15 September 2020

National Eczema Week 2020 unmasking the truth about eczema
(gifted/unpaid/affiliate link for Odylique)
"National Eczema Week 2020 will be about the wider impact of eczema on people’s lives. We carried out a survey on different aspects of living with eczema and will be revealing results from this survey during the week on our social media channels, unmasking the truth of what it’s like to live with eczema.Through sharing these findings, we want to empower people to talk about eczema, knowing that others are going through similar experiences, and to seek the care and support they need. We also want to improve public awareness of eczema’s impact on daily life and build greater understanding of the condition." eczema.org

For those not familiar with my story, I've had atopic eczema since birth. At various points in my life I've experienced severe flare ups but at the moment it's a milder condition. Lockdown has triggered a break out around my neck and shoulders. I put it down to the worries and stress from everything that has happened, I've been made redundant and we lost friends to the virus.

I'm going to use this post as a recap for readers. As you know my blog has been built around my experiences of eczema and allergies so I've covered a fair amount over the years.

My Diagnosis
I'm in my 40's and to catch you up on my life, from birth to age 10 my eczema was severe and I had medical treatments and allergy diagnosis. Forward to 2014 when I decided to seek help for a flare up which I had been treating for years and it wouldn't go away no matter what I tried. The diagnosis that followed has been documented in the following articles -

My Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food syndrome)
Dietitians & Dermatologists - patch test reaction for Linalool and MI, Urticaria and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Final Diagnosis

My Tips for managing eczema
Here are some of my articles offering personal tips for managing eczema and product recommendations

For Skin Prone to Eczema - recommended Creams and Balms

Odylique have products which I highly recommend for skin prone to eczema. I have a reader discount code to share and to receive 20% off your order use code SUGARPUFFISH at Odylique

From Past to Present
The majority of skincare reviews after 2014 will feature products that are fragrance free or at minimum free from linalool so keep this in mind when scrolling through my blog. I continue to analyse formulations as I'm conscious not to trigger eczema and allergic reactions. It's important to have on hand creams that specifically treat dry and itchy skin but the rest of the time focus on a healthy and gentle top to toe routine.

How has eczema impacted your life?

Sarah x

14 September 2013

National Eczema Week starts today (14 - 22 September), there will be events held across the country by the National Eczema Society. The statistics are 

1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults suffer from eczema
Eczema affects 10% (approx. 6 million) people throughout the UK
Eczema affects 20% of babies in the first year of their life

The National Eczema Society has a Helpline is anyone is looking for advice 0800 089 1122.

As you all know I have had eczema on and off over the years since I was a baby. My eczema has been linked to allergies so it makes sense that certain ingredients will flare up my skin. The last time I used a prescribed eczema product (emollient or steroid) was around 1998. Last year I wrote about eczema products that may help. Since I wrote it I could add a few more to the list so definitely have a look through my Eczema page (link under my header). I have also written up my Eczema Tips, what I do to try and manage my skin flare ups

I have been asked to co host (with @hopesreliefuk) a twitter chat for Eczema Week on the 17th September at 8pm. We will be using the hashtag #eczemachat. Hopefully, we can gather together and discuss our eczema woes and help each other deal with our skin.

Sarah x

1 November 2014

living with eczema and sensitive skin
When a Doctor passes comment that your eczema isn't severe and almost implies that you should stop moaning, it's not easy to take that on the chin. I had terrible eczema as a child. The kind that cracks, bleeds and weeps every time you move. I don't suffer to that extent any more. I am very much aware that my eczema isn't severe. Some may say I am lucky but I certainly don't feel it. Why am I made to feel like I can't cry about my eczema? Surely it does not matter how much or how little your body is affected, eczema is still eczema, it carries the same woes and feelings.

For several years I have been experiencing eczema on my chest. Right there on my lady bumps and sometimes it slowly creeps towards my belly button. I am also experiencing redness under my eyes and shoulders. My eczema is fickle, it comes and goes. It can be mild one day and nasty the next. Eczema anywhere on the body knocks your confidence but I hate that my body decided to chose my boobs. It doesn't make me feel sexy. I hate having bra fittings even after all these years I feel like people are worried they may catch my "disease". I find myself rambling to shop assistants that I have eczema and I am sorry she has to see it. I am mortified when I try on black clothing and it looks like I have dandruff. Sometimes it doesn't matter how much moisturiser you apply it is never enough. 

I dread the winter months. No one likes dark nights and cold weather but for me I have to face my kryptonite. Hibernating does you no favors because if the weather doesn't get you the central heating will. Your handbag is suddenly over flowing with moisturisers, hand and body creams so you can maintain dignity at work because come lunch time you'll have crocodile skin. 

I am stubborn with my skin. I won't resort to prescriptions. I am anti-steroids. My own experience teaches me that these treatments solve my problems in the short term but the long term damage is irreparable. I believe in natural remedies. I see positive results but they are not miracle “cures” and take time to work. I have a routine. I carefully chose ingredients and rotate my products to accommodate how fickle my skin appears to have become. 

I am writing this blog post after suffering a raging skin flare up. My skin is itchy, sore, inflamed and looks like I have a burn. I have narrowed this episode down to three possible triggers. For me eczema is a grieving process. You cry at the pain, you feel sorry for yourself, you bury your head into a bucket of ice cream (dairy free of course!) and then you decide to tackle it head on. You formulate a master plan determined that this time you will see the back of it. 

I am certainly not looking for sympathy or advice. I just want to moan. I want people to understand how shit it is to have eczema. I am telling you, my readers, that even though I write about fantastic products, I am still (at times) looking for my magic “cure”.

Sarah x

19 September 2017

National Eczema Week 2017 Natural Skincare for those prone to eczema
Disclaimer - PR samples

Eczema is part of who I am. I'm very fortunate that the atopic eczema I experience as an adult is very mild in comparison to my childhood but it doesn't make it any less irritating. There are different types of dermatitis so it has to be treated individually but letting people know what you use can perhaps help narrow down choices. I'm mindful of recommending products because what works for one person might not be the answer for someone else.

As it's National Eczema Week (16-24 September 2017) I thought I would bring together some brands who have recently approached me. These products have been formulated by people who have first hand knowledge of eczema and whilst they can't label them as eczema products (because that's a medical claim) the ingredients have been chosen based on suitability for sensitive skin. This in theory should help reduce the likelihood of irritation but of course with every product I must stress that you patch test first.

Honest Elements Truly Gentle cleansing balm certainly lives up to its name. The formulation is fragrance free and contains natural ingredients but Honest Elements make sure to avoid natural allergens and irritants. The cleansing balm is lovely to use and transforms from gel to milk with a splash of water. This product is British made, suitable for vegans and cruelty free.

Mrs Frisbee offer a fragrance-free service which could be ideal if you have sensitive skin prone to reactions. I often find avoiding essential oils can be beneficial at times of flare up.

Poppy's Natural Skincare Soothing Neem & Chamomile Balm has been formulated with eczema in mind. The key ingredients of Neem and Chamomile are known for soothing properties and helping to treat dry and sensitive skin. Poppy kindly formulated my balm without linalool something which they can do for customers. I've also been using the Unfragrance Super Moisturising Body Butter which is a simple blend of shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil, almond oil and cocoa butter. It's super rich with a lovely light whipped texture and ideal for very dry skin.

XO Balm was created by founder Charlotte, a long-term sufferer of contact dermatitis. XOBalm is a natural, multi-purpose balm containing emollient ingredients ideal for sensitive, dry and eczema prone skin. Free from preservatives, sulphates and fragrance. Packaging is a mirror compact tin with applicator perfect for daily use. As the formulation contains beeswax I find the balm very firm so you need to scoop and warm it up before applying.

Visit www.eczema.org to find local events in your area for National Eczema Week. A past post that might be of interest - 7 Tips for managing Eczema - speaking from personal experience

Sarah x

13 August 2012

(The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice)

On occasions I've received emails asking for recommendations on how to manage skin prone to eczema. Often people have ended up in a vicious circle of flare ups and are unsure what to try next. I know how it feels, I grew up with atopic eczema which became manageable with the diagnosis of allergies but has never truly left me. There is no cure for this condition and it's heartbreaking, often all we can do is cope and try to put on a brave face. I can only offer advice based off my own experience but it is important to remember eczema takes on many forms and what works for one may not for another. I've decided to put together my survival tips as a quick easy reference. Always consult your Doctor if you have any major concerns or require further advice and treatment.

If you experience eczema you'll know that your skin is as super dry. Your skin isn't producing as much fats and oils as other people and your protective barrier is weaken. You need to moisturise daily, sometimes hourly to try and soothe itchiness and soften dryness. One of the reasons I started a "green" and holistic skincare journey was because I believe the ingredients in emollients exasperated my condition. As someone with Atopic eczema clearly linked to allergies it was time to start reading labels.

Tip 1 - Find your triggers
I quickly ditched SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl sulphate/sodium laureth sulphate), a detergent and surfactant found in skincare and household products. This is the ingredient that helps products foam. Sulphate is believed to irritate and potentially dry out skin. Speaking from experience I believe SLS can effect my skin but in order to provide fairness in my anecdote there has been no solid evidence that confirms or denies that SLS is a cause of concern.

I made a personal decision to avoid prescription emollients and steroids. I was tried of ineffective creams and worried about side effects. Paraffin is a key ingredient in emollients and I have previously blogged about why I dislike it - Why I choose not use Petroleum JellyI strongly believe that a lifetime use of steroid cream has caused pigmentation issues.  My back no longer tans evenly in the sun instead I suffer white patches which remind me of Vitiligo. Alternative plant based emollients which I highly regard are shea butter, coconut oil, avocado and cocoa butter. 

Tip 2 - Changing old habits
Sometimes you have to think outside the box. A very simple solution for me has been washing my hair over the bath.  I switched to SLS free body care long before changing over my shampoo.  I noticed mainstream salon shampoos caused irritation during showering. I have eczema on my body so washing my hair over the bath reduces the areas that products come in contact with.  Also if you use aerosol styling products I find wrapping a towel around my shoulders helps to eliminate the product coming in contact with my neck and shoulders.  Keep hairdryers and water at low temperatures as high heat dries out the skin.

Tip 3 - Cleaning your Home
I don't clean my home without wearing a pair of gloves as it reduces contact with cleaners which are often full of irritating chemicals and fragrance. When I had eczema on my hands I made sure I used latex free gloves. Bonus tip is consider your work environment as well. I once was getting itchy skin on contact with my desk, turned out it was the cleaning products used by my employer's cleaning staff.

Tip 4 - Clothing
The type of clothing you wear and the products you wash them in are worth consideration.  Cotton is often most comfortable on skin and allowing it to "breathe" when sweating.  I find wool an irritant which can quickly trigger eczema. I am constantly battling with laundry detergents, often overly fragrance products which cause itchiness. I opt for Non-Bio and keep perfumes and dyes to a minimum. I recommend this article Odylique put together covering "Best Washing Powders for Eczema Prone Skin"

Tip 5 - You are what you eat
Gut health is believed to play an important role in managing skin conditions. I personally would find it hard to argue against dietary changes as there is a clear correlation between my atopic eczema and allergies. I think most of us can agree we would all benefit from a healthy lifestyle.

Tip 6 - Favourite Skincare
Odylique is a brand I heavily rely upon and they have many products which I have found helpful in managing my skin. In particular the Ultra Rich Balm and Repair lotion may be helpful on eczema prone skin
Lyonsleaf have an excellent range of creams, I have found the Calendula one to be effective
Balmology Comfort Balm is a beautiful product for dry skin. The key to finding a good balm is looking at the ingredients that suit you best
Balmonds formulate for skin prone to conditions such as eczema, many of their products are fragrance free and vegan friendly.

If you have not mastered the art of understanding ingredients then look for websites that stock natural product and have strict policies on ingredients. There are many online retailers competing for your money, check out my Where to Shop post.

Tip 7 - Useful Resources
It can help to speak to other people with eczema and there are useful resources online. I'd recommend checking out the following:-
National Eczema Society (UK)
National Eczema Association (USA)
Allergy UK
Anaphylaxis Campaign
Skins Matter & Free From Skincare Awards

I hope this post has been helpful. If you have any tips to share please let me know, you can email or contact me via social media.

Sarah x

18 December 2012

natural skincare for skin prone to eczema
(Disclaimer - contains *affiliate link/contents is not intended to replace medical advice, for reference only)

My parents will tell you I was born with eczema as it didn't take long before my skin was covered. My most vivid memory was around the age of 9 or 10 when I was covered in severe eczema and scratching until I bleed. Then I developed skin infections to the point I was banned from sports and swimming. The turning point for me was diagnosis of allergies. As an adult I have small eczema patches but nowhere near the extent I had as a child. Currently my triggers are cold weather, stress and sensitivity to ingredients and of course allergies.

Winter Skincare articles are popping up all over the web and whilst it's important for everyone to look their skin, eczema management can often be hard work at this time of year. I decided to gather a list of brands that offer products which may be suitable for anyone prone to eczema or other skin conditions. I personally prefer using products formulated with plant based ingredients and chose to avoid traditional emollients than can be loaded with perfumes, lanolin, urea and paraffin. When choosing a cream, balm or ointment, I carefully consider products containing calendula, chamomile, chickweed and oats as these are known for their soothing properties.

Eczema is a fickle beast and we are all affected differently, it's what makes it so troublesome to treat. It usually takes a bit of trial and error to find the correct product. I'm hopeful that this list gives you a good starting point for finding suitable creams.

Conscious Skincare (opt for fragrance free)
Ere Perez SOS Marmalade (paw paw - papaya is the soothing ingredient)
Fiini Naturally Oat & Honey Balm
Fushi (a range of oils and shea butter)
Green People (opt for Scent free range)
If you are interested in finding out how I manage my skin and eczema, then I have jotted down my personal tips here - 7 Tips for managing Eczema - speaking from personal experience

Sarah x

28 September 2011

I will always be attracted to products that claim to help people manage skin conditions such as eczema. I received a free sample of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP and Lipikar Lait. This was something I had signed up for via the UK National Eczema Society. La Roche-Posay's Lipikar range is marketed to dry, itchy skin and "works in partnership with the skin to decrease the re-occurance of flare-ups in eczema-prone skin". Also free from soap and parabens. They also like to push that they have dermatologist approval.

The biggest hurdle that brands and customers face is that when it comes to eczema prone skin we all have different needs. There will always be products that work for me and not for others. As I have Atopic eczema it's connected to allergies so I scrutinise labels and I'm on the hunt for any ingredient that may trigger a reaction. I'm also looking to treat the itch and soothe overall appearance of my skin condition.

I'm personally disappointed in some of the ingredients in the La Roche-Posay Baume AP and Lait. They contain parfum, paraffin, dimethicone and acetylated lanolin alcohol which are not very appealing to my skin and the plant derivatives are few - shea butter, bisabolol, rapeseed. I strongly believe that any product intended for sensitive or eczema prone skin should be free from perfume. Fragrance is a known trigger so much so that there are 26 fragrance allergens which must be labelled if present at a specific percentage in cosmetics.  Mineral oils (paraffin) and dimethicone are intended to coat the skin and to give product a silky 'slip' for ease of application. If you experience eczema with infection then these ingredient may trap germs in place and offer no healing properties. If you haven't tried it before may I suggest you buy a tub of shea butter and see how you get on, it will be fragrance free and without paraffin. 

If La Roche-Posay works for you then fantastic but I simply wish to demonstrate how I go about choosing products and accessing labels. Always patch test your skincare and in the long term if you can't see an improvement then move on to something else.

20 February 2012

Inlight Organic Skincare Ointments
UPDATE - this product has been discontinued, other ointments are available, the Turmeric & Calendula Relief Balm may be of interest

Inlight Organic Skincare is an award winning brand offering natural products free any synthetic ingredients and preservatives. The range has been developed by Dr Mariano Spiezia, medical doctor, homeopath and herbalist. I accepted an offer from Inlight to review a product and I chose to review the Organic Ecz-Easy for eczema. It's probably fair to say that I imagine I'm not the only person with eczema who is always searching for the holy grail product. We are on a constant mission to tame our inflamed skin once and for all. At the moment I alternate between Balmology Comfort Balm and Salcura. These work extremely well in managing my eczema so I am judging Ecz-easy against these two products. 

Ecz-easy has a very interesting ingredient list with olive oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, beeswax, evening primrose oil, black cumin, marigold, carrot, plantain, mallow, lavender, liquorice, chickweed, burdock, turmeric, patchouli, jojoba & rose oil. This certainly is a formulation with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and healing properties. The scent of this ointment is intriguing and reminds me of our spice cupboard, a strong herbal scent with top notes of black pepper and lavender. I asked my family to take a sniff and it did receive mixed reviews so on that basis it's a love it or hate it scent. The consistency of this ointment is soft but not thick like a balm and turns oily on contact with skin. I find it sinks into quickly and without a greasy residue. I have not noticed any staining on my clothes.

I currently have a long standing flare up of eczema across my chest and the area around my bra strap has been driving me bonkers with itchiness. From first application I noticed I was not scratching and with continual use the itching virtually disappeared. The condition of my skin and eczema has improved and redness has greatly reduced. The first couple of weeks I used Ecz-easy twice a day and then reduced the amount of usage to test whether my skin was reliant on the ointment. I still have some visible eczema but I am coping with less applications of the cream which I judge to be a good sign of how well the ointment is working for me. This patch of eczema is stubborn and nothing makes it disappear but I am happy that Ecz-easy takes away the desire to scratch. I am going to continue using this ointment and hopefully my skin will keep improving or at the least remain under control. 

Sarah x

Disclaimer - this product was sent to me free of charge, I have not been paid to write this review, all opinions are my own, links are not affiliated

19 August 2013

skin problems and living with eczema
I have to confess that I am struggling for product reviews at the moment. I’m suffering from random rashes and eczema breakouts and it is making testing products a struggle because I have to be so careful. This is the reality of my life. Just when I am lulled into a false sense of security and preaching to the internet, then this happens.

It is always frustrating trying to pin point what triggered the latest eczema breakout. My skin is not my friend at the moment and it is driving me around the bend. Random rashes are make me feel less confident in my skin and do not make me feel sexy. People often compliment my skin but this is what is lurking under my clothes. Luckily this time my eczema is not causing me too much trouble in terms of pain or irritation.

I'm often asking myself why does my body hate me so much? why can’t I just be normal? I am not going to lie, at this moment in time I absolutely hate my eczema and allergies. How do I deal with it? I have a moan about it and then take positive steps to manage it.

Anyone else struggling with their sensitive skin and eczema? Lets all have a cry about it together and I'm sending out virtual hugs to you.

Sarah x

Update: this flare up on my shoulder pictured above was later diagnosed as Urticaria

26 August 2015

Review MooGoo Irritable Skin Balm for Babies Adults Prone to Eczema Psoriasis
(gifted PR sample)

UPDATE 2020: this product is now known as MooGoo Sensitive Skin Balm

MooGoo is an Australian brand who specialise in products for those of us with problem skin (e.g eczema, psoriasis). I have known MooGoo for some time now and was more than happy to accept a product for review.

MooGoo Irritable balm is marketed for babies and adults prone to eczema, dermatitis & psoriasis so it’s an ideal product to have in the home because you can use on every member of the family. Just a word of advice, some of MooGoo’s products contain ingredients derived from milk. There are full ingredients lists on the website so you can check before purchasing. Keeping this in mind I opted to trial the Irritable Skin Balm which is free from milk, paraffin and fragrance. 

Despite the name, Irritable Skin Balm is a light lotion which sinks into my skin quickly without leaving behind the sensation of a heavy sticky residue. It is ideal for the summer months and for those who like to get dressed quickly. My eczema is very mild at the moment (across my neck and shoulders) but whilst it’s not overly visible I still have the dreaded itch. I have to be honest and say that the Irritable Balm does not make my eczema disappear but I am suitably impressed with how quickly this cream soothes my skin. I reckon it would be a good one to keep in the fridge for those times when my eczema radiates too much heat.

I know this is a short and sweet review but I really like MooGoo Irritable Balm and I am more than happy to recommend.

Have you tried any products from the MooGoo Range?

Sarah x

30 May 2017

suncream sunscreen eczema sensitive skin natural organic
(Disclaimer - not sponsored by brands mentioned)

Over the years I've had more than my fair share of reactions to sun creams and my skin doesn't care if it's a natural product or one loaded with undesirable ingredients. When you have eczema prone skin you just have to go with what works. On more than one occasions I've been on holiday, experienced a reaction and had to throw all my principals out the window because the the risk of skin cancer far outshines them at that moment in time. Does this make me a bad person? No but I feel incredibly guilty however I do wish more brands would look at their ingredients and help us sensitive folk out.

16 September 2013


As it is National Eczema Week I thought my next blog post should follow that theme. I have mentioned a few times that my eczema has been causing problems in recent months. Stress has always triggered my eczema so I am blaming the day job rather than diet or skincare. My skin is hot, angry red and itchy as hell at times and that is where the Essential Care Repair Lotion comes into its own. 

Essential Care developed the product from personal experience of atopic eczema so you know that you are in safe hands. The lotion contains calendula and chamomile, two of my favourite ingredients because of their effectiveness on my sensitive skin. The formula also contains chickweed (to relieve itching), olive oil (to moisturise) and aloe vera (reduce inflammation & promote healing). 

The packaging is a pump bottle so that's always handy to avoid spills. It is very runny and light but that makes it rather good for easy absorption into skin. It also makes application pleasant because you do not need to pull or drag the skin when applying. To a certain extent I can live with my ugly skin but I cannot stand the need to scratch. I honestly feel as if this does a fabulous job at relieving the itch. It just works for me. I still love balms for my eczema but this is especially nice when the weather has been hot and sweaty. My biggest patch of eczema is on my chest, around my boobies where my bra sits. The lotion sinks in quicker than balm which means I can get dressed and not worry about getting residue on my underwear. 

Repair lotion is suitable for Vegans which is great because I know that many of the balms I recommend contain beeswax. With Essential Care you also know you are getting Organic ingredients and zero nasty ingredients. If you have an itchy skin condition then I think you should consider trying this product. Repair Lotion is also suitable for babies and children. I have grown very fond of Essential Care products. I honestly can't find fault and I am happy to recommend to others.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - I have purchased this product & have also received one as a PR sample, links are not affiliated

30 June 2011


I recently discovered Salcura Natural Skin Therapy and they were offering free samples via their Facebook page so I signed up. The brand is 100% free of chemicals and steroids and marketed towards those of us who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and dry & itchy skin.

I received a sample of Salcura Intensive spray, Salcura Gentle spray and a couple of sachets of Salcura Zeoderm cream. According to the literature Salcura Gentle is suitable for infants under 12 months or those with hypersensitive skin. The Intensive version is for those with regular or mild skin sensitivity over 12 months. Both products are complimented by the Zeoderm cream which helps repair the skin.

I have been using the Intensive spray for a couple of weeks and my eczema has vanished from my chest....YES you read that correct it has disappeared! My most stubborn patch on my arm has not disappeared but the redness and condition of the skin has greatly improved. The liquid spray is very refreshing to use especially in the warmer weather. It has a cooling effect, relieves my itching and is non greasy. I wish I had this product 30+ years ago when I was covered head to toe in eczema. 

I only have one minor complaint with this product and that is the smell. I hate the fragrance and it lingers. That being said the results outweigh the smell so I just put up with it. This is definitely a product worth trying if you suffer from eczema.

Update 24/09/11 - I just wanted to update that my eczema came back but I have continued using the product because I still find it very effective at calming itching. I also changed over to the Gentle version as the fragrance is lighter.


13 May 2011

During the winter months my face becomes extremely dry and I break out in patchy eczema on my body.  In a bid to combat both I recently purchased Barefoot Botanicals S.O.S Rescue Me Face & Body Cream.

Barefoot Botanicals scores brownie points with me because the product range does not contain ingredients I like to avoid (e.g parabens, sls, petrochemicals), and it's suitable for vegans and cruelty free.  The most exciting part is the S.O.S range is aimed at those prone to eczema and psoriasis. The S.O.S cream is rich, hydrating, easily absorbed and not greasy.  I can apply make up over the top without any problems.  I adore the smell, it is delicate from citrus.  I use the cream morning and night and saw an improvement within the first few days.  After a month of daily use my face was no longer flaky and I decided to stop using it and go back to my regular moisturiser.

As well as treating my face I liberally applied to my eczema patches.  I found the cream very soothing and calmed itching.  My eczema did not disappeared but was more manageable and hydrated. Since my eczema does not cover a large area of my body a tube lasts me a bit longer by simply keeping it for those SOS moments.

I recommend you take a look at the Barefoot Botanicals website as the S.O.S range also includes face wash, foot cream, hand cream, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner.  There is also a helpful and informative "Skincare Clinic" section which covers a variety of topics including eczema.

7 August 2012

Salcura Gentle DermaSpray

Last year I reviewed free samples from Salcura - review link. If you are not familiar with the brand they offer natural products for skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis. I thought I would re-visit the brand and explain why I like it. Out of the samples it was the Gentle DermaSpray that impressed me the most and I have re-purchase the full size twice. I prefer the Gentle spray over the Intensive because the fragrance is easier on my nose. I found the Intensive version overpowering and not to my liking.

DermaSpray is a natural product and free from steroids, hormones, cortisones, peroxides, alcohol, parabens, sls and anti-biotic. Salcura do not test on animals, products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and are organic where possible.  The ingredients for the Gentle spray are - Water (Aqua), Vitamin and Mineral Solution, Dead Sea Minerals (Maris Sal), Vegetable Glycerine, Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophaes Rhamnoides), Manuka Oil (Leptospermum Scoparium), Australian Sandalwood Oil (Santalum Spicatum), Swamp Paperbark Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Ericafolia), Lemon Tea Tree Oil (Leptospermum Petersonii), Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annus), Lavender Oil (Lavendula Augustifolia), Wheat Germ Oil (Triticum Vulgare), Aloe Vera Oil (Aloe Barbadensis), Calendula Oil (Calendula Officinalis), Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis) 

Salcura does not make my eczema disappear but it helps me to manage my symptoms.  I find it relieves itching almost instantly and keeps it at bay for several hours. The spray is ideal for the summer as it is refreshing especially if chilled in the fridge. Treating eczema with a product in a spray form is ideal if touching your skin causes pain or possible infection. A little while ago I was having a terrible time with an eczema patch on my chest. DermaSpray got me through the worst stages when other products were not working for me. Currently I am using the product less frequently but would not be without it in my cupboard. 

I have recommended Salcura to a couple of people including Nadia from Eczema Skin Remedies. Nadia tweeted that she had been using the Salcura Zeoderm Skin Repair Moisturiser but had notice it contained Urea. This is an ingredient I had not spotted when I originally discovered these products. Urea is commonly used in eczema skin care but I choose to avoid it. For those of you who do not know Urea is a chemical compound found in urine, although it is also made artificially. The synthetic version of the compound is created from ammonia and carbon dioxide and can be produced as a liquid or a solid. I do not know what type of Urea is in Salcura. 

Imidazolidinyl Urea/Diazolidinyl Urea: Formaldehyde-forming preservative which can cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and asthma. Can also weaken the immune system and even cause cancer. www.thenaturalskincarecompany.co.uk

Diazolidinyl Urea: Established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). www.imperfectlynatural.com

Salcura’s range includes shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, bath oil, body lotion, face cream and hand cream. I flicked through the ingredients listed online and as far as I can see the Zeoderm Skin Repair Moisturiser is the only product containing Urea. I do highly recommend the DermaSpray. You can be your own judge when it comes to urea in the moisturiser. Click here to link to Salcura website alternatively you can purchase from feelunique.com

Sarah x

15 June 2011

The other month I wrote about the discovery of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion.  I have been trying out the free samples I received and I must say I am very impressed with the results.  This lotion has been designed for those of us with dry skin conditions, eczema, psoriasis and skin allergies. 

"Skin MD Natural is over 93% "natural" which is well within the highest echelon of actual percentage of natural ingredients of all products that have the word "natural" on their label. The ingredients in Skin MD Natural that are not "natural" are of food or medical grade and on FDA's most safe list" 

I found it a pleasure to use, it was light and my skin just seem to 'drink' it up. This makes a change from the usual thick and greasy eczema lotions, which are also normally full of petrochemicals.  Since I only had a sample I gave it the ultimate test by only apply to my eczema patches.  With prolonged use (over a week) the condition of my skin greatly improved plus itching and redness was reduced.  

The website is very informative so I won't go on and on about how the product works I suggest you may wish to have a look for yourself. I have not tried out the sun cream version but I assume it will be very similar the only difference being it contains an SPF. I did not try the Glove in a Bottle sample you see in the picture, I gave it to a friend who has eczema on her hands.

Has anyone else tried Skin MD Natural products?

2 January 2015

Dermatologist Patch Testing for Skin Allergies
Disclaimer - The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice. My sources 
www.bad.org.uk & www.eczema.org

December was a busy month for Hospital appointments. The Allergy Consultant I saw in August had referred me to a Dietitian and Dermatologist. I don’t have much to say about my dietitian appointment. I was assured that I have been managing my free from diet well and I clearly know my way around the Free From aisle. The only advice was to up my calcium intake and challenge my OAS. (click here to read about my Oral Allergy Syndrome diagnosis)

As I have never seen a Dermatologist for my eczema the consultant thought it was worth a referral for further skin tests. Dermatologists are able to test substances like metals, perfumes, plants and household chemicals. Testing involves three appointments in the same week as reactions can take a longer time to develop. As the photograph shows during my first appointment, substances were applied to my back in special small containers held within a tape. On the second visit the patches were removed, the tests were marked out and any reactions noted. On the third visit, the Dermatologist takes a final reading and discusses any results.

The outcome of my patch testing was a mild reaction to Hydroperoxides of Linalool and MIT (Methylisothiazolinone), however, I was warned about false positive due to my eczema. MIT is a preservative I have always avoided but perhaps my love of lavender will have to end given the linalool result. For as long as I can remember my eczema has always been referred to as Atopic. The dermatologist confirmed this but also believes I have Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Urticaria. 

Seborrhoeic (pronounced seb-or-A-ik) simply means a rash appears in areas of the skin with large numbers of grease (sebaceous) glands, such as the scalp, face and centre of chest. According to the literature provided to me, Seborrhoeic is not fully understood, but yeast called Malassezia that lives on skin plays a part in causing it (FYI this is not the same yeast present in foods or that causes thrush). 

Urticaria is also known as hives or nettle rash. It is caused by the release of histamines from cells in the skin called mast cells and can be triggered in many ways. From my research, it looks like this may explain my reactions to penicillin, some foods and grass.

Where do I go from here? It certainly has been an interesting set of appointments. I have confirmed in my own mind that I was not wrong about my extremely sensitive skin and my decision to avoid certain ingredients is worth continuing. I have been informed taking anti-histamines on a regular basis (normally I only take during hayfever season) may help with the Urticaria. The Seborrhoeic dermatitis is the tough one as it appears treatments manage the condition but do not cure it. At this stage I have declined prescription creams and steroids. Antifungal treatments are the recommendation but I will be seeking a natural alternative. Some people may think I am bonkers to turn down treatment but I quit prescription eczema medications 16 years ago after noticing damage to my skin so I am extremely reluctant to use them again. I return to my Allergy Consultant in February and I will be blogging my progress following the Dermatologist's diagnosis. I am now googling like mad and if any readers have experience of these conditions and can offer advice then please do leave a comment below.

Sarah x

14 November 2011

My Allergies and Eczema Triggers
I thought it might be of interest to my readers to share a list of my allergens, intolerances and eczema triggers.  Some of these are medically diagnosed using skin tests at hospital but others are self diagnosed.  My symptoms are varied - eczema, rash/hives, itchy throat, sinus problems (blocked nose & glue ear) vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, stomach pains, mild asthma, swollen joints.  I may suffer just one of these or a combination.  

Foods
Milk, Eggs, OAS to fruits (orange, strawberry, melon, kiwi, pineapple)

Medicines
Penicillin, Ibuprofen

General Living
Wool, Cats, Dogs, Feathers, Dust, Pollen (grass & birch tree), Laundry Detergents, Air Fresheners, Perfume, Washing Up liquid, Soaps, Bubble baths, Lanolin, sun creams, shaving gels - there are many personal care brands that I can't touch - Fairy Washing Up Liquid, Comfort, Lenor, Johnson & Johnson, Nivea, Dove, Balsam Tissues, Radox, Simple, Imperial Leather. I have hayfever and also can't let my skin come in contact with freshly cut grass as it brings me out in hives. If I peel a vegetable without wearing rubber gloves my hands flare up with a rash and I experience this with potatoes.

Difference between Allergy & Intolerance
As far as I understand the difference is an allergy is connected to how your immune system responds to a substance where as an intolerance is to do with digestion.  It is complex hence why the two are often confused.  Follow this link if you would like to learn more www.allergyuk.org

Handy Tips to reduce Allergens
  • When dusting use a damp cloth that way dust does not fly around the room making you sneeze. 
  • Invest in a good vacuum cleaner there are ones with specialist filters to reduce allergens. 
  • If you have eczema on your body wash your hair over the bath or sink so that the shampoo does not wash over your skin. Your body wash may not cause you irritations but a shampoo/conditioner could be the cause. 
  • When bathing try to keep the water temperature moderate otherwise if it is too hot it does you no favours and dries out your skin. 
  • Always use rubber gloves or disposable gloves (latex free) when washing up or cleaning your home. 
  • Regularly vacuum the mattress. You can also buy special allergy covers for pillows and mattress. 
  • Make sure you remove mould from bathrooms or curtains or anywhere else in your home.
Sarah x

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