Minor Medical Advice Sought - Eczema

[Dilorenzo]

So, I have eczema in my ears - and have for some time now. Usually it's no big, and for really bad flair ups, I use a steroid cream my wife was perscribed for the eczema she gets on her arms (my use is doctor approved, by the by).

Now, I don't mind using that stuff on the inside of my ears. If I don't, they swell up, and then I can't hear diddly for a few days.

Question is, does anyone have a non-medicinal alternative for me to use on the outside portion of my ears, where the steroid cream stings like Hades with a hemorrhoid?

[BookstoreEscapee]

I don't have eczema but I have a dry spot on one of my ears (that doesn't heal because I don't stop picking at it). The dermatologist recommended Aquaphor ointment, which is petroleum jelly based. Their website mentions using it for eczema and you can get it at any drugstore/grocery store/Target/etc.

[Dilorenzo]

Sweet, I'll give it a try.

[KiaKat]

Mine don't swell, but when the flairups get really bad I usually just use a warm saline (1tsp salt/.5C water) solution to rinse them out. Pour in ears, let sit for a few seconds, drain. Usually in the shower.

[trailerparkmedic]

One of my classmates had eczema that went away when she started taking large doses of Vitamin C. I'd check with your doctor before doing so.

[ArcticChicken]

My GP has me using cortizone cream for the minor eczema on my legs, but I'd reccomend asking your GP, either at your next appointment or just give the office a call. My GP doesn't mind answering minor questions if she's free.

[Taboo]

Question - do you shower with the water temp turned up really, really high?

I used to, and found that it actually aggravated my eczema. So if you do, then a general thing is to just turn down the temp a little. Warm is fine, just not super hot.

[Dilorenzo]

Question - do you shower with the water temp turned up really, really high?

I don't. The wife does, so that's why hers is so bad, but mine is just because my ears dislike me.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Hot water sucks the moisture out of your skin.

But it feels so good..