What can I do to treat my Eczema?

Question

I get a flare up every April. This lasts until August. It ruins my summer. Five months of itchy, inflamed skin, particularly on the hands, nose and forehead! I used to see my G.P. every year and she would prescribe hydrocortisone, aqueous cream every year. These provide temporary relief, but doesn't actually get rid of the problem.

I take antihistamines, but it doesn't clear the eczema. I was going to go on a blind date this week, but had to cancel as the eczema is too severe, my hands and fingers have swollen up, my ear lobes are bleeding etc. This is taking over my life, it makes me feel low!

Does anyone out there know of any alternative treatments that have worked? I would be most grateful for any help with this.

Answer 1

I guess it's sunny there during summertime? Your eczema could be caused by sun or heat, because it's situated especially on the places that sun usually has easy access to. If sun causes it you should protect your skin carefully with clothing and head and face with a hat. There is even special clothing made of very special fabric that has sun screen properties in it itself - called solarveil http://www.solarveil.com/home.asp .There are quite many products that could help your situation, if sun is the main problem. You could join Yahoo!Group dedicated to this subject to find more information: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/sun1/

Are you always using same creams? If you are, ask the doctor to write something you haven't tried yet. All the creams are not perfect for everyone, and you might just have to keep testing creams to find more suitable for you. I suggest that you go see allergologist or dermatologist. Your problem could also be pollen and maby also foods that crossreact with pollen. But then it's a bit odd that the eczema is worst in those areas that you describe, unless it has to do with the fact that those areas are more likely to be exposed to the outside air during summer and thus to pollen. Anyway you should see a specialist, especially because this condition affects your life so much. Hope you find help quickly and get better soon :)!

Here some more useful links about the subject:
http://allergy.health.ivillage.com/outdoorallergies/sunandheatallergies.cfm
http://www.dermnetnz.org/reactions/solar-urticaria.html
http://www.thedoctorsdoctor.com/diseases/photosensitivity.htm
http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic448.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/solarurticaria.htm

Added later:
The more I think of your situation, I think the pollen might be your main problem, and the crossreactive foods. You get the symptoms in april-august that the pollen is strongest. Find out what vegetation is producing pollen at that time in your surrounding aerias. Usually it's treepollens and weeds at that time. Ofcourse in New Zealand the time for pollen is different than in your home town, but with this link you get the idea what pollens crossreact with certain foods: http://www.allergyclinic.co.nz/guides/26.html
You could totally eliminate the crossreactive foods for this pollen season, even just to try if it has any effection on you. If you don't have eczema or any other symptoms during winter time, there is no need to eliminate them in other than pollen season.

Remember that the allergytests don't necessarily show any allergies if you don't react by IgE. If the tests are negative you can still be very allergic.

Answer 2

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 3

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.

Answer 4

summer help my eczema into a moist normal skin.
but i still had flare up and itch. so i went to the doctor and ask them to give steroid tablet to rid of inflammed skin and some antibiotic to get rid of scratches and injuries caused by eczema. that help alot. hope it helps you to.

Answer 5

I think you need to go to an allergist and get tested. Allergy desensitation shots may be what you need. The months when you have problems are when the pollen is high. Or it could be as someone suggested, you are allergic to the sun. An allergist could probably help you.

Answer 6

Go to a dermatologist, not your gp. They will be able to give you more aggressive treatment that will have long-lasting effects.

Answer 7

try to use eucerin cream or the baby avenno with the lid dark blue