Dear Helplessly Itchy,

I have been able to control all areas of eczema on my body using a prescription cream called Elocon. For the past year or so, the only area that needs the medicine now is my face. I urge you to ask your dermatologist about this one; it eliminates the itch immediately for me. A patch of eczema randomly showed up on my cheek, and with one application of the cream it was gone and hasn't returned since. However, it does make my skin a bit lighter, but that is a lot better than having red flaky skin.

I also alternate using Eucerin cream (the Eucerin lotions that I've tried sting and don't help) and Aquaphor. I find that Aquaphor works better, especially if my skin breaks.

I hope that you at least try the non-prescription products that I use, because out of all the lotions, creams, and ointments that I've used, those are the only ones that have worked for me.

- Not-so-helplessly Itchy

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(2)
Dear Alice,

I have heard that excessive stress can be a cause of eczema, and that reducing the stress is one way to combat the problem from the inside (rather than creams which only treat the symptoms). Probably easier than it sounds, but I hope it helps.

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(3)
To the reader:

I too suffered intollerable eczema, and acne. I too suffered though useless dermatologist appointments that I waited three months to get and was in and out of their offices in three minutes! Go to a naturopath physician or herbologist!!! My skin issues are completely cleared. Eczema, acne, you name it!

I personally see an herbalist. The remedies are toally natural with extremely few to no side effects. My first consultation was two hours!!! Be prepeared to do some altering of your diet and implement some new eating habits, but it works. These people study your body and habits and create solutions using plants and plant materials and the food you eat! They work, and if you're at your wits end you've got nothing to loose. Good luck!

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(4)

To the reader:

This works for me:

Use a mixture in the proportion of 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of distilled water. Place mixture in a spray bottle and use on the dry areas. Let it stand for 5-10 min or longer if you have the time, then rinse. Repeat twice a day. I have used this once a day for my head and had results immediately. I would stay away from commercial soaps and laundry detergents. All the best!!!!