Author Topic: Eczema/dry skin (Read 30819 times)

Twelfth Man · « **Reply #80 on:** November 12, 2013, 07:37:10 am »

Had pretty horrific eczema through much of my teens to early twenties. Stress related, Adam Philips in - On Kissing, Tickling and Being Bored - said often with kids it is like a defensive shell against a dysfunctional home environment. Always made sense that. Always look to the food you like. With me it was Coke. Gave up fizzy drinks and things slowly got better. Normally I use to get an attack literally an hour or two after eating something that didn't agree with me.

Tried everything while I was young homeopathy bollox, the Chinese herbal tea place in China Town where you had to queue for hours, sitting under one of those tanning things (helps), in the end thankfully just grew out of it. Think cutting fizzy drinks helped me a lot. Look to the food & drink you love.

kesey · « **Reply #81 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:45:14 am »

Quote from: rob1966 on December 2, 2011, 06:27:02 pm

Aloe Vera gel has been brilliant in controlling/clearing up the eczema in both my lads.

This.

kesey · « **Reply #82 on:** November 12, 2013, 10:59:07 am »

Here's a link slightly on the organic side of the fence.

http://www.permaculture.co.uk/readers-solutions/5-natural-cures-eczema

Here's a more in depth link . ( Dr Peter Atherton )

http://www.positivehealth.com/article/aloe-vera/aloe-vera-myth-or-medicine

AB LFC · « **Reply #83 on:** March 10, 2016, 02:56:23 am »

How depressing to think I made this thread 10 years ago and my skin condition is worse than it's ever been. The psoriasis is getting too much and itches like mad despite putting cream on everyday. Anyone used any specialist creams or herbal stuff they would recommend? Need to get rid of this asap, feels like I spend half my life nowadays just scratching.

Teapot · « **Reply #84 on:** March 10, 2016, 08:01:14 am »

Quote from: AB LFC on March 10, 2016, 02:56:23 am

How depressing to think I made this thread 10 years ago and my skin condition is worse than it's ever been. The psoriasis is getting too much and itches like mad despite putting cream on everyday. Anyone used any specialist creams or herbal stuff they would recommend? Need to get rid of this asap, feels like I spend half my life nowadays just scratching.

I know very little about this condition. An older friend suffered really badly on his arms and legs with psoriasis. Looked so painful. By chance he spoke with someone who mentioned these tibetan mushrooms as treatment. These mushrooms are mainly drunk via the liquid it produces but you can also use that liquid to treat psoriasis/dry skin. He used the liquid and dabbed it over his psoriasis daily and the results were amazing. The color on his legs turned from a very fierce dark red to a very light grey/red type color, basically to the eye it looked a lot less violent. He had nothing but praise for it and couldnt believe the results. I know this could possibly be different for each person but it may help you and its certainly worth a try. These mushrooms have to be left in a jar and it produces its own liquid somehow (i dont know exactly the process), i also heard that you arent meant to use any steel spoons or anything while using/dealing with it and to keep it in a plastic type jar.

I really hope it helps, as i say i know very little about it but i was really impressed with the results i seen.

Twelfth Man · « **Reply #85 on:** March 10, 2016, 08:27:11 am »

Quote from: AB LFC on March 10, 2016, 02:56:23 am

How depressing to think I made this thread 10 years ago and my skin condition is worse than it's ever been. The psoriasis is getting too much and itches like mad despite putting cream on everyday. Anyone used any specialist creams or herbal stuff they would recommend? Need to get rid of this asap, feels like I spend half my life nowadays just scratching.

Mate, I suffered from horrific eczema all through my early teens and young adulthood. Essentially everywhere apart from my face, it was extremely debilitating and stressful, it felt like all my time was spent scratching. For me a large part of it was psychological. That type of stress can come out in all sorts of ways. Being an introvert, and in a pretty bad situation at home, plus typical growing up adolescent stuff, it came out as eczema. I'm sure you must have done all the food allergy stuff by now. If you are an anxious sort, maybe ask your doc for some help with that, it makes the scratching a lot worse. As for creams, it is good to avoid the steroids as much as you can. I used aqueous cream (which is pretty much the default thing docs give out). Sitting under a sunbed dries out and smoothes the skin, but is not very practical and only works short-term (Ben Elton use to do this). Creams will only bring short-term relief. To get rid of it totally, you have to move into a better space, state of mind etc (sounds a bit airy fairy but after a decade or more suffering with this shit at the worst possible time, I am convinced a lot of eczema has a mental factor). Sport helps, as does getting into stuff that you are passionate about. So you can lose yourself in those activities and give your skin a chance to heal. And the longer you can stretch those periods between scratching frenzies, your skin will slowly start healing. Soon enough you will reach a tipping point, and it will be downhill from there. I feel for you mate.

Ziltoid · « **Reply #86 on:** March 10, 2016, 10:15:32 am »

Quote from: AB LFC on March 10, 2016, 02:56:23 am

How depressing to think I made this thread 10 years ago and my skin condition is worse than it's ever been. The psoriasis is getting too much and itches like mad despite putting cream on everyday. Anyone used any specialist creams or herbal stuff they would recommend? Need to get rid of this asap, feels like I spend half my life nowadays just scratching.

I'm just getting over a really bad bout of psoriasis - never had it before. The doctor put me on tablets for treating fungal infections - I was on for 4 weeks. It took about a week for them to kick in but once they did it got a lot better. I also think it got better because i kicked alcohol in the head. I suffered quite bad with eczema as a child but never really got bad again, usually came out when i was stressed on my arms and behind my knees. My head has been very bad as well, basically just one huge scabby mess. My hair started falling out at one point but I've got some liquid eczema steroid and that's working. Unfortunately the psoriasis seems to be coming back in little blotches on my back and the backs of my legs which is pissing me off

Here's a couple of pics, not pleasant (about Christmas time) - bear in mind this was everywhere.

smithng · « **Reply #87 on:** March 10, 2016, 10:17:26 am »

Quote from: AB LFC on March 10, 2016, 02:56:23 am

How depressing to think I made this thread 10 years ago and my skin condition is worse than it's ever been. The psoriasis is getting too much and itches like mad despite putting cream on everyday. Anyone used any specialist creams or herbal stuff they would recommend? Need to get rid of this asap, feels like I spend half my life nowadays just scratching.

I've suffered from psoriasis for a similar amount of time.
What treatment you on? I've been taking tablets, Fumaderm (on prescription from dermatologist) most recently, which have helped a lot.
Use Doublebase Gel cream and Doublebase Emollient Shower Gel which help relieve it.
Also Dovobet Gel to help clear it up.
I've tried a fair few herbal creams etc,. but nothing comes close to the proper pharma ones.

AB LFC · « **Reply #88 on:** March 11, 2016, 07:50:16 pm »

Appreciate all the advice, will most definitely take them on board.

Currently, I'm using Betnovate and Hydrocortisone. The later is useless, does nothing for me. Betnovate is very good but still doesn't do the job properly. Thinking of buying some coal tar cream, heard its one of the best things to use? My legs look terrible right now, looks like I've got chronic skin disease. Going on holiday in Mat so really wanting to clear things up before then. Stress does play a major part but sometimes can't help but be stressed over certain things.

CornerFlag · « **Reply #89 on:** March 11, 2016, 08:24:01 pm »

Go the doctor's. If needs be you may have to see a dermatologist but you'd know one way or the other.

I had terrible eczema all up the inside of my legs and behind my knees when I was younger, luckily I've grown out of it for the most part (still use aqueous cream when I have flare-ups, even watered down as a lotion more often than that, skin goes lovely!) so I've gotten away with it I suppose.

sminp · « **Reply #90 on:** March 12, 2016, 06:41:01 pm »

I'm also a psoriasis sufferer and have been for about 10 years (since I was about 17). I have it really badly and UV treatment cleared it up for about 3 months but it's come back with a vengeance. I'll post up what I'm on later but it's probably quicker to tell you what I'm not on

the good half · « **Reply #91 on:** May 5, 2016, 09:16:38 am »

Does anyone else get this:

Intense itching but without rash
Comes on at night
Totally random in areas - mostly arms and shoulders
Calmed by antihisthemine but not always
Doesn't impair everyday activities

And it ain't an STD

BarryCrocker · « **Reply #92 on:** May 5, 2016, 10:27:49 am »

Quote from: the good half on May 5, 2016, 09:16:38 am

Does anyone else get this:

Intense itching but without rash
Comes on at night
Totally random in areas - mostly arms and shoulders
Calmed by antihisthemine but not always
Doesn't impair everyday activities

And it ain't an STD

Might be dust mites.

[new username under construction] · « **Reply #93 on:** May 5, 2016, 10:27:52 am »

Quote from: the good half on May 5, 2016, 09:16:38 am

Does anyone else get this:

Intense itching but without rash
Comes on at night
Totally random in areas - mostly arms and shoulders
Calmed by antihisthemine but not always
Doesn't impair everyday activities

And it ain't an STD

Do you get it when you get warm?

the good half · « **Reply #94 on:** May 5, 2016, 10:50:18 am »

Yes to both.

In the case of dust mites, BC I am surrounded by dust daily - as we all have I presumme. So thats hard to say.
Shadowbane, yes - but I don't know what comes first. If im kickin ball or playing tennis I don't have this problem. So I dunno what to think.

[new username under construction] · « **Reply #95 on:** May 5, 2016, 11:40:56 am »

Quote from: the good half on May 5, 2016, 10:50:18 am

Yes to both.

In the case of dust mites, BC I am surrounded by dust daily - as we all have I presumme. So thats hard to say.
Shadowbane, yes - but I don't know what comes first. If im kickin ball or playing tennis I don't have this problem. So I dunno what to think.

With playing tennis etc with moving around you might cool down a bit with the air. I used to get mental itching on warm night in bed. Only things so far that work is combination of the Selsun shampoo and getting out of bed a literally head to toe in Doublebase moisturiser :/

the good half · « **Reply #96 on:** May 5, 2016, 12:28:57 pm »

Quote from: shadowbane on May 5, 2016, 11:40:56 am

With playing tennis etc with moving around you might cool down a bit with the air. I used to get mental itching on warm night in bed. Only things so far that work is combination of the Selsun shampoo and getting out of bed a literally head to toe in Doublebase moisturiser :/

I drowned myself in Aqueous Cream last night and it felt lovely, but I can't do that for the rest of me days can I?

slaphead · « **Reply #97 on:** May 5, 2016, 01:16:08 pm »

I used to have a touch on my hands for years, cold weather used to be terrible.
The thing that worked for me was Aveeno Cream, I swear by it now and still use it to this day.
What I done was, I used Betnovate cream (prescribed) first, got it under control, then used Aveeno.
I haven't had an issue for 5 or 6 years now at least by just using Aveeno. a bottle is about 4 or 5 quid and it lasts me about a month.
I tried E45, Aleo Vera etc etc - Aveeno is the dogs bullox anyone with any kind of dry skin try it out

the good half · « **Reply #98 on:** May 5, 2016, 01:25:36 pm »

The thing is, up until a week ago, I had now dry skin at all.
Now it's exam week and I am getting married in 90 days odd - so stress might have a part to play.

What is getting to me is the itchiness.

(As I type, it's all good - but it'll be waiting for me at home)

AB LFC · « **Reply #99 on:** May 23, 2016, 02:20:54 am »

Update on this: Probably around 40% of my psoriasis has either cleared up or is in the process of clearing. Discovered two creams which Ive never used before but have worked wonders. First one is called Cosalic, contains coal tar and comes from India. Second one is Yiganerjing. Smells weird and looks like custard, even makes my skin go yellow for a while. But the best stuff I've ever used. Very strong and effective. As you guessed by the name, it's a Chinese cream. Got both on Ebay, comes highly recommended.

sminp · « **Reply #100 on:** May 23, 2016, 08:43:45 pm »

Quote from: AB LFC on May 23, 2016, 02:20:54 am

Update on this: Probably around 40% of my psoriasis has either cleared up or is in the process of clearing. Discovered two creams which Ive never used before but have worked wonders. First one is called Cosalic, contains coal tar and comes from India. Second one is Yiganerjing. Smells weird and looks like custard, even makes my skin go yellow for a while. But the best stuff I've ever used. Very strong and effective. As you guessed by the name, it's a Chinese cream. Got both on Ebay, comes highly recommended.

What's your process for using them mate? Is it one in the morning and the other in the evening? Also I've just seen the cosalic shampoo on Amazon, have you tried that?

Also which seller are you using on ebay?

Sorry for bombarding you with questions

AB LFC · « **Reply #101 on:** May 24, 2016, 08:18:20 am »

Quote from: sminp on May 23, 2016, 08:43:45 pm

What's your process for using them mate? Is it one in the morning and the other in the evening? Also I've just seen the cosalic shampoo on Amazon, have you tried that?

Also which seller are you using on ebay?

Sorry for bombarding you with questions

I'm using it twice a day at the moment. Depends how severe or how itchy your skin is.

Nope thats only for scalp psoriasis which I dont have. I use the Cosalic cream, seller is from India. Only took 10 days to get here which was quick.

The seller I bought it off doesnt have any at the moment. Search yiganerjing on Ebay and itll come up with the cream, its a yellow and red tube.

PHIL. · « **Reply #102 on:** May 24, 2016, 10:23:31 am »

I don't have eczema, but used to have loads of problems with dry skin. I moisturise with coconut oil now and have no issues at all.

What I like about it most is that it's non-sticky so you can put it on and be done with it straight away. You can get a tub that will last you months for about £8.

sminp · « **Reply #103 on:** May 24, 2016, 02:52:41 pm »

Quote from: AB LFC on May 24, 2016, 08:18:20 am

I'm using it twice a day at the moment. Depends how severe or how itchy your skin is.

Nope thats only for scalp psoriasis which I dont have. I use the Cosalic cream, seller is from India. Only took 10 days to get here which was quick.

The seller I bought it off doesnt have any at the moment. Search yiganerjing on Ebay and itll come up with the cream, its a yellow and red tube.

Yeah I found both creams on eBay, there's a shit load of sellers though. I'm gonna order some later, itching like a bastard today. My legs are particularly bad

paulrazor · « **Reply #104 on:** May 25, 2016, 10:16:41 am »

Its absolutely horrible isnt it

about 5 years ago mine flared up on my legs. they itched like crazy, wearing jeans and even socks irritated the fuck out of me. hot water was a short term relief but long term did more harm than good. Skin would go all weepy and scabby, fabric of clothes would stick to you etc.

visit to a doctor, some of that aveeno shower gel was recommended but jesus its dear, some other creams aswell, hydrocortisone, steroid cream etc and it seemed to clear it up

my hands however got real bad, I wash them a lot, I have an allergy to dust, i try to use hand cream etc. I wash them a lot but that didnt help of course. I just hate having dirty hands, an ad i saw years ago about some guy giving himself food poisoning stuck with me (in the ad, he sneezed into his hands before eating a sandwich). also i hate when i see people going to a toilet and not washing their hands, one person really annoyed me over this. We had a french student years ago who just never washed his hands, he was using our computer and the dirt of the computer mouse after him was stomach turning.

I literally scrub them clean but about late 2011 early 2012 they started to get real bad, itchy, sweaty, scabby, skin would feel tight etc. Our doctor was quite dear at the time so i was reluctant to go (the previous time i went with my legs it set me back 90 euro).

It dragged on for years, its easy to say dont scratch it but sometimes you cant help yourself. Tried wearing gloves and used all sorts of moisturizer and creams etc. Would clear up then eventually it was if your skin got immune to the treatment and you would be just back to square one.

Again sometimes boiling hot water was sometimes the only way to get relief but as i said before that would only make things worse in the long run, i was getting married last year and i didnt wanna have red raw scabby bloody looking hands for that. I went for an allergy test about 3 months prior and they said sodium was something showing up as something I would take a reaction too and to cut it down. The only thing is its in bloody everything from milk, to soup to even shower gel and soap.

However the creams they gave me and the free prescriptions i now have in the uk seem to have finally cleared it up.

Its absolutely horrible when you have it though, you feel like a freak.

.adam · « **Reply #105 on:** May 25, 2016, 10:27:25 am »

Come down with another bout of shingles on my face. This is the fourth time I've had it and I'm only 30!

I'm going to have a word and see if I can get the vaccination as I'm surely a candidate for it.

kesey · « **Reply #106 on:** May 26, 2016, 12:54:19 pm »

Quote from: rob1966 on December 2, 2011, 06:27:02 pm

Aloe Vera gel has been brilliant in controlling/clearing up the eczema in both my lads.

Oooh you old hippy

How dare you suggest gel from a plant with no shite in it works.

RedSince86 · « **Reply #107 on:** May 26, 2016, 03:55:02 pm »

Amlactin Moisturising Body Lotion.

Thank me later.

It's about $19.99 at Costco here for the 20oz largest bottle but around double that on Amazon UK,but it's fantastic stuff for dry skin as the Lactic Acid is a deep self absorbing exfoliator,i use it in winter and it does the job.Just reading through the thread and was surprised no one has mentioned this stuff.

They do smaller bottles for testers as well.

Check the comments out.

http://www.amazon.com/AmLactin-12-Moisturizing-Lotion/dp/B000TTPZQ6

Twelfth Man · « **Reply #108 on:** May 28, 2016, 10:25:53 pm »

Please don't use this stupid shit. A large part of this is psychological.

AB LFC · « **Reply #109 on:** May 29, 2016, 05:24:25 am »

Quote from: Lfsea on May 28, 2016, 09:30:31 pm

Read this thread on holiday but couldn't reply due to awful signal.

Please remember that if you are using coal tar, to check its % concentration in the cream. It is highly carcinogenic in high percentages and should only be used in small quantities for very short periods and not like you would use a protopic ointment.

Didnt know this at all, thanks for the heads up. How much is recommended and how often?

[new username under construction] · « **Reply #110 on:** May 29, 2016, 09:47:10 am »

Have we covered Coconut oil? That stuff seems great for this kind of thing. I used it myself when getting itchy.....Plus my hair ends up looking like Emre's

sminp · « **Reply #111 on:** May 29, 2016, 11:29:18 am »

My doctor loads me up with coal tar products and so did my previous doctor. I've known the risks from the start but I only have 2 options really, I either suffer really badly (it's horrendous) for all of my life or I take the coal tar products and accept that one day I'll probably get skin cancer. I've taken the view that the coal tar products is the better option for me.

Terry_Tibbs · « **Reply #112 on:** May 30, 2016, 08:38:43 pm »

I suffer badly cracked and split knuckles, to the point that they're bleeding everywhere, and about the only thing I find that works for me is this stuff from France called Vita Citral (there's several variants of it, I use the red tube) my old dear has eczema and it was she who put me onto giving this a try:

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=vita%20citral

Hij · « **Reply #113 on:** May 30, 2016, 11:35:37 pm »

Mine used to be very bad when I was younger but not so much anymore. Generally get it on my stomach very bad occasionally - but using the Fucibet Cream I was given on prescription knocks it out pretty fucking quick - apply at night for a couple of days and then it's gone.

AB LFC · « **Reply #114 on:** May 31, 2016, 11:06:15 am »

Just had a look at the tub and the concentration is 6%. Wondering whether to stop using it now.

thejbs · « **Reply #115 on:** June 1, 2016, 09:18:01 am »

When I go to a hot country for 2 weeks or more, it clears up on it's own. UV and Vitamin D, I'm guessing. In Spain for almost a month now and it's all but cleared up.

Lawnmowerman · « **Reply #116 on:** June 1, 2016, 06:00:06 pm »

Quote from: shadowbane on May 29, 2016, 09:47:10 am

Have we covered Coconut oil? That stuff seems great for this kind of thing. I used it myself when getting itchy.....Plus my hair ends up looking like Emre's

Organic raw virgin coconut oil. Eat 3 teaspoons spread out over a day aswell. Could or should help. Only had a little trouble with dry skin a while back though. Nothing that folk in here experience
http://www.treelight.com/health/nutrition/CoconutOil.html

I've been a good boy · « **Reply #117 on:** September 4, 2018, 07:26:28 pm »

Anyone on here suffer or suffered from psoriasis and could recommend a strong cream to get rid of it? My skin feels like fire everytime I itch and is cracking badly.

Seen some posts earlier on here about coal tar but the stuff sounds dodgy

soxfan · « **Reply #118 on:** September 4, 2018, 08:02:51 pm »

I may have a solution for some of you. I have a mild but recurrent case of seborrheic dermatitis. I get flaky red skin near my eyebrows, on the sides of my nose and on the center patch of my sternum area.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710

A doctor told me years ago to use a product with ketoconazole in it.
https://www.rxlist.com/ketoconazole-cream-drug.htm#indications_dosage

I use the dandruff shampoo Nizoral which you don't need a prescription for (in the US). It contains 1% ketoconazole. Other brands are Xolegel, Extina (I've not used those) You can also get stronger creams and pill versions from your doctor.

In my case, I scrub myself in the affected areas about twice a week while I'm in the shower. Let it sit for 2 minutes or so and then scrub it in with your fingers. You can feel the flaky skin coming off. It clears it out immediately (plus dandruff in my hair, which I get a little bit of) and my skin & hair look good for another 3-4 days before I need to do it again. I use regular soap on the other days.

It's great stuff. Works better than the coal tar-based shampoos for me. Might not work for other skin conditions, but if you have something similar to what I have, give it a try.

Big Red Richie · « **Reply #119 on:** September 4, 2018, 09:26:47 pm »

Quote from: King.Keita on September 4, 2018, 07:26:28 pm

Anyone on here suffer or suffered from psoriasis and could recommend a strong cream to get rid of it? My skin feels like fire everytime I itch and is cracking badly.

Seen some posts earlier on here about coal tar but the stuff sounds dodgy

Have a word with a pharmacist, for advice. Pharmacists these days are just as knowledgeable as the doctors, in many cases.
See if you can buy something over the counter.

If your psoriasis is getting to the point of cracking, then you'll probably need something a little stronger, maybe steroid based. For that, you'll need to be prescribed something, so go and see your GP, and maybe get referred to a dermatologist.