Suggestions for controlling Eczema???

[lwoodall10]

Oooh...I would love if you made some nice soap. I would definitely buy it . I am considering trying to make my own, but I'm not always that crafty, at least I would know yours is good. I don't seem to have a problem with the water here, we just moved about a year ago. Thinking about it though, my DH did say installed something in our shower, so maybe he already took care of it. He knows all my skin issues and the vats of moisturizier I use, and he is kind of a sweetie that way...I'll have to ask him.

Susan

[JenW]

Have you tried Whipped Shea Butter? It usually helps us.

[lwoodall10]

I have, I just didn't like the smell...I guess I could add a fragrance to it.

[JenW]

Yes, the 100% natural ones do smell kind of earthy. They really are not my favorite. I have found one etailer local to me that does sell some nice scents in a 100% natural, but it is kind of pricey ($18.50 for 4 oz.). She is kind of new to the market. I can pm you a link for her shop. I did not really like the ones from Chagrin Valley. Too earthy smelling for me, but the product was nice.

I did pm you link for a well priced fragranced product. Their ingredients are not all natural, but they come close for a fragranced product.

[lwoodall10]

Thanks Jen!

[zeebs]

I used to get eczema outbreaks when I lived out east. Sugar scrubs for the body (nothing commercial - try Karen's) and gentle soaps for the face - again, try the KISS cleanser. Then get the thickest, richest moisturizer you can handle (again, avoid synthetics - natural oils like coconut are great, or any of Karen's moisturizers would help) and apply it at least twice a day. It's really important to keep your face clean, don't touch it, and try a humidifier next to your bed. For me, washing daily became painful, so sometimes I would just splash with water and then moisturize.

If you're into trying it, the OCM with extra virgin coconut oil might help, too - I don't know how Karen's cleansing oil would work for eczema - maybe someone else can weigh in?

[zeebs]

Also - how's your diet, and how are your stress levels? Those are major factors in controlling eczema. Organic/natural foods are best if you can afford them; drinking lots of water is important; cutting out sugar is very important. I know there are supplements for eczema too.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/eczema-002466.htm

One of the items on this list - GLA - is found in hemp oil and is one of my favorites for PMS, as well as skin problems.
Also take into account your fiber intake and you might try a probiotic (whether as plain yogurt, Synergy kombucha tea, or a pill).

PS, popcorn is an awesome snack, as are fresh fruits and vegetables. But you already knew that

[lwoodall10]

We do not eat organic, as it is a bit expensive for our budget right now. For the most part though I think the diet is okay...although lately with the Holidays maybe not so much However, I do eat lots of fruits and vegetables and I get plenty of fibre. Water is hard for me, as I am just not that thirsty ever...I do drink a big glass shortly after getting up and try to get several glass in a day and I don't drink soda.

I know stress brings on flare ups, which I think is the cause of my latest problems. We relocated about a year ago, from KY to TX and I haven't been able to find a job. We had about 5 months of my salary in savings but that is gone and I guess with Christmas coming, as well as I have a December baby, money worries are getting the better of me. I have noticed I have had insomnia lately too...Hopefully after the holiday's things will start to normalize a bit. I do love Christmas though. and am looking forward to it.

Thanks for all the great advice...it's kind of nice to know I am not the only that has these problems (not that I would wish it on anybody). In fact, until I posted this thread I never really realized so many people are affected by it.

Susan

[zeebs]

Yeah, I can't always eat organic either, cause I live in a small town where good produce is very seasonal and very expensive. The one thing I spring for every time is the free range meats and eggs b/c the fatty acid profile is SO much better than factory farmed meats, it seems like such a bargain in comparison to the factory farmed meat because it's so much more nutritious and better-tasting, plus it is more humane. That seems to help my skin a LOT (and other health problems I have).

I've also noticed a difference with my dog, and as I feed my dog what I feed myself, his coat is always much shinier and he has much more energy when he eats the free range meats instead of the grain-fed ones.

Anyway, sounds like your diet is good, good luck with the stress and everything else. Skin problems are so hard to treat sometimes!

[Rhys]

Chagrin Valley has scented shea butters now if you prefer those. But they also sell whipped cocoa butter. It's a bit thicker than shea, and I am totally addicted to the smell of cocoa butter. May be worth a try if the shea isn't quite enough for you.

I haven't tried Ida's St John's Wort salve, but I know it's got loads of comfrey in it, and comfrey has always helped my skin.

Since I have to go to the doctor's every three weeks (chronic illness problem) he saves his steroid cream samples for me. They aren't big, but sometimes I use the steroids once a day for about a week, and cocoa butter the rest of the day.

Hemp and emu oils have also saved me a few times. Argan oil, too, but when the eczema was in full flare, hemp and emu were a constant. I almost never get outbreaks now, but I've got one patch on and just under my elbow that lichenised and I'm trying to get it back to normal skin again. Still, I wouldn't switch to store soaps or skip moisturising after I get out of the tub!