Adult Onset Atopic Dermatitis

Hi @sandrajune and welcome to Connect. That must be so frustrating to have such a long period of mystery rashes and itching.

I'd like to introduce you to @gardeningjunkie and @kimass1 both have experience with skin conditions and may be able to offer suggestions for what household products they use.

Back to you @sandrajune, what moisturizer's or facial products have you tried?

Have you tried Sarna? That was a life saver for me for a while.

Thank you, Ethan. After I had to abandon my skin care products of 18 years, it was recommended that I try Vanicream products. The Vaniply ointment only lasted about 2 hours. I am currently using a CeraVe "Eczema Creamy Oil" which lasts about 4 hours. I am still using Vanicream soap and deodorant. For my face, the Vanicream facial wash is too caustic. I have switched to a LaRoach-Posay cleanser, but their moisturizers weren't enough. I was given samples of two Bioderma facial moisturizers, Cicabio Creme and Hydrabio Creme which I had to order on-line from Walgreen's. Hopefully, they will work out for my face. I am hoping to find a body moisturizer that has more staying power. I am flying through an 8 oz. bottle of the CeraVe in one week at $17.99 Walmart price. If anyone has any suggestions, I sure would appreciate it.

Hello, kimass1! I are using a 1% hydrocortisone generic from Walgreen's when my body gets itchy. I might give Sarna a go when that's finished. My main struggle is trying to keep moisturized.

Many swear by natural coconut oil as well. I also like eucerine but it's a little greasy. The sarna really helps with the itch especially after a shower.

Thank you your suggestions.

You have been diagnosed with Adult Atopic Dermatitis, how did your doctor rule out Allergic Contact Dermatitis which is also a common type of adult onset eczema? Were you given the 5 Day Extended Patch Test?

Hi, gardeningjunkie! Yes, I recently was tested with 12 groups of allergens of scratch tests and 80 items patch tested. I had one mild reaction to benzophenone, an ingredient used mostly in sunscreens.

Thanks for explaining your diagnostic history. Sounds like you have doctors on top of your eczema. Not all doctors do the needed testing to eliminate other forms. I have other types of eczema, not Atopic but have learned Atopic is often mysterious with less defined triggers. I know you are seeking a less occlusive topical, yet I can't help you there because of my ACD allergens and occlusive topicals are all I can tolerate. Too many additives in lotion like topicals, except I do surprisingly tolerate Vanicream Sunscreen which I wear on my face a few hours a day for about 3 days a weeks.
I would like to know your thoughts and your doctors thoughts on dietary changes. Most Atopic sufferers follow some variation of dietary restrictions. . After dealing with eczema for 2 decades now and blogging with others of all types the only advice I can give is to not discount diet. When treatments and physical avoidance's fail for most of us with eczema, diet is often the last and only resort. All of us would rather just rub on an ointment or take a pill to treat it. I reluctantly plunged in after 2 decades in Oct 18 and rigidly followed an anti-inflammation diet. I was amazed at how much it helped me with 2 of my 3 forms . Because of that I have not needed a cortico-steroid shot in 2 years now. This shot knocked out my internal skin burning,stinging and itching. Now following the diet maintenance plan (for life) these internal sensations have yet to return. We can offer many suggestions for anti-inflammation diets- some are complicated and the books to buy are expensive. I follow a basic, simple plan with clear cut restrictions and the book is inexpensive. Anyone with a Middle School education can understand what to eat, what to avoid and the whys. The Karen Fischer Plan, for example, is complicated and requires rigid study, yet because of this study of the chemistry of different fruits for example, one does have more food choices in certain food groups. The main idea in most anti-inflammation diets to control histamines is to cut out all processed and limit natural sugars. I never imagined it would demand the will power it required, but once you find a diet plan and it's helping you your motivation to continue is strong. I only had one thing on my" bucket list", "living eczema pain free" and my dietary changes are allowing me to live that way today.

That's fantastic! I am what I call a Vega Wanna Be. I follow a whole food plant based diet for the most part but eat meat about twice a week. I don't eat eggs, oil, flour or sugar. Just lots of whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits and veggies. I would love to read more on your anti-inflammation approach. Can you recommend some books? I will look up Karen Fischer. Thank you!