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MarilynW
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| Posted: Dec 31 2007 at 3:23pm | IP Logged
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I am having a horrible time. The doctor just writes steroid prescriptions. I am reacting to everything. Food does not seem to be an issue. I have tried California Baby Calendula - hoping it would be the miracle answer - but no improvement yet. Aveeno fragrance free is my next hope. The derm said to avoid Cetaphil, Eucerin, Aquaphor etc. She recommended Vanicream - but I am wondering if it is too heavy and not letting the skin breathe. I also have a prescription moisturizer called Mimyx - not sure if I am reacting to this.
Any recommendations (and plenty of prayers please)? I am trying to avoid the steroids except occasionally.
Thank you
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Marilyn
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stefoodie
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Marilyn, dh and dd are not here right now but they're using some lotion right now that's working better for them. They both have horrible facial eczema. Are you sure it's not food? They've both been tested (those 2-3 week culture things) and finding out what triggers these really help. Except they're not that disciplined and had several egg- and dairy-containing foods through the holiday season, hence the current outbreak.
Yes, LOTS of prayers for you! It's such a difficult thing to manage!! 
I'll update later when they get back to tell you about the lotion.
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MarilynW
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stefoodie wrote:
Marilyn, dh and dd are not here right now but they're using some lotion right now that's working better for them. They both have horrible facial eczema. Are you sure it's not food? They've both been tested (those 2-3 week culture things) and finding out what triggers these really help. Except they're not that disciplined and had several egg- and dairy-containing foods through the holiday season, hence the current outbreak.
Yes, LOTS of prayers for you! It's such a difficult thing to manage!!
I'll update later when they get back to tell you about the lotion. |
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Stef
The allergist did the prick tests - I did not test positive to dairy or wheat which are the most common eczema triggers. I did show some reaction to chicken and eggs and tree nuts as well as parsley so had the bloodwork for IGE. I am waiting for the doctor's call - but the nurse said that the IGE was negative except for the nuts - which I never eat anyway as my kids are allergic to all nuts.
I feel a little desperate - but cannot assume it is some other food - otherwise I will be too scared to eat and I am very thin anyway plus I am nursing.
How important is the food sensitivity in your dh and dd? I thought it was less important in adults. I am allergic to dust and dust mite too which are eczema triggers.
Please let me know about the lotion when you can. Also any other moisturizers or medication that works.I have not had any eczema since 1990 - so this is so tough for me. Nobody in my family or anyone I know has eczema - and I am struggling with the "ugliness" factor as well as the discomfort.
I just read your post again - what is the 2-3 week culture test? And how do they determine what to test for?
Thanks
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Marilyn
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amyable
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My dd has extremely sensitive skin - we have tried many many different kinds of supossedly gentle soaps and lotions (you should see my closet  ). The ONLY thing that does not aggrivate her eczema is Arbonne's (sp?) baby line...the soap and lotion. It is quite expensive but a little goes a long way. I believe they have a satisfaction guarantee.
Be careful also what you wash your hair with.
Some people can also be sensitive to highly chlorinated tap water (if nothing seems to be helping). I'll keep thinking... and praying!
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KackyK
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We were just at the allergist for my dd's eczema. They tested her for some food allergies and dust mites and she was negative on all. The allergist said that only 1/3 of all people who have eczema have an allergy that is the cause. This can be comforting and/or not I think. It means basically we (and possibly you too it is sounding) are in maintaining it mode and can't seem to prevent it.
Did this flare up with your pregnancy and/or birth of your baby? Could it be hormonal? Not that that is helpful, as obviously you can't do anything about that either...ugh.
Another idea, which is not preventive at all, but possibly soothing and not a steroid, is aloe vera gel. We use that on my dd when it seems to be really paining her...to take that burn away.
Sorry I'm not much help, but I'll pray for you Marilyn!
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Willa
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Have you checked things like laundry detergent? I know that's an obvious one, but I had a horrible outbreak of facial eczema when I was visiting my parents who used Tide detergent. Also, wool blends -- even wearing clothes that have been packed near wool will set me off.
Basically, I check everything that comes anywhere near my face. Plus look at changes in dryness in air; even your furnace filter might have allergenic residues. Hot showers or baths are another frequent culprit.
My skin can't seem to deal with Eucerin or even Aveeno, but I can use the Swiss Formula lotion and Vaseline Intensive Care lotion. That might be just me since I know many dermatologists recommend Eucerin and Aveeno.
I do use topical hydrocortisone ointment (the creams can be allergenic to some people and I am one of them) but only infrequently, during difficult flare-ups. Sometimes I take a single dose of Benadryl which seems to help get me past some outbreaks of itching that I can't account for.
Food isn't directly an issue for me either though when I overdo it on carbs I have more trouble with my skin so I might have a bit of intolerance of wheat.
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Willa
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KC in TX
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Oh, eczema on the face is awful. I have it and it was triggered by nursing after my 3rd child. I used the steroid cream off and on--using it when the flare ups were terrible. It was not food related because I had been off most of the triggers (except chocolate which does affect me). The derm thought it was hormonal and he was right. After I had number 4 and weaned her, the eczema has not flared (unless I've had too much chocolate and the discomfort is not bad enough to cut chocolate out of my life  ).
My 3rd daughter has pretty severe eczema and nothing worked for her except for this: triamicinolone acetonide cream (0.1%). I don't know if it's over the counter or not.
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MarilynW
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Thanks everyone. I did end up with tramiconolone on my face yesterday - could not bear it. I think maybe I need to accept that I will need to topical steroids sometimes until this flare is over. I have looked at all the stuff - no new detergents or chemicals or anything. I hope it is hormonal - I just feel so sad sometimes as I want to go back 4 months when I had no problem and could use whatever on my face. This phase has lasted since September. I have to stop looking in the mirror too!!!
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Marilyn
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amyable
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On the allergy boards I've visited, the moms have dealt with a lot of super serious eczema - the general consensus has been that using cortizones/steroids as prescribed daily until it is under control THEN moisturizing like CRAZY has been the key. So it's kind of a medicate/maintanence dance...which is at least better than having to medicate forever. But being generous with the medication part has been necessary to get it to the point where they COULD just maintain.
Still praying, and offering up my "don't want to look in the mirror either" for yours, dear Marilyn!
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Amy
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Mary Chris
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A friend of mine went through something like this a few years ago. She found a special diet on the internet and it worked wonders for her. I can try to ask her about it.
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Topic: Facial eczema solution
