How to get through everyday life

[klynn]

I am 23 years old and was just diagnosed with eczema yesterday. I have it on the back sides of my hands, back of my knees, scattered on my arms & legs, and my knees. I love the outdoors but after reading up on eczema see that I need to stay out of the heat/ cold, sun, keep from sweating, and outdoor allergens. I am at a lose of how to live with this skin issue. I had a bad flare-up after shaving my legs. My doctor proscribed a steroid cream but I hardly slept last night and woke up itching. My doctor wants me to use the cream at night because I wash my hands a lot through the day (I am a social worker that works with people in their homes and in the community). I know I can not take long hot showers (which I love), need to lotion-up after showers, need to try to stay cool, wear only cotton, and stay away from allergies but I am still learning what my allergies are...as a child I was not allergic to anything and about five years ago I began to have an allergy a year. First it was strawberries, then blueberries, mushrooms, outdoor (pollen, freshly cut grass), and now I am lactose intolerant. I feel like there is no end to this. I enjoy life and want to continue to do so. Please help me learn how to live a normal adult life with this skin problem.

[AnnaB]

Carry a small container of moisturiser with you and use it as your soap and also after each hand wash to moisturise.

[klynn]

Would it be better to use hand sanitizer as much as possible and wash hands very sparingly? I have lotion that I carry with me now, but can I over moisturizer? I have moisturizing lotion that is VERY thick and makes my hands feel slightly greasy but it does help (I used it in the winter when my hand were very dry. Before I found out I have eczema).

[allisonk]

K-lynn,

I too was diagnosed with eczema later in life (I was only 18), so I know the feeling. I battled severe eczema for 3 years, and now at 21...my eczema is under control and extremely manageable. When my eczema was "bad," it covered my right arm and hand.

One thing to always remember is that what works for some people will not necessarily work for you. I've found that a lot of the doctor-prescribed "safeguards" for preventing eczema and frustrating and provide little to no visible results. For example, I still take long, hot showers. I just moisturize well afterwards. I've never checked the labels on clothing,

Develop a daily routine-- both for when your eczema is under control and when it is flaring up. When my eczema is not acting up, I use store-brand Eucerin all over my body when I get out of the shower and a lightweight facial moisturizer on my face. For the inevitable, occasional flare-ups, keep track of the strength of your corticosteroids and use only the minimum that you'll need when you have a flare-up. For example, when I have a flare up, I use my strongest cream only on the affected area for one night. Then the next day, I regularly apply a medium-strength steroid, and by the 3rd day, it is (typically under control) and can be handled with either OTC hydro-cortisone or a very mild corticosteroid.

-Keep track of what and does not affect your skin. For example, I know that I can use scented lotion on other areas of my body without upsetting my eczema areas.
-Use "Sensitive Skin" labelled products when it's possible, but don't freak out if you can't find something. I use sensitive skin deoderant, sunscreen etc.
-Don't be afraid to try new organic or OTC products. For a while, my eczema was under control by using California Baby Oil's calendula cream and oil. Random, but it worked.
-Realize that what works to control your eczema will probably not control it forever. Your skin will develop a resistance to certain things, and they won't work any more. Adapt your routine accordingly.
-Always, always, always have moisturizer or an itch-relieving cream with you. Nothing is more detrimental to the healing of eczema than itching it. Although it is the most relieving thing in the moment, it only prolongs the flare-up. (I have told my close friends to tell me to STOP itching if they see me, and it's been very helpful as well).
-Find products that you like to use. You mentioned that your current moisturizer is greasy. Find a lighter weight one to wear during the day and you'll be likely to use it more often.

Best of luck as you embark on this journey! Before long, you won't even notice your eczema as maintaining it will become a small part of your every day life!

[kristinmiya]

K-Lynn,

I feel your pain! I've had eczema since I was in Kindergarten and now I'm 23. I'm also allergic to grass, trees, aspirin (includes things like red & yellow dyes, corn, etc), penicillin, pollen, dust . . . basically life lol! I hope a year into living with eczema you are learning how to manage this condition.

I'm new to this forum, and I'm interested to know if you've been able to keep up a "normal adult life". A lot of times I used to be upset that I wasn't "normal" but it must be a completely different perspective from someone who has just developed the condition vs. someone who has only known the condition.

Really hope you're doing well!
-kristinmiya

[Marcie Mom]

Hi!

It's not possible to over moisturize; if you are worried on why you seem to be allergic to more and more food, you may want to see an allergist.

I'll have a doctor (pediatrician) specializing in allergy to discuss that on Friday Dr Q&A on my blog eczemablues.com

Meanwhile, do drop by my blog, you can click the tag 'product label' to learn more about choosing sensitive skin product.
http://eczemablues.com/tag/product-label/

Thanks!
btw, I'm MarcieMom, mom of Marcie who has eczema since 2 weeks old.

[AtopicGirl]

Part of the frustration you're having sounds like it's because everything is so new to you. I've had eczema since birth; so, I've had a lot of time to develop my "normal". There will come a point when you know what your triggers are and can avoid them and you will have a new "normal". Definitely see an allergist/immunologist for your allergies.

Regarding creams, I agree with what everyone else has said. It's a matter of trial and error. You will find things that work for you and some that don't. The most important thing is to stick to your regime, without fail. I've found that it's best to have as wide a variety as possible of things that you find useful. That way, if you're not experiencing relief with something at one point, you can try something else in your "arsenal". Regarding the itching at night, if your doctor hasn't already suggested it, talk to him or her about using an anti-histamine. This may help with itching so you get some sleep and let your skin rest. The other thing I used when I was younger was socks on my hands, but now there are cotton mittens specifically designed to prevent itching your skin in the night. It's also a matter of giving your skin as much down-time as possible.

As for shaving, I have extremely sensitive skin; so, I only use an electric razor on my legs. I break out severely with any other type of hair removal. Also, I only shave when I have to since it is a trigger. I would definitely see if there's an eczema support group in your area. If so, it's a great way to find other people who can answer questions, give advice and just offer emotional support. The latter is so important with eczema. Of course, forums like this work really well, too.