posted March 27, 2005 09:41 AM         

I used to really bad eczema, and it was very hard to control. I consulted and Dr. who is also into natural healing he sent me some information which helped me. First he told me to eliminate from my diet as much as possible any type of animal product for a few weeks ( meat/ chicken/milk/cheese). Also he told me to stop taking the medication and stop using the creams. And to start using pure aloe vera gel and natural vitamin E. You can get that at the health food store. he also told me to avoid using any type of cream which contain mineral oil, and asked me to switch my laundry detergent. It took a while but it is gone, I haven’t had any problems for about 6 years. I went back to my regular diet. I am just careful every time that I think might get it again. Also once in a while drink turmeric w/ water. and use a lot of natural skin care. What my Dr. also told me to switch soap immediately. Right now I using one Savon de Marseille, I love it this soap has a lot of natural ingredient and it doesn't dry out my skin. I hope this help and may your sister get well soon.

posted March 31, 2005 05:53 AM         

I like 'Zambesia Botanica' cream from the health shop. That's quite good. I've tried all types of creams, as I use to suffer from psoriasis, a bit different from exzema. My toddler gets exzema sometimes and I find that 'Zambesia Botanica' works well enough on him, but there are other things that are good too.

'SOS' bath oil (quite expensive, about £15 for a bottle from health stores) is very soothing. Dead Sea salts are also good; you can get mud soap too.

I sometimes order a shea-butter based 'Petroleum Free Jelly' from 'Green Baby' catalogue (they also have a website) which is very economical because it lasts a long time, and is good for exzema and all sorts. I find (funnily enough) that their 'nappy balm' is the thing that works the best on my last tiny bit of stubborn psoriasis I still have, which contains shea butter, lavender and camomile.

Have you heard of the shop called 'Lush'? They sell a 'Dream Cream' which has all kinds of perfect, natural ingrediants plonked(!) into it and is also great for exzema. Not only that, but their bubble bath bar slices (better value that the 'ballistics' which are only for a single) have great aromatheraputic ingrediants in which are not only good for the skin, but calm the senses too! I recommend it. And the soap too (there is something to suit everyone in there, depending on their taste (or sense of smell, should I say, though it smell so good you may want to eat it!!)).