Reactions to emollients for eczema

[Suzy55]

Hello there,
Just wondering how long you should persevere with a new emollient for? I've tried so many, but seem to react to them all. Been using Double Base Flare Relief for 10 days, but it makes the eczema patches on my arms redder after application, and itchier. DO I just have to persevere - will things get redder before they get better (usually I don't persevere this long to know whether this is the case) or is it time to yet again try something new?!! Also has anyone had eczema and just let it dry out and then used nothing at all?
Many thanks.

Don’t let it dry out. It’ll be horrid.
Try a different emollient. Different ones suit different people. I like diprobase. Dermol for the kids.

Balneum is the best l think? I’ve tried them all, Balneum was recommended by a derm

Hi I'm 4w and tried everything. I now get aveeno in big pump tubs on prescription.

I used to use diplomas and it was like adding fuel to a fire and my excema would roar afterwards.

Aveiro makes it calm and happy and I use it all through the day plus on my legs and arms and it really keeps flare ups to a minimum.

I also abandoned ointment nasty stuff that it is!

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oh ffs I used diprobase not diplomas!

I wouldn't persevere - if any cream makes mine itchier/redder I stop using it straight away, I guess as I've never experienced it getting better.

Like PP Aveeno is the one that works best for me.

Aveeno or La Roche Posay Lipikar are really goodz

Don't let it dry out. My dd has very nasty exzma. I put vaseline on it while she is asleep.

Actiongirl is this the one you get on prescription?

www.boots.com/aveeno-dermexa-emollient-cream-200ml-10246696

My eczema is driving me mad nothing seems to clear it but I haven't tried aveeno.

Hi all thanks for the replies - did any of you try doublebase, which is making eczema patches on arms redder? Also how many applications a day is too much?

is it eczema or Perioral Dermatitis?
symptoms can be very similar.

probably the wrong term, but it's a dermatitis as result of using too much product.

Perorial is on the face, mine is mostly on arms and neck.

It’s a weird thing tho - consultant dermatologists tell you to Emolliate emolliate emolliate but on the other hand it seems to make things worse. Hence why I wondered if drying out would be better....

I stopped using soap and shower gel and I used calendula cream. Now I use aveeno or child’s farm baby cream. Anything from the doctors seemed to make it worse.

Hi, I have Nodular Prurigo. It isn't eczema but possibly from the same family? Anyway, I used Viscopaste bandages which were absolutely amazing. I would wrap my arms in them at night (and then cover with clingfilm so it wouldn't transfer to my pj). Don't get me wrong, it did take weeks but it really did work. Not sure if this helps or not.

Suzy, have you tried cutting out all products? What do you wash with and shampoo with?

Re creams, many of them contain the nasties we try and avoid. Look for something without SLS in. Body shop hemp hand cream or mask seem quite mild.

Hi @gonewiththerain do you use t he unscented child’s farm? Or the baby fragranced one?

It’s worth considering if you are allergic to the paraffin in the moisturisers? That’s what happened to me - I started developing an allergic reaction on top of my eczema. Double whammy of itch and redness! Colloidal oat moisturiser has made a huge difference to my skin. The eczema has all but gone (tough wood), I’ve had no reaction to it (no paraffin) and best of all, it feels and smells lovely and my skin is so much softer.

@Bobkitten which colloidal did you use, I found Aveeno itchy?

I can’t use any emollient. Just betnovate and QV moisturiser. Currently pregnant so can’t take my immunosuppressants:-(

What are immunosuppressants?

Have you tried epaderm? It's really good

@picklemewalnuts I’ve cut out everything and got new mattress and bed and done the lot :-) :-( I think it’s menopause related. Just got super sensitive all of a sudden. I use Olson shampoo which is free of everything. Everything in house is unscented etc etc| I’ve been through so many emollients. I thought child’s farm was working really well but with the heat a couple of months back my arms came up really bad again - kind of like contact dermatitis, not dry and itchy ecZema all over like some have, more blotchy red patches so v noticeable - I’m wearing long sleeves all the time. So I’ve since tried a few others and the latest being doublebase flare relief but notice that when I get out of shower they look really calm and as soon as I put the double base on the red patches come right up.

Is sodium lauryl sulphate one of the ingredients OP? If so, past research has shown it to cause skin irritation in some people, which may explain the redness/itching you've had