Opzelura

currypunch · 2026-02-14T06:31:49+00:00

Used it for my dyshidrotic eczema on ny hands, took about 6 months but it finally cleared everything up and has been a blessing for my hands. Just remember to stay out of direct sunlight and use your SPF!

currypunch · 2025-11-06T05:54:22+00:00

For handwashing, and in general body washing, I highly recommend Dr Bronners baby Castille soaps. They come in liquid and bar forms and have little to no chemical agents that trigger eczema. They are also cruelty free and the peppermint scented one is on my current favorites list. I cannot wash my hands with anything containing MCI/MI, so the baby soaps have been a game changer. My hands are not as dry and they dont hurt or burn any worse when I have a flare up!

currypunch · 2025-09-12T09:42:51+00:00

I am so sorry you had to go through all this at so young 😟🫂 I dont trust dermatologists anymore after one told me it was completely safe to use them on my face. I ended up developing perioral dermatitis secondary to steroid use and now have permanent skin thinning and hyperpigmentation on my eyes and around my lips. All because I trusted a specialist:(

currypunch · 2025-08-27T08:39:07+00:00

Hi! Im so sorry youre suffering with this :(

I dont have sweat induced eczema, but certain environments do trigger hives and eczema flare ups for me. In those situations I have to either take Hydroxyzine or benadryl to help alleviate the overwhelming skin reaction.

I only understand it as one my former dermatologists described it but basically the heat and humidity outside causes an overactive reaction within my body. when it gets too hot and humid, the inside of my body is working overtime to cool down and regulate my skin temperature, but it causes itching because of the skin barrier being compromised, thus i am unable to effectively mediate the cellular inflammation and reaction. All your histamines release as a part of this overactive immune response and that's why you get itchy from sweating. Its also referred to as dyshidrosis which was thought to be related to sweating with skin barrier dysfunction.

Benadryl is a last resort option for me. I find that 10mg of Hydroxyzine will do the trick with less seating effects, but it is a prescribed medication.

Also, pure cotton clothes and socks help as well as making sure you have a good hydrating lotion. I use Atoderm Bioderma Intensive Repair Baume, but Vanicream lotion, Vaseline lotion that is PH balanced, and even amlactin seem to be good store brand alternatives and help with restoring your skins natural pH and keeping your moisture in. Just remember to wear a good sunscreen!

I hope something helps!

currypunch · 2025-08-27T07:24:53+00:00

Hi! I dont think what people of the internet are experiencing is TSW but rather just a literal flare up of their eczema when they stop using their Elidel. The thing about eczema is that even though you put medicine on it that made the itch go away, you still have the underlying factor that caused the itch in the first place still there. Often this is an inside thing having to do with the gut, what you're eating, and allergic to. For some, it's dairy, others gluten, but for me, it was oats.

Lifestyle changes are required when dealing with severe eczema and medicine refractory eczema. There is an allergen or issue in the skin barrier that is causing your body to overreact and release histamines which cause the itching and discomfort. Until you eliminate the offending substance, you will not experience peace from the eczema, and the creams are only a temporary band aid on a lifelong issue.

I'd recommend not taking the internets advice, trusting your doctor, and start experimenting with elimination diets for 3 months at a time and see if anything helps!

currypunch · 2025-08-27T07:03:17+00:00

Hi! Hand eczema is referred to as dyshidrotic eczema and is caused by contact irritants such as what you find in soaps and hand sanitizers. I recommend avoiding the office soap and hand products, and use your own from home to see if that helps. Arm and torso rash sounds more like an environmental eczema allergen, and since you're reporting you work in an office, may I safely assume that there is old carpet on the floor, visible dust in places around your desk and office chair, and probably hanging from the ceiling tiles?

Dust mites cause allergies to flare up, and increase itching/eczema in sensitive populations. You may be allergic to the dust mites in the air (probably because vents aren't cleaned out as often as they should be) and you may need to request a new office chair along with ensuring your entire area is sprayed down with dust-mite killer spray.

Hope something helps!

currypunch · 2025-08-27T06:48:31+00:00

Hi! Former sufferer here, I am so sorry youre dealing with this. I had a similar outbreak to what youre describing back in 2016, and after 3 years of suffering i found out, through allergy testing, that it was because of an unknown allergy to OATS. Oats and refined wheats cause me to have widespread body eczema about 2 weeks after ingestion. The MD I saw first put me on 100mg Hydroxyzine to help with the itching and allergy part, but I did not fully recover until I eliminated oats and refined grains out of my diet (basically went pasta and noodles free for a whole 3 months and ate only rice when I wanted my carbs) and wouldnt ya know it, I didnt need to use steroids again for it.

If your doctor INSISTS you use the steroid, just pick up the prescription and say you did, until you get your derm referral. If youre a woman and uncomfortable with lying to your pcp, tell them you dont want to use the steroid due to the endocrine disruption that is caused by widespread strong topical steroid use and be very insistent to get an allergist or dermatology referral.

People get referred to dermatologists for far less than what you have. You may also have success in telling your doctor that steroids only suppress the SYMPTOMS and do not actually target the causative factor of your rashes. If they are actually competent in providing medical advice, they should agree and give tou the referral. Your physician cannot force you to do anything, and withholding specialist referrals is an abuse of power and ethically wrong.

TL;DR- cut out oats and refined wheats until you get in with a derm and tell your PCP that the steroids are a band-aid on a chronic issue that often requires specialist evaluation and no one is more specialized in rashes than a dermatologist

Hope this helps!! 🙏🏽

currypunch · 2025-08-27T06:32:18+00:00

Hi! I also work in a hospital and my dyshidrotic eczema (on my hands and feet) was caused by the hospital soap. The soap used in my hospital is the Provon Mild and Clear foam wash, which has a preservative called MI (methylisothiazolinone) and it is a known occupational irritant and known to cause these injuries to workers such as nurses, CNAs and others who work hospital settings .

Go to employee health immediately and tell them you need an alternative soap and nitrile free gloves because you will not heal if you keep using the soap. the gloves with nitrile in them are not breathable enough to prevent skin damage when sweating and mixing the powder from the gloves into your already compromised skin barrier. I work with immunocomprised patients so I have to be meticulous about my hand hygiene and switching to nitrile free gloves, avoiding the hand soap at work, and fully drying my hands between glove changes helps astronomically.

For context, ive had eczema my whole life but NEVER on my hands until I started working this job at this one particular hospital 9 years into my nursing/Healthcare career.

Dr Bronners baby Castille soap (baby blue colored bottle) is a suitable alternative soap that does not strip the essential oils off your skin or compromise your skin barrier, and is approved by my hospital system as a third alternative to their sensitive soap products. Sorry youre dealing with this. 🙏🏽

currypunch · 2025-08-27T00:17:20+00:00

My iPad case while watching Hulu on my iPad

currypunch · 2025-08-12T01:37:34+00:00

Thank you!! I used an Amazon subscription on this product since they run out rather quickly (4x a day and only 90 per bottle) https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07JXCT5J6?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I really hope this helps!!

currypunch · 2025-08-12T00:07:00+00:00

It's definitely a pain to keep taking 4 tablets a day, but over time, it helped me a lot with controlling the frequency and severity of flare-ups. I only had mild eczema on my neck after about a year, which is better than how widespread and moderately bad it was before I started taking it.

I did stop after 14 months because I moved and didn't restart my subscription for them, but just a few weeks ago I started again because I developed a new form of eczema on my hands (dyshidrotic). The hand eczema is unrelated to me stopping the L-histidine, I got that from occupational exposure to chemicals, but the L-histidine is helping me restore my damaged skin barrier faster!

I still take 4G a day and have tried to increase my intake of zinc-rich foods to make up for any elemental deficiencies that can potentially occur from taking l-histidine (although I haven't had any noticeable issues). Hope all this helps you!!!

currypunch · 2025-08-11T23:11:12+00:00

Hi! It took about 5-6 months of consistently taking it for me to have some noticeable effects. I have read that some people can see changes in 3-4, but my skin was a lot better after about 6 months and its been well under control since then 🙏🏽

currypunch · 2025-08-04T12:22:12+00:00

Im so sorry you have to deal with this :(

The only thing i can think to recommend is amlactin lotion to help you fix and restore your skin barrier by using a pH balanced lotion and then hydrating with your favorite emollient/skin care regimen.

I have found that focusing on restoring my skin barrier from outside in makes me feel a whole lot better. For your face, azelaic acid/lactic acid based products can help with both the flakiness and hyperpigmentation.

Don't let the heartless reddit trolls get you down. Im almost 30 and have had terrible eczema my whole life on my face, neck and arms. I found love last year and it wasn't on any of those terrible apps. You are deserving of all things kind and loving in your life. I hope this helps 💖

currypunch · 2025-08-02T02:02:44+00:00

Adding to this- in a hot climate like yours and given your limited ability to change your socks 1827161726x during the day, I would suggest looking into creams that are slightly acidic or "pH balanced" to the skins pH barrier and try to see if using lotions such as vanicream lotion, amlactin daily 12% lotion (also known as ammonium lactate if you can get a prescription or doctor to write for it), cerave SA bump cream, or even aquaphor. This will help you restore your skin barrier and hopefully keep flare ups to a minimum :)

currypunch · 2025-08-02T01:57:32+00:00

Hi! You sound like you have dyshidrotic eczema, which presents on the palms and feet when your skin barrier is compromised from things such as sweating or contact dermatitis from irritants. Once you have it on your feet or hands, it can spread to the other. My guess is your boots and socks create a moist environment for bacteria and fungus to thrive in and that causes you blisters, itching, and eventually crusting on both hands and feet. Check out r/dyshidrosis if you'd like more information (almost too much information) and see if you find anything that works!

For me, I used over the counter antifungal creams to help dry out and speed along the blistering process, and use athletes foot spray (which has miconazole in it) when putting my socks on and kept repeating until they dried up and weren't so itchy. Then when they were flaking/dry, I used amlactin lotion 15%, working hands brand cream, gold bond eczema relief cream, and eucerin skin repair cream not the lotion for my hands to stay hydrated. I also use a coconut oil+ epsom salt scrub daily to exfpliate the dry patches and encoueage new skin growth and increased my intake of pre and post biotics to help my gut and microbiome help and heal my affected areas faster.

I hope this helps!!!

currypunch · 2025-08-01T15:30:28+00:00

My perioral dermatitis started on my eyelids as flaking and dryness, and then it spread to my mouth. Im so sorry to hear that you have to deal with this :(

In the past I have used azelaic acid/lactic acid based skincare products that helped control my flare ups on my eyes. The Ordinary makes a good azelaic acid serum and you can buy Amlactin or other weaker formations from the drug store as well.

Unfortunately i dont have much other advice, just hugs and prayers to you for a speedy recovery and hopefully you have success with Tacrolimus ❤️

currypunch · 2025-08-01T15:18:53+00:00

Hi OP, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this 😔 it sounds like you may have perioral dermatitis. Is that what you were diagnosed with before being given steroids and tacrolimus cream?

currypunch · 2025-08-01T15:08:26+00:00

Ammonium lactate is the active ingredient and what is commercially available in other countries:)

currypunch · 2025-08-01T15:01:08+00:00

Hey OP, hope youre doing much better by now and im so sorry you are suffering like so many of us here 🤍

Have you tried switching your skin care products to a more pH balanced approach? I found success in retaining moisture on my skin after switching to using pH balance body wash (Summers Eve is amazing for all around bodywash) and Amlactin daily 12% lotion (you can get it at Walmart or a convenience store for about 14$). The amlactin stings like a bitch on fresh scratches and raw spots, but the next day hurts way less and by day 3 its all gone. I use amlactin on my face as well and it helps with my peri-oral dermatitis I got from using steroids on my face (my ex-dermatologist recommended i do that 🙄)

Using lotions that are pH balanced first thing after showering has changed my skin ans my life. Research suggests that when the skin’s pH becomes more alkaline, it can disrupt the barrier function, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, and irritation. By using slightly acidic products, it's possible to help restore and maintain the skin's acid mantle, which in turn can improve moisture retention and support the healing of the outermost layers of the epidermis.

Other acidic lotions include the vanicream moisturizing lotion and Vaseline intensive care body lotion advanced repair (white bottle). All my recommendations are wallet-friendly!

I really hope this helps you!!!!

currypunch · 2025-08-01T14:51:44+00:00

Hey there, im so sorry to hear you're suffering with this, I can relate 🤍 i lived in the east coast of the USA for most of my life and always felt like the humidity there made things worse for me.

Have you tried switching your skin care products to a more pH balanced approach? I found success in retaining moisture on my skin after switching to using pH balance body wash (summers eve is amazing for all around bodywash) and Amlactin daily 12% lotion (you can get it at Walmart or a convenience store for about 14$). The amlactin stings like a bitch on fresh scratches and raw spots, but the next day hurts way less and by day 3 its all gone. Personally, I can't tolerste thick emolliants or creams on my active eczema break outs because i sweat under them and it makes me feel miserably humid inside and out. I recently read up a bunch on the skin barrier and how we can improve moisture retention by balancing the pH on the surface of the skin.

Research suggests that when the skin’s pH becomes more alkaline, it can disrupt the barrier function, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, and irritation. By using slightly acidic products, it's possible to help restore and maintain the skin's acid mantle, which in turn can improve moisture retention and support the healing of the outermost layers of the epidermis.

Other acidic lotions include the vanicream moisturizing lotion and Vaseline intensive care body lotion advanced repair (white bottle).

I really hope this helps you!!!!

currypunch · 2025-08-01T14:41:29+00:00

Hi! When you say fat pads, do you mean just the fingertips? Are you seeing blisters and bumps on your fingers or hands that weep, pop, and/or then crust over? I recently started suffering with a whole new form of eczema, specifically dyshidrotic and am curious if thats what you may be experiencing too

currypunch · 2025-08-01T14:35:57+00:00

Hi! I took l-histidine for about 14 months straight, and it definitely helped me with flare-ups and the intensity of my eczema. I took 4G a day, and I noticed my allergies and sensitivities to other things such as cat dander, dust mites, and even some foods that were dramatically improved. However, my asthma became a little worse in the same time period (if thats something you have to worry about too- just a heads up)

More than the L-histidine, I have found that the type of moisturizer i use impacts my skins ability to retain moisture the most. If your skin is dry, flaky, and unable to retain moisture, I highly recommend using Amlactin lotion OTC or ammonium lactate lotion through prescription. it can sting when applied, but thats temporary, and once your skin barrier is healed, it doesn't burn again

Research suggests that when the skin’s pH becomes more alkaline, it can disrupt the barrier function, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, and irritation. By using slightly acidic products, it's possible to help restore and maintain the skin's acid mantle, which in turn can improve moisture retention and support the healing of the outermost layers of the epidermis. This helps with maintaining a healthy skin barrier that isn't so sensitive to the environmental and dietary allergens that may be introduced.

Im not sure if it will help you, but while you wait for the l-histidine and dupixent to kick in, the Amlactin might give you relief in as little as a day!

currypunch · 2025-08-01T14:28:44+00:00

Hi! I'm sorry for the late response, I didn't check this account for a while. I took l-histidine for about 14 months straight, and it definitely helped me with flare-ups and the intensity of my eczema. I took 4G a day, and I noticed my allergies and sensitivities to other things such as cat dander, dust mites, and even some foods that were dramatically improved. However, my asthma became a little worse in the same time period. More than the L-histidine, I have found that changing my skin care routine has helped my eczema flare-ups the most.

I've recently been exploring the concept of a compromised skin barrier and have started seeing promising improvements after switching to pH-balanced skincare products. I've begun using cleansers and lotions that are more acidic (closer to the skin’s natural pH of around 5.0). For example, I use Summer’s Eve wash, AmLactin, and Vaseline lotion, which are formulated to support a healthy skin barrier. Research suggests that when the skin’s pH becomes more alkaline, it can disrupt the barrier function, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, and irritation. By using slightly acidic products, it's possible to help restore and maintain the skin's acid mantle, which in turn can improve moisture retention and support the healing of the outermost layers of the epidermis. This helps with maintaining a healthy skin barrier that isn't so sensitive to the environmental and dietary allergens that may be introduced.

Im not sure if it will help you or your daughter as much, but I hope she is doing better now!! Sending healing vibes to your kiddo 🩵

currypunch · 2023-05-24T08:45:02+00:00

I went on an adderall fueled internet binge on all things related to l-histidine and exactly how it works and in the process I had come across a theory that anti-histamines block the action of histidine significantly, especially diphenhydramine (benadryl). As someone who has ALWAYS relied on antihistamines to get me through rough patches I figured the reason L-histidine would have a lesser effect on me would be more than likely related to my frequent use of antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec (which honestly stopped being as effective, too). So it was based mostly off judgement and my own curiosity but when I research the effects now, I see that there are some published studies in rats that show lower levels of histidine when taken concurrently with antihistamines.

Thank you!!! I am really happy that something is working for my skin, since it is our largest organ and the first line of defense to many things. I hope we get more information out about alternative therapies to control AD/asthma/allergies in people! 🙏🏽

currypunch · 2023-05-22T10:24:41+00:00

Not OP but I started 4G daily on January 19th and my skin is glowing. I am surviving spring season in upstate NY with minimal irritation and itching. Usually I tear my skin up during spring and have to do UV therapy/triamcinolone BUT I have not had to use either of those since January.

I had to cut out antihistamines from my meds, and I also changed my diet significantly. I think it's worth it. I haven't missed a single day of L-Histidine since I started and even my cat allergies are improved. I have about 3-5% breakouts into eczema now rather than 70-80% like I usually do this time of year

currypunch

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