Sue Morrison's Eczema story
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Hi. My name is Sue Morrison and I have had eczema on and off all my life. One of my earliest memories of it is standing in the bath with my knees wrapped in bandages, while my Mum washed me all over. It was too painful for me to have a bath. I must have been about 4 years old.
I also had eczema very badly on my arms and the constant itching used to drive me (and the rest of my family!) mad and still does – years later!
I seem to recall being free from this skin disease from about 14 till my twenties and then it came back – not so much on my legs and arms but my hands. I could never wash pots without gloves on. If I did, I would suffer for days after, with itching and scratching constantly. Sometimes I would have painful blisters over my hands which would burst. Thankfully, I don’t seem to suffer so much with my hands, but still need to wear the gloves when washing.
I go to see a top dermatologist every 3 months and I have had allergy tests, been on steroid tablets from time to time (when things are really bad!), tried a course of Cyclosporine but they gave me bad headaches and have just had another blood test to see if I can be given another course of different tablets – can’t remember the name. I should have the results in about 6 weeks.
At present, my skin is extremely dry and itchy. I used Cetreben as a moisturiser for a long time, but have stopped using it as it contains preservatives etc and after I used to apply it morning and night, I had the most awful feeling all over my body and spent a large part of the night scratching! I cannot use DoubleBase – another cream doctors prescribe.
I think I will have to experiment myself and make potions which might not have a long shelf life, but won’t affect me!
My back is really itchy as I am writing this. Also my legs and arms. My forehead is dry and inflamed. I feel as though I am falling to pieces!
I do notice that if I am sitting down and leaning against something for a long time, the pressure against my back causes me to sweat and then the itch develops.
Also if I have a lot to do (which is most days) and get tired, the itch is worse.
I know there are worse things in life to have, but sometimes I get really upset when my whole body seems to be reacting to something.
I just wish I can find a ‘safe’ product that I can use as a moisturiser and which brings me some relief.
