Cures for eczema

Gentlemen,
I know this is off topic, but I am at my wits end to find a relief or cure for my daughters eczema. She is 11 years old and has been suffering for the past several years with this condition. I have tried many organic remedies, but none seems to work. The dermatologist gave her a topical steroid, however I have read they are only effective in the short term and over time could make it worse, not to mention other unknown side effects in the long term.
I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you may have.
Thank you.
Dominick

I'm no dermatologist, so take my advice with a grain of salt. I seem to suffer from a type of eczema on my hands. For me, it was a matter of finding what triggers it, which is no easy task. Commercial liquid soaps seem to do it for me - hand soaps, shampoos, etc. Even the expensive ones for babies cause a reaction. I persuaded my wife to make soap for me. My skin felt better, but I was still getting tons of little blisters on my hands. It hit me that I was still using regular shampoo. I got my wife to make me shampoo bars. Again, things got better, but I was still getting the blisters. I then realized that I was bathing my little girl every night. The expensive baby shampoo/body wash my wife was buying was also causing it. I still use something similar on my twin boys so I don't burn their eyes when I wash their hair, but I use my wife's soap on their bodies, and wash my hands with her soap after washing their hair.. Cutting down on the irritants has helped me a lot.

So whether it's a soap, or a food, or a fabric, I think finding the trigger is the key. Maybe start with the common ones, and work your way to the uncommon ones. Good luck. I know it's hard.

Need to change her diet and take a good probiotic (worked for me):

https://www.verywell.com/eczema-treatment-562614

I have eczema and suggest you try Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing Lotion - Eczema.  You can buy it over the counter at CVS or Rite Aid or most any pharmacy.  It's inexpensive and is great at nourishing the skin and getting rid of the itch.

Eric

(06-26-2016, 05:32 PM)Shannon Wrote: I'm no dermatologist, so take my advice with a grain of salt.  I seem to suffer from a type of eczema on my hands. For me, it was a matter of finding what triggers it, which is no easy task.  Commercial liquid soaps seem to do it for me - hand soaps, shampoos, etc.  Even the expensive ones for babies cause a reaction.  I persuaded my wife to make soap for me. My skin felt better, but I was still getting tons of little blisters on my hands. It hit me that I was still using regular shampoo. I got my wife to make me shampoo bars.  Again, things got better, but I was still getting the blisters. I then realized that I was bathing my little girl every night. The expensive baby shampoo/body wash my wife was buying was also causing it.  I still use something similar on my twin boys so I don't burn their eyes when I wash their hair, but I use my wife's soap on their bodies, and wash my hands with her soap after washing their hair.. Cutting down on the irritants has helped me a lot.

So whether it's a soap, or a food, or a fabric, I think finding the trigger is the key.  Maybe start with the common ones, and work your way to the uncommon ones.  Good luck.  I know it's hard.

Hi Shannon,
Thank you for your reply. I will try to find the causes you suggested  and hope I am successful. It will be long road but I am determined to finding the root cause of the problem and hopefully be able to help my daughter.
Thank you again for your suggestions.
Regards,
Dominick

I developed it as a reaction to prolonged wear of latex gloves.My hands would get so bad that they would scale up and then split open on about a 2-3 week cycle .I tried a lot of remedies salt and sugar scrubs,honey and citrus rubs,dozens of lotions and salves.Some gave temporary relief.A dermatologist gave me 2  creams that worked ,in that they extended  the cycle to 6 weeks.I  occassionally listen to a health show on the radio where the dr focuses a lot on nutrition.This dr feels that most skin problems start nutritionally and recommends adjusting your diet.The one thing that I tried was adding liquid cod liver oil  2  spoons a day.The dr  on the show feels that the liquid is superior to gel caps.After a few weeks the  flare ups went away and the skin on my hands returned to normal.If I stop taking the cod liver oil  the cycle of scaling and cracking  will return.Borage and flax seeed oil seem to help some also.

Give it a try.

I have eczema on my palm. I found that alum and witch hazel helped improve the condition when I started wetshaving earlier this year.

Omega-3 fatty acids which is what worked for urrlord above.

I would give Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap a try. Probably one of the safest soaps out there. I use The Baby Uncented blend. It works great and does not drt my skin out. It has about 100 different uses.

I also read that using Witch Hazel will help.

All of the above plus a marvelous product line very close to our hearts*Savonerrie du la Moulin skin care products. Start with a snmple soap and see if it helps. Phil has received some nice feedback from other sufferers.

I agree with the earlier posters in that there may be a dietary trigger. This is very often the case. 

It's hard to limit an 11 year old's diet..but try just for 2 weeks...

Avoid these 5 foods:

Gluten
Peanuts
Eggs
Dairy
Soy

These are very common triggers for psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory diseases. If she improves, slowly re-introduce these foods one at a  time. If her eczema flares up...you'll have your dietary culprit. 

I also agree with others regarding commercial skin care products. Savonnerie du Moulin makes bath soaps and shampoo. That might be a great help also.

(09-19-2016, 08:09 AM)Steelman Wrote: I agree with the earlier posters in that there may be a dietary trigger. This is very often the case. 

It's hard to limit an 11 year old's diet..but try just for 2 weeks...

Avoid these 5 foods:

Gluten
Peanuts
Eggs
Dairy
Soy

These are very common triggers for psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory diseases. If she improves, slowly re-introduce these foods one at a  time. If her eczema flares up...you'll have your dietary culprit. 

I also agree with others regarding commercial skin care products. Savonnerie du Moulin makes bath soaps and shampoo. That might be a great help also.

+1, but would add corn to the list.  Grains can cause inflammation of the gut, which is a very common cause of eczema.

Gluten and lactose intolerance and other allergies are an issue with a percentage of the population. But all GMO foods are beginning to be suspect in many. As a ag science student and working with livestock I can tell you diet  can destroy an animal very quickly. The ag community is starting to document such problems with GMO grains. Once you I.D. the cause, consider an organic source and do a test reintroduction.The world is full of so much crud these days it's hard to know where to start looking. While eliminating the bad guys remember  good guys of nutrition can help build up individual health too.

I have 2 sons, both have eczema type symptoms.

Blood tests identified allergies to wheat and soya.

Removing them from their diet has made a massive difference. You wouldn't know they have eczema if you saw them.

They have gone from scratching themselves until they drew blood to virtually nothing.

Massaging with coconut oil and a special cream helps as well.

As already mentioned, get an allergy check done asap.

The best cure for eczema I've ever seen was RELAX. Stress is a major cause. Take a day off just for you.

(06-26-2016, 05:45 PM)david1201 Wrote: Need to change her diet and take a good probiotic (worked for me):

https://www.verywell.com/eczema-treatment-562614

Thanks David
BTW how is the weather in Charleston in February, we are planning a trip for my wife's birthday.
Best
Dom

Ihave had eczema since I was a young child.  It used to be very bad the bend in my arms, so much so that it would scratch so bad it would be raw and bleed.  I still get it mostly on my hands and wrists.  I only get it in winter. Mine is just coming back now as the weather is changing.  Topical steroids and itch creams (hydrocortisone with anti ithc) are the only thing that really works for me.  Unfortunately, if it is truly eczema, no changes in diet will help it.  As for soaps, cetaphil is a very good one to use.  After bathing, pat dry and immediately apply a good moisturizer such as cetaphil.  Try not to use hot water.  I have been using working hands cream at night and that seems to work very well also.  Nothing completely makes it go away for me, except when the weather changes.  Good luck.

I really like polysporin eczema daily moisturizing lotion. Has worked wonders for my brother and myself. You would never know I had it unless I told you. Also avoid sulfates, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl, I found those make matters worse. A nice quality bath soap helps too, bar not squeeze bottle if possible. Also sticking to the same shower/bath schedule as much as possible.

I pray relief for you and your daughter.

(12-03-2016, 02:30 PM)dominick Wrote:

(06-26-2016, 05:45 PM)david1201 Wrote: Need to change her diet and take a good probiotic (worked for me):

https://www.verywell.com/eczema-treatment-562614

Thanks David
BTW how is the weather in Charleston in February, we are planning a trip for my wife's birthday.
Best
Dom

Dom, February can be hit or miss - usually get some days in the 70s, but also some days that are 40s and rainy.

(12-03-2016, 02:42 PM)chromedometone Wrote: Ihave had eczema since I was a young child.  It used to be very bad the bend in my arms, so much so that it would scratch so bad it would be raw and bleed.  I still get it mostly on my hands and wrists.  I only get it in winter. Mine is just coming back now as the weather is changing.  Topical steroids and itch creams (hydrocortisone with anti ithc) are the only thing that really works for me.  Unfortunately, if it is truly eczema, no changes in diet will help it.  As for soaps, cetaphil is a very good one to use.  After bathing, pat dry and immediately apply a good moisturizer such as cetaphil.  Try not to use hot water.  I have been using working hands cream at night and that seems to work very well also.  Nothing completely makes it go away for me, except when the weather changes.  Good luck.

https://primephysiquenutrition.com/diet-...nd-eczema/