Should emollients make your eczema worse before better? How long to persevere with new emollient?

[Budgie5]

Hi there, should emollient make your eczema patches redder after applying? And itchier? Is this to be expected while your skin re-moisturises? How long should you persevere before accepting an emollient does not suit you? Ive tried so many, which I give up quickly because they don't improve the skin, now trying doublebase flare relief, it makes my eczema redder. have been using a week. should I continue?

[Raystill]

Hi, I would think that anything which you apply, that makes things worse, should be stopped immediately. Have you tried using Epimax Cream as a soap substitute and Isomol Gel as a moisturiser - neither contain any fragrances?

[Budgie5 in reply to Raystill]

Yes tried but thank you

[lovesradio]

I am with Raystill on this one. It can be a minefield tring to find right emollient. I am ok with Doublebase gel, but react badly to Diprobase though both are made by Dermal. Good luck with finding one that suits you.

[Budgie5 in reply to lovesradio]

Thank you! It’s proving hard to find anything I don’t react to!

[Hidden]

Have you been to a dermatologist. Unfortunately, everyone's case of eczema is different. What works for me, might not work for you. You really need a doctor to help you find the best course of treatment, self treatment rarely works. I wish you well, I've been living with it for most of my life and I know how annoying and painful it can be and all the ways it disrupts your life.

[Budgie5]

Thank you Yes I have been. Done steroids, done all kinds of emollients, which my skin does not like - and to be honest it’s worse since seeing a consultant derm. I feel like using nothing at all and seeing if my body rebalances my skin by itself.

[lillyofthevalley37]

Try taking.inositol it has really helped me

[Budgie5]

Oh thank you lillyofthevalley37 I'd never heard of that, but I see it affects your immune system so may be worth a try? Did a doc recommend to you?

[Carlettejaque]

I found this too. I am very sensitive to soft white paraffin and alcohol which is in most of these preparations. I found the best moisturiser is good old fashioned Vaseline. It hss a different molecular structure to other petroleum based products. For hands you can't beat Stoko Cream. If you are sensitive to emmolients prescribed by your GP then dont use them, your skin wont get used to them.

[Budgie5]

Hmm stoke cream? Never heard of it, thanks I will take a look. Re vaseline I know it's gentle but it traps the heat inside so my skin can't breathe and heat is a major problem for me at the mo in flaring you my skin - it's all menopause related, which has dried my skin and also the hormonal fluctuations have affected my immune system - apparently - and triggered all kinds of allergies!

[B2B1]

Hi there, I’ve just had a look on the eczema group (I’m also in the asthma group) and wanted to say I have the same problem as you in that all the emollients prescribed by doctors make me worse.

I’ve never been patch tested (I was supposed to be patch tested after a course of photo therapy 12 years ago but the appointment never materialised and as my skin had improved so much with the phototherapy I didn’t push for it).

I’m sure it’s paraffin in the creams that’s make me react to them but asking the doctors for something without it results in picking up the prescription from the chemist only to find that yet again they have given me something that contains paraffin. They don’t listen

I’ve found that Dr Organic Tea Tree Skin Lotion and also the Vitamin E variety works as a body lotion for me and I don’t react to it. It does irritate my hands a little bit though so I can’t use it as a hand cream

It’s expensive £7.99 a tube but Holland and Barrett often have deals on so that’s when I get it.

My skin has also improved since taking an Omega 3 supplement- I take the children’s Haliborange one, again expensive but worth it in my opinion! Bought for my children originally and thought I’d try it as well!

As I say I’m still on the lookout for a hand cream or something to moisturise the dryness on the back of my hands and fingers from all of the hand washing at the moment.

Sorry this was so long, but hope it helps in some way!

Good luck and all the best 😊

PS. I’ve also found that improving my diet with lots of veg has helped my skin. I’m growing kale in the garden and when I have a portion of it with my dinner I find my skin condition is good. Also remembering to drink some water in the day. x

[Budgie5]

Hello there

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond and in detail. I have recently bought Avene xeracalm which has minimal ingredients and no paraffin. It’s expensive - £16.50 for the cream - but it is very good and is the only thing that does not further inflame eczema. They also have a richer balm version (£18.50) but I’ve discovered I can’t tolerate that balm (perhaps because paraffinium is second on list) but the cream is excellent and lasts ages so may be good for your hands. I will give your tea tree lotion a try although I’m not good with fragrance (natural or otherwise) these days. Thanks again. Nb they often have deals on Avene (not aveeno btw) in Boots and Superdrug (online Superdrug, shops don’t sell)