EMU OIL - does it work? Can anyone recommend it?

[Lizzzombie]

Since having my LO, I have developed severe dermatitis on my right hand. Its now so bad that its split in parts and I have open bits on my hand. Nice. And not practical with a baby and constant cleaning etc which goes with them.
Dr has tried me on 3 different hydroquartazone (sp) creams which don't work. In fact I think they make it worse. I must moisturise my hands about 10 times a day and still it gets worse.

Its also infected my nail beds, and my finger nails look like they are about to fall out. Its truly gross. I hate it. I have the hands of a 90 year old woman.

I have heard that Emu Oil may be good for it, but at £15 for a little bottle, I want to make sure it works before I buy it.

Has anyone else tried it?
Does anyone else have dermatitis on their hands & what do they use?

Go back to the doc and ask for a topical steroid cream. I had the same and the handwashing etc was really irritating it - not nice. The steroid cream cleared up my cracked skin after about three days - I then use it again if it starts to flare up.

Has the doc given you diprobase to use as a moisturiser?

Thanks sophierose, I will ask him for that.
At the moment I use 30g ELOCN OINTMENT whatever that is. Its rubbish though.
I will ask for diprobase too.

I have this. I will be back.

Elocon is a steroid. You need a very good moisturiser as well - have you tried any of the Avene stuff? We used it on ds2's eczema and it's really good. It is designed for eczema and other skin problems and available in Boots. I personally don't like Diprobase but lots of people swear by it and I do use it on ds1's skin. Good luck!

I've not heard of Avene, will look out for that too.
Something has to work.
I bathed LO wearing rubber gloves this evening! And am currently typing this wearing tons of moisturiser on my hands, covered in white gloves. So attractive!

I used to have elecon which stopped working for me - doc then gave me dermovate which is stronger. You can also ask for diprobase ointment which will act as a barrier to protect your hands from the elements - its quite sticky but will stop water etc from getting to your skin until its healed.