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localwyrm

2y ago

Struggling with Eczema: Need Advice

I've had eczema (on my entire body, though the worst of it is on my arms, legs, and chest) for my entire life. I'm using lotion for the dryness, but I've never been able to find anything that really helps with all of my symptoms. I'm itchy near constantly, and it worsens with heat, humidity, and stress. I can only wear certain types of clothing and use certain types of sheets and the like because everything else hurts too much. I can't wear makeup or use most skincare products because they burn. If I forget to put on lotion for more than a week, I get sores and open wounds on the worst dry patches. I'm sure that all of this sounds relatively normal as far as eczema goes, but recently it's been getting worse and harder to deal with. I'll wake up scratching, sometimes bleeding. It itches so much, and sometimes it hurts to move because of a combination of dryness and itching. I'm just not sure what to do, as I've tried so many different products, and the most they do is help with the dryness. Nothing has ever helped with the itching or the pain. Does anyone have any advice on products to try, whether I should talk to my doctor (again), or just what to do in general? Thank you so much.

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SA113

1y ago

It's awful. From what I know I've heard using ointments rather than lotions can help. Just make sure your hands are always clean to avoid infections when putting on ointments. There's two that sometimes helps me: Zeroderm or Cerave healing ointment. Another thing I'm trying is taking vitamin supplements and changing my diet to avoid triggers. Flare ups always feel debilitating and I understand not being able to do a lot of things because of eczema. If you can I would advise getting patch tests and seeing a nutritionist. Fingers crossed things get better for all of us
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ez241204

1y ago

I don't think I've heard anything that sounds more like my current situation. My mum's had to take me to the doctors because of the time I spend trying not to itch/scratch. I'm in near constant pain and it's 'just eczema' and 'you'll grow out of it' so doctors don't tend to do anything.
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Arbor555

1y ago

Eucrisa cream helped me a lot! I suggest checking it out <3
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BeanBetter

1y ago

Steroids helped me
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KaylaK

1y ago

I use a cream from my doctor it helps make it go away with out that cream my life would be miserable.
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localwyrm

2y ago

Thank you. That really means a lot. I have been meaning to talk to my doctor about some kind of new option, dupixent or otherwise, so we'll see if anything comes of that
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tychime

2y ago

When I was very young my eczema was at its worst but my parents used to give me a good long bath sometimes with a cup full of bleach and sometimes an oatmeal bath. Then my mother would completely moisturize me with olive oil instead of lotions or creams. Now as an adult I can moisturize regularly with lotions or creams or Vaseline and I don’t ever get to the point of scaliness or painful cracking anymore. I do get itchy but then I know I need to bathe and moisturize again. I don’t know if these methods will work for you but it’s something to try if you haven’t yet. The key is consistency! Blessings to you friend!
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liposuction

1y ago

ummm.... BLEACH????
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localwyrm

2y ago

I haven't tried oatmeal baths yet, despite having read about it, so I'll have to see if that works. I do struggle a bit with consistency, too, but I'm trying my best to take care of myself, and it's getting frustrating enough to motivate me to try harder, yknow?
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GardenQueen

2y ago

yes I agree with the oatmeal bath. Those can be so soothing, then I recommend pat drying and applying your creams that the doc gave you and an extra layer of Vaseline on top of that. It can be so extremely frustrating having eczema especially since it takes so much out of you mentally and physically. But you’re strong and you’ll get through this. I’ve been on dupixent for about two years now and idk if that’s an option for you but if it is I’d recommend talking about it with your doc. I call it my miracle drug. Feel free to dm me if you have any questions or just need to vent.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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