I have been dealing with eczema for 18 years now, having my first case of hand eczema at age 50. Now I know I have 3 specific types of eczema, but that took years to get figured out and my self education helping direct my doctors saved my life, literally. My pain and misery was great. mM sleepless nights were spent trying to figure out the cleanest and most painless way to kill myself and not trouble my husband with cleanup.
As most derms just call it eczema and want to treat all symptoms with steroids which in my case is wrong because out of the 5 classes of steroids my 5 Day Extended Patch Test showed I am allergic to one class which also has a cross over to 2 other classes so for years the steroid treatments I was told to use were actually part of the problem. I have had Grover's for 3 years now but can't use many suggested treatments like cortisone, I'm allergic, or some of the topicals because I also have Allergic Contact Dermatitis, ACD. What has helped to stall the severe break out is Calcipotriene Cream or Ointment. For itch relief the best I have found that is also free of my allergens, plus trying many the only one that has ever helped is Flanax Liniment, it is capsaicin (hot pepper). My derm recommended I try after research testing recently that validated success with capsaicin giving itch relief, Google it. Sounds scary? When applied you will feel a medium burning sensation which ironically is a relief from the itching and pain. Then in a few minutes, perhaps 5, you will get relief from at least 50%of pain and itching for about 30-45 minutes which gives me enough time to fall asleep on my side, the only area free of pain on torso. I've learned to move in my sleep. I use a long handled spoon to apply treatments to middle of back you also can use vinyl gloves or plastic gloves (I am allergic to all other materials in protective gloves). Do not touch this cream with your hands, use a Q-tip to remove from container. Do not allow to touch your hands because you might rub your eyes or mouth. It doesn't rub off onto bed clothes or bedding. The bottle is small but lasts for at least 4 months, as just a tiny amount is spread around. I buy on Amazon, 2 oz bottle. Also great on insect bites.
My first breakout was 1 year and a doozy, as I couldn't even lean back while driving a car because any pressure on my back was so painful, the second was 6 months almost as painful and my recent one for 6 ended a month ago. My last breakout was less severe by 50% perhaps because of personal disciple. I have disciplined myself to come inside by noon as heat and sweat are 2 major triggers. Friction from off roading in a bouncing vehicle or bouncing in a boat is also an trigger. If I do break my rule about coming inside when the heat hits, I try to give myself a few days off from heat, sweating or friction, this will calm the pustules, which even when dormant can still be felt with a slight pressure with my hands. Changing my lifestyle is a daily challenge as 90% of my retirement activities involve the outdoors, but my new realistic goal is to live as pain free as possible. I have joined a bookclub and and considering making a quilt but my soul yearns for the outdoors. Like many with Grover's, I met basically every one of the conditions that we seem to have in common, except being male. Most of us have spent too much time in the sun. A hospitalization for a week requiring bed rest at home for about 2-3 weeds about the time I developed Grover's I also have a form of leukemia or lymphoma, mine Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, CLL, (not my reason for week in hospital) which was diagnosed 18 years ago and has never slowed me down one day!!! Yet I still plan to stain the deck rails today and feel great and will take advantage of this moment.