Drink Tea to Soothe Skin

Q. Is there anything that can help with eczema? My granddaughter has tried everything and nothing short of steroids helps. I am worried because steroids can cause other problems.
A. Steroid creams are often effective against the dry itchy red skin typical of eczema. You are correct, however, that even topical steroids can sometimes thin the skin and cause stretch marks.
Some doctors prescribe creams such as Atopiclair or MimyX that do not contain steroids. There are also a number of alternative therapies that can be helpful. One reader offered her experience: “My thumb has been inflamed and itchy with blisters and hives for about two months. None of the various treatments worked.
“I read here about oolong tea and have been drinking it for two weeks, with marked success. There are no blisters and no itching. The skin is still rather dry, but improving.
“This has worked amazingly well. The physician’s assistant thought my problem might be psoriasis, and was ready to refer me to a dermatologist. If my skin keeps getting better, I won’t need to go.”
We discuss the use of oolong tea, dietary changes, Pycnogenol and CamoCare Soothing Cream in our Guide to Skin Care.