PHOTOTHERAPY

Phototherapy
Phototherapy: A Treatment Option for Some Types of Eczema

Phototherapy exposes a patient to ultraviolet (UV) light for a controlled amount of time and may be prescribed to treat moderate to severe:

Atopic dermatitis

Contact dermatitis

When prescribed, phototherapy is likely to be part of a total treatment plan. Typically, a treatment plan includes lifestyle modifications to prevent flare-ups, topical (applied to the skin) treatment, and if needed, stronger therapy, such as medication that is swallowed or injected.

Two types of phototherapy are used to treat eczema:

UV light therapy

PUVA (also called chemophototherapy)

UV Light Therapy
This may be used alone or with a topical treatment, such as coal tar. Ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) or a combination of UVA and UVB therapy may be used. During therapy, the patient's body, or just the affected skin, is exposed to the UV light. Goggles are worn during treatment to protect the eyes. Patients usually receive treatment in a dermatologist's office.

There are two types of UVB therapy:

Broadband (3-5 treatments per week)

Narrowband (2-3 treatments per week)

Broadband - This UVB therapy has been around for more than 80 years, and it is still highly effective. The biggest drawbacks are that the patient must travel between 3 and 5 times per week to a site that offers this therapy and that broadband light does not effectively treat the scalp and areas where skin folds occur.

Narrowband - This newer form of UVB therapy is called “narrowband” because it emits a narrower band of UVB wavelengths. Narrowband UVB therapy is proving more effective than the traditional broadband therapy. However, it does have the potential to produce severe burning. Like broadband, it is still not known if narrowband UVB therapy poses a long-term risk for development of skin cancer.

PUVA
PUVA combines medication with light therapy and stands for "psoralen" + "UVA". Psoralen is a prescription medication that makes the skin more sensitive to UVA rays. Before UVA exposure, the patient swallows, bathes in, or applies psoralen to the skin. After treatment, patients must wear UVA-blocking sunglasses for 1 or 2 days when exposed to sunlight because psoralen remains in the eyes for a while.

PUVA's effectiveness is limited to carefully selected patients whose condition is likely to respond to this therapy. PUVA has a number of side effects, which may include nausea, headache, fatigue, burning skin, itching, and irregular skin pigmentation. A series of treatments is usually needed, and a full course of treatment may take six months. In several studies, patients have had substantial improvements when PUVA was combined with topical corticosteroids.

Why Phototherapy Works
UV light of certain wavelengths affects the immune system. By carefully exposing patients to these UV wavelengths for specified amounts of time, dermatologists are able to prevent the exaggerated immune response that causes the inflammation.

Benefits
The beneficial effects of phototherapy vary from person to person. Phototherapy can:

Significantly improve, and even clear, atopic dermatitis. One study conducted in Germany investigated the effects of phototherapy on severe atopic dermatitis. Investigators found more than 80% of the patients with atopic dermatitis who were treated with phototherapy showed significant improvement, and in some cases, complete clearance within three weeks.


Help prevent bacterial infections, which are common in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis.


Reduce the strength of topical corticosteroids required, and in some cases, eliminate the need for topical corticosteroids.

Risks
While phototherapy can significantly improve a patient's skin and even completely clear atopic dermatitis in some cases, phototherapy does carry these risks:

UV light is a contributing cause of skin cancer

UV light has been proven to prematurely age the skin

Dermatologists Carefully Weigh Risks and Benefits
Phototherapy is not appropriate for every patient who has eczema. It is not recommended for patients whose eczema flares when exposed to sunlight or anyone who develops a sun-induced allergic reaction. In some patients, phototherapy can worsen eczema.

Dermatologists have the medical training and experience needed to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of phototherapy to determine if this treatment is right for a patient. In considering whether or not phototherapy is appropriate, dermatologists look at a number of factors, including the patient's age, health, medical history, severity of the condition, and history of previous treatment.

PHOTOTHERAPY

I had an email from Brooke, who has recently started phototherapy. Brooke is very pleased with the results she has had so far. I had will post some information on the treatment in my next post. I had UV treatment up the local hospital and it worked well for me too but unfortunately as soon as I stopped the treatment my eczema returned

Been very Lazy/Busy

I have been very busy at work recently and too lazy to blog once I have got home plus I have been in the process of putting in a new bathroom suit at home which I have still not finished but I am determined to keep up the blog now I am back online!!

Thank you Candy Fu

I would like to thank Candy Fu for submitting a bio for the main site!!
I am glad it looks like the summer is starting as the sun is great for my skin

Thanks Carlye

I would like to thank Carlye Schuler for submitting a bio to the www.our-eczema.com web site it is really appreciated.

Hayfever

Well, my eczema and hay fever are really doing my nut in today!. My eyes are sore and my skin is driving me mental. Just been for some fresh air and a round of golf to calm down. Drove like Woods!!

Rough

Well I have been struck down with 'man flu' or a heavy cold this could be the reason for my flare up during the week. My skin often flares up prior to an illness or bug as my body struggles to fend it off when I am run down!!.

Eczema on my face!!

Struggling today and I have no idea why, Sore patch under my eye which has been there for ages now, I have sore eye lids on both eyes. My neck is itchy and I am waiting for something to appear there and my forehead is starting to go red so not happy, because things have been great recently!!

Rangers Legend

Glasgow Rangers Legend Andy Goram and myself in the Quarry Bar in Glasgow last week.

Here is an interesting article for those of you who suffer more during the summer!

It is summertime and you ought to be enjoying the sunny weather and all. Yet, for those of you with eczema, that is hardly the case.

Eczema usually worsens this period because of the heat and humidity. You tend to get excessive sweating if you have the most common kind of eczema called atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis. You are inclined to scratch yourself due to the itch caused by the sweat on your skin. Of course, on the reverse end, there are those with eczema that experience greater discomfort during the cold and dry months of winter.

For those of you that get intense itches during summer, here are some tips to help you control your eczema during summer.

It is important to avoid the heat as much as possible in order to avoid overheating. Staying cool will ensure that you sweat very little. Sunlight during summer is strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm with the 12pm to 2pm period being exceedingly hot especially in the sun. Try to schedule your outdoor activities like lawn or gardening work, walks, etc. either in early morning or in the evening when things are cooler. Apart from the heat, direct sunlight also saps your strength and people with weak immune systems will overheat faster. If you feel tired, then take a nap in the afternoon to recover lost energy.

Itching is not easy to control for everyone. For those who find they just cannot help itching, please keep topical medication close by. However, make sure that you use them as sparingly as possible. There are also some new anti-inflammatory drugs, like Elidel and Protopic that contain no steroids that are very good at controlling eczema.

If you are going to be exposed to direct sunlight, always wear a hat and sunglasses. You have to be extra careful about using sunscreen as they may worsen or irritate your skin if you select the wrong brand or type. You may wish to try out several brands of sunscreens to find the one that best suits your skin. Best is to avoid being in direct sunlight altogether if you are not able to find a suitable sunscreen.

Do not be fooled if you are in water. Sunburn while swimming is usually faster than in dry direct sunlight. So if you are in a pool, ocean, or lake then you may even have to consider wearing a tee-shirt over your bathing suit. Keep your arms and chest areas covered. Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet rays can cause a burn. On cloudy days wear long pants and full-sleeved garments to cover up.

Hot days can also mean make you thirsty. Drink plenty of water to keep your body temperature cool. Unsweetened drinks are best; so plain water is recommended above ice cold lemonade.

It is not easy to keep your eczema itches under control during summer. You may even feel depressed especially when everyone else appears to be enjoying the good weather outside. It is therefore important to take things in stride. Adopt the above tips and you will begin to feel much better!

Still tea total

High chaps
Well I am back from Glasgow, had a great time and managed not to have a single beer so I am well pleased with that. The lack of alcohol in the last 3 months has definately helped my skin.

Working hard this week

Sorry not much time for me to post this week. I am working hard with Parky in Swindon all week then I am off to Glasgow for the weekend.

Sorry guys trying out my new banners

A herbal 'cure' for eczema

I read an interesting Article in the Daily Mail today about treating eczema with a combination of Chinese herbs.Read on below:

A herbal 'cure' for eczema

A cocktail of Chinese herbs used by the Chinese for thousands of years could combat the painful skin condition of eczema, scientists claim. They say the potion containing five raw herbs reduced suffers need for conventional medicines and improved the quality of life for those being treated for atopic eczema.

It is the most common form of skin condition, affecting 10 per cent of children and around 3 per cent of adults. Dermatologists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong found the mixture- which contained Japanese honeysuckle, peppermint, root bark of tree peony, underground stem of the atractylodes herb and bark from an Amur cork tree - had a dramatic improvement on eczema sufferers aged 5 to 21

During the study, 85 patients were given either a tablet containing the herbs or a placebo.

Those who took the traditional Chinese medicine said their quality of life improved by a third, while those taking the placebo reported no improvement, the British Journal of Dermatology reports.

Researchers also revealed the herbal remedy reduced patients need of conventional treatments such as steroids, by an average of four days a month.

It is thought the herbs reduced the effects of four proteins and cytokines believed to cause eczema, they added.

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists welcomed the findings but warned against using the herbs without first consulting a doctor. 'Some retailers may not be reputable and the product maybe of low standard' she added.

Stressed and itchy

Had a stressful day at work today nothing is going right on the new job Parky and I have just started and the price is rapidly going out of the window. I have been very itchy today and I think it is the stress that has caused it!!!!.

Eczema: More on the dust mite

Dust mites love your mattress because it's the perfect environment for them. It's warm, tends to be moist, and what's more, it's replete with their favorite diet - human skin flakes. The Mayo Clinic estimates that you may be sharing you cozy bed with anywhere from 1 to 10 million of the critters. And though they're microscopic (500 could fit on the head of a pin), they may be causing you big problems.The reason why these tiny creatures are so virulent is that they are a source of allergens. These allergens come from many sources including the dried body parts of the mites themselves and their fecal matter. The typical dust mite excretes 200 times its boy weight in fecal matter.One reason this is such a problem is that mites lack a stomach. So digestion occurs outside their bodies. The mites secrete enzymes and deposit the fungus Aspergillus Repens on dust particles. Then the fungus predigests the food for the mites. The dust mite's partially digested food, and fecal matter make up the most major sources of allergens.The allergens then enter your body at night. As you shift in your sleep, the tiny allergen particles waft into the air and hence into your breathing passage, lungs and ultimately your bloodstream.Perhaps you think you can clean your mattress or change your sheets and they're gone? Unfortunately this is not the case. Dust mites are tenacious creatures and they're very happy just where they are in your mattress or borrowed into any number of items in your home. Standard vacuuming doesn't work. Traditional household or commercial vacuum cleaners don't have the power to suck out the dust mites and their debris from deep in your mattress. Bleaches and strong soaps won't kill them either. So what will work? Fortunately, there are a few things that the mites hate.Extreme temperatures, either high or low, are generally fatal to them. However they reproduce quickly and will soon return. They have a life spans of about 30 days and the female lays up to 300 eggs during that period. Then there's sunlight. Mites hate sunlight because it's a natural form of ultra-violet light, which is harmful to dust mites and their eggs. That's why they like to burrow deep into your mattress where they're safe.

No Eczema when I am abroad!!!

Finally sorted out my photos from my holiday to Natal in the North East of Brazil in January. I always try and go on Holiday in January as by then my skin has usually deteriorated through the winter and a good blast of sun seems to work like nothing else does. I never have problems with my eczema once I have left the country!!

Eczema Bio

I would like to thank Goldie Abrin for forwarding her bio for the www.our-eczema.com site. Thanks Goldie

Bio's for our-eczema

I would like to thank Ben Harrison for submitting a bio for the www.our-eczema.com site

Your stories for our-eczema.com

I would like to thank james Ead for forwarding his bio for my our-eczema site. The more information I can collect the better for all concerned!!

Retail Therapy this afternoon

Moisturisers

Well so far so good with the moisturiser. I am using My Baby's Petroleum Jelly B.P from Tesco. It is very greasy but seems to be doing the trick but as mentioned in my previous post they normally work for a few weeks before they begin to irritate.

Moisturisers

1. Moisturising is essential for eczema sufferers. Many moisturisers have been proven to protect the skin by adding a barrier against irritants that people with the eczema condition lack. However you must be very picky with what type of moisturiser you use as many contain irritants themselves defeating the purpose.Try to avoid moisturisers which are perfumed or contain soapy products, the less additives the better but products that re-hydtrate are excellent. I always find moisturisers seem to work well for a couple of weeks and I think I have found the one for me then it starts to irritate me. I have been using a moisteriser from Salcura but I have just started using plain vaseline and will see how i go.

Water softeners

I live in Salisbury in Wiltshire and the water here is very hard. I used to find it extremely drying on my skin. It also used to taste awful. I have recently had a full system water softener fitted into our home. This has made a great difference to the taste of the water and along with the bath salts to the effect the water has on my skin at bath or shower times.

Eczema Diet – 3 Ways That Wheatgrass Heals Eczema

Wheatgrass is a very powerful tool for the curing of most skin diseases especially that of eczema. Wheatgrass contains healing powers unlike other plant foods. It contains enzymes which work to facilitate digestion, elimination and healthy energy.Wheatgrass is a superior detoxification agent and will wash away all traces of drugs and toxins in your body within a short period of time.Wheatgrass will also purify your liver. It works wonders as an antiseptic and it neutralizes infections, heals open wounds and hastens skin repair which is very important for eczema sufferers.It has very powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and eliminates scabby eruptions. It eliminates parasites and germs and works wonders at returning your general health to normal.Wheatgrass is one of the richest natural sources of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sulfur, zinc and so many other nutrients.
There are three very important beneficial ways that wheatgrass will heal eczema:

• Wheatgrass will help heal your eczema because of the chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll stimulates the production of red blood cells in your hemoglobin. The healthier the red blood cells the more oxygen will be carried to every cell in your body including your skin cells.
• Wheatgrass will help heal your eczema because it keeps your colon healthy and clean. It contains fiber which maintains colon health and regularity.
• Wheatgrass will help heal your eczema because it is a complete food. The more complete and healthy the meals you consume are, the less likely you will be hungry and eat foods that deliver little to no health benefits.

Should never be working 9 hours on a Sunday

Title says it all folks, I'm off to bed!!.

Dust Mites

Our new Leather furniture has just arrived. This is great news as it means the old ones can go and we will no longer need throws to cover them. The throws are bad for me because of the dust mites they contain. Eczema is often triggered by Dust mites in your home. The Dust mite is the number one eczema trigger. About ten percent of the general population develops an allergy due to dust mites. An allergic reaction to dust mites is characterized by eyes that are itchy and watery, sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, ears that are blocked, chronic respiratory problems such as head colds and post nasal drip and asthma. The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, develops next.
Dust mites are not visible to the human naked eye. When viewed under a microscope, they are extremely small. Dust mites are shaped like an oval, have eight legs and are cream in colour. Dust mites have sticky pads on their feet that enable them to burrow into almost any kind of fiber in your home. They are most often found living and breathing in your furniture and carpeting. It is only the particles of dead dust mites that can efficiently be cleaned up with a vacuum cleaner.
Dust mites thrive on consuming the shed skin ( there is lots of that in my house ) of people as well as human fingernails and hair. They also eat animal fur, bacteria, fungi and pollen. Dust mites thrive in environments where the humidity is anywhere in the area of seventy to eighty percent. They also require temperatures anywhere between seventy-five and eighty degrees. A humidity level of below forty will not allow dust mites to live or thrive for very long. Thus, if you stay in fairly humid environments, you should keep dust mites out of your home as much as possible to avoid eczema flare-ups. As such, it is best to avoid having carpets in your home. I have laminate flooring in the majority of my home and I am now looking to start replacing all curtains with blinds

My Aunt's book!!

This is my Aunt's book available at Amazon through the link above. It tells the story of how she coped through every parents worst nightmare, the death of her teenage daughter. My cousin Megan was about to start a swimming scholarship at college and had every chance of swimming for Great Biritain in an Olympic Games had she not been tragically killed in a car crash. The book is a very personal account of my Aunt Valerie's battle with life after this awful event.

Eczema Super Foods

As an eczema sufferer in order to help your skin you should avoid all foods that can have a negative effect on your skin such as junk foods, foods containing white flour and all foods containing red meat ( I love red meat and eat way too much of it for someone with eczema )

Superfoods are foods which contain high quality nutrients and they are usually uncooked and unprocessed.You can purchase these superfoods locally in your health food stores and or local supermarkets.
Three Foods to Change Your Eczema -

• Avocados are very useful for eczema skin because they contain useful omega 3 and omega 6. These can be eaten on a regular basis and will ensure good skin hydration.Avocados create stable energy and produce exceptional health.

• flax seed oil. Take one teaspoon three times per day. The best way to get your flaxseed oil is to buy flax seed and grind them yourself. This is the freshesh method of consuming your flax seed oil. Flax seed oil can change the way you feel and look almost instantly

• coconut oil. Coconut has the power to inhibit germs that are harmful and impede healing by weakening your immune system.It is great at boosting your immune system and eliminates skin problems like eczema because it converts your body into a powerful anti-microbial agent.

Eczema and Diet

Having helped my eczema a great deal by learning about my food intolerance's and allergies I have become much more interested in how healthy Living and eating help conditions which people otherwise find untreatable. I watched Amanda Hamilton's documentary called The Spa Of Embarrassing Diseases and this really opened my eyes to Holistic health. I found the following whilst looking more into this subject.

There are two main reasons why you are suffering with eczema. The first reason is because your body is overwhelmed with toxin and waste.The second reason you may suffer with a disease is because of insufficient nutrients caused by improper or insufficient diet. The main causes of this are (1) inadequate consumption of foods that supply healthy nutrients; (2) poor absorption where your digestive system has great absorption problems and (3) excessive loss of nutrient where nutrients are being used up to ward off other illnesses.If you do not eat the appropriate amount of, or quality of nutrients which make up a healthy diet over a long period of time you will suffer some sort of health crisis. When your body is suffering a health crisis it will produce symptoms that act as early warning signals. When you go to the doctor they will prescribe something, anything that will suppress these symptoms or warnings. But just like the rats in the underground tunnels, these symptoms become stronger and become immune to the treatments and drugs.Then, when you return to your doctor they will prescribe even stronger drugs and medicines.You need to look at the foods you are eating to ensure they are supplying your body with the important health enhancing nutrients that your body is crying out for.The foods that usually effect people who suffer with eczema are common. Deficiencies in essential fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, Zinc, Calcium, vitamin B, Silica and Selenium to name just a few.With sufficient and regular supplies of these nutrients eczematous skin will begin to heal and disappear completely.

Feel Good Today

Well, I feel really good today, not at all agitated, haven't itched or scratched at all. My skin has died right down after being pretty sore for a few days and to be honest as per usual I have absolutely no idea why. The eczema has a mind of its own.

Herbal Treatments For Eczema: Do They Really Work?

Most of us are aware of the fact that the consumption of herbs is very beneficial in boosting our immune system thus helping your body to fight of the many diseases that we come into contact with on a daily basis, eczema is one of these diseases.

Herbal treatment for eczema concentrates on improving the functioning of the liver because a malfunctioning liver can result in disorders of the skin. For those who are suffering from eczema it is found that they will generally have immune systems that can best be described as weak which will also make them susceptible to contracting herpes, developing warts as well as being at risk of viral infections.

Herbal Treatment for eczema are available from various Sources From All Around The World

One of the fascinating things about herbal treatment for eczema is that they can come from all parts of the world be it from China or India or any other far off place on this planet.

For example a herbal treatment for eczema is found in the form of Milk Thistle which is very helpful in treating eczema as well as curing problems related to the liver, and the Indian plant known as Gotu Kola is simply a great salve that can be used to treat cracked and even broken skin thanks to its great healing powers.

Another example of herbal treatment for eczema is Pau D’arco which is often referred to as the herb that has immunity enhancing properties. This is derived from the bark of trees emanating from South America and only grown in that part of the world.

Some people like to get treatment for eczema from a form of licorice roots that can be obtained from many southern European countries as well as from China and India. Licorice roots are very effective in reducing swelling, in curing allergies as well as improving the functioning of the liver.

Another useful herbal treatment for eczema is Gamma Liolenic Acid (GLA) and some of the herbs in which GLA is found. These herbs include primrose oil, licorice root and also chamomile. However, when using primrose oil, you must be prepared to wait several months (ie. Six months or more) before the desired results become noticeable.

Primrose oil has become very popular in Europe, most Europeans use it to help them combat eczema and any other problems that they may be experiencing with their skin. There are a number of other herbs that are very effective in dealing with eczema including burdock, nettle, cleaver and red clover as also yellow dock that are ideal for use as a herbal treatment for eczema.

Obviously the existence of herbal treatments for eczema should be locatable from around the region in which you live, however, it is highly recommended that you contact a reputable herbalist or naturopath who can direct you as to which herbal treatment for eczema is best suited for your skin type and overall composition.

As with taking any form of medicine, it is necessary to keep an eye on any adverse reactions that may occur due to unforseen allergies etc. If these reactions occur immediately stop the herbal treatment and consult with your herbalist or naturopath. If you are under the guidance of your medical physician and taking prescription drugs it is wise to consult with this doctor before embarking on a course of herbal treatment for eczema.

Open eczema around my left eye. Time for a salt bath this morning!

Scratched my eczema in my sleep last night and have opened up a nasty little sore patch around my left eye. I will have a salt bath this morning as I find it very soothing and it prevents the skin from getting infected. I have salt baths 3 or 4 times a week. The sea salts I use can be found here Shop At ObeyYourBody.com.

our-eczema.com

I am so pleased with the way the website ( http://www.our-eczema.com/ )is starting to look during the construction. Rich the web designer is doing a great job. I would like to say thank you to all those people who have already submitted bio's for the 'your stories' section of the site. This is really important and hopefully we can really grow the site.

I must mention Parky, Diver and especially Ratty ( above )who put in great performances dancing around to Chas and Dave at the City Hall last night. Class acts. Fact!!

Jade's eczema support group.

http://www.freewebs.com/nescambs/

Eczema-Spamming-Muppet

Well I have been trying to get people to submit bio's for my website on facebook and have just been warned for spamming so will have to leave that for now. I have met a great girl on there who has made me an officer of her group about eczema and who is going to help advertise our-eczema.com so hopefully things can start to take off once the site has finished.
Jade if you are reading this. Good ol' girl.

Mental issues with Eczema!!!!

Caring friend??/how to help ( The Parky Technique )
Now we all know our friends and family care, and would do anything to help us, we know they are only concerned for our well being but sometimes the “ oh dear your skin looks really sore again “ or “oh mate your skin is bad bud “ is as bad as people staring or making comments in the street.
When I have eczema all over my neck and face I know how bad it is!! I do my jacket up to the top and put a cap on and walk along looking at the floor, if I have the confidence to go out the house at all. I feel like saying “ really I hadn't noticed the fact my face is bleeding and I can't stop scratching” but you you can't because you know they just don't understand the mental issues that go along with eczema and they only care.
For me the mental side of the eczema is the worst bit. I can put up with the itching and scratching and would deal with being covered in eczema as long as it wasn't on my face and neck and no one could see it. Call me shallow, but for me the worst bit is the fact when it flares up it's my face and neck that suffers the most and this intern hammers myself confidence and robs me of my personality and I can't stand it. Mentally it destroys me.
People not mentioning the eczema at all is better for me than the caring words as I want to try and forget about the fact it is there and try and get on as normal. However there is something even better and I am going to describe it as the Parky Technique after my mate Parky who regularly uses it. ( apologies to the others out there who know me who do the same but it really sticks in my mind with Parky maybe cos I see him a lot )
What is the Parky technique?? I hear you ask!!!.
Well he does the opposite and only mentions my skin when it is good, which is when most people forget I have eczema and carry on as normal. He often greets me in the pub or at work with “ Skin looks good at the mo mate “ or something along those lines and the effect it has mentally is more than anyone who does not have eczema will ever know!! It makes you grow. Feel good again.
I then have no worries and enjoy looking people in the eyes when I buy a newspaper or get asked the time in the street.
If your friend has eczema or your brother, sister, cousin,wife or girlfriend.....whoever, try the Parky technique it will make a big difference to them, it does to me!!!!

Eczema on my neck makes me look like a Turkey!

The eczema on my neck has left me looking like a Turkey today. I do not look good but I do not have to worry about facing anybody now that I am home from work, and its Champions League week this week so and can hit the sofa with my sky plus and chill. Sweet!.

Tired!!

Had a very restless night. Not sure what has caused my flare up this week really, I was stressed at work yesterday but my skin is the sorest its been for ages. I have been tea total since new year and I think that has really helped me but tossed and turned all night last night and I am not looking the best this morning!.

Scratched my eczema to bits today

Had a nightmare of a day at work today and got myself really stressed out with things not going to plan. I have scratched myself to bits on the way home in the van. I started gently itching around the edge of the dry skin on my neck and gradually got more in to it before going full throttle and turning myself in to a bloody mess. It was lovely at the time!!!!, but it is really sore now and I am even more stressed!! Time for a piriton!!!!.

Eczema.....what a nightmare

Hello, well this is my first post, I hope this finds you all well, The picture on the right 'Bad times' was taken 2 years ago when my eczema was at its worst. Things have improved for me a great deal since then. The main reason for this was finding out that I am allergic to dairy and intolerant to a number of common food types which I was eating regularly.
I now have much more control over my skin although it is still a constant battle and I am regularly fighting flare ups which for the life of me I cannot understand what caused them.
I am currently building a web site about my eczema and I hope to raise money for the National Eczema Society through my site.
The site will soon be available via this link http://www.our-eczema.com/
Cheers for now
Haircut.