Eczema remedies?

Question

I know there is no cure for eczema, however my boyfriend has it really badly this winter. He refuses to go to the doctor, i think because he doesnt trust them to actually help...long story. Anyway, are there any OTC remedies that will help with the itching, rash, etc? He just wants to take benadryl, and i keep saying to put some lotion or cortizone on it. Any all natural remedies would be great too, he's not the biggest fan of "medicine". Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

I know he should go see a doc, his little brother died of cancer, so he hates doctors and avoids them at all costs.

Answer 1

As a looong time sufferer of eczema heres what I do (and it really helps):
•First thing, get a humidifier for the house in the winter. I can't live withut one! The dry air in the winter makes eczema worse.
•Next, try the Aveeno cream with menthol in it. It mosurizes the skin, and the menthol cools down any burning and helps stop itching immediately.
•Next, tell him not to take really hot showers. The hot water makes it worse.
•Aswell, specific foods can make it realy bad. Monitor what he eats and if he gets bad break outs after 1 thing, cut back (for me, I can't have too many milk products without breaking out).
•Change laundry detergants, body washes, shampoos etc.
•Drink lots of water, hot water is the best, and since its gross drinking boiled water, make tea or add some lemon to it. I know it sounds odd, but drinking hot water (not coffee or hot chocolate though) does help.
•And Aveeno otmeal baths work wonders on bad days.

Off the top of my head, that's what I do in the winter to soothe my eczema, hope it helps!

Answer 2

I'm also quite skeptical when I see doctors as well... perhaps its better to see a dermatologists who specializes in skin if it gets any worse. Some doctors would hand you some medicine (pills that would usually have side effects if it's really bad)... I would try to avoid this, unless it has no side-effects (Aerius and Benadryl act as anti-histamine so it is okay). To see them would be the last thing I would think of doing... because they would tell you pretty the same things as those posted above me... like take bath in plain water or with oil, avoid certain foods like orange juice (when it flares for some reason), use lotions (preferably non-perfumed or no smell), wash clothes and blanket every once in a while with mild detergent, and most important of all is to moisturize, etc.

My point is that you have to take this little things into account into your daily life to be able to manage the eczema better and prevent it from flaring more frequently. There are many types of eczema and therefore there are usually different treatments, but these are the basic. Some are related to food allergies (such as myself), some have psoriasis (a different kind where it appears in patches and mostly on hands), and so on.

My eczema got better once I totally eliminated drinks such as pop, and drank more water and eat better (while avoiding certain foods but seems impossible at times for me but I still try). I have heard Eucerin has helped some people but I haven't tried it yet, and also heard of good things from Repcillin (which is rated #1 in South Africa for Eczema, but not available in Canada).

I don't know what else to tell you, but except try to find what's triggering his eczema and you'll be able to take care of it better. Good luck!

Answer 3

My kids have eczema and the doctor said this is the best. After he takes a bath there is a 3min rule (do not completely dry) he needs to put on vaseline, and wear tube sock and covered clothing to moisten the skin. The problem occurs when the skin dries out so the best thing is to catch it before it dries out. If he doesn't want to use vaseline he can use aveeno, aquaphore, or eucerine as well, but I was told vaseline is the best. Also winter is the worst time of year to have eczema so he needs to keep well moisturized. Also use a soap that doesn't dry the skin such as dove (the white bar) DO NOT USE LOTION!!!!!!!!!! He said that is what dries the skin in the first place. Good luck!

Answer 4

My little boy had eczema on his cheeks. I was not sure what method to use but I didn't want to make my boy go through any surgery treatments at this young age. Some suggested a plastic surgeon since it was in a very visible location but our family doctor recommend this natural guide.

Best Eczema Treatment?

Answer 5

I used to have eczema when I was little.... try using non-scented laundry detergents and non-scented soap for sensitive skin.... That may lessen the irritation and try using 'sudocreme' or 'penaten' creme.
But.... honestly... go and see the doctor... it's just eczema... it's not like the Doctor is going to make his rash any worse... Not all Doctors are complete pylons.

Answer 6

One of the best lotion in my opinion for eczema is Zenmed. It's has very rich moisturizing properties and very effective for eczema. It uses only natural ingredients, and thus does not harm your skin.

Check out this useful skin care guide at http://www.dry-skin-care-guide.com/eczema.html. Hopefully, it may be of help to you..

Answer 7

Repcillin is something new to the USA, it has been used in China for years but only brought here in the recent past.
You can get it on eBay or a yahoo store: http://store.africancures.com

It is a lot better than vaseline, it contains crocodile oil and bees wax, the itching should go away within minutes of apply the balm. It is 100% natural and works like a charm.....

good luck with it!

Answer 8

sun light for about 15 minutes a day. also if you eat or drink dairy products, try stopping them. eczema is often a dairy (or antibiotic in dairy) allergy.

Answer 9

oatmeal is good for it, but they have creams for eczema for babies. Adults can use them

Answer 10

This might help:
http://www.inhousepharmacy.com/skin-care/dermol.html