Eczema solutions?

[Tweetypie100]

Hi all

Anyone have solutions for eczema flare ups? Mine is triggered by stress. I get it inside my arms and on my chest and neck - it's not obvious but it's annoying, esp at night! I use Nivea in shower body moisturiser which is great, aveeno seems to make it worse. Anyone have any decent cures?

[DrewsWife]

No cure. I have lived with it since birth. The only thing that keeps me sane is to moisturise a lot. I use epaderm as a soap substitute and moisturiser. No additional soap. Only shampoo.

If you even start to feel a tiny dry spot then moisturise.

I don't towel dry. I gently pat and apply more epaderm.

Don't ever use aqueous cream. Cut down the amount of washing powder. Drink lots of water.

[Wolfiefan]

Aqueous cream is great BUT it's a soap substitute and not a moisturising cream.
Find the right moisturiser. I use diprobase, the kids use dermol, mum uses doublebase. Use it. A lot. As often as possible.
Steroids when skin flaring up.

[Tweetypie100]

Thanks - I've been given doublebase before...maybe I should try it again.

[Oldisthenewblack]

Did you mean it's annoying at night because of the itching? If so, antihistamines can help with that. I take them when necessary and they really do help to calm the itching enough to get to sleep. Quite often eczema is itchy at night because of the warmth.

Definitely moisturise A LOT! It's trial and error when it comes to moisturisers, everyone is so different. Definitely try to stay away from soaps and shower gels as these tend to dry the skin out more, albeit in a 'sneaky' way. Even the ones that are supposed to moisturise can often dry out skin over time.

Good luck - I know how irritating eczema can be!

[BranTurner]

Antihistamines vary in efficacy - if you're having trouble sleeping it might be an idea to ask your GP for a sedating antihistamine, such as Hydroxyzine. It's possible that it would help you to fall asleep more easily.

As already mentioned, moisturise a lot! Depending on the severity of your eczema a different type of emollient (i.e. cream, lotion or ointment) may be more appropriate. There's some good advice for emollient use here: www.eczema.org/emollients

Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema.

I hope you're feeling better soon.