Persistent eczema and Contact dermititis

by Claire Regan
(London, UK)

Hi Nanette,

I have found your website whilst searching for natural remedies and would be interested in any advice you can give me. I am based in the UK and am now 26 years old having suffered with atopic eczema since I was 8 months. Throughout this time I have been prescribed steroid creams, aqueous creams, oils and have even tried some homeopathic and homemade remedies; all of which settle the issue for a while before it then flares up again. The repetitive use of steroid creams has resulted in the thinning of my skin, which in itself has presented other problems.

At 15 years, my entire face was covered and the only treatment I could use was to cover it in Vaseline, to create a protective barrier. This eventually subsided although I still have patches occur frequently on my eyelids, chin and under my nose which can be persistent and difficult to treat. The skin becomes red and inflamed, flakes and becomes uncontrollably itchy, particularly around my chin and on my eyelids. I have been to see dermatologists, who advise it is contact dermatitis to an allergen but I have never been able to narrow down what the allergen could be. I have used numerous products over time which are mostly fine in the first instances, but to which I then build up a reaction.

Needless to say I have extremely sensitive skin, and I am virtually at my wits end. Breakouts on my face and eyelids affect my confidence and I am desperate for some relief from the itchiness.

I would be grateful for any advice you can give on how to manage this.

Kindest regards

Claire