I spend the most on toiletries and laundry

[Lovelybitofsquirrel3]

I have numerous types of eczema including rare kinds like blistering kinds so I need to be careful what I use. Currently I use moo goo and I’ve tried Aveeno which isn’t as good. I don’t buy makeup or anything like that just the basics. I buy a mix of aveeno and moo goo.
I buy bubble bath, body oil for after the bath, moisturiser, shampoo and conditioner, body wash and deodorant. I get through the containers each month. not prepared to lose them but wondering if there’s a way to make it myself that isn’t too much hassle or a cheaper brand that’s just as good. Otherwise I’ll have to accept the cost. It’s impossibly difficult to get the GP to prescribe anything that’s good. I’m disabled so I do laundry everyday and that doesn’t last either and works out at £19-25 a month.

That sounds tough for you.

I've not tried it myself, but the Zero- range is what our GP are moving people on to. They have sort of cheaper alternatives to some of the more preferred creams, and one of them is apparently sort of similar to Aveeno ( https://www.zeroderma.co.uk/product-range/zeroveen-cream/)

You could easily lose the bubble bath and use the old trick of oats in a sock! Am amazed thT you use bubble bath at all with eczema! Milk powder is apparently nice in a bath too, might be worth try, especially as you like moo goo.

Could you use a cheaper conditioner, but a leave in one, so it doesn't affect your skin?

Bleach/Dettol and oat baths help, I second the Zero range too. We all have eczema in my house and found that when we got to the stage you're at we had to strip back and start again. This meant all our diets were refreshed and back to basics with the creams, it does help.

What probably isn't helping is it's a very very cold winter at the moment.

Body wash is usually very drying and more expensive that a bar of regular soap. I would love to a bar of gentle soap.

And just use less? We don’t get through conditioner etc that fast and there’s three of us.

Do you need oil and moisturiser every day after a bath? I would use one or the other. Oil after bath every other day, moisturiser days in between

Too much of any product can make skin worse, regardless of skin conditions.

I completely sympathise OP. Dd has excema and gets some prescribed to her but I’m still paying about £25 a fortnight for cetraben and other lotions and potions, plus separate (expensive!) laundry liquid.

Unless your Dr or similar suggested using it I would stop using bubble bath and oil. My DS eczema disappeared when we stopped bubble bath. Also some people don't bathe everyday which helps. Avoid washing hands as much as possible (use gloves)

Do you have a washing machine? If so, stop using detergent. The warm water and agitation is enough.

I assume you have tried diet triggers etc.

Re personal hygiene products, I would stop using them all for a few weeks and then introduce maybe a cream or olive oil if needed. Bubble bath is very drying - the foaming agents are terrible for skin. Try oats in a muslin bag, or a bit of olive oil. Also definitely bathe less often. Strip wash only what needs doing and leave the rest alone. Let your skin have a chance to deal with itself. If your hands are bad, I have found it helpful to put a bit of vaseline on them (as a barrier rather than an emollient). Or use gloves. But generally try and leave your skin alone!

Do you have a washing machine? If so, stop using detergent. The warm water and agitation is enough.

I disagree. it's not enough. especially if you (need to) use a lot of moisturiser.

you need to find your trigger.
in our case it turned out to be tree pollen and mould. first trees are active even in january in some areas.
look up the pollen calendar for your area
look for mould in your home.

don't use the quick cycles on the washer. dry clothes as quick as you can.

and I agree with pp who mention bar soap. it's so much more gentle than liquid washes.

oh. and using the long washing cycles with a proper rinse have the nice side effect that a) laundry is getting clean without using extra stain removing products b) we can use whatever powder is on offer

We used to use surecare for laundry.
Epaderm lotion or grease for moisturisation - can aslo be used as a cleanser in shower. Dermol 500 shower gel to keep infections down.

We've got the eczema under control except for some chapped patches in winter and Sun cream reaction in summer. And now can use Aerial with a bit of fragrance.

Are you getting reduced water rates, as you have a disability? If not, then apply for that. And use the eco settings on the machine. It takes hours, but works out much cheaper.

No idea about the products!

Yes, but you shouldnt be using so much moisturiser that it gets all over your clothes. Apply, let it absorb, then dress. You shouldn't be going about your day with an oil slick barrier between your skin and your clothing. Your skin won't be able to heal. It needs air and an opportunity to dry.

I agree about finding the triggers. That's the best solution.

Easier said than done with some emollients, and no it doesn't need air and to dry. Eczema prone skin needs the opposite, it needs to be kept moist.

Do you need a container of shampoo and conditioner each month? Can you try skipping a day?

Which laundry product are you using op? And would you be willing to try a different one, or would this risk a flare up of eczema?

We have eczema in our house and we seem ok with Lidl non bio powder, it's cheap and a small amount of powder goes a long way. For moisturizer we use Cetraben Oat Cream, but I'm not sure if that would work out cheaper than the MooGoo for you. As suggested by a pp the porridge in a sock for the bath idea is a good one, very soothing on skin and costs pennies.