r/eczema

I finally got into a allergist who actually listened to me and gave me answers I’ve been searching for, for 12+ years. They want to put me on dupixent every 2 weeks for 1 year.

What’s everyone’s experience with dupixent? Did it work? How long have you been using it? Side effects?

I’ve mostly gotten my eczema under control (meaning no full body flares or open oozing wounds) with diet & environment changes. So I’d say I’m a mild case as of today. I’m terrified of needles and am dreading the 2 week schedule. Please share your experiences! Good or bad.

Also has anyone successfully gone on dupixent and been able to have their food intolerances again? For reference I can’t have dairy without a flare up, but no major reaction during my allergy testing.

Right now i do have eczema. I'm on 2 creams for it, which help a bit, but my itching still does get bad. It's getting to the point where I am cutting myself a lot from itching so much, and it's starting to make me go outside less, it's affecting my mental health and also sleep. I did try making a doctor's appointment but I'll admit, they were useless and didn't take it further.

So i was just wondering, what helped other people with eczema? The amount of itchiness i get is honestly a pain and it's getting to the point where going outside is a struggle

I went to my GP recently after months of battling with eyelid eczema and he prescribed me tacrolimus. It was so bad sometimes, I my eyes were swollen, red, and flaky, and I did not feel like leaving the house because of it sometimes. The change was almost instant! I am really shocked, and so happy! I can even wear makeup now without it looking flaky. My eyelids are still a bit swollen, and soon I am going to go to an actual dermatologist for a more detailed picture, but it got way better 😁

My family is really bad at helping. Like I only have heavily scented lotion bad. I can't find a lot of products that help that not over 30$. So anything good one? I have red cracky eczema if that helps.

Tw: self-mortification.

,!!,My eczema is so bad it's so itchy I want to ||rip my skin off until there's nothing left but bone. Why is it so itchy, red and dark I hate it I hate it I fucking hate it. I hate it I wish I could cut everything off. I do not want my skin. I want to gone. I have latched my skin so much it's bloody. I hope it's just worse I don't care what it takes I want my skin to go. I put on lotion (scented) six times times. so yeah I'm physically making myself bleed right now| I'm trying not to but it's hard since sensory issues that come with autism and eczema what a mixed. My sick is peeling and I hate it,!!,

Sorry, just needed to do an emotional dump to at least help clear my pent up frustration over the never ending battle... there is this really nice woman who means well that I bump into at least once a day, but after I had a conversation opening up about my eczema and how miserable it makes me, she always now comments on the status of my skin. She doesn't do it to be a bully. She is actually really polite... I could just tell her that I know she doesn't mean to be bothersome in a more tactful way... like she will come up to me and go, "google bleach baths.... and oatmeal baths..." oh... I have tried those, thank you... or if we are sitting in a group and I try to switch the situation, she will approach to get up close by me and insist I google something like coconut oil... I will just pull her aside and be honest with her, because I know she means well and isn't trying to step on my toes and just doesn't want to see me in so much pain.

I guess I am being a little crabby anyways because of having been stuck in a miserable cycle of flareups that range from moderate to super severe and once again, I am heading towards the latter... as us eczema sufferers know, having eczema can also be kind of expensive in the way of managing it. Even if your Healthcare covers your medicine, all the things like proper laundry detergent, the right soap, the right lotions... not just for vain cosmetic reason, but so skin can heal correctly, or even bandages because a lot of it is wound management too... when I was employed and was able to get these things for myself, managing life was a lot easier ...

And also, the pain that comes with it... it's like always dealing with a bad sunburn that is super uncomfortable. If a paper cut hurts, like that but all over. It used to never, ever be on my hands& face and it has now advanced to being there... so it's where I can't just wear clothes and hide it now...

Can't wear makeup to hide it because the makeup will just oddly fill in the creases and make it more apparent than anything..

Then the stress of it also being apart of the cycle.

I have had this since early childhood. Sorry.

Just needed to vent.

I have been wanting to jumpstart my life again, but trying to get out there without being treated badly for my skin has been something of a difficulty to navigate.

That and the community washer & drier has not been fixed yet & won't for a little while more.. ran out of anything clean I had, so I am just grossly sitting in clothes I have been bleeding and flaking and weeping badly into... I don't have the means to remedy this, or I would not be gross, and it probably is a huge factor into why I keep scrtschtscryschtsxthzchhtttschrt... someone did offer me new clothes, but they were replete with a strong ass fragrance that would have made me more itchy...

Had hypopigmentation on my inner elbows for as long as I remember which is annoying as I tan very easily. Also have it on my hands slightly though not as noitceable as on elbows. Has anyone had any luck un-fading it?

How I Cleared My Seborrheic Dermatitis
I suffered from seborrheic dermatitis for almost 2 years, but I managed to get rid of it. I have been completely flare-up free for about 7 months now. Every now and then a tiny bit tries to come back, but I keep it under total control.
Here is exactly what I did and what I am still doing:
1. Hair Length
If your hair is too long, cut it short (just a normal, regular haircut). It helps the scalp breathe.
2. Washing Routine
I take a shower and wash my hair with shampoo 3 times a week.
To clear the eczema: I strictly used FUNGORAL SHAMPOO until it was gone.

After it cleared: I switched to a regular Eucerin Shampoo (not the Urea version) and stopped using the Fungoral shampoo completely once my scalp was healthy.

3. Spot Treatment (The "Fire Extinguisher")
Whenever it tries to creep back on my forehead or slightly on my scalp, I immediately use Fungoral Creamdirectly on those spots to stop it in its tracks.
4. Strict Diet (Huge Factor!)
I eat very healthy now.
Drinks: I only drink water. No Coke, Fanta, Sprite, coffee, or iced tea.

Food: No fast food, no sweets, no chocolate, and absolutely no sugar-bomb snacks.

5. Hydration
I regularly mist my forehead and scalp with water using a spray bottle to keep it fresh.
The Result?
Right now, my hair is actually growing back fully! I really hope this helps some of you. I created this post because I know how frustrating this condition is and I want to help.
Feel free to give me your tips, tricks, opinions, or thoughts on what else I can do to prevent it from ever coming back at all!

As happy as I am for those who say “I just stopped using my laundry detergent and my eczema got way better”…I seethe with jealousy haha!

Ezcema is so complicated and diverse. I’ve cut everything out and then some.

Biologic medication is my best chance at a better life…but boy I wish it was just cutting out dairy🤣

I saw an acupuncturist for the first time yesterday in an attempt to see if TCM could help control the itching, pain, and weeping on my left areola. She was asking me about my medical history and medications that I currently take. When she heard that I was on long-term birth control, her face darkened, and she suggested I talk to my OB and stop taking BC immediately. I originally started taking BC in February 2020 due to intense menstrual migraines. I haven’t had my period for 6 years since I don’t take the inactive pills.

My eczema developed out of the blue after sleeping one night in an apartment-turned-hotel sofa bed in Vienna in May 2025. Since then, I’ve spent thousands on doctor visits, hydrocortisone creams of varying potency, antibiotics (oral and cream), antifungal medication, begging to be referred to Dermatology, spiraling stress, experiencing lingering brain fog coming off of the 30-day Atarax prescription that my primary doctor claimed would help me sleep, and lost time from work.

I’m currently on my last half pill of a three week Prednisone taper prescribed by my dermatologist, but the weeping on my left areola never stopped weeping, so she’s reevaluating.

I’ve been blaming the vacation to Eastern Europe this whole time, but the suggestion that this horrible condition could have been bought on by BC makes me want to stop the medication right away. I’ve heard horror stories of eczema getting exacerbated when stopping birth control. Does anyone have any good, hopeful stories to help me see the light at the end of the tunnel? I know the eczema will never be fully “cured”, but I’ll do anything to feel some sense of normalcy after a year of h**l.

Anyone have GI issues from multi-year tacrolimus use? EDIT -- also what about multi-year mometosone? - following derm rec, but have been prescribed this for over 2 years

(nausea/vomiting every few weeks)

I’ve failed steroid creams, a steroid shot, Protopic is unbearable with the burning/itching, Adbry, phototherapy, and feels like Dupixent is losing efficacy. I want to hold off on Rinvoq or Cibinqo due to its side effects, so I wanted to see if my Kaiser derm would support me trying Opzelura or VTAMA or any other cream that’s not a steroid.

Anyone have any experiences with Opzelura, VTAMA, Eucrisa, Zoryve, etc? Side effects, efficacy, how long it took you to see/feel a different, all of it.

Title. What is your opinion guys? Yes, I am aware about the TSW but still.

I’m at a point where my eczema is healing however I keep fucking it up from scratching. I scratch in my sleep, scratch like hell when I’m stressed, and just have periods where I get super itchy. My birthday is in exactly a week and I NEED it to be healed, I’m wearing a short dress and can’t stand my eczema showing. Please give me your most insane ways to stop yourself. Like anything I don’t care how crazy it is.

I had 2 full body flare ups in the past 3 years.

I got it under control everywhere but the neck.
The neck eczema never went away completely, for about 5 months the skin stayed dark, but didnt bother me with itching or lesions. But now its flaring up again to the point I have had to use steroids again on it.

I can't figure why the neck area is the only one that doesnt get better.

What do you guys think it could be?
Is the the contact with the pillow when sleeping? Clothes?

Does someone have any tips or experience with this?

I’m currently starting a new path where I’m trying to fix my eczema through my gut health. What helped or didn’t work for anyone who’s been on this journey before?

I've had eczema for my entire living memory. Like a lot of you, I have gone through different periods of varying severity, often unsure of exactly what It is during these periods, that either helps or exacerbates things.

What I'm about to say will no doubt be completely disregarded by most of you, but if there is a few people that attempt these things, and see results, then I feel like I've done my part.

1. CUT REFINED SUGAR

All of it. No white, no brown. Nothing. Only that which occurs naturally and doesn't need to be processed. Fruit = good. Chocolate = bad
This one was especially hard for me, I didn't realise until I stopped but I think I have an addiction to sugar. If you can stop this for at least 3 weeks, I believe you will see a reduction in redness and inflammation. For me, I went from being pretty much bright red from my face, to all over my torso and back, legs & arms, to literally no redness at all, in 3 weeks when i stopped sugar. Before this, I had tried basically everything I could think of.

2. SUNLIGHT

Simple. Real sunlight. 20 - 30 minutes a day - no sun cream.
Give me all the shit you want for this. I saw reduced redness & itching within 20 minutes of sunlight exposure. I grew up in the UK so this wasn't much of an option for me then. I moved to a hot country and I realised how important this is.

3. MUSHROOMS.

Not the kind you find in your local supermarket. I'm unsure exactly what it is about these that helps, all I know is that they help. I think that same can be said of LSD. But I think to be safe I'd go with mushrooms that you've grown yourself. It's very easy to do.
i'd recommend either micro-dosing very small amounts regularly ( 3 times a week)
OR going heavy once per month. Again, say what you want about this. I think mushrooms are fucking magic (no pun intended).

I'm going to to stop there. There are a couple more things that I think help, but what the fuck do I know. All I know is that these things have helped me more than the best & most expensive dermatologists on Earth.

One last thing actually. If you're at your wits end, I just want to tell you to not give up. Keep fighting. You can get through this, and you can get better ❤️

I’m starting to feel some tingling in my usual flare up spots (around the eyes and mouth) and I think this means a bigger flare up is coming. Is there anything I can do to nip this in the bud before it gets worse? For now I’ve taken an antihistamine and applied some Avene Cicalfate.

Hello! So about 7 or 8 months ago I went to the dermatologist for my eczema and they took one look at me and immediately put me on Dupixent. Told me it was going to clear me up, works on 98% of people the whole thing. Dupixent has for sure helped, less itchy, skin is finally starting to somewhat clear up but not really if I start itching. I have to constantly moisturize and even then my skin will get red, dry and flaking. I had a third follow up appointment today and Doctor said at this point my skin should be cleared and decided to take me off Dupixent and move to Rinvoq. The problem is that I also have asthma, and was really enjoying the benefits Dupixent gave for that. I am also scared of the Rinvoq side effects, like I know its unlikely...but it was also unlikely for Dupixent to NOT work, ya know? I dont know, I think I just want some reassurance? I mean I just started getting used to the shot thing with Dupixent(I hate needles, real struggle) and felt like my skin was somewhat starting to clear and not be reliant on steroid creams. My skin is currently in the best state its been in awhile and havent used steroid creams in months and yet I am still itchy, skin gets all red if I itch and apply moisturizer. I am constantly flaking all over the place and tbh its starting to really piss me off. Constantly being followed by a cloud of dead skin is not fun. Having to get blood work done to monitor my health because of this pill seems rough. Should I try out Rinvoq and not worry so much? I just want clear skin and to stop flaking man :(

Edit: Thank you guys so much for the helpful responses. I think I decided against starting Rinvoq and want to talk to my Dermatologist about trying another biologic like Adbry or maybe something else. I also just wanna say that Rinvoq seems like some pretty fucked up stuff. Works? Seems like it does wonders, but at the cost of potentially making your skin significantly worse years down the road. Not a path I’m willing to take, I’ve spent my entire life dealing with this eczema shit and I refuse to deal with a worse version later on in life. My gut(and basically you guys) is saying to stay away and I’m gunna listen.

I have eczema in arms, legs, neck, uppper chest, back

I’ve been using Elidel (pimecrolimus) for almost 3 months now because it was prescribed by my dermatologist. He also told me that I could replace it with tacrolimus/Protopic if I wanted, but I’m still unsure about the difference between them.

To be honest, I can’t really tell how much Elidel is helping because I still get flares sometimes and I still need to use topical steroids from time to time. So I’m wondering if switching to tacrolimus 0.1% would make sense.

The main reason I’m considering switching is the price. Tacrolimus is around $10 cheaper where I live.

I’ve read that Protopic/tacrolimus is usually used for more severe eczema, which made me wonder:

• Can Elidel be replaced with tacrolimus 0.1%?
• Do they basically have the same effect?
• Has anyone switched from Elidel to tacrolimus and noticed a difference?

Hello,

My now 8 month old has had eczema with intermittent bouts of flare ups on her cheeks (the worst area with flares that cause weeping eczema) behind her knees, neck and her ankles. She has been on hydrocortisone 2.5% multiple times, 5 days on and 2 days off- many times with the flare coming back by day 2 off of the hydrocortisone (prescribed both by her pediatrician and the dermatologist. We saw an allergist as well, with the allergist reporting a mild cat allergy and advised me to continue working with the dermatologist for a treatment plan. We tried eucrisa but it did not work for her, her weeping eczema returned and we went back to the hydrocortisone. We also tried Desonide and found she had a reaction to this steroid. Im asking for any sort of advice and reassurance and just peace of mind from other perspectives and parents who may have dealt with this as I feel absolutely horrible for having her on hydrocortisone for multiple bouts. The doctors have all said it is much better to treat her however I am so concerned of long term effects/ fearful we won’t find solace in anything else. TIA.