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Eczema Remedies

Posted By Geo (Anaheim, Ca) on 08/23/2011

Do I have eczema?

Over the years, I've been getting these itchy patches on my legs (once on my left bicep) that fluctuate from raw and leaky to dry and flaky. Last year was my first "flare up" where my body seemed to have some sort of hives or scabies. I had red itchy bumps all over my body and my face and neck. My dermatologist told me that my patch was an infection and that the rest of my body was starting to "freak out" because of it. He gave me some ointments and pills and I was good until now. The symptoms are back and worse than ever. For the past few days, I've been waking up in the middle of the night due to an itchy groin (especially the scrotum and anus). Not only that, but my red bumps are back and seem to be all over my limbs. Just tonight I seem to have had itchy armpits that itched like crazy. My scrotum seems to be the worst, as it feels as though its being prickled and stung, but I when I look, I don't see any visible rash. My skin color is brown, so I'm not sure if I have what is known as a brown rash. Anyway, my only relief seems to be taking extremely hot showers all over my skin. Nearly scalding hot water seems to have an intense and almost euphoric relief on the itchy areas of my skin and even some of the not so itchy areas as well. This is how I came the the notion that I have eczema as I have read some experiences about people with eczema have had regarding the same exact sensation. So there are two things I would like to know: Do I have eczema? And what are better ways to provide a relief to my itchy scrotum and anus so that I can sleep? (something other than burning my testicles)

Replied by Sue Ellen (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/23/2011

You most likely have Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation.. The disorder may affect people of any age, but it most commonly begins between ages 15 and 35.
The condition cannot be spread to others.
<P>Psoriasis seems to be passed down through families. Doctors think it probably occurs when the body's immune system mistakes healthy cells for dangerous substances and there are new studies showing vitamin D deficiency may be trigger for out breaks.
<P>Skin cells grow deep in the skin and normally rise to the surface about once a month. In persons with psoriasis, this process is too fast (about 2 weeks instead of 4 weeks) and dead skin cells build up on the skin's surface.
<P>The following may trigger an attack of psoriasis or make the condition more difficult to treat:
<LI>Bacteria or viral infections, including strep throat and upper respiratory infections
<LI>Dry air or dry skin
<LI>Injury to the skin, including cuts, burns, and insect bites
<LI>Some medicines, including antimalaria drugs, beta-blockers, and lithium
<LI>Stress
<LI>Too little sunlight
<LI>Too much sunlight (sunburn)
<LI>Too much alcohol
<LI>Home treatments
<LI>Oatmeal baths may be soothing and may help to loosen scales. You can use over-the-counter oatmeal bath products. Or, you can mix 1 cup of oatmeal into a tub of warm water.
<LI>Sunlight may help your symptoms go away. Be careful not to get sunburned.
<LI>Relaxation and antistress techniques may be helpful. The link between stress and flares of psoriasis is not well understood, however.
<LI>Vitamin D orally and vitamin D cream

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