Witch Hazel idea from elderly1 may be the reason or part of the reason my recent severe recurrence of GD is receding, Since cilantro stopped suppressing GD a few weeks before Christmas I erupted with a severe flare up. It wasn't working so I stopped drinking it at Christmas. Plus I was beginning to get some skin darkening on my face, a side effect of heavy cilantro use that previously I had not noticed.
This outbreak was rapid, within a few days I had thousands of little papuales on my back torso, especially mid to upper back, but some joined and I had a half dozen 1 1/2 " patches, solid red, never had this symptom before. The itching was fierce and I tried a few px's that never helped much before, but gave them a try again without improvement. So I tried elderly's treatment of Witch Hazel, only I applied it every other day because I didn't really have much hope. I liberally flooding my back torso and just 2 spots on upper chest. After doing this for about 2 weeks the papuales were beginning to dry up, my thinking was that the WH had a high percent of alcohol causing the dryness. It stung like mad applying, but then left a brief cool feeling. The itching was not helped yet.
Now here is where something else may have helped. My cardiologist put me on an "anxiety" px that he said was non-addictive. HYDROXYZINE HCL 25 mg tab, as needed 3 daily. I Googled it and learned it was an prescription anti-histamine. I started this on Monday, just 6 days ago. I only took 2 daily, one negative side effect is they do give me a very mild headache in my sinus's. The itching did seem less, headache was barely noticeable so a good trade off. By Wednesday, now applying WH daily, the papuales began drying up and scabs began lifting off and I used a heavy layer of Aquaphor Ointment. The itching was noticeably reduced. Friday after shower and WH application and once dry my husband applied the Aquaphor. Even a few days earlier I winced and couldn't help flinching with the application of either WH or Aquaphor, yet by Friday the sensation was mild and my appearance was 75% better. I have the papuales, but they are sub-dermal now, no crusty scabs. 1 1/2" joining of red plaques of papuales. No The itching is cut by 75% too.
Cilantro stopped my last outbreak in a few weeks and although not in remission yet, even if it stays at this level I can easily cope.
I still don't understand the rapid severity of the outbreak or the quick recession. It is still not gone, but dramatically improved.
I made an appointment with my derm thinking I might get a cortico-steroid shot of Kenalog 40 to help with the itching and it took 2 weeks to get in which is tomorrow. I wish I had taken a photo o how I looked 2 weeks ago. I am not sure I want the shot now.
I want to thank elderly1 for sharing.