13 year old with eczema – help? :'(?
Hey,
I have had eczema all my life. I have been to numerous doctors and dermatologists. All just give moisturisers which do absolutely nothing, and I’ve tried hydrocortisone 1% steroid – which hasn’t had a positive impact either.
I mainly suffer from eczema on my face and on some other parts of my body – but mainly my face. Due to constant scratching over the years, discolouration has formed, and I am now much much darker in some places on my face than my natural skin colour. This makes me so self conscious – I look hideous. Honestly.
I just want to be normal. I’m suffering with itchiness every day. I’ve tried eating a better diet, that did little help. The doctors are of no use to be honest, they just give moisturisers rather than actually curing the internal problems which cause it. I’ve tried explaining that to them, but as a 13 year old, why would they listen to me? lol.
Please don’t just list name of creams because I’ve used thousands – really. Sometimes, I just feel like giving up. I mean there doesn’t seem to be any sign of improvement and when people stare at you for ages, you know you’re not normal.
Any help or guidance in the right direction would be appreciated lots.
Thank you.
Have you been to a dermatologist and had them tell you what type of eczema you have? If not, do so.
Have you had an allergy test done? If not, get one. Sometimes eczema is caused by allergies….that means anything could trigger it – wheat, dairy, dandelions etc. anything you come into contact with or ingest.
Have you tried light therapy? Some cases of eczema are helped by UV exposure (yes a tanning bed), your derm would use PUVA.
How long did you try a better diet for? A few days, a few weeks? It has to be months in order for the body to adjust and kind of "reset" itself. You mention addressing the internal problem, so diet is extremely important.
The reason why they keep giving you moisturizers is because keeping the skin hydrated helps to relieve some symptoms.
You asked for some alternatives to creams and moisturizers, so here it is….try using a tanning bed (not to get a tan, go once a week), try a shampoo called Ceasz by a company called ecocare (yes I know it’s for your head, but try putting it on affected areas for 1-3 minutes) and last but not least… Try a supplement of red reishi – it’s a type of mushroom that’s been used in China for thousands of years. It balances the immune system, docs think eczema is a poor immune response, so don’t knock it until you try it!
After you get the eczema under control, then you can address pigmentation issues. Your doc can prescribe you something to lighten the darkened areas. Again though – treat the eczema first.
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Take a vitamin with 100% of yourr daily Zinc in it.
If u wear makeup make sure its all natural mineral-based.
Avoid any lotion, etc containing fragrance.
Also, I understand u’ve tried a lot of stuff, but here’s one more: Eucerin Calming Creme daily moisturizer. Put it on once or twice a day. It rly helped my redness & bumps go down, and its easy to find (its not prescription). I rly hope I helped, I understand ur problem.. (;
Has your Doctor or dermatologist referred you for any skin patch testing , blood tests, or skin-prick testing? That would help rule out anything your sensitive too. People with bad cases of Eczema usually have at least one of these tests done.
I would ask the doctor for tablets for itching of the skin – not necessarily antihistamines. But keep asking the doctor until you get tablets that work for you to relieve the itch. A lot cause drowsiness so preferably a non-drowsy tablet. I was prescribed extremely effective ones for itching of the skin but i cant remember the name.
On the positive side you are still only 13, so there is a chance you may outgrow your eczema going into adulthood. But always take a note of what you eat. Use only a small amount of shampoo. Avoid soaps and bubble baths. As for creams i would recommend Aveeno, particularly the skin relief lotion. Wash bedding weekly with a sensitive soap powder and comfort on at least 50 degrees to kill any bacteria dust mites. Keep your skin away from animal hair and wear breathable, comfortable material like cotton.
Vitamin C is great for the skin so try getting more of than. Fruit juices like pomegranate juice are rich in vitamin C. Spinach is really good too as it contains vitamins and minerals. Avoid as much msg as possible – its a flavour enhancer found in all the tasty quick food, noodles, crisps, usually everything packeted or processed. But just becuse food is natural dosent mean it wont effec t your skin! Eggs and bananas can be big eczema triggers, sometimes milk. Although milk has B vitamins. Also spices, citris(acidic) , shellfish tend not help eczema. Cut right down on your salt intake.
all the best
There is a new product coming out Feb 2011, that I have tried on my daughter who has eczema, that we have success in treating it. One of the best things about it is it is 100% chemical free. Check out http://www.chemfreeskincream.com. for more information on it. My wife also uses it on her face because she has in above her eyebrows, within 2 days her makeup goes on smoother, and it is almost gone.