Does anyone know an OTC or 'natural' treatment for eczema??

**cab54** · 12-13-2009, 03:42 PM

I have a pretty large spot of eczema on my left shin. Only. But it itches and grows a little at a time. Finally went to a dermo about 2 years ago and she gave me 2 creams, which = $320 together.....no insurance coverage. Fine. At least they worked fairly well--------for awhile. Now even the stronger cream doesn't do anything at all. I really really don't want to go back and keep spending mega-$$ on something that's less than effective anyway.

Is there a tried and true remedy that's over the counter? Or a 'natural' substance or oil or something that helps? I've tried so many things--tea tree oil, aloe gel, noxzema (which got it's name from no-eczema), heavy moisturizing creams, OTC cortisone cream, 100% Shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, pond's cold cream (LOL, desparation), cetaphil, vaseline....you name it.

I've read a couple of articles about Albolene cream (hard to find) is good, and also a couple of things that Vermont Country store sells online say they work for eczema.

Any ideas? Did your grandmas use anything that helped?

**lisaflex** · 12-13-2009, 03:47 PM

dd had it as an infant.

we ended up having to go the derm for RX.

but, we started out using cetaphil as a wash (no water) and aquaphor. we also put aveeno w/1% hydrocortisone on it at night.

hope that helps

**nancycg56** · 12-13-2009, 04:04 PM

I use this product from the Vermont Country Store ~ http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/b...9?evar3=BROWSE ~ and I think it's wonderful. It says it's good for eczema, too.

I have terrible dry skin due to some medical stuff and regular moisturizer takes care of most of it but I had some areas that nothing would touch. I bought this and it worked like a charm ~ no more incredibly dry areas. It seems expensive to me but I think it's worth it.

Have you tried Calming Cream by Eucerin? Or Sarna Cream? They can be found in regular places like Target, WM, etc. and both work pretty well. Some days my skin just itches like crazy and both have worked well.

**2ndGenGranola** · 12-13-2009, 04:15 PM

cutting out dairy and/or wheat products

**cab54** · 12-13-2009, 04:43 PM

Thanks for the replies.

911laob--I haven't tried any Aveeno products yet, but have tried .1% cortisone before. I have Aquaphor on my store list as I've been reading a lot about it online. I did try that Eucerin Cream that's more like a salve. But.....I got the WM version of it. Ingredients were the same. Everything helps for just awhile.

nancycg56--Funny, I was just looking at those different ointments and creams on VCS site last night, trying to decide on one. I may try that! Although 25 dollars is pricey, it's a lot cheaper than my RX which isn't working anymore......

2ndgengranola--I had wondered about which foods might be causing it, but then I read on two sites where doctors felt that after age 6, food was less of an issue with eczema. I may try cutting stuff out, starting with dairy. See what happens...

What are your thoughts about emotional causes/aggravators??

**lottaLove** · 12-13-2009, 05:00 PM

I usually don't have eczema. Right now I'm pregnant with #2, and from about 7 weeks on I have had it so bad it is driving me crazy. I never had it at all with DS#1.
I would guess its because of some kind of changes in the body. Let me know if you find a cream that works.

**Trishagirl** · 12-13-2009, 05:21 PM

I have a spot on my left leg by my ankle area in the front it itches like crazy too I have the aquaphor that helps but doesn't get rid of it. Just moisturizes it. It itches more when it's very dry. I have tried many products may have to get sarna but it's expensive. But if it works it would be worth it. I don't eat much dairy but I eat alot of whole wheat products. Hmmm?

**joyofsix** · 12-13-2009, 05:26 PM

My ds had it badly as an infant and still has some spots. Don't cringe but I used to cover it with crisco and a soft piece of flannel to keep it off his clothes. I'm not sure if that is medically kosher but it worked, better than the aquaphor the doc said to use. Just my $.02. If it's a small area I think anything occlusive should work. Oh, and contrary to what people said his improved with daily bathing, gentle scrubbing with a soft washcloth and immediately covering the spots with the crisco.

**wanderinggrandma** · 12-13-2009, 05:31 PM

DD has problems with this also and the humidity back east where she now lives adds to it. NP recommended she try thin coating of dandruff shampoo on areas at night. It really has helped her. She uses a generic of Head and Shoulders. I would try small area at first to see if it helps and not worsen the condition.

**cab54** · 12-13-2009, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by joyofsix

My ds had it badly as an infant and still has some spots. Don't cringe but I used to cover it with crisco and a soft piece of flannel to keep it off his clothes. I'm not sure if that is medically kosher but it worked, better than the aquaphor the doc said to use. Just my $.02. If it's a small area I think anything occlusive should work. Oh, and contrary to what people said his improved with daily bathing, gentle scrubbing with a soft washcloth and immediately covering the spots with the crisco.

No, actually, a couple of sites I've read said to use Crisco! I'm considering it!

**zakity** · 12-13-2009, 09:53 PM

What about olive oil?

**frugalwarrior2** · 12-13-2009, 11:19 PM

True exzema is a chemical imbalance (auto immune family as is psoriasis). I got exzema and mom psoriasis. It is better or worse at times. Winter and stress make it come on for me. Sunlight and vitamin D are supposed to help. Just know that vit. D is fat soluable and can accumulate. Steroids can help but make your skin thin and to me do more damage than help. Gentle cleansers like Aveeno for sensetive or dry skin help. Dry your skin well by patting not rubbing. Shower every other day,just washing necessary areas everyday. Drink water,avoid caffiene. Don't use the hair dryer on affected areas. Got all that. lol. Been dealing for 40 some odd years. Some more than others. Preg. actually cleared mine. Go figure??

**Luckybustert** · 12-13-2009, 11:41 PM

Drinking lots of water and staying regular (getting enough fiber from fruits and vegetables) is extremely helpful. Neem oil is also good, but it's pretty stinky stuff.

**MaryCarney** · 12-13-2009, 11:43 PM

One thing I've not seen mentioned, but is definitely worth a try is an allergy medicine - like Claritin or even Benadryl (at night)

There is a definite allergy component to eczema (which I have the 'nummular' form) and it settles down quite a bit during hay fever season when I start back on Claritin. (You can buy the generic - loratidine 10 mg - for pennies a pill at Walgreens, WalMart etc)

The presecription stuff that has done me the most good is called halobetasol - $$ but I'm still on the teeny, tiny jar of it I got almost a year ago. Worth it, 'cause it was making me crazy - I had it right under my bra strap!

**Peaches** · 12-13-2009, 11:46 PM

Goat's milk soap. My DS has really severe eczema, and since we started using goat's milk soap, the eczema doesn't bother him so much.

Also, make sure you wear natural fiber clothes. When DS is exposed to man-made fibers, he flares up.