Excema: We've tried everything to get rid of it and it's still there! Any suggestions on remedies herbal or otherwise?

[Jzee]

Ok, Dh has had suspected Excema on and off on his ankle for about the past 5 years and I can't bear to watch him scratch it anymore. He has been to the Gp on numerous occasions and they have only ever prescribed hydrocortizone cream - it works for a while and then the dryness etc comes back with a vengence. I would like him to see a skin specialists herbal or otherwise, but if anyone has any other suggestions we can try that would be great.

My dd has excema (11 months) and the best cream we have been prescribed is Aveeno. I have also heard that Aloe Vera is meant to be excellent and I am in the process of trying to order some on-line.

And only ever on the ankle? Eczema normally (but not always) affects more areas such as joint creases, and areas exposed to the elements such as the face and hands. So maybe a double check or a referral to a dermatologist?

Have you ruled out allergic reaction? Have antihistamines had any effect?

And are the rest of his feet healthy?

If eczema, make sure your gp is not fobbing you off with a mild steroid cream like o.o5%, as it can actually lead to the eczema spreading or becoming infected. It needs to be blitzed with a stronger dose. Eumovate is very good.

see what happens if he cuts dairy out? he might prefer to scratch though....

You need to use moisturiser 2-3 times per day as well as the hydrocortisone - like Epaderm, or Aveeno.

u need to keep a food diary, almost certainly u will find that there is a certain food that will trigger it

HCTG, I'd say 5+ times a day, not just 2-3.

Also for us porrige works, put oats in stocking/muslin tied with elastic band. stick in bath, squidge out the ouze (he'll love it if anything like mine - yuck) and use ouze/muslin to wash with.

try and get something stronger like eumovate. You also need to moisturise twice a day even when the excema is not there.

Just a thought - if it is only his ankle could it be the socks he is wearing?

mmmm thanks for the suggestions, but I can't see him sitting at work putting cream on 5 times a day - you know what men can be like about their health! I will however get some of the creams you have suggested as anything is worth a try.

dd2 had very bad eczema round face. can't recommend neal's yard highly enough. another mner recommended the baby barrier. it has worked!!!

nortynamechanger...well, we were told 3 by the hospital, but I suppose as many times as possible can't hurt!! We find 2 are enough for my DD but of course that wouldn't be enough for everyone!

changing washingpowder to filetti if you can get it, otherwise a simple non bio (NOT fairy it is terrible for dd2s excema) can really help

if it is on the joints only...its not...psoriasis is it?

Actually I remember the dermatologist saying some people need to moisturise every HOUR, that must be a nightmare.

Re: washing powder, we find Boots sensitive skin powder to be really good.

This is going to sound very strange, but here goes... we used to put porridge, yes porridge in a muslin cloth, tie it up and put it in the bath, my son had eczema and i am sure it helped with mild bouts.

Sorry nortyname did not see your thread