Why I am sharing my eczema journey and what I deal with everyday living with eczema

by purelytwins

Hey luvs,

It’s Michelle here sharing a quick eczema update.

Why I am sharing my eczema journey and what I deal with everyday living with eczema

Click to watch on youtube.

As I mentioned in the video I have seen some improvements, but it has been VERY SLOW!! I have good days and bad days still.

I will admit I have been struggling to keep faith…to stay hopeful.. But Lori reminds me everyday that my body wants to heal.

It is hard for me, but everyday I get ready and put a smile on. I want to give hope to others, but feel guilty as I am losing hope. I live in pain every day. Praying it will stop soon.

why-i-share-my-eczema-journey-what-i-deal-with-everyday-living-with-eczema

And I have a little rant, if you want to call it that about people sharing how they do not like it when people show progress pictures of all kinds. And this frustrates me as I feel we need to show each other respect and support. I know for me, and Lori, why we share our journey is because we want to help others. We want to show others they are not alone, and for those that are just curious about things. For me, going through this really bad flare up, reading and seeing others journeys gives me hope. I honestly do not know what I would do I if I had no stories to read to give me hope. Even though I know everyone has a different healing journey, I feel less alone.

So for those that do not like seeing progress pictures or reading about others people’s journeys whether that be skin or pregnancy, all I can say is thanks for sharing your opinion, but I am doing this for me. Venting about my frustrations is therapeutic for me. I am the type of person who holds stuff in, so this is big for me.

I would rather see others give more words of love and hope instead of making people feel bad about sharing their journey. It takes a lot of courage for people to share their stories. Lori and I share our stories as this is our life. We do not hide anything. We show our real life as is and are proud of our lives (even the not so glamorous parts like acne and eczema).

Okay enough of that.

before-after-eczema-on-legs

For the most part I am doing okay. Doing what I can each day to survive.

Not much new to report. I keep tweaking my diet and trying new products. And I scheduled an appointment to see another doctor. Oh and I called my dermatologist a few weeks ago letting her know I was avoiding balsam of peru and saw no change!! And she never called me back!!

I guess since she knew I was not wanting steroids she didn’t feel like helping me find the root cause. My skin is still really dry and I have yet to find a product that helps that. I have tried just about everything on the market from natural to not natural. I did order a new lotion, hoping it will be the one that helps.

Thanks again for letting me share my journey here and for being so supportive! I will keep you posted! And for all my other eczema sufferers you are in my prayers!! Stay strong which I know is hard!!!!!

xo

Michelle

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74 comments

Michelle November 14, 2014 - 10:01 am

Blah! Keep the strength girl! I have mild eczema and breakouts on my legs…I know warm shower water, shaving, and certain foods can make it itch and burn as well as exacerbate it. :/ You’re not alone at all!! Have you ever tried safflower oil or other omega 3 oils topically? Maybe they would help a little…
lots of love!! xoxo

purelytwins November 14, 2014 - 3:17 pm

Thanks I have tried every type of oil out there.

Heather November 14, 2014 - 10:12 am

Michelle, I am so saddened by this–because you suffer and are not seeing much results and because you are losing faith and hope. I don’t know you obviously on a personal basis but I too suffer from on going ailments that I cannot explain or seem to permanently rid my body of. I have constant heel pain and digestive issues that have plagued me for the past five years or so. It seems I will make some improvements only to have them come back. I call out in desperation to God for healing and I know He is working in His own time to get me to a more balanced way of living, thinking, and eating so as to heal me but it gets so frustrating and the fear that the pain will return with a vengeance like it has in the past eats up my thinking. I equate pain with what I do eat/don’t eat, others’ opinions, etc. This all causes stress within me which I know only furthers the pain. My point is, and I do have one, is that I am going to make a concentrated effort to pray for you–I have followed you and Lori for some time and have been reading about your issues but have not committed myself to really, truly praying for you. I am promising you now that I will. And when my thoughts return to thinking about my own pain I will make a concentrated effort to replace those thoughts with prayers for you. Maybe by doing this God will help me to take the focus off my own pain and concentrate on Him and praying for his child. I will keep hope that He will heal us both. HOPE: Hold On Pain Ends and Heart Open Possibilities Endless. I love you sister in Christ.

purelytwins November 14, 2014 - 3:19 pm

And I will pray for you!!! This means so much to me, that you care! I seriously cannot thank you enough for your support.

Caitlin November 14, 2014 - 10:42 am

thinking of you, michelle, and sending you positive energy. i can tell you are in so much pain and fighting back the tears. i hope you find some relief soon.

purelytwins November 14, 2014 - 3:19 pm

Thank you me too!

Lina | StrictlyDelicious November 14, 2014 - 11:30 am

This video made me weeeep. I have been dealing with eczema my entire life, and in the past three years it has inexplicably broken out over my body and started spreading wildly. It subsided for a few months last year when I got allergy tests done and eliminated a number of foods from my diet, and then broke out again a thousand times worse this summer. I have more eczema covered skin than I have healthy skin right now. My sheets and clothes are covered in blood spots (and flaked off skin [sorry if that’s TMI]). I don’t remember what it’s like to feel pretty, to feel healthy skin, or to not want to simultaneously cover myself from eyes and also wear nothing at all so nothing can itch me. I am so itchy and frustrated and NOTHING I try seems to be working. I’ve eliminated all but about 7 foods, I’ve transitioned away from all chemicals in the house, I drink water like crazy, and yet everyday, I find more eczema in new places.

And no one understands. I try to explain to people the frustration of being completely out of control of your body, of losing all self-esteem, of wakeful tearful itchy nights, of taking benadryl almost every day, of having a crazy limited diet so you can’t eat anything but the food you’ve made, but STILL not seeing any healing… No one understands how absolutely frustrating and destroying it is.

But you understand. And seeing this video and this post makes me feel so validated and not alone that here I am crying again. Michelle, thank you so much for sharing your journey. I understand how upsetting it is and I thank you for being so vulnerable. I didn’t know how much I needed to see something like this until I watched it. Thank you. I am praying for your healing too!

Love, Lina

purelytwins November 14, 2014 - 3:21 pm

I am crying reading this! I do not like hear others suffering, but together we will find hope! You are in my prayers. And if I find anything that finds relief I will let you know. I had a HORRIBLE outbreak this afternoon. I thought I had no more tears left but I do. And I have the same issue with bleeding and dry skin in my sheets. Its gross but reality. HUGS

Jen November 14, 2014 - 11:38 am

I’m so sorry you are going through this! It can be very frustrating when you are eating and doing everything healthy but your body sometimes doesn’t want to listen! I have been there, and was above and beyond frustrated! Have you read about the GAPS diet especially the introduction diet that helps you eliminate foods and reintroduce them along with healing the gut. I swear by it! There are introduction diet e books out there that give you a daily break down on what to eat so you don’t get frustrated! Hope you find healing soon and you will!!

purelytwins November 14, 2014 - 3:22 pm

I have read about the GAPS. Glad you found relief!

Michelle November 14, 2014 - 11:58 am

Hi
I just wanted to saw thanks for sharing, and keep faith that your eczema will improve. I’m sure you’ve had every piece of advice you can bear, but things that trigger my eczema are/were…a house with damp issues, stress, detergent. Very hard to do I know, but could not thinking/worrying/trying to do anything about your eczema possibly help? Maybe acceptance could be the cure you’re looking for?
Very best of luck as I know skin conditions like this can really bring us down.
Love the blog
M

purelytwins November 14, 2014 - 3:22 pm

Yes I am working hard on my mind, but it is very hard when the pain doesn’t stop

Morgan November 14, 2014 - 12:25 pm

My husband and I love that you are sharing your journey. He has a lot of frustrating skin issues that nothing seems to fix so it’s good for him to not feel alone and it really helps me understand him better as he’s been more open about it with keeping up with you. He has had good luck with relieving some of the itching from tallow bomb. It’s not been a miracle or anything but it is pretty cheap and has given him some relief. He puts it on at night and said it doesn’t itch in the morning. It’s called “Soothing Tallow Balm for Eczema, Psoriasis & Severe Skin Rashes”, we bought it on Etsy from Lili’s naturals. Your doing great taking charge of your health, keep up the great work!

purelytwins November 14, 2014 - 3:23 pm

HUGS to you both! I have tried tallow before and did not notice any change, but glad your husband has!!!

Jenn November 14, 2014 - 5:56 pm

I just wanted to share that I struggled with chronic hives and tried every known remedy to man. Google CBS Upregulation. I know I didn’t have eczema but CBS Upregulation is a gene issue and might be what’s plaguing you. I take 1,000 mg of l-lysine twice a day and 250 mg of molybdenum. I try to avoid high sulfur foods as well. I still eat them but I don’t eat kale, beans and broccoli all the same day. I just spread it out a bit. You might be tired of people giving you suggestions so I’m sorry if I’m just another voice out there but I’m praying for healing and answers for you. I have MTHFR as well…if you’ve heard of that. 23andme.com will test for $99 great deal since lab corp and quest wanted to charge me $1500!!!

I just had to share because I suffered for years and no dr could help me. No diet helped me and two simple supplement and minor diet modification and I’ve been give free for months now. (I struggled with the chronic ALL day hives for 8 years.)

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 9:27 am

Thank you for sharing! I will have to look into this. Thank you again! Glad you have found relief!

lainie s. November 15, 2014 - 5:27 pm

yes def look into CBS… I would also check to see what your DAO (diamine oxidase) levels are. Its an enzyme that helps break down histamine, a triggr of eczema for some people.

Andrea V. November 14, 2014 - 6:40 pm

I can’t imagine how bad that is. Can I ask why you won’t try steroids? I think a short 5 day course of oral steroids plus some steroid cream like triamcinolone would clear it right up, and maybe the the reset button your immune system needs.

My son had horrid ecxema; that is what finally helped and then once we had unbroken clear skin, we super moisturized and then did narrow band UV therapy. It was a life-saver. He still occasionally gets small spots, but we stay on top of it with steroids cream at the first sign and all is good.

sophie November 14, 2014 - 6:43 pm

You’re a brave lady for sharing this with us 🙂

I’m still however confused why you hang around the dog so much when you mentioned previously that that’s part of the issue! I know you love Jax, but isn’t your health more important?

Hannah November 14, 2014 - 8:24 pm

I appreciate that you have taken the time to articulate and share your story. I also admire your decision to avoid the topical steroids. Have you tried topical licorice cream?

Hannah November 14, 2014 - 8:25 pm
Anna E. November 14, 2014 - 8:53 pm

So sorry to hear of your struggles – I have had eczema my whole life as well, but it doesn’t seem to spread past my hands, arms, and occasionally the backs of my knees. My hands have been intolerable this summer and fall, and now that I’m pregnant, I’m especially wary of using steroids. I just discovered and started using Florasone (cardiospermum cream) and am LOVING it so far. I got it at Whole Foods. Have you tried it? Hugs and best of luck!!

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 9:31 am

I did use that cream at the start. It worked at first but then stopped. Hugs to you too.

Erica November 14, 2014 - 9:19 pm

I am so sorry you are going through this! I love your post. I struggle with acne and your tips give me hope that I can overcome it. One website that I love is herbnet. I noticed they have a question answer page with lots of suggestions for treating eczema including some herbal remedies. They recommend a good salve to help with itching too that you could try called ancient healers salve. Check this website out sometime. Sending prayers your way!

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 9:30 am

Thank you I will check it out.

Kat November 14, 2014 - 9:22 pm

Its awful people are leaving negative comments like that. But that’s why i think its very brave of you to share your struggle, there’s always going to be negative people out there just don’t let them get to you <3<3

Leah November 14, 2014 - 9:48 pm

Big hugs to you! Thank you for sharing your journey. I can tell how much pain you are in and my heart goes out to you. I suffer from other ailments that cause a great deal of pain. It makes you go out of your mind. I can’t stand when people think the pain I’m experiencing is all in my head too. Don’t give up hope! Pray for strength and healing for you.

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 9:31 am

Praying for you too!

eimearrose November 15, 2014 - 4:47 am

I don’t know what to say- I think it’s really sad that people complain about you taking about your problems. They don’t have to read if they don’t want to! There is a lot of bitterness out there…
I’m glad you find the blog a bit of a help in channelling your frustrations. I hope things continue to improve for you.

Sounds weird, but I have heard that low carb diets can cause dry skin, and certainly when I added back in lots of things I had been avoiding, I had less skin dryness (but biggest improvement was digestion). Sounds weird, but carbohydrates are important for locking moisture into the skin, maybe even more than fat, since carbohydrates attract more water. I appreciate you have tried loads and loads and loads of things to help your skin, and I would be highly surprised if changing something like this would help the eczema, but I wonder if eating more carbs might improve the dryness a bit? I know you have tried lots of things, and you guys do eat some carbs, but it seems to be on the low side- have you experimented with going higher carb within your whole foods framework? Just a thought- maybe you have tried this or have some other thoughts about it:)
Wishing you strength and healing!! 🙂

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 9:33 am

Thank you! Yes I am working on eating more carbs. Just hard as I love the way I feel when I eat high fat. But I working on eating more carbs, right now with rice at every meal.

Erics November 15, 2014 - 8:57 am

Hey Michelle, there are a lot of great testimonials on this site. Just thought I’d share in case it helps! Do you consume fruits that act as natural antihistamines like berries, apples? I have read that candida and eczema often go hand in hand. Just a few ideas for you to explore….. Here is the website: eczema-natural-healing.com.

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 9:34 am

Thanks for the link I will check it out.

Kayla November 15, 2014 - 9:55 am

Hi Michelle,

I think there is NOTHING wrong with sharing your story. In fact, it’s so admirable that you are willing to share your story. Many people wouldn’t put themselves out there in an attempt to share their journey and what they’re trying with others. I think you’re so strong. I’ve been in your place before with digestion, where I couldn’t focus and I was in so much pain. It’s unbearable and I totally felt the same way: it’s impossible to concentrate. I always try to keep this quote top of mind, because I’ve seen it hold true over and over again:

“The moment you’re ready to quit is usually the moment miracles happen.”

I feel like our pain and suffering steers us towards our purpose. You could be meant to be a channel to help others heal! XOXOXO

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 1:06 pm

Thank you sweetie this means the world to me!! HUGS

Antoinette November 15, 2014 - 2:06 pm

I have had allergies down the years and am currently experiencing my first breakout in 7 years. I am waiting to be patch tested as in the past stuff that showed up gmfor me was Mercurial compounds. Coco beatine (shampoo shower gens etc even so called natural and organic ones!!!) and peroxide. Also being a vegetarian did not agree with me.
I had a chest infection and treated that then suffered a massive outbreak of coldsores all over my lips then after that my skin erupted like never before. It was like someone threw boiling water all over me. That was May this year.. It seems to respond to ucerax and antihistamine as that cleared it but returned on stopping .
The skin will not heal itself no matter what you put on it if you continue to scratch. Most if us who suffer with this type if skin condition underestimate how much we scratch. I find the behavioural approach adopted by the Chelsea westminister hospital in London interesting and very informative .. You need to get a tally counter and count how much scratching goes on .. I thought I only scratched about a 100 times in the Am upon waking .. Was shocked when I realised it was more like 735 times!!!!
Sue Armstrong Jones in her book the Eczema solution describes the behavioural approach towards the itch scratch cycle .
http://www.eczema.org/uploads/BAhbBlsHOgZmIkYyMDE0LzA0LzAzLzE2XzMwXzM4XzE2M19NYWluX0FydGljbGVfVGhlX0JlaGF2aW91cmFsX0FwcHJvYWNoLnBkZg?format=pdf

I also take large dosages if Udos oil and find it very beneficial (8 Tablespoons a day) I take probiotics .. And I use a product called hydromol and aveeno cream underneath and moisturise like there’s no tomorrow. It’s definitely better. I feel it’s something in my hair are so will stop using anything for a while and see if that improves things .
I also meditate daily in the tradition of Zen and that helps too.
Good luck and thanks for sharing.

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 5:07 pm

Thank you for sharing! Totally agree about being aware of how much we scratch! Glad you are getting some relief.

Zee November 15, 2014 - 3:51 pm

The wisest teacher is also his/her own student. We have become the ones we now look towards for answers, for council, and for wisdom. We are being forced to recognize the power within us… therefore any ailment you experience is an opportunity to exercise your true potential in health. Crisis allows the most intense lessons to come into your life… it beckons you to let go and realize its there to show you your true power. I feel your path is being molded and your skin condition is trying to help you remember that you are a Master. Your mind is stopping you. I once thought someone who figured it all out was Mastery, but I realized how incorrect that statement was while realizing the only thing that is ever constant is change – so becoming a master is learning how to adapt, to allow, to flow, and to transform life in real time. Its seeing the potential to exercise your mind and its power of healing anything. This is when healing really takes place. Just remind yourself, over and over again if you have to, that you are already healed, and your body just needs to catch up. Step aside, remind yourself you can do it because you already have done it. If not you, then remind yourself how others have healed spontaneously or miraculously -therefore it makes the possibility alive for you each day. Just get out of your own way my dear… cry if you have to… feel down and out… disempowered… each release brings you closer to your realization. Step inside your heart, see the beauty in you with marks ‘n all… imperfection breaths uniqueness and it shows courage, wisdom and a true teacher that I’d listen to with every ounce of me.

purelytwins November 15, 2014 - 5:11 pm

Wow thank you for this! I will work on this.

Nour @ Greenshushi November 15, 2014 - 7:23 pm

I had a similar experience with a dermatologist regarding my hormonal acne and she prescribed cortisone (I wrote about this day here: http://greenshushi.com/2011/04/20/shake-it-off/ ). I didn’t fill the prescription once I realized what it was and the next time I went to see her, she gave me attitude about me not using it. In a totally disparaging way. That was the last time I went to see her. No thanks lady!

I wish you good luck with your skin! Keep doing what you’re doing with that smile of yours!!

purelytwins November 16, 2014 - 11:30 am

sorry about your Dr experience – hopefully your acne is getting better, we know what that feels like too! and thanks for the support

melissa November 15, 2014 - 8:04 pm

I have had my own health struggles, but not with skin. HOWEVER, my husband has terrible skin issues. I know you’ve tried about everything under the sun. But the one cream he still claims helping get the eczema under control is Desonate cream. It’s expensive so his dermatologist gave him samples and coupons. Now that it’s all under control he’s switched to rubbing coconut oil all over in the shower after he washes off, but before turning off the water.

purelytwins November 16, 2014 - 11:31 am

thanks Melissa, I will make note of that cream. glad your husband’s skin is doing better, I hope your healthy issues are better too! hugs

Kel November 15, 2014 - 8:29 pm

While I understand that you try to follow a very natural lifestyle, I don’t understand why you are so anti-steroid if it would provide you with the relief you so desperately need. It really seems like you have tried everything under the sun to try and cure your eczema, and nothing has worked. Short term steroid use really can help calm down inflammation and itching. I had a horrendous ear infection last year and tried EVERY natural remedy under the sun. Finally, after two months of suffering I tried a topical steroid cream and I felt better within 24 hours. Sure it’s not something I want to use on a regular basis, but desperate times call for adjustments in our mindset. Maybe try the cream for relief and then try some of the elimination diets and natural creams that everyone is suggesting? Might be more effective to start on a clean slate.

purelytwins November 16, 2014 - 11:32 am

I am not totally anti-steroid, I have used them lots of times in the past and they never did anything for me, that is why I am looking for other ideas

Holly November 15, 2014 - 8:33 pm

Hi Michelle,

You are a brave and sweet individual and so courageous for sharing. I’ve been following your blog for some time now…as a identical twin myself I feel very close to you two:) My sister and I first became obsessed with your marshmallow recipes. So delish!! I’ve never struggled with skin conditions as you do, but I’ve had my fair share of digestion issues and have chronic knee pain which requires me to ice them several times a day and limits most exercise options. You sharing your pain and emotional distress was so moving to me and what I needed to hear today. It’s been a tough week of pain and knowing that others have their own struggles is very very helpful. Thank you for sharing. I will be praying for you for healing and patience for God’s plan in all of this. Keep strong in your faith and know that God works all things for our good:). Big hugs!!!

purelytwins November 16, 2014 - 11:32 am

sorry to hear that you had a tough week!! I hope your pain gets better for you! thanks for the support, oh yes we love our marshmallows!! xoxo

cherie November 15, 2014 - 10:28 pm

I’m sure you are practically overwhelmed with suggestions on products to try, but I just had this feeling that I had to share this lotion with you. It’s incredibly healing. Prayers for you, darling, and thank you for sharing!

cherie November 15, 2014 - 10:29 pm
purelytwins November 16, 2014 - 11:33 am

thanks for sharing I will look into it

RisRosogKlaging November 16, 2014 - 2:19 am

Much love from Norway!

purelytwins November 16, 2014 - 11:33 am

thanks!

Sara November 16, 2014 - 2:51 pm

It’s very brave of you to be so open and honest about what you’re going through. Have you seen this story: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15509/i-healed-my-daughters-eczema-with-a-raw-diet.html

I truly believe in the power of eliminating dairy and meat and living off of whole plant-based foods. I think you would be surprised at how quickly things look up for you if you gave it a shot (30 day trial…cuz why not!). What do you think?

MJ November 17, 2014 - 8:09 pm

As someone who worked as a secretary in a hospital here in Canada, I can say that sadly too many doctor’s are quick to prescribe medications rather than find the problem causing them. I have my own chronic health issues and I feel if I even ask about a treatment that isn’t medication, that I have heard about, my doctor looks at me like I’m talking a foreign language.

The best advice I can offer be your own health advocate and don’t be shy to have somebody go with you to your doctor’s appointments. As a patient you have the right to have a friend or family member IN the room with you when you see the doctor if you want that. Just let the secretary know that you have someone with you that you want in the room with you. This is especially good when seeing a specialist or a new doctor since they often cover so much information and you can only really process so much of that information. And don’t be shy to ask questions and no question is stupid. I have had doctor’s roll their eyes at me when I asked questions but it didn’t deter me. Just because they have told hundreds or thousands of patients about this doesn’t mean that I know all this information and maybe what I have heard wasn’t from a doctor so I’d rather hear it from the expert.

My other advice don’t be afraid to explore any alternatives to modern medicine that you feel may be of benefit to you, but do let your doctor know what you are going to do. (at least your primary care physician)

And remember you are entitled to a second or third opinion-not just for the diagnosis but ALSO with regards to what treatment options you have available. There may be local support groups for people who have eczema in your area. While you may or may not feel the need for a support group they can also provide you with information about treatments that have worked for them and some that haven’t, as well as what they thought or think of their doctor or any doctor’s they have seen before.

Good luck and while I don’t have eczema myself I applaud you for being so public about what you are going through.

purelytwins November 17, 2014 - 8:49 pm

Thank you so much for your comment! I agree with everything you said and have done some it already 🙂

Gillian November 17, 2014 - 10:26 pm

I recently picked up some Japanese exfoliating towels for the shower. On beauty forums a lot of girls say they are amazing for eczema! Hard to say, but thought it was worth mentioning to you 🙂

purelytwins November 18, 2014 - 10:29 am

Thanks I will check them out!

Brooke November 18, 2014 - 1:38 pm

I’m also going to add to the gazillion suggestions you have already received, but I was on Amazon Sunday ordering some prenatal supplements one of which was vitamin K2 from Thorne. In the reviews, a mother was mentioning that the K2 really helped her son’s eczema and they also apply it topically. Her review mentioned some other things she was doing, but she did say the K2 was working. I know you eat a healthy diet with meat, but therapeutic doses of K2 may be what you need. It’s not toxic whatsoever (studies have not found a toxicity at any level) so it’s worth a shot…if you haven’t tried it already. I hope you can find her review and read it.

I understand what you are going through though. I just got pregnant last month and while I’m excited for baby, I’m also struggling with unexplained high blood pressure. I had it even before I got pregnant so it’s not pregnancy-induced. I’m not overweight enough to cause it. I don’t eat a lot of processed and salty foods. I got tested and don’t have sleep apnea which can be a culprit. I got tested and don’t have a thyroid problem. I got some blood tests and a urine test done to see if it is my kidneys, but it all seems so unexplainable. Doctors are blaming genetics and I have to take medication now which I absolutely hate. I believe genetics may give me the TENDENCY to have it, but I still need to know WHY I have it and what I can do to control it without medicine. Some people control their blood pressure by eliminating allergens and triggers which I thought was interesting. It’s a journey I guess and definitely a life lesson. Good luck to you on your journey 🙂

purelytwins November 18, 2014 - 4:26 pm

Thank you for sharing I do take a vit d /k2 supplement. Sorry to hear about your blood pressure, I hope everything works outs. Praying for you .

Heather November 19, 2014 - 11:01 pm

Hey Michelle. I’ve been following your blog for several years now. I enjoy seeing what you are up to and love your recipes! I’ve seen your eczema posts and am hoping you find some relief soon! I’m messaging you because I just stumbled across a video that’s making its way around Facebook of a young girl that healed extreme eczema like yours by going on a low fat/high carb raw vegan diet! Have you seen this video? I know you’ve changed up your diet multiple times, but I didn’t remember seeing you talk about high fruit/ low fat raw. I know you guys started out eating raw, but didn’t know if you tried this route to heal yet? I just stumbled across it and immediately thought of you! If you haven’t seen the article I can forward it to you.

Just know we’re thinking of you and hoping you start healing soon!

purelytwins November 20, 2014 - 8:23 am

Thanks Heather, yes I have seen that post and glad to see that girl get relief. I have tried low fat high carb for a brief time in the past. So far I am doing better, but if things do not improve I would consider this. Thanks again for sharing.

Sophie November 21, 2014 - 12:15 am

Have you tried bone broth?

purelytwins November 21, 2014 - 10:49 am

Yes last year. It has been awhile since I had it.

Cammie November 21, 2014 - 8:41 pm

Hi Michelle!

I have been following you and Lori for a couple years now–you helped me so much with skin issues i was having and gave me so much hope. I wanted to share that i recently found out that a lot of my autoimmune and skin issues were a symptom of being exposed to toxic mold….i lived in Florida during college and lived in a very old moldy dorm. My family also recently found out that our house has mold in it as well. I have a functional medicine doctor who tested me for mold when my inflammatory markers came back really high. I took a round of a drug last June that detoxes mold out of your body (it’s called cholestyramine)….since then my health has improved dramatically.

I encourage you to look into Dr. Shoemaker’s work. It may not be the answer to your issues, but I wanted to share and to encourage you to never give up on healing. Sending all the love and positive energy!!!!

Best,
Cammie

purelytwins November 22, 2014 - 10:16 am

Cammie thank you! And so glad you have found relief!

michele Keller April 23, 2015 - 11:06 pm

Have you tried coconut oil.. it’s very good for excema

purelytwins April 23, 2015 - 11:17 pm

Yes I have.

Alexandra July 15, 2015 - 9:39 pm

Hi Michelle,

Thank you for sharing your story, it’s good to know I’m not the only one dealing with eczema. I’ve been dealing with eczema for 5 years and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop any time soon. I’ve been reading all the comments and writting down all the suggestions, so thanks again for sharing and for your followers for sharing different options!

When I had a severe breakout I took oral steroids and it helped a lot, I only took it once and don’t plan to take any more. I’ve used topical steroid creams and they have stopped working as well and I don’t want to keep using them because they thin out the skin. Right now I have a bad breakout on my back and I’m desperate and don’t know what to do either.
I’m staring to meditate and do yoga to relieve stress and anxiety. I’m starting to change my diet once again, cutting back on gluten and dairy and see what works.

A few questions and suggestions:

1) I want to recommend a lotion that has helped the rest of my body: Vanicream and all it’s products.
2) has your doctor suggested narrowband ubv? Mine did but I’m unsure about it bc there’s not much studies
3) have you tried Eczemed from harmony herbal? Or treating the immune system with nerve shield?
I’m about to start those pills just to see what happens.
4) did you say you quit taking probiotics bc it flared your eczema?

Anyways, I’ll try those and keep you updated. Good luck to you, don’t give up and Hope we both find a solution,

Best,
Alexandra

purelytwins July 18, 2015 - 10:28 am

Alexandra, so sorry to hear that you are struggling. I understand your pain and frustration. Check out more of my update post here http://bit.ly/1baBc2j I have given updates on lotions, supplements, food and phototherapy (which I will be posting about this coming week). Hand in there, and yes reducing stress is very important! I have not tried those supplements you have mentioned, I don’t know that much about them. I did take a break from probiotics, but then realized my body needed them – but at a much higher dosage. xo

Nettles July 31, 2015 - 7:51 pm

Hey good luck with your eczema journey and thanks for sharing. It’s so important to have positive examples on eczema sufferers online and you are awesome, radiant and beautiful. My e has flared to the worst its ever been during the past year and I haven’t slept a full night since or had a pain free day. It’s frustrating to try everything from strict diets to exotic lotions and therapies only to find that nothing seems to make an improvement. Perhaps this is something to accept while trying to find pleasure in life even when it hurts?

purelytwins July 31, 2015 - 8:30 pm

Sorry to hear this, I understand your frustration. I still get minor flare ups. Have you tried epsom salt? It helps me.

Jaqui Liberty September 30, 2015 - 12:45 pm

Hi, Michelle. I have a brother and sister-in-law who suffered HORRIBLY from eczema breakouts. After a few years of just dealing with it, they both decided to try going gluten-free and for my sister-in-law, it made it GO AWAY COMPLETELY! You would not believe the before and after. It helped my brother unbelievably, too, but every now and then he has a flare-up. I don’t know if you have tried it yet, but it may be worth it for you. I believe you have to be off it for at least 21 days to see a difference, though, because that is how long it takes your digestion to heal. Good luck, I hope you find something that helps!!

purelytwins September 30, 2015 - 12:59 pm

Thanks Jaqui for sharing their story, yes I have been eating gluten-free for over 6 years, it was not the answer for me.

Lynn July 18, 2017 - 10:14 am

Michele..your video so hit home with me..I have had some luck with RESQ Organic Skin Treatment. Praying for you…for all of us…and me too..:)

purelytwins July 19, 2017 - 1:08 am

Thanks Lynn, thankfully I am all healed as of presently. It was a long journey though.

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