I’m a Catch
January 19th, 2007 @ 5:07 pm by Mrs. Kiwi
When it comes to health issues, I’m not exactly good breeding stock. Let’s go over the problems I have already blogged about: 1.) Weight gain from asthma medicine 2.) Allergy to the sun 3.) Inability to see (glasses necessary) and now… here’s a new one. Okay, it’s actually an old one, but one I’ve previously kept hidden.
Due to my highly sensitive skin, I’ve suffered from eczema since childhood. Eczema isn’t just a patch of itchy skin, it’s many patches of skin that get painfully scratched raw when you don’t notice you’re scratching. It’s sad because from all my decades of scratching at myself, I have vague scars. Not track mark kinds of scars, just small slightly darkened spots on my inner elbows, and the back of my knees.
Before you guys get all grossed out and think I have no control over myself at all, I do the scratching in my sleep. When I get hot, I itch. When I itch, I scratch. When I scratch, I tear skin. I’ve tried everything; creams, ointments, lotions, injections of cortisone. Nothing worked permanently, just temporarily. In fact, I’ve used so much cortisone, my doctor says it attributed to my cataracts. Thanks a lot, eczema.
Now, while it was gone for quite some time, it has reappeared. I’m worried about this for many reasons, one of which is my dress. I am trying on dresses this Saturday (yes, finally getting out there) and I’m afraid of being judged because of this. I’m using a high cortisone cream until then, hoping it goes away. I don’t know if stress contributes to this, but ever since I started into the “deep” wedding planning, it’s flared up again.
I am a mess. Now, I’m trying to find ways to cover this up on Saturday, and keeping my fingers crossed that it won’t happen close to the wedding.
Are there anythings you’re trying to conceal for your wedding?
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33 Responses to “I’m a Catch”
Miss Kiwi, you’re talking my language. Altho I don’t have eczema on my face, I’ve battled with it on my body my whole life and I feel your itching and scar pain (I will never ever wear a bikini!)
I’ll tell you about alllll the prescription meds I’ve tried:
Elocon, Elidel, Cutavate, Pramosone, and Clobetasol. Elocon is a very powerful steroid, so I only use it when it gets bad. Elidel is too weak and is supposed to be more preventative. I’ve found Clobetasol to be the most effective for itching - also very strong and not supposed to be used on face.
As for otc stuff, I use sarna to help with the itching, and try to keep moisturized esp in the winter months. i like cetaphil cream because i like my lotion thick, but aveeno has a thinner one (i’m not crazy about the smell, but my cat licks it when i put it on).
oh and it totally flares up in times of stress!
if you want to conceal the scars on your arms, you should be able to do it with concealer. maybe one that’s thicker than one for the face.
good luck miss kiwi! i feel your eczema pain.
i am not sure what causes your eczema, but my cousins suffered from it terribly (they had to go to school with their hands wrapped in gauze because it was so bad) until they cut nearly all refined carbs from their diets.
i know every person’s case is different, and i’m sure you’ve gone over tons of possible treatments, but you could ask your doctor if some dietary changes could help. good luck with your dress search!
Thanks everyone! Mrs. Bee, thanks for the rundown on the meds, god- there are so many!!
I think I may have one of the first blog tags of “Eczema” on a non-skin related site. Whoo hoo!
And I’ll blog about the dress hunt tomorrow, hopefully!
Awww, sorry you’re going through this!! I don’t have any advice but just wanted to wish you good luck! And YAY DRESS SHOPPING!!! 
Ms. Kiwi,
I can totally sympathize as I have asthma, have issues with the sun although I’m not “allergic” to it, and I have chronic eczema. For the eczema, have you ever tried MimyX? I have tried many steriod cremes (even with all the risks) and not had any success just a temporary fix. However recently I had a dermatologist prescribe me Mimyx. Its a preventative deep hydrating creme that you use every day in areas you get eczema. The best part is that it is safe. The dermatologist told me that the FDA approved it for use even on newborn babies. It’s been my miracle cure!
2007bride, it’s good to know I’m not alone! I have never heard of that, but I will ask my doctor about it. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I have really bad eczema as well. Stress definitly causes it to flare up. I use only cetaphil to wash my face, dove soap for my skin, no purfumed laundry detergent (my dermatologist recommended ALL) and I dont use dryer sheets. I also was scratching in my sleep. I tired everything, sleeping with socks on my hands and I even once, I kid you not, tied my hands to the bedpost. It’s not that kinky when all you want to do is sleep! I found that taking a benedryl before going to bed was a good way to reduce the itchiness. I currently use protopic for good days and some other steroid cream for bad days. But, if this makes you feel any better, miraculously on my wedding day my skin was fine. You could still see some dark patches but overall it was fine.
I feel for you about trying on dresses… Though I don’t have eczema, I used to have really rashy legs from ingrowns. The ignorant staff at a bridal shop didn’t want me to try anything on (like I was contagious or going to mess up the clothes). Mom put them in their place but it was so embarrassing. Wore tights after that. (All better now - laser is awesome.)
Hope they are trained to recognize eczema. If you are worried, maybe consider wearing tights (bonus — smoothness, plus modesty in an over-populated dressing room). If all else fails and they are gawking ask what types of chemicals they used on that dress you just tried on. : )~
For wedding dress styles, maybe consider something with a lace/illusion sleeve if you are concerned about a possible flare-up at W-day?
I don’t have eczema, by my FI does. He used to have it everywhere–face and body. Then I found Atopalm and read about how it’s lipid formula helps restore skin’s barrier function. I knew FI would NEVER spend over $30 on a face cream, so I did some research and found that Dove’s line of cleansers and moisturizers is supposed to also have a helpful blend of lipids and moisturizers. I convinced him to try them, and his skin has improved dramatically. I’m even jealous of how smooth and even the skin on his face is. Maybe you could try something along those lines?
Good luck with the dress shopping. **cheers for Miss Kiwi!!**
WOW,
Thank you for the post! I thought I was one of the few having to deal with eczema. I too have eczema that developed when I was a freshman in college. It was definitely a traumatic time and i always had to cover my hands. I too made numerous trips to the dermatologist and all they did was prescribe topical creams after topical creams. No matter how bad steroid creams are when you’re suffering there’s no thinking twice about. Now i’m left with lighter skin. No wonder why i love to go tanning. I feel for you…. I too don’t dare to show my legs. Even shaving irritates it. I’ve tried makeup and everything but have just settled to accept things for the way it is. I found that certain food aggravates it as well. The next time you eat something take note if your eczema flares up right after and stay away from it!
I have very bad eczema too. Only in the recent year has it come under control (still have it but sooo much better than before). I use Cera Ve cream (not lotion) you can get it at CVS. I also use ALL free detergent and only Neutrogena and Clinique products. My dermotologist recomended all of this. I keep my ointments handy when I see a patch breaking out, I use it immediately to keep it under control. When my wedding comes closer I will probably take oral steroids b/c it really does make your skin look very nice (even though you gain weight) but I know the stress will cause breakouts.
I also think the thing that helps the most is relax. I get acupuncture on my legs (the doctor said that’s the itchy skin’s trigger point) and it does seem to work.
I have ezcema and I have gone to see an allergist for it. I use elocon almost everyday on it when they pop up. The Dr says its ok since it is a topical steroid, i’m not sure how much i believe him, tho i use it anyways. But don’t use it on your face. I use hydrocotisone 1% but it might also thin out your skin if you use it continuosly.
He attributes my ezcema to stuffed up nostrils from hayfever and my allergy to dust mites. So i have since bought dust mite covers for my bed and am suppose to wash my sheets once a week. He also tells me to keep mosturized and cut my nails once a week so they are short.
I hope this helps. Good luck dress shopping and have fun.
Wow, I too felt like I was the only one dealing with this sort of thing. I have psoriasis (and some eczema) on the backs of my arms, my legs, my eyelids, my ears…etc. Every time I’ve gone dress shopping I get a bad flareup and my arms turn bright red. It’s so embarrassing! The same thing also happens when I go regular clothes shopping as well, but I’m not trying a sleeveless dress on in front of strangers, so I don’t care as much. I think it must be a combination of stress and chemicals in the clothing. The last time I tried on a wedding dress I mentioned the chemical possiblility while the saleslady was in the room and she seemed a little offended. I’m so afraid that I’ll have another flareup on my wedding day and everyone will see my arms.
I use prescription hydrocortisone creams but they don’t really help that much. I know this is a long post. But thanks for letting me vent.
I’m so glad you posted on eczema! I started suffering from it freshman year in college, and would wake up scratching. My hands swelled up with all those tiny little bumps, which in turned dried up, turned red, and cracked. Once in desperation cuz it had cracked so bad and I was away from home, I ran and grabbed a tube of neosporin (with pain reliever), and squeezed it all over my hands, shivering like an addict getting a much needed hit.
I also became allergic to metal (and being a poor college kid at the time, I was too poor for new frames or contacts), I actually had to wrap my frames in tape for a whole year before I got plastic ones. I looked abused because the metal made the skin on my temple raw, crack, and peel. A professor once took me aside to ask me what was wrong. I told her it was a skin allergy, but she seemed skeptical. Anyway, you’re NOT alone. It took me a while to find out what works for me, and what I should stay away from, but now it’s under control.
i;ve had a skin condition (the doctors don’t know if it’s eczema or not) and it’s still on my arm, the back of my neck, and the back of my arm…and i’ve tried every kind of cream out there..but it still there. However, recently my dad who’s an acupuncturist did cupping…which is breaking the skin w. needles (not puncturing..just lightly picking at it) and little pricks of blood will come out which is then wiped with a towel…and held in place…
It’s helping! There’s patches of my neck that are completely healed now…just an idea! I hope you find whatever works for you!
I totally understand what you’re going through. I have psoriasis, which is kind of like eczema. I had it ALL OVER my body (face, arms, legs, back, scalp, even the unmentionable areas!) and trying on wedding dresses made me really self conscious and sad. Eventually, my psoriasis cleared up on its own right around my wedding date except for small patches on my face and scalp. I don’t know of any miracle meds (although I’ve heard that accupuncture could work depending on how serious the condition) but using mild foundation can cover up the redness. Ask your doctor before you use it though. Since eczema and psoriasis are both skin conditions where the skin is kinda bumpy/scale-y, covering it up with foundation is will cover the redness but not really mask the uneven-ness/roughness of the skin but it’s better than nothing. I’m hoping for the best for you.
I get psoriasis patches on my arms, which aren’t so bad, but occasionally I also get either that or eczema on my eyelids. The first time it happened I was younger and the top of layer of skin pretty much peeled off, like it was sunburnt. I looked like I had pink eyeshadow on all the time. At least that doesn’t happen so much anymore.
My big issue is that I get hives w/ my allergies, and they’re unpredictable. I may be fine for days and then *BAM*, a red rash all over my chest. I already use unscented everything, and take meds, but I can’t go through life on benadryl. Clarinex works pretty well (although claritin doesn’t as much!), but it’s something like $90/mth since I don’t have insurance. I sucked it up and bought some for now until the wedding, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
WOW. I never knew skin allergies were so common! Thanks for the tips, especially about what works for you. I also appreciate the tip to wear tights. I actually brought a pair of bike shorts (who knew they’re sill around?) and I’m planning on wearing tall socks. I also like to wear socks all the time because my feet are cold. Would that look weird, though? Tights with shorts? Yeah, totally.
Miss Kiwi, I can totally sympathize!! I have asthma, allerigies, and eczema too, and it stinks! I have the same worries about showing too much skin with regards to my eczema, and the scarring. I’m actually panicking about wearing not so much my dress, but a bridesmaid dress in June… My legs are the worst, and the dress is tea-knee length… yikes. For me, it gets worse when I’m sick, asthma/allergies are bad, eating things I don’t realize I’m allergic too, stress, and the weather. I too have yet to find anything that helps considerably… last year I discovered Sarna Sensitive lotion that someone has already mentioned… definitely calmed down the itchiness a little bit. Good luck while dress shopping, I do hope it goes well. And thank you for writing a post about this- it’s nice to know that I’m not alone!
I don’t have eczema, but I *do* already have some varicose/spider veins at age 21, and judging from my mom’s legs, I’ll get a pretty bad case of them by age 30. We all have our things, but trying on a wedding dress is special no matter what, and all eyes will be on the white.
I have eczema too - cutivate helps, but I need to practically bathe in it, and unfortunately it’s a prescription. I really like anything Aveeno, and use the shower gel in a warm (definitely not hot) shower, followed by generous amounts of moisturizer.
As for the face, Creme de la Mer is the absolute best, but it is prohibitavely expensive. if you don’t have the extra cash, I definitely suggest Aquaphor head-to-toe and warm pajamas, socks and cotton gloves before you sleep.
When I know I don’t want to be super red and blotchy, I take a Benedryl as soon as I wake up. The only problem with that is that I get sleepy immediately.
I have heard that green-tinted foundation helps to even out the redness of irritation or eczema.
I think on the day of our wedding, I may take a Benedryl, cover myself with green-tinted foundation, meditate before I walk down the aisle and hope for the best.
I also suffer from terrible excema. I mostly get it on my hands and feet. You should see the looks i get when I get a pedicure and have to explain that it is not some gross contagious skin condition. I find that it flares up most during changes of season and when my feet are sweaty (gross I know!). Have you tried http://www.buttpaste.com/ ? It has a silly name, but was made as a diaper rash cream and I have had a lot of success with it. Hope this helps!!! And regardless, I know you will look beautiful in your dress
I think someone else already mentioned this, but Aquaphor lotion and comfortable clothing are the best choices.
Now, we all know that a wedding dress isn’t always [but really, shouldn't it be?!] a comfortable choice–but a little preparation and relaxation definitely help. Also, I find that spending a little time to yourself definitely helps. Keeping your stress levels down, especially when planning for your wedding, is so important to keep the eczema in check.
I have not only eczema, but several large groups of scarring that I have to cover. Mainly my scarring is on my arms, from years of self-abuse and a bad car accident, in which I was thrown through a windshield. I’m really not sure what to do other than buy a dress with sleeves–but we’re having a beach wedding, so…kind of negates that idea. Anyone able to help me, please, PLEASE let me know. I’m running out of ideas, and time to buy the dress!
I really want to thank you all for your words of support and encouragement- not to mention all your “I’ve been there, too.”s I will keep you all updated on my progress.
Ashley, I think you can find a dress with sleeves, try Jasmine- they can customize a dress for you. If the long sleeves of a dress sounds like too much, maybe a shawl or a pashmina, even a silk/satin wrap to kind of make you pull your arms in. Or, the first thing I thought is a sweet cardigan, maybe one of those 50’s types with the beading across the chest. You could find a simple dress, and just wear the sweater over it. Beaches are usually windy, so that might actually be a good thing to wear anyway. Good luck.
you should try a non-steroidal cream for your eczema, like elidel. i’m surprised your dermatologist/dr hasn’t prescribed one for you yet. steroidal creams, like cortisone, thin the skin, leading to more tears and more damage when you scratch.
I’m sorry to hear that you have to go through that with your skin. My brother suffered his entire childhood and it’s still going. My old manager that I use to work for told me to try this remedy:
Buy RADISH, the red ones (usually grows in a bundle and sold that way) at your grocery store.
*requires a fruit/veggie juicer machine
Buy 3-5 bundles of radish.
cut off each piece of radish top and end.
wash.
1.) Using a juicer, put radish through to get the liquid of the radish.
It will taste bitter, you can add a little sugar for taste or juice a few apples to mix with the radish liquid.
It works and does wonders! It might sound strange, I found it weird at first. But I gave it try and made it for my brother and after a month of drinking it daily his skin improved almost dramatically. When he stresses it tends to flare up, my mom makes it and his skin calms down. I hope this helps.
I have had eczema since I can remember and have tried all the prescription creams out there. I hate how the steroids are so damaging and only relieve the itching and pain temporarily so I’ve been looking into other safer remedies. I’ve been taking fish oil and they have helped keep my skin moisturized. I use Dove Sensitive bar on my face & body and Cetaphil cream on my face. I also use baby oil gel on my body for those super dry days. I still use steroids for the really bad flare ups but they hardly occur now that my skin is pretty moisturized.
Wow.. I’m surprised that I missed tis post. I have eczema as well.. and it’s a pain in the butt to deal with. I’m allergic to dust mites, my own sweat, certain fruits, and all tree nuts. It started flaring up when I turned 23. It’s calmed down a bit since then, but I have my allergist and my dermatologist on speed dial.
there’s a new cream that just came out that works pretty well. It’s called Atopiclair (prescription only). It just really moisturizes your skin esp during flare ups. I also use a Aveeno moisturizer with Menthol. The cooling helps the itching.. I’m allergic to Cetaphil (can you believe it?) so I haven’t been able to use that. I take allegra and singulair and that helps a bunch. What else? Oh a humidifier helps especially during the winter months.
Anyways hope that helps.. I’m glad you posted this.. There are so many people that are affected by eczema.. it’s crazy how little is known about it.
I’m taking an immuno-suppressant for my eczema and it works wonders. Everything else I tried before was an utter failure — and that *included* cortisone shots, hormone treatment, steroids, clobeastol, etc.
After a prolonged and deeply unhappy succession of mostly unsuccessful treatments, I went to one of the best dermatologists in NYC. He gave me cyclosporin, which is normally used to prevent organ transplant donors from rejecting their new organs. I have to be careful not to get sick, but it’s AMAZING.
To add, I also take Clarinex, whose chemical composition works very well with cyclosporin. The stuff works like magic…and there are no residual spots left!
Only downside is that cyclosporin is very expensive. But escaping the itchiness has been worth every penny.
I feel better knowing that I’m not the only crazy girl out there in the world who is embarassed from eczema. At my brother’s wedding, I suddenly had a huge flare up, and my whole back and chest were bright bright red…and of course itchy. But of course, this happened while standing during the ceremony, all throughout pictures, everything. The wedding was outside, the dress material was a bit scratchy (I think the inner lining had polyester mixed in it…) and it was a backless halter. I don’t have any good advice, as I’m still suffering right now but refuse to give up good fashion just because my skin rebels against me. Have confidence and good luck! I’m sure you found your dress by now.
Ok, here’s my recipe for controlling eczema:
First, a lukewarm bath or shower using T/Gel or any generic coal tar shampoo on the skin. Lather up and leave on the skin for a couple of minutes before rinsing off. Then, as soon as you get out of the shower/bath, moisturize immediately, within three minutes of leaving the water. During flare-ups I apply 2.5% (prescription) hydrocortisone on the worst areas and then cover the entire body with a thick layer of very thick lotion. Some lotions/creams that have worked for me are Gentle Naturals Baby Eczema Cream (by Baby Orajel), Cetaphil (the one in the tub), Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream, and yes, Crisco shortening. After applying the thick layer, I wrap the legs in ace bandages to allow the moisturizer to soak in and avoid a mess of lotion all over the house. Leave the bandages on for a couple of hours and that’s it. In choosing a moisturizer, I recommend looking for something with no fragrance, dye or heavy chemicals. There are a lot of lotions out there whose main ingredients are alcohols. One thing I’ve found over the years that is particularly frustrating is that one person’s miracle cure will seldom work on another. But when you have eczema, it’s such torture that you are willing to try anything! Good Luck and I hope someone out there can use my recipe!
Mrs. Kiwi, Los Angeles
Age and Occupation in 06: 27, Bookkeeper
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, P.E. Teach/Coach @ private schools in LA
Engagement Date: March 31, 2006
Wedding Date: November 3, 2007
Venue: Radisson Hotel
About Me: I'm a bookkeeper who failed high school algebra. I'm currently living in Los Angeles, literally a street over from where I grew up with Mr. Kiwi, my honey of three years. We have a jumbo mini-dachshund (seriously, he's huuuuge), and we're planning an autumn themed wedding on a shoestring, paid for by ourselves. The wedding date is my late grandma's birthday, I needed her there somehow, and that seemed like the best way for us. I can't believe I'm a Bee! I couldn't be more proud!
hey i used to have eczema when i was younger so i totally understand all that you are going through.. i think it might be stress related which is causing your immune system to go into high gear.. also you should try wearing mittens or something to minimize scratching while sleeping.. there are other types of creams besides steroids out there if the steroid cream doesnt work well.. and oral steroids, however, understanding your side effects from steroids in the past, i think its probably a last resort..