What can I get for itchy dry skin that works? Any eczema veterans around?

[drjohnsonscat]

Am really struggling this winter with itchy dry skin especially on my stomach. There are a few patches of discoloration - like a very mild eczema and I guess that's what it is. I've tried Boots Derma Care for very dry skin which hasn't helped and also E45 and E45 Itchy Skin Relief to no avail.

What should I be using? I only use non-bio washing powder but should I also switch to something even milder?

Any tips welcome as I am really, really itching.

[ChocolateCremeEggBag]

I use Aveeno and cotton gloves every night.

I also use (ahem) Vagisil and Tesco own brand haemorrhoid cream (soft paraffin wax based) - both have lidocaine in so help to break the itch/scratch cycle when I feel like I need to tear my skin off. Must warn that I've never checked with a doctor if this is ok, but if you can put them both on your lady bits/bum hole, then surely occasionally everywhere else can't be too bad better than a nail brush which I have resorted to in the past

[HavingALittleFaithBaby]

I use diprobase for moisturising (although cetraban is good and similar) and I'm prescribed Dermol for washing. It's worth seeing your GP though and asking them to consider a dermatology referral. My skin flared up and I got referred. I had skin patch testing to see if anything in particular aggravated mine.

Washing liquid is better for me than powder. Weirdly I find the best for me is Lidl liquid detergent! Basic stuff like using gloves for cleaning will help your hands too and avoiding washing up.

Try putting a bowl of water in your bedroom too - central heating dries out the air and can exacerbate symptoms.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Lush Dream Cream is great - I always found things like E45 really stung, but no problems with this.

[beanandspud]

I use diprobase when my skin is really dry (very thick and smells a bit clinical). Doublebase gel is my usual moisturiser and I get both from the chemist without prescription (about £11 for a huge pot).

I also have Betnovate cream on prescription for when I have flare up but don't need a lot of it as long as I use the other creams iyswim.

[Wolfiefan]

Diprobase. Lots. Often.
Dream Cream lovely.
DCs use Dermol.

[tleaf]

Udderly cream has worked wonders for my grandchild. See website for local suppliers or to order on-line. Our local hospice also recommends it for chemo and radiation skin problems,

[drjohnsonscat]

Thanks so much for all the recs. I got an enormous vat of Diprobase from the chemist and it's really helping after only two days. I'm also going to get some of the others mentioned just for the days when I don't want to smell like a district nurse's medical supplies bag

[coxspippin]

i endorse doublebase (gel?), it's thicker than diprobase but the latter comes in a handy 50g tube. your doctor may prescribe a mild steroidal cream to use as he/ she directs, ie sparingly. in winter you may have dry indoor conditions due to central heating (adjust heating or try a humidifier perhaps?). doublebase is creamy but you may still have to apply it twice or more a day. hth.