Eczema update: what the doctor #1 said & products that are helping

by purelytwins

Eczema video progress update and products that are helping.
eczema update

Me this past Wednesday, no editing.

I could not believe I talked for 30 minutes…sorry guys! But I had a lot to say and just wanted to get it out there. It felt good to talk about it all. So thanks for listening!

Products mentioned in the video that have been helping with my eczema- dry itchy skin and red patches.

I have no affiliation. I bought them all with my own money.

healing eczema patch testing results and products for relief

Organic Hemp Seed Healing Balm Offers

Triton Mg 217 intensive strength medicated tar ointment 

All purpose salve from Wise Woman Herbals – I got this through my doctor

Psoriaflora cream – I got this from Wholefoods

zinc and borage oil to help patches on legs

I’m taking zinc and borage oil again to help with red patches. They do not help with the itching. But help with the appearance of my legs.

red patch on back of right knee

red patches on left leg

My legs are doing better. Slowly each day they hurt less and red patches are going down. I still have itching but not as bad. I am frustrated that the itching is still here. Some days it is not bad as other days. So like I said in video I am thinking they are caused by different things – the red patches and itchy skin. Just a feeling I have, not sure if that sounds crazy or not.

As I mentioned in the video I went to see an allergist last week and got a few different tests done.

allergy testing

patch testing on back

Allergy test done on my arms for environmental and certain foods. And then a patch test on my back. This one was fun haha I couldn’t shower for two days, so it was a nice way to get out of working out 😉

Patch tests came back negative, which I was kind of bummed about because I wanted an explanation to what was going on specifically for my neck/chest. The doctor had nothing!!!! She was just going to write me a prescription, but I told her I will wait on that as I have other doctors lined up to see.

So I left her office still lost. But keeping hope!

I saw another doctor, well nutritionist/Registered Dietitian this past Wednesday to get a MRT test done for food allergies. As I feel I would just like to know what my blood is telling me. I know all the reasons why testing is not always accurate but of all the food tests I felt this one was best. And it’s either going to tell me what I am avoiding already is right or help show me what I am still eating that is causing my flare-ups.

See more of my eczema story here.

Click here to see my eczema update.

Thanks for your support. I know I still have a long journey ahead. I will keep you all updated!!

P.S. Please no rude comments as this is a very emotional time for me.

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37 comments

Sara August 22, 2014 - 10:16 am

Keep fighting! I have TERRIBLE environmental allergies and get extreme Oral Allergy Syndrom with food that cross reacts to pollen. Due to my severe autoimmune disease, my immune system becomes even more weakened during intense pollen times. Also, my skin, eyes, throat burn and itch and break out like crazy! All allergist have offered me are allergy shots( which I don’t really know will help). It can get soooo discouraging some days…. I am going to look into the books your reading. I am reading , The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle . It I pretty good . Keep staying strong and pressing on! Your beautiful from the inside out!!!!

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 12:23 pm

HUGS Sara!!! I will look into that book?

Michelle August 22, 2014 - 10:27 am

Nothing but support and well wishes!! Your legs are looking better- perhaps things are looking up? I know how frustrating the body can be…especially when you’re doing your best to take good care of it!
Much love:)

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 12:23 pm

Thanks Michelle, I am just scared as they have cleared before and then it came back.

Marcia August 22, 2014 - 10:29 am

What an incredible (and trying!) journey — your courage to write about your struggle really makes me feel like I’m not alone. I too struggle with food allergies (I had those test too and holy itchy!)and the trial and error to figure out what works for you, your taste buds (I LOVE food) and your body really is a feat. I pray your eczema heals and you find relief and answers — thanks for sharing, so brave!

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 12:24 pm

Thank you for your support Marcia.

Deana August 22, 2014 - 11:35 am

Michelle, thank you for sharing your personal struggle. I can’t imagine what it is like to deal with such large patches of skin irritations, and I know there are millions of others with similar stories. I have mentioned this before to both you and Lori, and I am not sure if you have tried it yet…. NAET. http://naetcarolinas.com/about
I came away from treatment (in Oklahoma)being cured of 30 allergies, including several that were previously diagnosed by scratch tests and blood tests. I am talking about latex, gluten, citrus, corn, etc. It does seem like a strange treatment, like ‘how can this possibly work’. I was also allergic to ‘air’, and had to avoid all tap water for 25 hours. I saw children there being successfully treated for severe peanut allergies. I implore you to look into it.
I also wonder if you are doing EFT, or tapping, for the emotional issues, which may be the root cause. Craniosacral therapy can also get to the root emotional issues. (This is my specialty.)
I hope you find answers, and applaud you for sharing your deeply personal journey in order to help others.

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 12:25 pm

Thank you Deana, I have looked into a NEAT as I mentioned in the video I am on a waiting lists. I have done EFT on myself and saw a little help from it. I will have to look into craniosacral therapy that is new to me.

Deana August 22, 2014 - 1:02 pm

Ooops! I watched the video twice, and missed your mention of NAET.

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 2:20 pm

Oh no worries sweetie 😉 It was a long video

Christa @ Edible Balance August 22, 2014 - 2:30 pm

I know how endless this seems and how much you desperately want answers!! Hang in there sweetie, I pray you get some answers SOON xoxo

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 3:14 pm

Thank you Christa!

ucsdgirl August 22, 2014 - 5:27 pm

Great update! I would bring pictures of how the eczema/psoriasis looked before to the dermatologist. I think if any doctor is going to get a start on helping you, it’ll probably be him/her. And I really really hope they do the biopsy! Tar is a classic treatment for psoriasis, as are of course, emolients, so I’m glad that the combination has been providing some relief (as you pointed out, it’s not a root cure). Stay strong. I know you can! Also, remember that when on vacation, even without all of the products, things were better. I believe that orthorexia (which I’m not saying you have!) is a bigger problem than people give it credit for, and hints of it can so easily enter the mind and be poisonous. Maybe try to just eat a little less clean, let yourself really relax, and try to find centered peace in moderation, as opposed to stringent, behavioral patterns.

xoxo

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 7:00 pm

thanks girl! I have lots of pics to bring haha I hope they can do a biopsy too.

lindsay August 22, 2014 - 6:05 pm

i know about the heart thing too.. it’s tough to learn to not stress and relax. I am always here for you. Let me know what the other docs say after you get your tests back!

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 7:00 pm

I will! xo

sophie August 22, 2014 - 6:45 pm

I have Louise L. Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life.
I think I bought it more for the aesthetics than the material. It’s such a beautiful book – laden with pictures and colours.

This is what it says for eczema:
Probable cause: breath-taking antagonism and mental eruptions
New thought pattern: Harmony and peace, leave and joy surround me and indwell me. I am safe and secure.

Psoriasis
Probable cause: fear of being hurt. Deadening the senses if the self. Refusing to accept responsibility for our own feelings.
New thought pattern: I am alive to the joys of living. I deserve and accept the very best in life. I love and approve of myself.

Skin problems
Probable causes: anxiety, fear. Old, buried guck. I am being threatened.
New thought pattern: I lovingly protect myself with thoughts of joy and peace. The past is forgiven and forgotten. I am free in this moment.

If you don’t want to buy this book, but think it might be beneficial, but I would be happy to send it for you to have (all I’d ask for is the mailing/shipping cost) Let me know…

All the best…I hope you get answers. I’m dealing with health issues of my own and it’s not that I want to be sick, but I want them to find something “wrong” so that we know what to fix instead of playing these stupid guessing games! You know what I mean.

Much love <3

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 7:02 pm

thank you Sophie! Love this!! xo

sophie August 22, 2014 - 6:49 pm

(I should mention that I am not a big proponent of what Louise Hay preaches…but I thought you might and that’s why I wrote that out…

I still feel it has to do with the gut…
Maybe you need a MEGA MEGA dose of a certain bacteria (probiotics) Maybe get checked WHICH ones you need…(?)

purelytwins August 22, 2014 - 7:02 pm

thanks!

sophie August 22, 2014 - 6:53 pm

some people believe that the average person needs about 50 billion units of probiotics MINIMUM

Sam August 22, 2014 - 9:45 pm

Big hugs, Michelle! I know all of my stomach issues developed at the same time I started to slip into depression (<– tough for me to admit). The stomach is essentially a second brain and knows when you are stressed out. I agree with what ucsdgirl above posted about letting yourself relax as much as possible, especially with the food and your restrictions. I feel like we all feel the need to fit in and taking control of our diets and weight seem to be the way to go, but it can be so controlling that it does more damage than good (speaking from personal experience here, not targeting you!). Once I let go, I was able to enjoy more (food, life, relationships, etc). It's so hard to come to terms with too. Stress can manifest itself in so many ways. For some people it's stomach and skin issues, other people get chronic pain elsewhere. The key is to find happiness and joy in everyday life and focus on it like never before. I've been to my fair share of doctors lately, I know how frustrating it is. I just have to think that they're the experts for a reason. I hope that you find answers soon!!

eimearrose August 23, 2014 - 5:46 am

Hi Michelle, thanks so much for having the courage to be so frank about your issues. I know exactly what you mean about overly focussing on diet to try and gain control of the things that are bothering you. I do this too! I have relaxed things (i.e. being less strict with diet) before to try and get control of my gut and skin issues but they eventually made things worse. I actually think I’m sort of getting there:), but it’s hard to find a happy balance. I think it’s so confusing in the world we live in to look after ourselves well without overthinking things! Sometimes having too many choices can be a bad thing. The books and meditation are a great idea and I think something everyone needs in this stressful world. I hope you get some answers about your skin though, as well as getting some peace of mind.

Laura @ Mommy Run Fast August 23, 2014 - 11:54 am

Oh friend, that’s so frustrating that the doctor came up with nothing! Good news in a way that there’s nothing major going on but definitely annoying when you just want an answer. Fingers crossed that you’ll continue to feel better and understand the cause!

purelytwins August 23, 2014 - 1:14 pm

Yes it was good and bad news. Thank you!

Amy August 24, 2014 - 12:59 am

Hi again Michelle,

I commented on your other eczema post about some products that I currently use to help my eczema. The more you describe your fight and symptoms of eczema the more they mirror mine. My legs did not get as many patches or the size of patches your legs have; however, I used to have spots all over my legs and periodically I would get patches (about a quarter size was the biggest one I remember). I have experimented with so many products, so seeing you with four products that sometimes work and other times irritate brought back memories when I was spending so much time and money experimenting with so many products and mixing them and using them separately and alternating. However, I cannot emphasize enough what Tate’s Miracle Conditioner has done for first my legs and then the rest of my body! The first time I tried it, it was recommended by a local health food store to treat eczema. Of course, I was skeptical because NOTHING else helped for very long if at all. (If it did, it was for maybe a couple days if I were blessed with relief that long. So, I learned to alternate the products I had.) So, I remember getting in the car with a friend, and my legs were itching up a storm, and one spot in particular was bugging me to no end! So, I was like, “Well, let’s put this stuff to the test!” I put a little dot on my finger and rubbed it on…afraid the spot would be irritated by it as so many products irritated rather than helped. However, to my surprise, it was the ONLY area on my leg that did not itch! And in addition to the itch-removal, the irritation and inflammation (including the redness) were decreasing and fading as well! I was shocked because I had never had ALL three symptoms disappear like that. The “conditioner” that I use as a lotion acted as a barrier that my skin felt like it was missing. Today (five years later), I rarely go a day without putting it on my entire body after my shower. My skin no longer feels like its on fire or like a million bees are stinging me. I seriously hope you’ll give it a try because your symptoms are so similar to mine. Of course, it is no guarantee as not everyone sees relief as you’ll see in the reviews, but since our symptoms are so similar, I hope you’ll consider it. It has been a DEFINITE miracle for me. And it working for five years is crazy because I usually couldn’t find a product work longer than two days at a time. And I have moved, since my introduction to this product, to a completely different state, and my local health food store here carries it as well, so I know it’s in different areas of the U.S. However, you mentioned liking to shop on amazon, so here is the link for Tate’s Miracle Conditioner: http://www.amazon.com/Tates-The-Natural-Miracle-Conditioner/dp/B00159Y23Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408852509&sr=8-1&keywords=Tate%27s+Miracle+Conditioner They keep changing the appearance of the bottle so don’t let that throw you off if it comes with a brown cap and creamy bottle instead of the white cap and white bottle. It is still the same stuff. 🙂

As to your neck and arms being all red, I have had the exact same thing happen, and I came to the conclusion it was either something I was putting in my hair (which I strongly believe was the case) or it was simply my hair irritating my skin with its touch (my hair is nearly as long as yours). My chest and those areas on my arms are also very sensitive areas for eczema for me in addition to my legs and other areas on my body. As I saw your video, I noticed your hair touches the exact areas/spots where its red. I had the exact same symptoms (from what I can tell), so you may want to consider what you use in your hair… Or once again, I recommend Tate’s Miracle Conditioner to help. It puts a barrier on my skin that not everything that used to touch and irritate it doesn’t do so as much anymore. I don’t think anything is 100%, but for me, it was the best thing with an 80%+ success rate. And what I still do suffer with is nowhere NEAR what it was when I was bawling my eyes out in the shower that I mentioned in my other post. And I don’t know 100% that it’s your hair, but I believe that was the case for me. And like I said, my chest and arms looked very much the same as yours does now.

And you also mentioned your nerves through your skin. I have said this over and over when in pain that my nerves are on the surface of my skin. I know exactly how that feels. It is so sensitive to touch and reacts to everything. Tate’s did help to a point but limited help. However, what seriously helped with the nerves on my skin is the Buf-Puf I mentioned in my earlier post. With all of your patches and pain on your legs, I wouldn’t use it there until they’ve faded more and are less painful. However, if your chest, neck, and arms aren’t in pain, I would gently use the white side there to start out. It can be somewhat painful with the nerves-issue at first. (At first, it felt like sandpaper on my skin and was quite painful. But it was not as painful as the eczema.) However, I told myself to give it a week, and I was being as gentle as I could. And after a few days, it did begin to get easier to use. Now, I use the blue side (rougher side) and am so glad I stuck with it. I also use it on a daily basis. It keeps a lot of the irritation, itchiness, pain, and inflammation away. And once again, never 100%, but the relief is so worth it. And the symptoms I do get are so much more manageable. The flare ups are miniscule compared to what they used to be. I buy the Buf-Puf on amazon…http://www.amazon.com/Buf-Puf-Double-Sided-Body-Sponge-Pack/dp/B001EJOPTS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408853490&sr=8-2&keywords=Buf+Puf I think of it as the miracle sponge. 🙂

And I hope this isn’t too much, but when my symptoms still do break through those two barriers, I will spread Aveeno Baby Eczema cream on the affected area(s). It is my last resort for the itch, and I have 100% relief with every application. I do not use it on a daily basis like the Tate’s because it is a smaller container of cream and very thick. (Tate’s is quite a thin “lotion”.) Plus, this cream came later after the Tate’s and works great for spot treatment. I do have contact dermatitis, and if I touch something that’s been “who-knows-where?” I sometimes get a reaction. I will run out of the room, sometimes go wash it off and rub the cream in or other times just get this cream and rub it in on the spot (depending how bad it is). The pain and itch immediately are gone soon after rubbing it in, and the red inflammation and irritation follows several minutes after that. And it’s like it never happened. I also give it to non-eczema sufferers that say they have an itch, irritation, or bug bite, and every single one has had the same result: complete relief. I buy this one at Target, but it is offered on amazon too: http://www.amazon.com/Aveeno-Baby-Eczema-Therapy-Moisturizing/dp/B003BJZ1P6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408854157&sr=8-2&keywords=Aveeno+eczema I also noticed when getting this link you don’t have to buy the baby kind, and it comes in adult now, but I’ve always used the baby kind because the adult one wasn’t available. But it works. 🙂

I’m sorry this is kind of long, but I hope you’ll try any of them. And if you do, they work like they worked for me. I know it’s only a physical cure, and the underlying problem still exists. But if you can get the physical pain under control, you can focus more on the internal causes because the physical pain is minimal if not gone completely. Like you mentioned, I want to be clear I am not affiliated with any of these products, but these products are what I have found through a lot of trial and error, research, and a LOT of expense on lots of other products to work the absolute best for my eczema. They may not all work for you or in the same way, but I hope at least one or two do…if not all. I can hope, right? 🙂 I hope you find your answers soon. It is a very painful process, and I am continuing to research to find other products that work even better maybe (if that’s possible), but like I said, thus far, I have not found any products better than these three for the neck down. My latest research is currently into Aloe. I own a plant, and it is interesting to discover what aloe gel can do for scalp, skin, hair, and health. My research continues, but it is not near as desperate as it was when I was experiencing all the pain like I was, so I hope you’ll find long-term relief soon too. I’d LOVE to chat with you and compare more stories and products tried. I put my email in the email box, so let me know if you’d like to chat. 🙂

Hope you’re enjoying your weekend!! 🙂

Amy

purelytwins August 24, 2014 - 7:57 am

Thanks Amy!!I will try that conditioner and hopefully it gives me some relief as it has done for you 🙂 thank you for your continued support and help it really means a lot to me to have people looking out and helping me. I have tried aloe before with no success, but I will continue to give it a try. xo

Morgan August 24, 2014 - 8:59 pm

Thank you for being so open in sharing your story. My husband has lupus, RA, and has recently developed some pretty serious psioriasis on his head and body. He likes reading your story and seeing pictures. I think it helps put it into perspective for him. It has also helped me understand better what he’s feeling. He says the itching is maddening sometimes. I know you are seeing different doctors right now. There is a clinic here near Atlanta called the goldberg clinic that specializes in tailoring diet as lifestyle to heal these kind of conditions. We haven’t personally used him yet but he’s come highly recommended by friends and our chiropractor. Also wondering if you’ve heard of low dose allergy therapy LDA? A nurse friend working at a holistic clinic mentioned that it can help with eczema and psioriasis. I’ve been researching it and it seems like it could be positive. We’ve been able to manage the lupus and RA through diet but this psioriasis has been an entirely different beast. It seems like everything makes it worse so its led us to look for more answers. I hope you find yours soon

purelytwins August 24, 2014 - 10:02 pm

Morgan sorry to hear about your husband! I have not heard of low dose allergy therapy, I will have to look into it. Thanks! Sending healing vibes to your husband.

Brooke August 25, 2014 - 10:27 am

Hi Michelle! I just want to echo everyone else here and thank you for sharing your story. I struggle with general anxiety that I have had since I was little. I remember having it when I was 5 years old. Most of my life, like when I was in school, it helped me, but now it’s getting in my way. I’m just now learning how to relax and handle stress differently. I wish they would teach stress management in school because I sure could have used some guidance. Learning to relax really is like a muscle that you have to build and practice with.

Have you tried acupuncture? It really helped me relax and reset some energy in my body. I have my second treatment tomorrow (my first ever treatment was 2 weeks ago) and I’m excited to go back. Another thing I love to help me relax is binaural beats. You can find tracks on youtube and if you want to spend some money, Holosync meditation CDs use the same technology.

I’ll be praying for you on your journey. You know your skin condition is leading you to something and you are strong enough in so many ways to handle this challenge. Thanks again for sharing and for all that you and Lori do to help inspire others <3

Emily August 26, 2014 - 2:13 pm

Sending you so much love and healing, courageous woman. You are an amazing person and sharing your vulnerability helps so many of us with our own struggles. <3

Esther August 26, 2014 - 4:06 pm

Have you tried seeing a homeopath? My son had terrible eczema. He’s only 2 years old and had to wear scratch mittens to prevent him from itching. Otherwise he would scratch until he bled.
We took him to a homeopath and although it was a bit of trial and error in terms of remedies we eventually found that sulphur (in the pill form) worked! He is now eczema free.

Hope this helps,

Esther

purelytwins August 26, 2014 - 7:13 pm

Yes I am working with several doctors. Glad to hear your son is doing better!!

Amy Roggen September 12, 2014 - 4:00 pm

Hey Michelle,
I just found your guys’ blog and wanted to ask if you have tried Oil Pulling. I have had terrible allergies my whole life and I’ve been doing all sorts of natural healing remedies for them, including eating gluten free, exercise, yoga, taking Nettle and Quercitin supplements, staying hydrated, basically taking good care of myself, and they have all helped immensely, but oil pulling has made the most noticeable difference. My bad days now are like my good days before. Oil pulling is an ayurvedic practice of swishing (I use organic) oil around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes, once or twice per day, and spitting it out afterward. According to a book I read through a bit of, the oil grabs onto bacteria in your mouth and then you spit it all out, thereby reducing the load on your immune system and allowing it to work on other things, like detoxing. The author of that book had success using oil pulling in getting rid of chronic dandruff he’d had his whole life, and he suggested it for other auto-immune related conditions like allergies, eczema, arthritis… The book is called Oil Pulling Therapy by Bruce Fife. I’m not affiliated with the book and I haven’t even read the entire thing, but oil pulling made a huge difference for me right away. The first few days of doing it twice per day were like a detox, where I almost felt sick. It helped me notice some of the emotional patterns I have around my allergy symptoms. I oil pulled twice per day for a few months to kick start it, and now I just do it once per day to maintain it. I wake up, drink a little water, put a couple teaspoons of oil in my mouth, and swish it around while I get ready for the day. It’s really good for your gums and breath too, since it gets rid of bacteria in your mouth. Anyway, just thought I would tell you in case you haven’t tried it yet. Good luck with everything! I love your guys’ website.

Amy

purelytwins September 12, 2014 - 4:17 pm

Amy glad you found us! I have tried oil pulling last year, I remember liking it but could never remember to do it. Thanks for the book info I will have to check it out.

Emmy July 7, 2018 - 2:22 pm

Thank you so much for posting this. I am currently dealing with this. It just started popping up a few months ago, and has been slowly taking over my body (including face). Several doctors have told me different things. It is very hard to deal with. I can’t sleep or shower comfortably.

Hafsa July 23, 2019 - 5:14 pm

Hi,
I’m new to this site and I’m probably a little late for replying to this thread. But I thought I’d let you know what I see in your pictures are what is now called a keto rash. I had been keto for four years and all of a sudden began to feel itchy and as the days went on red blotches and patches would appear on my torso, stomach breasts and back. It was recurrent on areas where I’d sweat the most. The only way I could cure the rash was by upping my carb intake. It was an instant cure. Other things I discovered after a lot of research were the doxycycline antibiotics. They immediately stopped the rash. But I soon realised being low carb wasn’t worth the antibiotics so I now maintain a diet with potatoes and fruits, at least they’re healthy carbohydrates. I hope this helps for anyone suffering from this horrible rash. The itching can be so severe so I know how you must have felt! Much love and all the best 🙂

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