does anybody have eczema? and know of any really good treatments?

Answer 1

Eczema Treatment

While eczema cannot be cured, most cases can be controlled by:

Making lifestyle modifications to prevent flare-ups

Seeing a dermatologist for treatment

Using medication as prescribed

This approach tends to prevent inflammation and itching and keeps eczema from getting worse. Dermatologists recommend that treatment be sought at the onset of signs and symptoms. When therapy begins early, it often reduces severity and duration.

Diagnosis
Effective treatment requires a correct diagnosis; however, it is not always easy to distinguish one type of eczema from another or from similar skin conditions. Dermatologists have the medical training and experience needed to determine if eczema is present — and if present, which type. To diagnose eczema, dermatologists examine the skin and ask about:

When the skin condition first appeared

Signs and symptoms, such as long-term pruritus (itching) or recurring dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)

Certain circumstances that may aggravate the condition, such as excessively dry air or emotional stress

Family medical history, including questions about close blood relatives who have asthma, hay fever, or eczema

Personal medical history

In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other causes.

Allergies are more common in individuals with atopic dermatitis, and allergy testing may be considered when a patient has:

Significant indications of allergies, such as gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and colic in infants) or hives

Been poorly responsive or unresponsive to treatment

If a food allergy is suspected, testing for allergic reactions to eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, and tree nuts (e.g., walnuts, cashews) are usually performed as these foods are responsible for 85% of all food allergies. A positive allergy test does not confirm the food allergy. A suspected food allergy must be subjected to a "challenge." A challenge is conducted by having the patient eat the suspected food and observing the patient for a reaction. Even a challenge does not guarantee that the food is the trigger because: 1) another trigger may be present and causing the reaction or 2) the patient’s reaction may be delayed. Consequently, allergy testing has limited value. However, it is useful for eliminating foods that cause immediate and severe reactions or welts.

Dermatologists may use a “patch test” to determine if the patient has allergic contact dermatitis, a type of eczema that develops when the person has an allergic reaction to a substance that contacts the skin. The reaction generally occurs a few hours after the substance contacts the skin and settles down within a few days if the substance does not contact the skin again. A patch test exposes the patient’s skin to minute amounts of substances that may have caused the reaction. When the test is positive, the dermatologist must determine if the chemical caused the dermatitis and if so, if it is the primary cause or an aggravating factor. Further testing may be necessary.

Treatment
Once eczema is diagnosed, a treatment plan will be made based on:

Type and severity of the eczema present

Age, health, and medical history (including presence of other conditions)

History of previous treatment

The primary goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort by controlling the signs and symptoms. Since eczema is usually dry and itchy, most treatment plans involve applying lotions, creams, or ointments to keep the skin as moist as possible. The treatment plan also may require lifestyle modifications and using medication as directed.

A topical (applied to the skin) medication may be prescribed to help relieve itching and inflammation. Another way to treat the itch is with a non-sedating antihistamine. If itching is severe, a sedative antihistamine may be recommended. Skin infections caused by bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus (staph) or streptococcal (strep), are treated with an antibiotic. Some antibiotics are applied to the skin; others come in pill or liquid form. An antiviral is prescribed to treat an infection caused by a virus. The antiviral medication may come in topical, pill, or liquid form. It also may be given as a shot. An infection caused by a fungus is treated with an antifungal medication.

Certain types of severe eczema may be treated with phototherapy. Stronger systemic medications, such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine, may be prescribed to treat severe eczema that has been unresponsive to treatment.

Since so many factors affect why a person develops eczema, a treatment plan that works for one person may not effectively control eczema in another person. Sometimes it takes a bit of detective work to find an effective treatment plan.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I've answered this question for someone else before and it won best answer, so I'm going to cut and paste it, okay? This specifically for Atopic Eczema, which most people seem to have...

I've seen a number of dermatologists and I'm convinced they know nothing about eczema. Everything I have ever been prescribed has made it worse. Atopic Eczema would suggest that your skin is sensitive to certain substances that are very common in the modern world. Things your skin is probably allergic to. There are some minor lifestyle changes you can try to make things better, assuming you have not done so already.

First, check your laundry detergent. Make sure it is free of dyes and fragrances as these may irritate sensitive skin. If you wash your bedding and clothing in something you are allergic to, it will make your eczema much worse. Second, check your skin care products for dyes and fragrances as well. Women should use hypo-allergenic make-up. Third, don't take long or hot showers. Try to keep cool and hydrated. Heat and sweat seem to make it worse.

Many doctors think it has something to do with food; I think it depends on the person. I know if I eat too much chocolate it affects my skin. Try cutting down on junk food- this almost always helps a skin problem. Wheat is commonly said to be bad for people with eczema, I do not know how accurate this is, I usually say away from it to be on the safe side. Definitely drink lots of water- it's always good for skin care. I've heard taking vitamin B12 helps, but I have not tried it myself.

Over the counter products seem to work the best. Try the Aveeno line. They have a hydro-cortisone cream specifically for eczema and it is the only thing I find that works. Use it sparingly; cortizone isn't the best thing for your skin because it is a steroid, but it is our only option as eczema sufferers. For times between using the Aveeno cream, try Vanicream- you can get it over the counter. You have to ask the for it because they usually keep it behind the counter. Also try Aveeno oatmeal bath treatment. I even use it (the bath oatmeal) as a facial once a week or when my skin gets really bad.

Overall, the best thing to do is take care of yourself. Find out what your skin allergies are and accommodate them. Eat healthy and natural foods and drink enough water. Take your vitamins and try to stay as stress free as possible as eczema can be triggered by anxiety. Get enough sleep. Be on the look out for natural solutions- they are better for your skin than chemicals. There are many possible 'treatments' published online that include natural items like vinegar, oatmeal, honey, etc. You just have to try your own thing, everyone is different.

Here is the Aveeno product line:
http://www.aveeno.com/productListAction.do?pid=8000

Vanicream (and and other anti-irritant) Products:
http://www.psico.com/

Laundry Detergents:
ALL Free & Clear

For Usual Skin Care:
Moisturizer: http://www.neutrogena.com/ProductsDetails_37.asp?lProductLineID=13
Astringent: http://www.witchhazel.com/skincare_yellow.htm

A Book that you may find helpful:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006072224X/sr=8-1/qid=1154285418/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-8907230-9292741?ie=UTF8


Good Luck!

Answer 4

Yes I have it.

www.eczemamircale.com <-- i think thats the site. You order a cortisone cream. The difference with this is that it's really light weight.

You can just go to a doctor and he'll prescribe you some. I think in the US you don't need prescription to get cortisone creams... so I think you'll find some good items in the drug store. For daily care... I recommend daily showers (or baths if you are really severe) with a moisturizing, non-irritating body wash. After that, immediately apply a light-weight moisturizer all over your body. Make sure all products you use are hypo-allergenic. Don't use comedogenic items too... (that is, if you are prone to acne). Keep your crevices (arm-pits, groin area) dry. You should use baby powder for a light dusting. Do not use deodorant... it may cause you to have eczema in your arm pits! And avoid spicy foods. It may have an effect on your skin. I don't care what people say... spicy foods do cause changes in our body! It doesn't just affect your digestive system. Spicy foods stimulate and excite our body, and it may kick in an allergic response that causes itching and sweating, which may also cause eczema.

Answer 5

I had extremely bad eczema for a year I was at my breaking point it was so painful. I was recommended by a family friend to take one tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day (this can be found at your local health food stores) and after only a week I cant believe the huge difference. I can finally feel my fingers and I am not constantly itchy or in pain and best of all they are starting to look normal again. I post this because I was at my breaking point looking at all these websites trying to find all these remedies and I finally found one and couldn't wait to share it will fellow eczema sufferers.

Answer 6

I just wanted to send a huge thanks for the book called eczema free forever!
My 8 months son had eczema on his face, neck and upper chest.
After trying various medications prescribed by our doctor my son had eczema still.
This is when i decided to look for an alternative and bought tried eczema free forever methods.
After only a few days his skin started looking better and after 10 days he had no sign of eczema anymore.
Check here to try it : http://Eczema.naturallysaver.com .
You don't have to live with eczema any longer!

Answer 7

I was given a cream by a doctor once called Westcort. It was the best thing I ever used. I know have a medication called Triamcinolone Acetonide, which keeps it under control but it doesn't go away completely, like it did with the other stuff. For immediate relief on really itchy days, try popping Vitamin E pills open and putting it directly on your skin.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Have a look at what others are saying about a natural fruit juice...http://groups.yahoo.com/group/New-MangosteenStories/message/297 and I have a friend's daughter is drinking as well. go to http://www.gomangosteen.net

Answer 10

Try a big brown paper bag