My Personal Experience With Healing Eczema

How to Treat Unsightly Patches of Eczema

I have always suffered from asthma ever since I was a small child, and as anybody knows, where there is asthma, there is sometimes eczema. Some people are lucky enough to only get eczema in the summer months. Seasonal eczema is usually caused by hay fever and other autoimmune allergies, and generally disappears by the time summer is in full swing.

I get eczema on my hands between the fingers, and I scratch it like hell. It drives me insane, but usually, a bit of cortisone cream or antiseptic spray will knock it on its head. For some reason, it affected my legs last summer. I didn't notice at first, and it just seemed to be slightly itchy and red. Then we had a heatwave, and night after night, my eczema became inflamed and spread. I presumed it was getting irritated because of the heat and that it would go away when the weather got colder. This was not the case.

Nearly eight months later, I still have a large patch of eczema on my left leg. I have tried cortisone cream, moisturizer, antiseptics, and just about everything else. It just doesn't want to go away.

Eczema Quick Reference

What Is Eczema?

The medical term for eczema is atopic dermatitis. The word dermatitis actually means irritation of the skin, and trust me, the incessant itching can drive you insane! It is a very common condition and can be triggered by a number of things. It's like a common skin allergy, but it is much harder to clear. It can also be hereditary, so if a family member of yours is prone to allergies, you may develop the symptoms.

Types of Eczema

• Allergic Contact Eczema: Contact with a foreign substance such as poison ivy, certain ingredients in creams and perfumes, bleach, or harsh cleaning fluids can trigger this condition. Once you have discovered the cause, your skin should return to normal in a few days. Obviously, this is different from normal eczema in that it is just a reaction to something that is corrosive to your skin.
• Seborrheic Eczema: Occurs spontaneously and leaves greasy yellow or scaly patches anywhere on the body. Most people know seborrheic eczema as cradle cap, and it is very common in babies and small children.
• Nummular Eczema: The most common form of eczema is nummular. This appears as coin-shaped patches of reddish skin that can be itchy, scaly, or just downright irritating.
• Stasis Dermatitis: Stasis dermatitis usually attacks the legs, and is caused by circulation problems. The pigmentation of the affected skin is darker, even purplish. Irritation of the lower legs can cause the veins to swell, leading to varicose veins.

Doctor's Advice and Personal Experience Treating Eczema

I went to my doctor's nurse to be seen about my eczema problem, and she gave me a prescription for cortisone cream. I was told to rub it into the rash twice daily for a week, and then repeat it for another week if it hadn't worked. I tried this for two weeks and nothing happened.

When I bathed, I just irritated my symptoms more. I even tried showering to see if that made a difference. It didn't really work, so I changed soaps, shower gels, and everything else, including washing my legs with hot water, and then cold. No luck.

It suddenly occurred to me that the nurse hadn't given me any idea of how to actually apply the cream. Eventually, I asked my local pharmacist. She advised me to make sure the eczema was moisturized and to use thick skin cream without any perfumes in it, and to smother my legs. I tried this, and lo and behold, it began to work!

Don't Use Aqueous Cream for Your Eczema

Evidently, aqueous cream is made as an alternative to soap! Instead of moisturizing your skin, it will dry it out. Vaseline or any other paraffin-based product is best.

I have just started using nappy rash cream. The second I applied it to my eczema, it soothed it. At this moment, I can't feel any itching. Nappy rash cream is perfect because it is a barrier cream. This means that it will hold moisture beneath the cream.

Try to Reduce Inflammation

Recommended

How to Let Go of Past Mistakes and Move on With Your Life

Eventually, after being fed up with the little bits of information that I had been given, I gave my doctor a ring and this is what she suggested:

1. Shower in cool water at least twice a day, and while the legs are still damp, rub the medicated or Vaseline cream on top of the eczema. This will seal in the moisture.
2. Steroids can be applied in severe cases. Luckily, I don't need steroids at the moment. If the eczema is really bad, you might be advised to take steroids in tablet form.
3. If there is an infection, then antibiotics will be prescribed.
4. Sunlight or phototherapy is said to be beneficial. Unfortunately, sunlight is not always an option when it is winter. When it gets warmer, it is advised to get out and about with bare legs.

Prevent Flare-Ups

The trouble with eczema is that it is a recurring disease. You can try to stop it in its tracks by doing the following:

1. Make sure you moisturise your skin. This may sound obvious, but I must admit to ignoring the lower parts of my legs in the winter!
2. Take cool baths or showers. I know, we all want a boiling hot, lovely soak, but it's not doing your skin any good.
3. Do not apply soap to the affected area.
4. Always put cream on your skin right after a bath to lock in moisture.
5. Always make sure that your house has good air flow. Dry atmospheres trigger eczema.

Sudocrem/Desitin

My eczema cleared up for a long time, but recently, it came back in full force. All of my old techniques helped a bit, but then I hit the jackpot! Instead of using the steroid creams, I changed to Sudocrem (UK) or Desitin (US). The good news is that you can buy it over-the-counter.

My Treatment Routine

I cover my legs with Sudocrem and put a moisuriser on top. I also cover the affected area with stretch bandages. I was advised to simultaneously take zinc and vitamin C tablets daily. Last but not least, I also take an antihistamine tablet.

Guess what? It's working! So, good luck with this, and let me know in the comments section below if it works for you!

Disclaimer

Never pursue a new mode of treatment before consulting with a medical professional.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Questions & Answers

Question: Did your eczema on lower legs ever bleed, weep or skin peel?

Answer: Yes they used to peel a lot. At the moment my legs are Eczema free. Please use the cream, but do not touch your skin with your hands at any other point. Bath or shower, leave water on your skin and then soaked them in moisturizer.

© 2012 Nell Rose

Comments

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on December 07, 2017:

Thanks Laura, yes I do agree. But sometimes it is necessary.

Laura on December 06, 2017:

Thank you Nell. Jseven is right. It is better to stay away from steroid. I am looking for a moisturizer that can go with Sudocrem for dyshidrotic weeping eczema.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on December 06, 2017:

Thanks Frank, its been updated a bit since then, what with all the trying out and failing, then trying and working! lol!

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on December 06, 2017:

I know I read this years ago.. but still rings fresh and innovative today.. up and shared

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on December 06, 2017:

Thanks jseven, the ones I used are purely a one off, but thanks for the warning.

Joey from Michigan on December 06, 2017:

Please be cautious with using topical steroids too long as the side-effects are not eczema. Steroid-induced disease or iatrogenic disease have noticeable differences from original eczema, especially if there is a break in using the creams for any amount of time. Symptoms include red, hot skin, cold chills, sweats, lymph node lumps, oozing exudate from dilated blood vessels dependent on steroids, insane itching, insomnia and other side-effects that are not eczema and it can last a long time. Please be cautious, folks. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC42286...

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on December 06, 2017:

Hi Laura, I found a much better solution! I got so fed up with it that I got the doc to give me dermovate, a stronger cortisone cream, and then buy some see through plastic cooking wrap that you use to cover cold food, wrap around your legs/arms for an hour a day. It will be gone in a week!

Laura on December 05, 2017:

I am so happy for you that your eczema was cleaned up. Would you mind to let me know what gently moisturizer did you apply on top of Sudocrem? How many times per day did you have to apply Sudocrem? Thanks.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on September 07, 2017:

Thank you Stefan! that is great advice! I will check it out. As eczema is still bothering me in patches, which drives me insane! lol!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on June 12, 2017:

Thanks Sherika, that's great that you found something that works! I will have to check it out. just really moisturising is working but it does need a boost on my legs, thank you!

SherikaHolliman on June 11, 2017:

I was just diagnosed with eczema and the top of my scalp near my forehead was getting dry and flaky patches. It looked like dandruff and it was super embarrassing. I searched right away on google for relief and purchased Foderma serum. I started to use it on my scalp and also on my back (where my eczema was the worst) it started to clear up within a week. I like foderma serum because it's natural, no steroids or cortisones. It's not greasy or oily, it's mostly water with skin improving ingredients. I'm going to be dealing with eczema for the rest of my life.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on December 27, 2016:

Thanks Maria!

MariaILieva on December 27, 2016:

I used foderma serum along with the wash and spray and my daughters skin cleared up in just a few days. It definitely is an amazing product. I’d recommend foderma serum to anyone with eczema or psoriasis.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 01, 2016:

Thanks Valdis, any new info is great!

Valdis Leung on October 31, 2016:

Foderma serum works very well on my daughter eczema. It absorbs easily and helped the itchy rash to disappear. Of course, once you stop use the rash comes right back.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on December 05, 2015:

Thanks jseven, sorry for the delay, nell

Joey from Michigan on December 01, 2015:

Yes, many of the ITSAN forum members going through topical steroid withdrawal, which they often think is eczema but find out it's actually "steroid-induced eczema", like nothing on their skin while it is healing. I did not like anything on my face and eventually did not use anything on most of my body except my legs. I am 61 months off topical steroids and my skin is the best it has ever been! Wish you the best, Nell!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 30, 2015:

To be honest jseven, I discovered after all of this that not using anything was the best way to go! I literally stopped creams potions and other things. I would just wash my legs every day, patted them dry and left them. If they got too dry I would add a little moisturizer at night, simple as that. Its gone now! thanks for coming back, and I will take a look at the link, nell

Joey from Michigan on November 30, 2015:

Yes, topical steroids can cause eye problems, especially in adults and it's wise not to keep using the creams on a regular basis or the risk of addiction is higher. Protopic and Elidel also come with black box warnings of it being a potential risk for cancer. The dependence factor is also especially concerning as so many in the forums at ITSAN have experienced when they stop using it. Look at http://itsan.org/ to see the stories and resources about topical steroid addiction which can be prevented by using non-steroid products.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 30, 2015:

Thanks arra, anything that helps is great!

arra on November 30, 2015:

try Dermovate clobetasol ointment it works for me me all the time

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on March 30, 2015:

Thanks jseven, its a good idea, purely because its only since I started using steroid cream have I suddenly found out I have cataracts! I am 55 years old, and never had them before the creams! I get my eyes tested every year for contact lenses, and its only since I used the cream have I got them!

Joey from Michigan on March 30, 2015:

Many parents have had major distress over National Eczema Association (NEA) promoting the potent topical steroids for children, they now have changed their tune on that somewhat and published Dr. Lio's advice on trying alternatives treatments for eczema. This is a step in the right direction as International Topical Steroid Awareness Network has encouraged NEA to seek out a safer eczema treatment and it looks like they finally are!

http://nationaleczema.org/alternative-treatments/

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on March 30, 2015:

Hi Grant, that's fine, I will be come over for a read, thanks, nell

Grant426 on March 29, 2015:

Hi Nell,

I am a fellow eczema sufferer from Canada.

I have a theory about the real root cause of Eczema. I would like to share this theory and ask for feedback from others regarding it.

I am not selling or promoting anything. I just want to get to the truth about this.

https://ggenereuxblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/eca...

Thanks

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on February 14, 2015:

That's great Rita! yes sometimes its something as simple as giving up some sort of food, the difficult thing is finding which food. I also noticed that if you are suffering from constipation, sorry, lol! it can make it worse, get something to keep you regular and it totally helps too! thanks for reading and commenting, nell

Rita L on February 13, 2015:

Good information here, thanks. I suffered for years with a huge, never healing patch on my skin. After years of suffering, it was something I just got used to and moisturized. It was so scabby, then itchy, so ugly. This summer, I gave up wheat, and coincidentally, it started healing! More and more every day! I have started to eat wheat again and noticed new breakouts here and there. It must be a wheat allergy!! I can't believe it, but it is really working. Who would have thought? Yippee.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on July 26, 2014:

Hi ptosisi, oh I am so sorry that you are suffering too, that sounds like an awful lot of stuff you used, I hope the probiotics work, I will have to give it a try, take care and thanks, nell

ptosis from Arizona on July 26, 2014:

Never had it until moved to AZ. Year 1:blamed on Off! spray Year 2: blamed on chlorine pool This year debilitating. Tried: Corn Husker's glycerine, Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera Gel, lidocaine spray, Vitamen E oil lotion and capsules, Gotu Kola, Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, Vitamen B3, coconut oil, Nivea souffle, habanero hot sauce, 100 spray SPF sunblock, and have stayed out of the sun completely for 8 weeks,installed ion exchange soft water shower stick, epsom bath with Almond oil. And even Dry Ice at -100 degrees to freezer burn the top layer off by myself at home.