(Part 3) Best products from r/eczema

I have a friend who’s had an ugly patch of psoriasis on his arm for years. I just saw him over the holiday and noticed how great his skin looked. He said he read this article (https://chriskresser.com/5-reasons-why-even-vegetarians-need-gelatin/) and tried what was recommended. His skin cleared up completely in less than three weeks, plus his hair looks great!

In sum: Buy plain, hydrolyzed gelatin, like this: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Lakes-Gelatin-Hydrolysate-Unflavored/dp/B005KG7EDU. Mix 1/4 ounce into any type of hot or cold liquid or smoothie (my friend just puts it in plain water), and drink it once per day. If you buy the product linked above, for example, you get 64 servings at $25, which comes out to 39 cents per serving. Within three weeks, your skin should be cleared up and even your hair will be healthier.

I’m going to order some this coming week. 😃

How often do you have to apply it? If you only have to use it once a day, I would take your contacts out, soak your hands, slather on the lotion(s) of your choice, and then put on some cotton gloves like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCM84HB?psc=1. Unless you have flares on the ends of your fingers, I like to cut off the tips of the fingers so I can still use my phone. Then in the morning, you can take off the gloves, wash your hands thoroughly, and put your contacts back in. Then you don't have to worry about the ointment getting where it shouldn't, and you still have eight hours for your skin to absorb the medicine!

That's my best advice, but I don't have any experience with betamethasone dipropionate ointment, and I don't know about how it affects your eyes. Good luck, and I hope your hands clear up!

I meant if you put on gloves you’re able to put more product on and not have it get all over the place so it’s more hydrating and it absorbs slower so you’re getting it to absorb all through the night! just wrapping with gauze and medical tape and putting a shit ton of lotion/cream on under it does wonders. I have the same issue, i don’t itch at night but i always wake up with dry hands even after putting on lotion before bed, so i recently started wearing gloves on top of a bunch of lotion and my hands feel great when i wake up. The gloves are also super soft! I don’t remember where i bought mine exactly, i think it was something like TJ MAXX! They look like this!

You'll have to try a few things to see what works and what you (your body) likes. Here's what I've done in the past when I've had a whole body issue. #1 Get the flare down and #2 Eliminate any itch causers.

1. Bath. I soak my body in water and do some sort of oat bath like this http://www.amazon.com/Aveeno-Soothing-Treatment-Count-1-5oz/dp/B000UEAARO
   
   
2. Cream. I also find many creams tend to burn my skin when it's flared up, but I've stuck to this one for the one I use right out of the shower. So pat dry and lotion up with this http://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Moisturizing-Cream-Fragrance-Free/dp/B000052YMQ. If that doesn't work for you, try to find a lotion that works for you. Plain old nivea lotion also worked for me but it's a bit oily.
   
   
3. Steroid. If you okay with them, you should hit this hard with something for a week (2 x per day), then back off to once a day.
   
   
4. Sheets. Use clean sheets as much as possible. Even iron them with the steam on high (including pillow case). Use a smell free detergent if possible.
   
   
5. Keep you bed and floor area clean and vacuum. Dust mites could be an issue.
   
   
6. Chill out in bed a lot, relax, but on a good TV show. This will reduce stress.
   
   
7. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated
   
   
8. Take an allergy medicine to reduce itch
   
   Okay, that's all I can think of now.
   

I only really used it once, but it was ok. I started using Eucerin Eczema Relief creme for my bad areas (chin, mainly). The first time I tried it, it was like heaven for my skin. I need multiple applications for the itch to go away for the most part, but it's pretty much the only thing that's given my chin itch relief lately.

okay so mines been improving! my mom bought these “eczema pills” off amazon and we’ve been putting Tamanu oil and Vitamin E oil on my face, and last night she added Jojuba (idk how its spelt lol) oil as well and this morning my face was barely flaked. I’m taking a guess that the oils are doing this but maybe the pills as well. These are the eczema pills and you can find Tamanu oil, vitamin e oil and Jojuba oil on amazon or at a health/nature store. It’s worth a try if you havent found something that can clear it up well.

Yup, probiotics have about as much health-benefits as taking multivitamins. Nothing concrete as far as we know now.

Want to treat your eczema? Take colder showers. Keep your living space clean. Get plenty of sleep. Eat healthier. Go to an allergist and figure out what you are allergic to (cannot stress this one enough). Keep your skincare routine simple, but effective. I basically only use a moisturizer and protopic when things get bad.

I use this moisturizer, Eucerin Original Healing Creme. I love this product because it literally only contains seven ingredients (Water, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Piroctone Olamine), none of which cause flareups for myself. Highly recommend it.

I also use this shampoo, and it's been working very well for me so far. No more dandruff or scalp itchiness.

I do not use any facial cleansers or body shampoo, mostly because I haven't found a good product for myself yet. My skin stays relatively clear even without using them too. Open to suggestions though if people have any.

I think you have possibly identified the culprit! There's definitely a chance your dandruff is yeast-related - one of the two species focused on in the linked article is the one that is known to create dandruff issues for people.(.pdf download).

Try zinc It's the active ingredient in Head & Shoulders shampoo, but in bar form. I have found that it's far more versatile than rubbing shampoo all over your bod and there aren't any fragrances that may exacerbate eczema'd skin and it's very easy to lather and use on scalp. (You can also find it in trial/travel sized if you just want to test.)

I would expect almost immediate results if the two of you are amenable to using the zinc both before and after being together. Good luck!

I believe they did a study a few years ago. I think it was at the National Jewish Hospital in Denver. They gave a group a sleep aid like Lunesta and found that for some it put them into a deep enough sleep where they didn't scratch.

I do a few things to help improve my chances of not scratching. Sometimes I will take a shower, moisturize with a cream like Vanicream, and then put a light layer of aquaphor on top. The aquaphor helps trap in the moisture, but it also makes it so that your fingernails don't do as much damage. Taking a shower will cool off your body's temperature. I then keep the room fairly cool with air conditioning.

Sometimes taking an anti anxiety can help relax your body. When I haven't gotten enough sleep I will usually take something like Ambien to help me get a deeper sleep. I also do not use my nails. I use a scratching device. Usually a comb that has bristles that are somewhat soft. That way I know it's not going to do too much damage and I can disinfect it from time to time.

Another thing I like to use are reusable long lasting no sweat ice packs wrapped in a paper towel (https://www.amazon.com/Durable-Reusable-Freezer-Ice-Coolers/dp/B00CLV5JM0). You can usually pick up a 3 pack for under $10. It is important to get the no sweat kind.

There are a lot of other non-traditional methods. Some people use certain scents to calm them down and relax them. Some people use camomile tea. You could also give one of those antihistamine anti itch creams a shot.

At the end of the day I found that if you can get into a deep sleep you won't scratch as much, if at all, at night.

depends on the moisturizer. I've used some with aloe or menthol that do make my skin burn (and I stopped using them).

I've settled on "cerave eczema creamy oil" as my main body moisturizer for when my skin is very dry and "cerave daily moisturizing lotion" for something i can keep on my desk (the pump kind) so that I can replace my scratching instinct with "apply pump of moisturizer". Before this new "cerave eczema creamy oil" cream came out (I first saw it on shelves this year) I was a big user of the cream tubs from cerave and cetaphil.

But like I said, these really only help dry skin. If the skin is irritated, I don't think they help me (other than help me not scratch).

If your son's skin is getting infected, you might look into chlorine baths. It's not something I've tried but a lot of people swear by them to help with infections on the skin.

What always works for me without fail is to go to the beach and just soak my body in the salt water for hours at a time. It stings the first couple of times, but after a week at the beach my skin is always 100% better. I'm actually considering moving to a place where I can more easily go to the beach more often because of it. I've been meaning to try salt water baths but haven't tried it yet.

Finally, you might try the eczema detox diet (in addition to the cuts you are already making) if you suspect food. She presents a lot of statistics (like 60% of eczema sufferers saw benefits when avoiding dairy (making that up)) and crafts a moderate "eczema detox" diet. She also has an elimination diet to help identify problem foods with a really restrictive approach. This last one is just the RPAH diet that you can google. I did the RPAH diet for 2 months and saw some slight reduction in symptoms but it convinced me my main triggers were not foods that I was regularly eating. On the other hand, I've cut out foods in the past (and haven't eaten them since) that I know have helped me.

I wish I could tell you how to make your son feel better. I have spreadsheets full of things to try because when it gets bad it pretty much consumes my life and I spend all my time doing research. In the end though, it just seems like my body changes with time.

Did your son get tested for environmental (respiratory) allergies?

You can actually buy cotton gloves for pretty cheap on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CIBQD6Y. I like to use a fresh pair at night after applying my goo (I usually take them off in my sleep but at least the goo has soaked in by then). Then I use that pair the next day, usually just on my way into work. Kinda feel like a mime, but oh well. I like that they can be washed in hot water and bleach, very important when covering open wounds. Tip: buy a size up. They shrink quite a bit when washed in hot water, but they do last through several washes. They're also nice to use under other gloves to absorb sweat.

Hello! Thanks so much for this information. I have had eczema strictly around my ankles just like OPs post describes. I have tried everything possible on it. I am happy there is this one solution I haven’t heard off before thanks to you. Can you confirm if this is the same thing you used?

Lotrimin AF Cream for Athlete's Foot, Clotrimazole 1% Antifungal Treatment, Clinically Proven Effective Antifungal Treatment of Most AF, Jock Itch and Ringworm, Cream, .42 Ounce (12 Grams) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010CVM36K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ICSKDbYQG01Z6

Thanks!!

This is the one I'm using.... ladies use it for wrinkles, BONUS! LOL
90 Capsules! 350 mg Phytoceramides Top Rated Gluten-Free All Natural Plant Derived PhyGLOW Skin Restoring, Anti-Aging Dermatologist Recommend Formula w/Vitamins A,C,D,E NOW in 3-Month Supply by LEAN https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017HLUJUA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sCA4CbSG18XBT

I've been using a natural cream with manuka honey on my son's face by a company called Wild Naturals. You can [find them on Amazon here] (https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Naturals-Psoriasis-Irritated-Dermatitis/dp/B00HFDZ3UW/). I've had success with it. Worth looking into as an alternative to steroids/meds. But prob not for everyone. It quickly calmed the itching, which as a parent, was huge. GL!

I have recently ordered the Free & Clear shampoo and conditioner after hearing many amazing things about it. I have normally used selsum blue but lately it hasn’t been working as well, also wanted to try something with less chemicals/less abrasive.


(Pharmaceutical Specialties Free & Clear Hair Conditioner for Sensitive Skin, 12 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033041GI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.79UCbQXHJREB)

Here are some non-prescription creams that worked really well for me. Of course you may not get the same results but could be worth a try:
https://www.amazon.ca/Bag-Balm-Null-8oz/dp/B00FNKXZLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486071643&sr=8-1&keywords=bag+balm

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/like/142130322007

There's also the basic skin care tips: http://www.polysporin.ca/eczema?gclid=Cj0KEQiAzsvEBRDEluzk96e4rqABEiQAezEOoKqrbwZC90N1axXty_RqvqpVuC-SdExtgGRQTg8tkiYaAruv8P8HAQ

It will also help to pay attention to what you're eating because some foods will cause flare ups. For me it's dairy but it will be different for everyone.

Hope this helps!

I use cotton bedding as well. I'd suggest picking whichever type of weave feels most comfortable to you (percale, sateen, etc). I'm currently using Threshold percale sheet sets from Target and Tommy Hilfiger sheet sets from Macy's and love them.

Dust mite allergy is a big thing for many eczema sufferers (including myself), and my allergist recommended using dust mite covers for the mattress and pillow to limit exposure. I just bought this one on Amazon last week.

As for doing laundry, it's a good idea to wash bedding using hot water weekly for cleanliness as well as to kill dust mites and bacteria etc. Fragrance can be a huge trigger for eczema, so I've been using All Free & Clear detergent and using white vinegar in a Downy ball for the wash. I also use dryer balls in the dryer instead of fabric softener (no fragrance and chemicals!).

My eczema sounds similar to yours. Many dermatologists have described it as the worst they'd ever seen. What I do:

-dust mite covers on mattress and pillows.

-Live in a house/apartment with hardwood floors if possible. Dust mites live in the carpet.

-Get a true HEPA air filter to filter out any airborne pollen, dust mite dander, mold, etc

-Get a shower filter that filters out chlorine and softens your water. Makes showers way less drying.

-Take epsom salt or dead sea salt baths. My skin got softer and less irritated after an epsom salt bath even when I was at my most miserable. Bleach baths are also helpful- 1/4 cup of bleach in a full tub is enough, stay in the bath for about 20 minutes. It decreases the amount of staph on your skin, which makes it less irritated and promotes healing.

-Make sure to moisturize within two minutes of getting out of the shower or bath. Don't towel yourself off aggressively- just blot yourself dry and then moisturize/apply your medicine. Try not to take super hot showers/baths- lukewarm is best.

-Use all unscented products

-Figure out what your dietary triggers are and avoid them. Some foods are known for exacerbating inflammation, like citrus, foods in the nightshade family, dairy, gluten (saw that you're already doing those), eggs, etc. Not all of these bother everyone, figure out what works for you.

-Take supplements: flax seed oil or any other oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, borage, evening primrose, hemp)- they help hydrate you from the inside. Quercetin naturally lowers your histamine levels, and vitamin c is synergistic with quercetin (helps it be more effective). Aloe vera juice taken internally helps cleanse your system. Probiotics have been proven to help with eczema as well.

-I've been having AMAZING results from the following products:

-CLN Cleanser- link It mimics a bleach bath. Studies have shown that eczema is exacerbated by staph living on the skin, and many sufferers have recurring staph infections (myself included). The difference using this body wash every day have been incredible- my skin is better than it was when I was on topical steroids (I've been off them for 7 months).

-Cerave SA Cream- This stuff has ceramides, which are naturally present in the skin and deficient in people with eczema. It has has hyaluronic acid, a humectant which helps your skin stay hydrated. It penetrates my super dry and cracked skin when other moisturizers seems to just get soaked up without having any effect.

-Aurstat Hydrogel- a prescription, nonsteroidal anti-itch gel that also mimics a bleach bath. It helps cut down on itching as well as reducing the amount of staph on your skin. It helped me heal up several chronically raw, oozy patches on my face that had been bothering me for months.

Before you read my response, try and understand (and research) the difference between water-based (glycerine, usually) moisturizers, parrafin, and petrolatum. That's essentially how I classify all creams, lotions, etc. They fall under one of the three classes, and it goes from most watery to most oily/heavy.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy is the water-based one that most people recommend, but depending on where you live, you might have trouble sourcing it for cheap. I live in the UK and it's much more difficult to source it here for cheap compared to the US. Basically you want to have a moisturizer that doesn't redden the area, and you have to experiment with this. You can also try something like Cetaphil cream. Within the water-based moisturizers, they also are dividied into lotions and creams. Lotions are lighter (more watery) and creams are heavier (more oily). Go for cream if your skin can support it without breaking out.

Parrafin products are slightly different from products like Aveeno, which are more water-based. They (parrafin) moisturize less, but are less likely to redden. I've tried paraffin products in the past, like E45. They're incredibly cheap, but I just don't find that they moisturize at all and so I'd rather go for something water-based.

Finally petrolatum is the heaviest kind. It doesn't moisturize at all but forms a protective layer that keeps the moisture in. That's why I advise to moisturize first. Aquaphor is a 'lighter' petrolatum than say, Vaseline. The problem with applying petrolatum to your face is that a lot of people will break out (into pimples) because it locks in oil. They're also extremely oily and you don't really want to be slathering this over your body. However, I discovered that it's really nice for the under-eye areas.

I'm a guy with heavy eye bags, but what I do is moisturize my face in the morning, put Aquaphor under my eyes, and then use a tinted moisturizer like Nivea. I don't have the best complexion, but it does help to even things out.

Again, be careful if you have eczema on the face. If you do, then try not to use any products. Here, my advice is for people who have managed to keep the flares down, but want to keep their face moisturized.

https://www.amazon.com/Eucerin-Original-Healing-Rich-Creme/dp/B001FB5IIC?th=1

$11 and change per tub. Steroid cream isn't cheaper, you just have a cheap co-pay on your insurance.