Q. I have been troubled with eczema for the last two years, with the worst outbreaks happening between September and June. I figured it had to do with colder, drier weather.
Then I read a comment from a reader of your column about a reaction to his dental bridge. I don’t have dental work, but it got me thinking. I received a watch for Christmas two years ago and the eczema began around March.
Since I am off during the summer (I work for a school) I don’t wear the watch then. I immediately took it off and within three weeks my eczema has completely cleared up. I don’t know what metal is in the watch, but I won’t wear it anymore.
A. Eczema can be very hard to treat. Many people suffer dry, red, itchy skin, especially when the heat comes on at this time of year. Moisturizers can help, but rarely solve the problem. The link between nickel allergy and eczema has been controversial, but if giving up your watch continues to help your skin, this seems like a pragmatic solution.
