The Moisturiser That Was Out To Get Me...

Aqueous cream was one of the first ever moisturisers that the doctors prescribed to me when I was diagnosed with eczema.  It was recommended that I apply the cream generously to the affected areas whenever possible, as well as use in the shower to wash with – opposed to a fragranced shower gel.  For at least two years I followed these instructions, never once doubting my doctors – their job is to make me better, right?  However, when my skin took a turn for the worst once again, despite me applying the cream whenever necessary, I decided that it was definitely time for a change.   Eventually, I was prescribed diprobase cream – which only up until very recently, was my 100% go to whenever my skin is feeling irritated and itchy.

Having done my research, I have since come to the realisation that this “moisturiser” does not seem to be all that it is cut out to be.  For many years it has been reported that sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), a known skin irritant to people of all skin sensitivities, (eczema or not) is in fact one of ingredients in aqueous cream.

I repeat –

 THE CREAM THAT THE DOCTORS PRESCRIBED TO ME TO HELP CLEAR ME OF MY ECZEMA FOR OVER TWO YEARS CONTAINED SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE - A KNOWN SKIN IRRITANT! 

SLS causes damage to the skin barrier, meaning that the skin is more vulnerable to irritation and infection after long term use.  The National Eczema Society has since reported that aqueous cream should in so circumstances be used as a leave on emollient, and if it must be used at all, as a substitute to bathing lotions whilst showering.  Provided that the emollient is being washed off, it can’t really do any harm as it’s only in contact to the skin for a short period of time.

Just the other week, I revisited my local GP and was introduced to a new skin moisturiser called Cetraben.  In just a matter of days I could feel that my skin was already a lot softer.  The cream is really thick, but when applied to the skin it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling unlike all of the other creams I’ve tried – which means that I will no longer leave greasy marks wherever I sit/lean.. Hallelujah!

This last week my skin is beginning to become irritated again, this may or may not have something to do with my inability to resist the itch… (Oops)!  However I am hoping that if I up my dosage of antihistamines, that my symptoms may calm in the next couple of days.  If not, I'm sure I’ll keep you posted on any other remedies that may come into place.

So I Guess You're Wondering Why You're Here...

Hello there!  

My name is Lauren.  I'm nineteen years old and currently living at home with my parents and siblings.  I'm a student at Aberdeen College, where I have been studying Media and Communications for the past year. In about ten months’ time, I will be graduating with a HND, which is very exciting yet nerve racking to say the least.  When I'm not at college, I tend to be found working at Homebase, where I work between customer service desk and cash office shifts.  I enjoy both my studies and work, but at times the two can become very stressful.

I've been suffering from eczema for the past five years now.  It started when I was about 14, around about exam time - the problem area being the back of my neck and the creases of my elbows.  For those of you who do not know, eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes irritated, red, itchy and sore.  If left untreated, the skin can become broken from scratching and result in crusting of the skin and infection.  Steroid creams and moisturisers can be used to treat the skin for a short period of time, however at this moment in time there is currently no permanent cure - which I have become all too aware of!

To this day I am led to believe by my doctors that my eczema is down to stress, however if this is the case then it would appear that the only thing that is an indicator to my stress is the eczema itself!

Over the years I have tried various different steroids, ointments, moisturisers (both prescribed by doctors and all natural ones bought at the chemist), antihistamines and antibiotics to try and rid me of this awful condition - by alas, I'm still trying to find a remedy that works for me.

Over the last couple of months, I've been doing some serious research about eczema, what to avoid, what to look out for, what is the best kind of diet to cure the problem etc.  I've decided that I am ready to try and abandon the problem once and for all.  However difficult it may prove to be.

Compared to some, I've probably got it easy.  Over time the eczema has spread across the back of my legs, all up and down my arms, around my neck, across my waist and lower back, down the front of my chest, around my eyes and mouth as well as covering the back of my right hand.  However I consider myself lucky not be covered head to toe, like some people.  Overtime, my skin has developed a red kind of tinge to it – regardless of whether or not the eczema is at bay.  When I’m at my worst - after week or two of steroid creams, greasy moistures several times a day and various different pills – I manage to take control of the situation again for whatever length of time it allows me to.

When the eczema is at its worst, there are times that I don’t even want to get out of bed in the morning.  My skin burns up leaving me feeling hot and uncomfortable throughout the day, meaning that I have to be greased up in ointments that make my clothes stick to my skin, which is most uncomfortable when I'm just laying around – never mind going out and about my day.

My aim is to use this blog as a kind of document of my progress.  I hope that by sharing my trials and errors, that I may be able to help people understand that there is more to the condition than just “itchy skin”, as well as hopefully being able to support other sufferers along the way.

 The above pictures show my skin at it's very worst back in March of this year.  At this time, I had to take time off from work and college due to the uncomfortable state that I was in.