Q. I am suffering terribly with eczema, aka atopic dermatitis. That’s what my dermatologist calls my dry, red, itchy nasty skin. The doctor thought I might have an infection as well, and I have tried Bactroban antibiotic ointment as well as all kinds of oils including emu oil, coconut oil and pricey moisturizers.
I avoid antibacterial handwashing liquid and all products that leave a soap residue. I use fragrance-free detergent for my laundry but I am still suffering. The itching is unbearable and makes it hard to sleep. I fear that I will soon have to start taking prednisone, which scares me. Do you have any recommendations?
A. Why not start with oolong tea? Here are some messages we have received from other readers:
“I have never written to anyone like this but feel compelled to share my results. I went to some of the best dermatologists in the US – including flying from Florida to the top one at Harvard/Mass General. They gave me all sorts of remedies for eczema, including antibiotics.
Then I tried your recommended oolong tea – went off all the other creams, etc. and it worked great. The eczema is 90% gone in 10 days. Thank you very much.”
-Steve
“During a discussion of possible remedies for eczema on your program, someone mentioned that drinking oolong tea reduced their symptoms. I had suffered for years with a spot of eczema on my ankle about the size of a softball. At times it was raw; other times a little better, but it was a constant presence for years.
“I had tried every over-the-counter treatment with no luck and had completely given up hope that it would ever go away. With no expectation that oolong tea would work, I started drinking it a couple of times a day for about a month. The eczema disappeared. That was over a year ago. I stopped drinking the oolong tea long ago, and the eczema has not returned. I am simply amazed. And I can not thank you enough for that home remedy.”
-Robin
We also think that eczema requires industrial-strength moisturizer. The best ingredient we can think of is high-concentration urea. The makers of Udderly Smooth Udder Cream have formulated Extra Care 20 with 20% urea. Anything stronger would require a prescription.
If you have tried something that really helps your dry skin/eczema, please let us know. We would like to share your success with others. Comment below please.
