Or ACV gently blotted on the area then bag balm it!

Taking black seed oil really helps with my IBS inflammation and other immuno flairs, it may help generally/systemically for you.

 

[bling_dream19]

So sorry you're suffering sweet Missy. How about organic ale vera gel applied topically and then avocado oil all over. Delicious and moisturizing and healing.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I am glad the hydrocortisone helps the itching for you. Have you changed laundry detergent? Or any changes to anything touching your skin?

No, we been using the same detergent for many yrs now. That's what so strange about it. All of sudden the rashes started to appear all over my body.

 

[OdetteOdile]

No, we been using the same detergent for many yrs now. That's what so strange about it. All of sudden the rashes started to appear all over my body.

DF Is it possible you have hives instead of eczema? In the past two weeks I have been struggling with hives. They are red bumps that appear and disappear like you mentioned previously. They are so itchy! They are very different though than my son's eczema which does not appear and disappear, and which is dry and scaly. I seem to get the hives in hot weather and I do not know if it is because of heat, sunblock, chlorine, or something else.

 

[OdetteOdile]

@missy I do not have tips to share with you on eczema, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry that you are struggling with this. I understand how uncomfortable skin issues can be. I hope you find some relief. (hugs)

 

[Dancing Fire]

DF Is it possible you have hives instead of eczema? In the past two weeks I have been struggling with hives. They are red bumps that appear and disappear like you mentioned previously. They are so itchy!

Humm, You could be right. Maybe I'd have hives?. What should I do? any recommendations?

 

[pearlsngems]

No, we been using the same detergent for many yrs now. That's what so strange about it. All of sudden the rashes started to appear all over my body.

Companies reformulate their products all the time.

 

[OdetteOdile]

Humm, You could be right. Maybe I'd have hives?. What should I do? any recommendations?

In terms of comfort, taking Benadryl at night and Zyrtec during the day helps me quite a bit. Sometimes I apply hydrocortisone to the hives and it seems to help. In terms of figuring out what is causing the hives, I have not made any progress on that. It only happens to me for a few weeks each year, so I have never looked into it that much. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Missy]

Humm, You could be right. Maybe I'd have hives?. What should I do? any recommendations?

Try oral antihistamines and try figuring out what you are reacting to. Are the hives chronic and stay for days or do they come and go?
Do you have seasonal allergies? Sometimes I get hives when pollen touches my skin.

 

[Missy]

Companies reformulate their products all the time.

So true. One minute I can use a product no problem another time I get a reaction. Also our bodies change with time so we could be fine with an ingredient one moment and the next we react. So just because we are OK with an ingredient doesn't mean we will always be fine to apply/take it.

 

[Missy]

@missy I do not have tips to share with you on eczema, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry that you are struggling with this. I understand how uncomfortable skin issues can be. I hope you find some relief. (hugs)

Thank you so much. I hate to say this but I am used to being uncomfortable pretty much all the time. It's always something with my skin. Since 2004 when I started showing rosacea signs it has always been something. The worse something being personal dermatitis in 2014 but eczema is getting up there in terms of discomfort. Pain in the you know what but one day at a time is all we can do. I appreciate your kind wishes.

 

[Missy]

So sorry you're suffering sweet Missy. How about organic ale vera gel applied topically and then avocado oil all over. Delicious and moisturizing and healing.

Aww thank you dear @bling_dream19, I will try that. I used to react to aloe but I don't think I do anymore because I bought hand cream with aloe from TJ and it felt fine so I will try finding organic aloe and applying. For some reason aloe is in short supply. Oh right I think because people use it in the hand made sanitizer. Thanks for weighing in with your suggestions. XO.

 

[Missy]

We use Bag Balm for our mini outbreaks.
I have also found relief using Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, but it has to be super diluted before you apply or it will sting something awful.
It depends on what stage your eczema is in...weepy=ACV or dry/bleeding= Bag Balm.
Or ACV gently blotted on the area then bag balm it!

Taking black seed oil really helps with my IBS inflammation and other immuno flairs, it may help generally/systemically for you.

Thanks! I have never heard of this and will search it out. And as for black seed oil do you have a brand you recommend? It's taken orally? Can you suggest a dose? Thanks @ItsMainelyYou!

 

[Missy]

Was it BAG BALM?

I dont think it has such a catchy name but it was 25 years ago and it was marketed for dairy farmers - it may be called something else now or in other counties. It had a pleasant smell - not like alot of ointment. The smallest size was a 1l tube.

I have to ask my sister if she knows. Tommy got sick last night and he still is not eating. He is drooling this AM so I know he is nauseous. Last night he just refused to eat so I got out of bed at 3AM to check on him and saw he was drooling so I woke Greg (needed his help to pill Tommy) and we gave him Cerenia 16 mg and Mirtizapine and his thyroid med which I skipped last night since he wasn't eating. Anyway fingers crossed this helps him or we have to bring him in to see my sister Saturday which is the next day she works. Ugh. Poor Tommy. But after we figure out what is wrong with Tommy I will ask her about this product and if she knows anything about it. Thanks both of you for your help.

 

[Missy]

@missy sorry you have it. Older granddaughter had pretty big and bad red/dry spots on her belly when she was N/B and up to our visit to dermatologist who recommended to change body wash and after wash ointment to something else. Specific brands that most kids don't have bad experience with. Before that visit we were buying everything super expensive, only made in Western and Central Europe for the baby. And she had bad reactions to these exceptional quality fancy products. The dermatologist also prescribed 2.5% Hydrocortisone ointment. The girl is still having some rash from time to time, just a few little spots, but nothing scary like she had when she was younger. Her mommy applies hydrocortisone and the rash usually is gone in a few days. But nothing like it was when we were buying only "the best"! And the doctor said that if Hydrocortisone doesn't help, we should try the bleach bath.


Our poor doggie is a different story. He had seen his dermatologist several times per month since he was 11m.o. He was on antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines as well as on oral and topical steroids since the young age until September 2018 when he was finally healed. And he was on allergy shots also. He still is, but now it is only once a month as well as once a moths bath/shower with medicated shampoo. So after 3 long years of trying "everything", his dermatologist changed his diet to strict fish/sweet potato/carrots/blueberries and nothing else even in smallest amounts (our doggie is willing to eat everything, he is unique because he is not hungry, just loves food!) and she ordered soaking affected areas in bleach for some period of time (I forgot for how long but I will never forget the smell of the bleach). I don't know why she had waited for 3 years, is such treatment a new discovery or it has potential bad side effects and is recommended only after anything else has failed? I don't know. In case of my granddaughter we heard about bleach at a time of her first (and last) visit to the specialist.

Also when I have any health related question, I usually google Dr.Weil on... Right now I googled ...on eczema and would like to post several links here. My daughter was studying Dr. Weil's works when she attended liberal University of California, Berkeley, so I think they may be useful, not at all harmful. Interesting and highly informative for sure.

Eczema Treatment | Condition Care Guide | Andrew Weil, M.D.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition. Fortunately, there are several gentle, natural therapies, such as evening primrose oil, that may bring relief.

www.drweil.com

Itching to Beat Eczema? - DrWeil.com

How can I get rid of arm eczema without using steroids?

www.drweil.com

Dermatitis - Dr. Weil's Condition Care Guide

Dermatitis is an umbrella term referring to any kind of skin inflammation. There are many types of dermatitis including eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

www.drweil.com

I would personally try to use this, or products containing oatmeal extract.


Hope you find the cure soon!

I am sorry your sweet granddaughter suffered with eczema and glad she outgrew it. And sorry about your sweet doggie dealing with issues too. It an be challenging for sure. His strict diet is what I eat often haha. Fish, sweet potatoes and carrots and blueberries. LOL.I eat a pretty low allergy diet due to my extreme sensitivity to so many ingredients. It's crazy. I have an ingrown toe issue that cannot be permanently cauterized due to concern over my reaction to the phenol necessary to cauterize it. So every few months the podiatrist has to rip out part of my nail since it keeps growing in and we cannot take care of it permanently due to my extreme sensitivity to stuff. But I digress. I will read your links and appreciate you taking the time to share them. Thanks.

 

[Missy]

There is also a product called Udderly Smooth.

Products

Udderly Smooth® has been a fan-favorite for over 40 years – loved by families, healthcare workers, cyclists, knitters, celebrities, stylists and so many more for its 24-hour moisturizing, ultra-healing, non-greasy formula.

udderlysmooth.com

Thank you. I will look into this as well. Appreciate it.
LOL who comes up with the names to these products. Udderly smooth. Haha.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Thanks! I have never heard of this and will search it out. And as for black seed oil do you have a brand you recommend? It's taken orally? Can you suggest a dose? Thanks @ItsMainelyYou!

Amazon.com: Pure Turkish Black Seed Oil - Antioxidant Black Seed Oil Cold Pressed Capsules - 2.20% Thymoquinone Black Cumin Seed Oil Softgel - Easy To Use Nigella Sativa Capsules – 90 Blackseed Oil Caps Sweet Sunnah: Health & Personal Care

Amazon.com: Pure Turkish Black Seed Oil - Antioxidant Black Seed Oil Cold Pressed Capsules - 2.20% Thymoquinone Black Cumin Seed Oil Softgel - Easy To Use Nigella Sativa Capsules – 90 Blackseed Oil Caps Sweet Sunnah: Health & Personal Care

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Black Seed Oil - 120 Softgel Capsules (Non-GMO & Vegetarian) Premium Cold-Pressed Nigella Sativa Producing Pure Black Cumin Seed Oil with Vitamin E - 500mg Each, 1000mg Per Serving: Health & Personal Care

Amazon.com: Black Seed Oil - 120 Softgel Capsules (Non-GMO & Vegetarian) Premium Cold-Pressed Nigella Sativa Producing Pure Black Cumin Seed Oil with Vitamin E - 500mg Each, 1000mg Per Serving: Health & Personal Care

www.amazon.com

Bag Balm is a Vermont staple!
You can also get just the straight liquid, but it tastes like motor oil.
I take one capsule the morning. If I'm having really bad inflammation (usually because I've forgotten to take it for a couple of days)I take one in the morning and one at night.

 

[Missy]

Amazon.com: Pure Turkish Black Seed Oil - Antioxidant Black Seed Oil Cold Pressed Capsules - 2.20% Thymoquinone Black Cumin Seed Oil Softgel - Easy To Use Nigella Sativa Capsules – 90 Blackseed Oil Caps Sweet Sunnah: Health & Personal Care

Amazon.com: Pure Turkish Black Seed Oil - Antioxidant Black Seed Oil Cold Pressed Capsules - 2.20% Thymoquinone Black Cumin Seed Oil Softgel - Easy To Use Nigella Sativa Capsules – 90 Blackseed Oil Caps Sweet Sunnah: Health & Personal Care

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Black Seed Oil - 120 Softgel Capsules (Non-GMO & Vegetarian) Premium Cold-Pressed Nigella Sativa Producing Pure Black Cumin Seed Oil with Vitamin E - 500mg Each, 1000mg Per Serving: Health & Personal Care

Amazon.com: Black Seed Oil - 120 Softgel Capsules (Non-GMO & Vegetarian) Premium Cold-Pressed Nigella Sativa Producing Pure Black Cumin Seed Oil with Vitamin E - 500mg Each, 1000mg Per Serving: Health & Personal Care

www.amazon.com

Bag Balm is a Vermont staple!
You can also get just the straight liquid, but it tastes like motor oil.
I take one capsule the morning. If I'm having really bad inflammation (usually because I've forgotten to take it for a couple of days)I take one in the morning and one at night.

Thanks! I ordered the first one since it has only black seed oil and no vitamin E. I can’t take E. It’s due to arrive Saturday. Thanks so much for your rec.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Try oral antihistamines and try figuring out what you are reacting to. Are the hives chronic and stay for days or do they come and go?
Do you have seasonal allergies? Sometimes I get hives when pollen touches my skin.

Hmmmm
I feel bad for @Dancing Fire and @missy
DF one time i had such a bad rash the ladies at my work thought it was measles and rushed me off to the doc
The doc thought it was sorisisius (excuse spelling) but it was only on my trunk not my usually bare arns and legs
Several painful scratchy dsys latter i realized that as i had tidyed up my room and a box of insence sticks had gone into my singlet drawer

 

[Missy]

Hmmmm
I feel bad for @Dancing Fire and @missy
DF one time i had such a bad rash the ladies at my work thought it was measles and rushed me off to the doc
The doc thought it was sorisisius (excuse spelling) but it was only on my trunk not my usually bare arns and legs
Several painful scratchy dsys latter i realized that as i had tidyed up my room and a box of insence sticks had gone into my singlet drawer

Don’t feel bad for me Daisy. I’m tough. Lol once I broke out in hives all over my body. And I do mean all over. Happened to be with the doctor at the time. I was a kid. Anyway his mouth opened wide and his eyes almost popped out of his head.

I’m just highly sensitive. :/
But I’m tough too and like a Diamond it’s hard to break me

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Humm, You could be right. Maybe I'd have hives?. What should I do? any recommendations?

I've been very susceptible to them my entire life. Best thing I've found is to avoid what causes them. For me it's the worst when it's humid out and they're often caused just by things rubbing on my skin. So carrying a bag on my arm, things like that. I only use a bag that's crossbody or a backpack. Do you know what makes yours flare?

 

[stepcutnut]

Thank you so much @stepcutnut for all this info. I will definitely read more about bleach baths and had no idea about the possible rebound! I do take lots of supplements due to my genetic mutation (the genetic defect which also contributes to eczema) and my Hashimoto's and hypothryodisim. I take C and D and Zinc and lots more. Are there specific probiotics you recommend? I cannot do dairy. I take Lactorpime plus probiotic and that is the only one because of my allergies but if you have any (dairy free) you could recommend that would be great, thanks!

@missy I would take a look at this probiotic, as you know different strains promote different outcomes.

https://www.metagenics.com/mas_assets/media/metagenics/pdf/MET2471-UltraFlora-Integrity-Formula-Focus-Sheet.pdf

Medihoney gel has helped with healing some of my stubborn spots. Honey produces low level hydrogen peroxide. Also, it is sticky, so I just place cotton gauze over the area or put cotton gloves on after I use it to keep it place since I react to adhesives. There are also manuka honey gel patches that don’t have adhesive that have worked well for soothing and healing-I will see if I can find the name. (Never ordered from this company, just had a nice description on the gel)

MEDIHONEY Gel Wound and Burn Dressing

Derma Sciences MEDIHONEY Gel Wound and Burn Dressing is ON SALE NOW. Buy discounted medical supplies and products at Vitality Medical. Fast shipping.

www.vitalitymedical.com

La Roche-Posay makes a nice lotion Lipikar, which is approved by the eczema association that contains niacinamides(if you can tolerate them) that has worked really well.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion

This daily body lotion helps replenish skin's essential lipids and provide all day hydration for normal to dry skin, leaving skin feeling smooth and healthy. Lipikar Lotion is a lightweight, daily moisturizing lotion that helps alleviate dry skin by restoring moisture all day and replenishing...

www.lovelyskin.com

Are you using any sort of skin occlusive behind your knees while you cycle, the constant dampness may be irritating your rash area. Emu oil(ethically sourced and good quality) can be a good option post shower or pre-workout. You can also take it in capsule for to help with inflammation.
Edited to add: Emu oil would not be very occlusive, for that I would look at something simple like a thin layer of petroleum jelly or zinc cream.

Things like PEA(palmitoylethanolamide)that work on the endocannabinoid system can safely help down regulate the immune system also.

Best of luck-as with anything health related, please do your own research as I am sure you will prior to starting anything new

 

[Skyjems]

It sounds like you don't eat sugar, but, for me, I cut out refined sugar and my eczema disappeared.

I've had a few moments of weakness at family birthdays, next day I had flare ups, but they were gone in a few days of not eating refined sugar.

 

[rainydaze]

I'm so sorry missy, skin issues are miserable. I don't come from a place of knowledge here, but something popped into my head that I thought might be worth mentioning: could your cycling clothes be a potential cause? I did a quick google search (can fabric cause eczema) to make sure I'm not talking out of my a** on this, and it appears fabrics can indeed cause flares. Synthetics plus heat plus sweat could be a trigger, especially behind the knee where the heat and sweat may be trapped for longer/less exposed to air and sun as you cycle.

I hope you find relief, and just as valuable, answers.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I've been very susceptible to them my entire life. Best thing I've found is to avoid what causes them. For me it's the worst when it's humid out and they're often caused just by things rubbing on my skin. So carrying a bag on my arm, things like that. I only use a bag that's crossbody or a backpack. Do you know what makes yours flare?

No idea. haven't ate anything unusual, but is been better the last couple of days.

 

[Missy]

@missy I would take a look at this probiotic, as you know different strains promote different outcomes.

https://www.metagenics.com/mas_assets/media/metagenics/pdf/MET2471-UltraFlora-Integrity-Formula-Focus-Sheet.pdf

Medihoney gel has helped with healing some of my stubborn spots. Honey produces low level hydrogen peroxide. Also, it is sticky, so I just place cotton gauze over the area or put cotton gloves on after I use it to keep it place since I react to adhesives. There are also manuka honey gel patches that don’t have adhesive that have worked well for soothing and healing-I will see if I can find the name. (Never ordered from this company, just had a nice description on the gel)

MEDIHONEY Gel Wound and Burn Dressing

Derma Sciences MEDIHONEY Gel Wound and Burn Dressing is ON SALE NOW. Buy discounted medical supplies and products at Vitality Medical. Fast shipping.

www.vitalitymedical.com

La Roche-Posay makes a nice lotion Lipikar, which is approved by the eczema association that contains niacinamides(if you can tolerate them) that has worked really well.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion

This daily body lotion helps replenish skin's essential lipids and provide all day hydration for normal to dry skin, leaving skin feeling smooth and healthy. Lipikar Lotion is a lightweight, daily moisturizing lotion that helps alleviate dry skin by restoring moisture all day and replenishing...

www.lovelyskin.com

Are you using any sort of skin occlusive behind your knees while you cycle, the constant dampness may be irritating your rash area. Emu oil(ethically sourced and good quality) can be a good option post shower or pre-workout. You can also take it in capsule for to help with inflammation.
Edited to add: Emu oil would not be very occlusive, for that I would look at something simple like a thin layer of petroleum jelly or zinc cream.

Things like PEA(palmitoylethanolamide)that work on the endocannabinoid system can safely help down regulate the immune system also.

Best of luck-as with anything health related, please do your own research as I am sure you will prior to starting anything new

Thanks again @stepcutnut I really appreciate you taking the time to help.
So I do use La Roche Posay Lipkkar and their other eczema products too. When I am not having an outbreak it is a great moisturizer. However during an outbreak everything stings. Right now I am applying from CV skin labs their skin balm which isn't stinging. It's a non vaseline vaseline. I am not sure if it will help but at least it isn't stinging.

When I cycle I apply Vaniply as per my dermatologist's instructions. First I apply Elidel or Protopic and then after a few minutes I then apply Vaniply and then wait for a bit and get dressed and go cycling. It's supposed to keep the moisture in and prevent rubbing. But I think the Vaniply is irritating to my eczema.

Thanks for all your suggestions and I will be looking into each of them.

 

[Missy]

I'm so sorry missy, skin issues are miserable. I don't come from a place of knowledge here, but something popped into my head that I thought might be worth mentioning: could your cycling clothes be a potential cause? I did a quick google search (can fabric cause eczema) to make sure I'm not talking out of my a** on this, and it appears fabrics can indeed cause flares. Synthetics plus heat plus sweat could be a trigger, especially behind the knee where the heat and sweat may be trapped for longer/less exposed to air and sun as you cycle.

I hope you find relief, and just as valuable, answers.

Hi rainydaze, thanks for sharing your thoughts. My cycling pants are SPF 50 material from Coolibar and I don't think I am sensitive to the material but you never know. Until I can get patch tested I won't be sure of anything but definitely something I need to explore.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Try oral antihistamines and try figuring out what you are reacting to. Are the hives chronic and stay for days or do they come and go?
Do you have seasonal allergies? Sometimes I get hives when pollen touches my skin.

It was bad a couple weeks ago comes and go every hr or so, but the last few days it only pops up a couple time a day. No i don't have any kind of allergies.

 

[Missy]

It sounds like you don't eat sugar, but, for me, I cut out refined sugar and my eczema disappeared.

I've had a few moments of weakness at family birthdays, next day I had flare ups, but they were gone in a few days of not eating refined sugar.

I am happy you found what works well for you and definitely sugar can be a trigger as can other dietary intolerances. It comes from within and also our genetic makeup. People with eczema have a genetic defect but it can be controlled for most people. We are what we eat for sure.