me and eczema

[jenijeni]

Im 43 yrs old and suffered with eczema most of my life .I was actually eczema free between 25 to 35 which is unuasual but boy as it made up for that the last 4 years have been hard to bear but the last 18 months have been unbearable i have eczema on my face arms legs infact every where except my feet it drives me crazy it makes me cry feel dirty/unclean its affected my confidence my social life my sex life in fact eczema rules my life when its really bad i think of calling it quits with life but thats something i wont do its just a bad day i take antihistamine daily i use creams and i take anxiety medication to help me sleep which dont help ive been patched tested no allergy told by specialist it an inside out eczema in other words they dont hace a clue and neither do i its driving me mad and my family wish someone would find a cure the itch scratch cycle is unbearable but relieves the dry flaky skin is embarrising and the burning and tingling is also very painfull as anyone else had it a long time with no hope is sight of it getting better

[AnnaB]

Hi I am a mother of 2 with eczema so only know from a carers point ofview. But when my children cry I cry. What is you specialist like? Supportive? Have you tried wet wrapping? I do hope youfind support here from others who understand. Anna

[Jaydean]

Hey jenijeni,

Just read your post and it appears were both struggling with an illness that isnt ready to let us go. Ive had sever eczema since age 3, now 27 years on Im still suffering terribly. I have it everywhere, including my feet, and to be honest Im as fed up as you are. My skin is pretty much always severe, and Ive thought about ending it as well, people dont seem to understand the effect it has on a person mentally. Being Male, its bad, women dont look at you twice. Ive had relationships, but when they end, its usually years before I have another one. I know I have a nice personality, and women tend to like me, but I think the fact im constantly worrying about my skin shows, and no women likes a man with low confidence - You are not alone.

Ive seen numerous dermotologist, and just been assigned a new one. Had patch testing, apparently not allergic to anything. Had blood tests to see if allergic to food (wheat etc), apparently im allergic to everything. However its impossible to cut every type of food out, id end up living on grass and water??? All the docs do is give steriod cream, which thins my skin,if I wasnt black I reckon Id be transparent. I know what you mean about feeling unclean, now hot weathers here, im showering twice a day, which isnt good as it drys skin out, but i cant go out otherwise??

Piriton might help you at night, I tend to take 2 about half hour before bed. Drinking plenty of water also helps (I try to do this, but Im not that vigilant). My family are supportive, my mum held the fort with through chilhood, everything from great ormond street, UV Light and chinese herbal medicine - weve done it. Just thoguht Id share some of me, cause I feel alone so often its untrue.