pregnant with twins & can't cope with eczema flare, please help.

[greyby25]

Hi, I'm 23 weeks pregnant with twins and I'm currently going through a really bad eczema flare up and no one can seem to help me. I had eczema previous to be pregnant and go through flare ups. Last year I had one so bad I couldn't straighten my arms, it was all over my face neck, inner arms, underarms, pretty much everywhere and it finally got me referred to dermatology.

In dermatology I had to go through many different creams, ointments, steroids and antihistamines. We finally managed to control it with a strong steroid ointment and one of the strongest antihistamines. My issue is that moisturising suffocates my skin, so I can't moisturise too much. The skin is red and comes out like a rash, I have to try and get the heat out of the rash and then it will become dry and I can attempt to heal it up.

Now that I'm pregnant my GP is reluctant to prescribe the steroid and antihistamines without my doctor at the antenatal units permission, even with that I'm struggling to get a prescription. I spoke to midwife and antenatal doctor last week at my appointment and she prescribed me piriton. I told her about how hard my skin can be to control and how I need a strong steroid to control the eczema and a strong antihistamine to control the itch. I could of cried when she prescribed the piriton. Im taking it but it isn't working at all. She explained the steroid would be okay to use in small doses as only 10% would be absorbed into my bloodstream if that but still didn't prescribe it. I sleep in a freezing room to stop myself getting warm and itchy, im in constant pain and constantly trying to scratch, I have no nails so instead just bruise myself and give myself friction burns from trying to scratch.

Does anyone have any natural remedies or tips on how to control the itch or calm a flare ? Ive heard about an anti inflammatory diet helping but I don't know if it would works. I keep trying to get a same day appointment at my GP but so far no look. I feel ugly and sore and I'm really starting to despair as I'm struggling to even pick my toddler up as my skin is so sore and I feel like I'm just being ignored by GP/ antenatal.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

@Singlewhiteguineapig I will have a look in my local Holland and Barrett's tomorrow as it's says the stock there. Thankyou !

@witchy89 I'm definitely going to give the turmeric a go, when my eczema flared last year I took ibuprofen to help keep then inflammation down but that's not an option right now. I had a very mild flare up when I found out I was expecting twins due to stress but since then my home has been flooded and I've been living between my MIL and my mothers house hence the extra stress, all whilst lugging an 18 month old with and a bloody big stomach at this stage ! Looks like I will be becoming vegan again  and yes apple cider vinegar. Haha I will have to make a shopping list from this thread ! X

@RippleEffects constantly wash bedding in non bio and any throws and blankets that are on sofas. Worst part is my MIL owns a springer who sheds like crazy and they let it upstairs, I'm currently living there half the time and I bet that's doing my skin no good. I'm currently taking the pirition that has been prescribed to me but I'm only allowed to take them for ten days and they don't seem to do much anyway :(

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it but have you tried acupuncture? I had terrible eczema in my late teens, all over my hands and also discoid which meant big holes in my arms and legs. If ever I managed to stop scratching long enough for it to heal over it was like tissue paper. I started acupuncture and within a month it was sorted and the discoid variant has never been back, despite dermatologist telling me it was for life!

I think hormones throw my skin out of whack so after my daughter was born I had a bad spell, but with more superficial eczema, acupuncture sorted that too.

I would just recommend that you find someone with proper training, reviews and experience if you do decide to give it a go. I know some people think it's quackery but it really, really worked for me. They treat it from the inside rather than slathering on steroids.

Just thought I'd update! Obviously it has been a few days and I'm finding a bath in goats milk, with a few sprinkles of lavender and chamomile tea bags is helping tremendously. A thin spread of 1% hydrocortisone and moisturising bits that feel dry ! Lots of water and I've cut out a lot of sugary and dairy based foods, all seems to be helping !
Thankyou everyone for your advice

Have you tried moogoo moisturiser?

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1125737/eczema-cream-skin-baby-treatment-rash-face-moogoo/amp

So glad to hear OP. Preggo w twins is hard enough without the itch. Good luck w it all.