OK, I really thought that a 9-day burst of prednisone would take care of the inflammation. It worked great for the first couple days, but by the time the taper reached 20 milligrams for the last two days, I could already see it was coming back. OK, I guess I could feel it coming back more than anything.
I was off the prednisone for 2 days and decided to refill the prescription one more time. I probably should have gone back to the local allergy clinic before doing this, but after dealing with this off and on for the last 25 years, I am pretty sure that they would have gone for a second round.
My skin seem much more sensitive right now. I came across a CAM page at the University of Maryland Medical Center that had some interesting information about other herbs/oils that may be useful for treating some of the inflammation. Here is an excerpt:
Evening Primrose ( Oenothera biennis ) Oil
Evening primrose seed oil (EPO) is used primarily to relieve the itchiness associated with certain skin conditions, including eczema. Results of studies regarding EPO for eczema are mixed. Similar to GLA (see Nutrition and Dietary Supplements section), an omega-6 fatty acid that is derived from EPO, whether EPO relieves the symptoms of eczema may be very individual. Talk to your healthcare provider to decide if it is safe and worthwhile for you to try EPO for your eczema.
Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia )
Known mainly for its relaxing effects to aid with anxiety and insomnia, some herbal specialists prescribe oral lavender for skin conditions like eczema. In one study of topical lavender, however, children with eczema who received massage with or without lavender oil applied to the skin both did well. In other words, the improvement in the rash was related to the massage – whether lavender oil was used or not seemed to make no difference. To the extent that eczema is worsened by stress, it is possible that lavender adds some benefit by helping you relax.
Others
Herbs that have been used traditionally to treat eczema are listed below. A naturopathic doctor or other herbal specialist might recommend one or more of these remedies after evaluating you and your eczema.
- Burdock root ( Arctium lappa ) – applied topically for skin inflammations
- German chamomile ( Matricaria recutita ) – may reduce inflammation and speed wound healing
- Goldenrod ( Solidago virgaurea ) – applied topically for wound healing; has anti-inflammatory properties
- Red clover ( Trifolium pratense ) – has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as an ointment for this skin condition
- Roman chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ) – may ease discomfort associated with eczema
- Stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica )
So, I may go and attempt to find evening primrose oil and lavendar based lotions. If I can't find this, I guess I could make some. I have all the ingredients to make lotion, I just don't do it frequently because it's messy.
Other reading I've seen suggested probiotics, and high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. I guess maybe I'll also have to go and see about taking flax-oil again. Seriously though, last time I took that I often felt like I was going to be sick. The oil didn't sit well in my stomach. The other thing I keep coming across is to avoid trans-fats and other things that can cause inflammation in your body. (sugar, full-fat dairy and much meat). I"m not sure I'm willing to give up all of that right now.
The oils that you mentioned help relax and smoothed the skin...though it is an allergy and a skin disease it has like many other diseases a mental dimension to it.The stressed mind reacts worse then the relaxed mind.
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