According to research, the only way to help with uneven coloring is by keeping your skin moisturized, and over time (a couple years) it should go back to normal. However, this is not a guarantee. 

Does Tanning Help Eczema?

This is a question asked by many people who suffer from eczema.

Uneven Skin Tones
For starters, one thing that might help the process or relieving your uneven skin tones is light tanning. (This is something I use to do while in high school, but have stopped shortly after graduating. My doctor actually recommended that I try it. Whenever I became self conscious of my big uneven patches on my arms and legs, I would take a trip to the tanning salon to kind of blend everything in.)

It is important to not overdue tanning regardless of whether you are in the tanning bed or out in the sun. More than 20 minutes of sun exposure can be very harmful and can cause your skin to age faster. Therefore, if you decided to try tanning to help with uneven skin tones due to eczema, limit it to about once or twice a week at no more than 10 minutes each. 

Tanning Lotion Another important factor to think about is tanning lotion. It is vital that you do plenty of research to find a hypoallergenic tanning lotion. These types of moisturizers are less likely to irritate your skin and be more eczema tolerant. I have found that the best tanning lotion for those who have eczema is: Sweedish Beauty Shea You Love Me. You can click here or the picture for more information.

Apart from uneven skin tones, the real question is, does tanning help eczema?

Tanning to Cure Eczema
It is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe light treatment or even to suggest tanning as a treatment for eczema. Technically tanning beds mimic the sun by using UVA and UVB light bulbs. The reason tanning is a questionable treatment for eczema is because of the UV rays. These have been proven to help clear up eczema dramatically. However, It is important to be aware that UV light treatment is not for everyone. These rays can burn someone with pale skin faster than it can help them.

Ask your doctor about tanning or UV light treatment for your eczema. If you have tried this treatment before, what was your experience like? Let everyone else know by leaving a comment below. Feedback is very important!

This is a question I found that someone searched that lead them to my http://eczema-creams.org website.I just wanted to give this note to educate those who have not tried and are considering trying the Eucerin Intensive Repair. 

I hope this information helps and I wish everyone the best of luck =)

Alpha Hydroxy Acid

I had never heard of alpha hydroxy before, or I thought I hadn't, so I decided to do some research to figure out what it is. Upon researching, I found that alpha hydroxy acid is used to help repair damaged skin.  I also found information that stated alpha hydroxy may irritate skin and leave it looking red and being itchy and painful. My first reactions upon reading this one sentence is that someone with eczema should not try alpha hydroxy products and one should definitely stay away from the Eucerin product that features alpha hydroxy.

As I read further into the paragraph I also learned that using Alpha Hydroxy for long periods of time will leave your skin more sensitive (which if you have eczema, your skin is already sensitive and you want to avoid any additional sensitivity) to UV light. This means that if you come in contact with the sun, your are more prone to sunburn and/or sun-damage.

You may say well, "I wont be heading to the beach anytime soon", but just walking outside exposes you to the UV rays of the sun. And if you have eczema on your arms, face, chest, legs, or any other body part that may be exposed when wearing any particular outfit, you may get sunburn and it may hurt your skin even more. Even though UV light from the sun has been said to help those who suffer from eczema, being ultra sensitive wont help.

Even the FDA warns people that if you use Alpha Hydroxy, that you should wear hats and strong sunscreen when walking outdoors. If your skin is sensitive to begin with, you may also get another reaction from sunscreen that you put on. 

My Experience With Eucerin with Alpha Hydroxy

Now, as I stated earlier, I thought I had never experienced or heard of alpha hydroxy. However, I learned that a Eucerin product that I tried and advertise on Eczema Creams contains this alpha hydroxy ingredient.

Click here to see the review

After researching all that I found, I probably would not have tried Eucerin Intensive Repair. I re read over what I wrote and I still agree with my review. It did work. But it was also not my favorite lotion in the world and I probably wont try it again for a very long time, unless I am in need of a new lotion so I don't become accustomed to the eczema lotions I used on a daily basis. 

As I made in red font above, Alpha Hydroxy has possible side effects. Although, I did not experience these side effects while using this product. I was not more vulnerable to the sun and the lotion did not make my skin red or cause it to be in extra pain. 

Therefore, I will continue to keep my review up. Many products in the world come with possible side effects, but the keyword is possible. Just because it did not happen to me, doesn't mean it wont happen to another. We are all different. 

When trying this product, I advise to test it out on spots. For example, I have eczema on both of my arms so when I try new lotions, I put it on one arm and not the other. If you have a negative feedback, at least it is not on all spots.

My Experience with Xyzal

I have been using Xyzal for about 2 years now and I love it. It is the ONLY oral medicine that I feel like actually works. In all my 20 years of living with eczema, I have gotten prescriptions upon prescriptions of medicines that just don't do anything. However, that changed when I was introduced to Xyzal. 

I take Xyzal off and on depending on when I feel I need it the most. These past few weeks I started taking it again because my skin started to hurt.. It wasn't breaking out quite yet, but it was just in so much pain. I immediately leaned towards this oral medication and had instant relief from the pain within the day. I will say again, this is one medicine I will swear by and would and have recommended it to other people. 

Xyzal is Prescription Only

This oral treatment is not an over the counter medicine. You have to be given a prescription by your doctor first. If you don't have medical insurance, it can be quite expensive. Before my insurance kicks in, the cost is $131.39 for 30 5 mg tablets.

On that note, while Xyzal is still being sold, there is a new generic brand that is cheaper, but still quite expensive. The generic name of Xyzal is Levocetirizine and I have no clue how to tell you how to pronounce that =P Anyways, the retail price before insurance for the generic brand is $92.99.

Xyzal Alternative

Because not everyone has the luxury of being able to go to the doctor and filling prescriptions, I will tell you what my doctor told me. 

Xyzal is like a stronger form of the allergy pill Zyrtec. I love Zyrtec as well. Actually when I don't have the Xyzal, that is what I take. One time I told my doctor that I love Zyrtec because it is the only allergy pill that seemed to help me before I received Xyzal and that is when he told me that Xyzal is just a stronger version of Zyrtec. 

Zyrtec is much cheaper than Xyzal and you don't have to pay the doctor visit fee to purchase it. 

For More Information

You can visit the Xyzal Website for more information on Xyzal. I viewed their site and it has a lot of good information on the product and it explains into detail and with pictures how to oral treatment actually works. 

This is a very common question from eczema sufferers. 

Answers seem to differ depending on which source you go to. To verify:

The answer is yes, but it still being researched.

Your skin is exposed to a number of different irritants and allergens each day. When you allow your skin to be exposed to salt water, it helps to kill off those irritants. Not only is it useful to kill unwanted allergens, but salt water can also help your skin's natural barrier, allowing protection of future irritants. 

Swimming In The Sea

It is said that ocean water could play a part in reducing infection through healing minor cuts and scratches. Although the subject is still be researched, many parents and eczema sufferers believe that being submerged into the sea water helps their skin a great deal.

Swimming In The Tub

Many doctors and dermatologists have found that it is beneficial to take salt baths although it is not the first thing that they want to refer too. This is because salt water treatments for eczema is still being researched today. No one knows how strong the salt water needs to be in order for it to be effective. 

Sea Salt

When referring to salt water baths, I don't want anyone to get confused. It's not a matter of just mixing normal salt into your bath water. If you plan on trying this method, you need to buy sea salt. 

Doctors are unable to tell how high the concentration needs to be in order for this to work. There are a lot of unanswered questions dealing with the subject.

More Info

This blog article should sum the subject up better than I can. It explains the topic in more detail and even tells you how you can make the sea salt solution for your tub.

It may even be to your benefit to read into the comments as well. Some of the information may be useful. You will see that some people back up the salt water theory.

The other day I read that applying a wet cloth to your eczema sections could help reduce the hot, itchy feeling.

Now, at first, I was kind of shocked because water typically causes eczema to itch. Whenever I get my skin wet (other than showers, swimming, or any instance where my whole body is emerged in water) my skin gets even itchier than it originally was to begin with. For example, washing dishes causes my hands to itch uncontrollably. Another example, if it is raining outside and the water droplets land on my skin, it causes unnecessary itching. So you can see why I lifted an eyebrow when reading this. 

A Personal Experience With The Wet Cloth

As I was reading, I took a second to think about a spot I could test it on. Recently, the tops of my hands and my whole wrists have been breaking out pretty badly and have been itching 24/7, so that was my answer. Thus, I went and grabbed a wash cloth and soaked it with cold water and rung it out so the cloth was cool and damp. I then placed it over my hands and wrists for a couple minutes. 

The feeling while the cloth was on felt relieving. The itching disappeared and the hot sensation had gone away. The cool cloth numbs your nerve endings so you don't feel the pain / itchiness / hot feelings.

When I took it off, I tapped it dry and instantly applied a moisturizer. The coolness remained, however, the itchiness did not fully go away. I was still trying to scratch spots here and there, but I feel that the after effect was still worth it. I say that because there was no pain afterwards and my hands were no longer feeling warm. 

Focus On Treating One Symptom At A Time

In order to control eczema, you have to treat what you can. You may not be able to treat all the symptoms, but eliminating some here and there is what counts and is what helps. In this case, we were able to control and rid of the pain and warm feelings. The one thing that was uncontrollable was the itching. Two out of three is not bad. And whose to say that  this would not eliminate all three symptoms for someone else. 

Give it a try! Worst that could happen is that it doesn't help any of the symptoms. But at least you will know that. Remember, failure is success. 

An Alternative Treatment For Eczema

Also, if you are trying to really numb the itching, grab something out of the freezer or buy an ice pack. I use to hold an ice pack on my arms when I was laying down trying to sleep or when it is hot outside and I begin to sweat, I use cold objects from the freezer to help keep my body temperature down, as well as numb spots that are itching.

Prosit is an oral medication you can try to help eliminate your eczema symptoms. 

The great thing about Prosit is that it is all natural! The capsul is a herbal-like substance that contains over 34 different amino acids and a variety of minerals and vitamins that are not only helpful to someone with eczema, but for anyone. Prosit will help everyone.

Prosit has been known to help many different symptoms (other than eczema and eczema symptoms).  Prosit has helped those who suffer from the skin diseases Psoriasis and Rosacea. It also has helped those who have Arthritis, Diabetes, Extra Weight, Cholesterol and Constipation problems. Prosit is designed to help you live a happier and healthier life.  

Why Prosit Should Be Used For Eczema

First, as mentioned earlier, Prosit is a natural and herb-like which can be considered as another natural treatment or Eczema! Being natural means that there are little or no side effects! So there is no harm in trying it.

Prosit's main herb is Aloe Ferox. The Aloe Ferox is taken from its natural state, which is a plus because it is then not messed with and no outside chemicals touch it. It remains all natural. The great thing about Aloe Ferox is that it is a detox and is known for its cleansing properties.  Aloe Ferox is strong and is a special part of Aloe (a herb used for eczema herbal treatments) in general.  This herb relies on itself to survive in the wild. It survives of  its own immune system.

For many who suffer from eczema, the immune system is very weak. Another plus to Prosit is that it will help boost your immune system and make it stronger. 

Second, Prosit contains not 1, but 34 different amino acids. Eczema sufferers especially need the fatty amino acids to help redue their eczema symptoms.

A lot of people who suffer from skin diseases are told that they should try oil pills, such as fish oil. Prosit would be a perfect substitute for these oral medications. 

There are many benefits to Prosit. The best thing about it is that it is ALL NATURAL! There is no harm in trying prosit to help reduce your eczema symptoms. 

Prosit For The Family

If you ordered Prosit, not just you (the eczema sufferer) but the whole family can benefit from this. Order one bottle and get everyone to try it. See if it helps anyone else in their daily life or other personal problems. Each bottle comes with 30 capsuls. Plenty to go around!

Eucerin Calming Creme works wonders for eczema.  Eucerin, in general, is one of the best working brands of lotions.

During the winter time, you want a thick and effective lotion that will keep your skin inflammation tamed.  I would suggest you try Eucerin Calming Creme for that purpose.  This lotion is made for dry and itchy skin and it holds true to its word when it reduces those symptoms as well as the redness.  

Eucerin Calming Creme Does Sting

This is a good lotion to lather yourself in.  Be aware that if you have new scratches or open wounds, that it can and will sting.  The sting lasts about a minute or so and then it fades away and you have a well moisturized surface.  If the sting becomes too intense for you, as it does me sometimes, try putting it on in different parts.  That way you don't feel the sting on your whole body at once.  

Use Eucerin Calming Creme Twice A Day 

You should use this product at least twice a day–Once when you wake up (after you shower) and once before you go to bed (after you shower).  The lotion remains on your skin for a good amount of time and does't come right off.  Eucerin products in all are very good moisturizers and do a good job at holding true to each products description.  

If you have not already, I recommend you try Eucerin Calming Creme.  It is always good to have more than just one or two different lotions you use.  That way you can switch up more often and have a lesser chance of growing immune to a product that works well for you.  It never hurts to give something new a try.  

What Is Corticosteroid?

Corticosteroids aka cortisone, are of course, steroids.  They are a fake, constructed version of the body's hormone cortisol that have been used since the 1950's for skin inflammation.  Anytime you are taking steroid medicine or using it topically, you are putting yourself in the path of side effects.  Side effects range from little to big.  
You can experience: 

• Weight gain
• Loss of taste, smell
• Change in appetite
• Vomiting (Caused by oral corticosteroids)
• Weakened Immune System
• Irregular heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nervousness
• Loss of sleep
• Rashes
• Swelling (face, lips)
• Acne
• Muscle cramps
• Pain
• Loss of sight
• Cataracts
• Kidney failure
• Osteoporosis (Loss of bone density due to long term treatments of steroids)
• Depression
• Menstrual peoblems
• Glaucoma (Which is caused by ointment being around the eyes)

The list just goes on and on to an endless count.  Sometimes you will be taking a steroid and not experience side effects, but they can sneak up and haunt you later on.  

Corticosteroids are meant to treat inflammation, swelling, redness, etc.  Other times, it can be used to help treat asthma, arthritis, and those who suffer from severe allergies.  Corticosteroids are used as a temporary alternative treatment for eczema, skin conditions, allergies, etc.

There are different types of corticosteroids:

• Topical
• Injected
• Inhaled
• Oral

All types are dangerous to use.  Just because topical corticosteroids are applied on the surface, doesn't mean you can't experience the side effects.  When a topical steroid is applied on the surface, it seeps through the skin and still gets in.  This will make it so you can experience the side effects and your kidneys will still suffer because they work so hard to get it out through urination.  Using corticosteroids as eczema treatments is very risky.

Topical Corticosteroids 

Topical corticosteroids include ointments, lotions, foams, etc, that aren't as strong as prescribed ointments and are sold over the counter.  If you decide to use one of these, it is best to use it for a couple short days and turn over to another cream.  Topical steroids can cause thinning of the skin, loss of pigment color, easy bruising.  You should always remember to stay away from your face.  Your face is one of the most sensitive parts when it comes to steroid creams and will very easily result in splotches.  If a doctor ever prescribes me a steroid cream, they always make sure I know to never apply it to my face.

Oral Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids come in the form of pills as well and this eczema medication can only be received through doctor prescription.  These are mostly used for severe cases and for short periods of time because of the long-term side effects.  

Injected Corticosteroids

The can also be injected through shots.  I personally have had this done one time and on the same spot it was injected, I know have a dent in my arm because it broke down my tissue.  Even though my shot was for my eczema, injected corticosteroids are generally used to treat  joint problems and is only allowed 4 to 5 times a year due to the long-term side effects.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

You can also inhale corticosteroids.  This is mainly used for asthma or those with allergies.  You inhale them into the lung airways and it reduces inflammation, which in result reduces asthma attacks.  

Corticosteroids While During A Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and taking steroids, it may cause problems for the baby when it is born.  If you must use steroids while pregnant, the best way to go is to inhale them.  If you are using steroid creams to treat a skin condition, make sure you use them the right way so you don't cause any problems during the pregnancy.

If you are breastfeeding and taking steroids, the drug gets passed to the baby through the milk and may cause growth problems for the baby such as a clef lip and palate.  However, creams and topicals have not shown problems while breastfeeding, just don't apply it to the breast before breastfeeding.  Talk to your doctor if you are wanting to use steroids during a pregnancy.

As you can see, there is a lot of definition when it comes to corticosteroids.  I hope you read through and learned exactly what corticosteroids are.  I know some may have only through it was a pill or a lotion when in fact it comes in many different forms.  

Talk to you doctor about corticosteroids before making the decision to use them.  Your doctor should closely supervise you while you are taking any form of steroids.  And PLEASE take caution.  Do not let yourself get addicted.  It is easy when you experience clean and clear free skin.  Stay as healthy as you can be! Good Luck!

Eczema's Most Annoying Rule: Don't Scratch

Lets start with how to maintain your eczema so it doesn't get worse than current circumstances.
The most annoying thing you will hear from now on, (I can vouch for this) is people telling you not to scratch.  Scratching leads to breaking of the skin, which then will follow by bleeding and then crusting and weeping.  Scratching also leaves you with open wounds that are vulnerable to get infected.  It is said that people with eczema are more likely to catch diseases than an average person.  There are eczema-causing bacteria inside your body that can be killed by antibiotics or even just lowering your sugar intake.  

Corticosteroids And Topicals For Eczema

You can go to a pharmacy and try to find over-the-counter corticosteroids to help reduce your inflammation but you must caution anything dealing with steroids.  They lead to many different side effects that you can read about on Help Your Eczema Without Steroid Creams and on Different Types Of Medication For Eczema.  Both posts list different information that will be useful to you when deciding about corticosteroids.  You should definitely see a doctor and get some professional intake.

There are two recommended topical medications for eczema that are US Food & Drug Administration Approved.  The two are called, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus.  They belong to a class called calcineurin inhibitors and work by modulating the immune system response.  The plus about these two topical creams are that they have no side effects, which is a better alternative treatment for eczema than a steroid cream.  Whether you use them for a couple days, weeks, months, years, you are still free of side effects.  YAY!   You can read more in depth about these two topicals on another post.

Eczema Home Treatment Tips

Eczema can partially be prevented by abiding by some home environment changes.

1. Wear breathable clothing (cotton! you must always remember cotton!)
2. Use mild or fragrance free :
   - soaps
   - shampoos
   - conditioners
   - lotions
   - shaving cream
   - after shave
3. Dust more often. 
   - clean your room and eliminate dust mites (parents should do this regularly for their children)
4. Avoid Temperature Changes. 
   - Don't sweat
   - But also, Don't over use air conditioning and dry out your skin more.
   - Remain in between as much as you are able to control.

Eczema can happen at any age and time.  You are born with it and it may come out as a baby, child, 20's 30's, etc.  And it sucks no matter what.  But if we all stick together and come up with the best natural cures for eczema, maybe it wont be so bad anymore.  Thanks for reading! Good Luck!

Steroid creams are prescribed to reduce your eczema symptoms. (Inflammation, redness, itchiness)  However, many people, including myself, are afraid to use them too often.  Once applied to the skin, corticosteroids may have multiple negative side effects.  Some include:

1. Thinning of the skin
2. Formation of stretch marks (which has happened to me)
3. Dilation of the blood vessels
4. Skin infections
5. Rashes — Go Figure..
6. They may also cause metabolic imbalances if they accumulate in the body.
   - The reasoning for this is because your body already secretes the same bodily hormone as the steroid does.  Therefore, causing  competition of the topical cream hormone and the one secreted by your body to do the same job. (relieve inflammation, redness, itchiness)
   - Another imbalance that is caused is stress on the kidney.  This happens when using steroid creams (absorbed through the skin) and when you take steroid pills.  Your kidney has a hard time getting rid of the steroid through urination. 

The natural ways of treating your eczema are much better and have less or no side effects at all.  Natural can be defined as herbs, oatmeal baths, eczema home remedies, changes at home, and anything dealing with alternative treatments for eczema.  The great thing about treating your eczema naturally is that you can use more than one treatment.  In fact it is better to use more than one to help counter act other treatments, so you can have a better result.  That is why we are here!  To help you and the many other eczema sufferers find what they need to help relieve the daily eczema struggle!

Keep in mind that sometimes some tips and treatments can be repeated, to make sure that everyone sees them.  There may have been a very good tip on another page, but you may only be reading this page.  I want everyone to have a chance.

Eczema Home And Alternative Treatments:

1. Of course the number one rule is to keep track of what irritates your skin and eliminate those irritants.
2. Taking lukewarm baths are better for your skin that showers.  When you shower the water hits your skin and irritates it.  You can read more about that on another page, here.
3. If you do continue to take showers, install a filter on your shower head. A filter will stop the chlorine and other harmful chemicals that cause eczema symptoms and more breakouts.
4. Try not to sweat.  It aggravates the skin causing it to itch and break more easily.  
   - During the summer, if you use the air conditioner, it is recommended to buy a humidifier or moisturize a lot more to prevent extra drying or itching.  I bought a humidifier last year and I love it.  It keeps the air moist and I didn't dry out as quickly.
5. Just as you can moisturize the air, you can filtrate your air.  I agree that this does really have an effect on your daily struggle.  Having an air filter around makes your air a lot cleaner than it would be.  Then you aren't breathing all the extra in. (very good to look into if you have allergies that cause you to flare up and stress)  
   - Combining the humidifier and air filter would be a perfect combination and two treatments that would greatly counter act each other.
6. Don't Stress!  I know that when I get stressed, I scratch unconsciously.  Allowing yourself to stress out will cause your flare ups to happen more regularly.  I know it is hard to control, but living as stress free as you can will help keep your eczema symptoms at a minimum.
7. Lower Your Sugar Intake.  Bacteria inside you may be causing your eczema to flare up.  That bacteria relys on sugar to live.  Therefore, less sugar, less eczema bacteria.  

There are plenty of ways to reduce your eczema naturally, right from your home.  Be sure to educate yourself as much as you can so you will always know of different ways to help your eczema symptoms.  And do whatever you can to stay away from anything steroid!  

Keep reading and email me at jocelyn@eczema-creams.org if you have any questions.  Good Luck!