A little background I have suffered eczema for about a decade and
have mainly used corticosteroids and urea based moisturisers. However
in recent times my system has adapted to the steroids and I have
found them to be less effective I have also given up on petrochemical
based urea moisturisers. Therefore I decided to do some research to
find alternatives. Some of the products I have used or researched
have not been effective but some have been partially effective to
about a 50-70% reduction in the use of corticosteroids.

The following are a summary of the stuff I have used or yet to use
and other info:

1) Calendulis Plus Cream

Ingredients:
„h Calendula,
„h Centella Asiatica
„h Propolis,
„h Manuka Honey
„h Emu Oil

Pretty effective for me reduced the use of steroids by 60% but not
great for getting rid off the after effects of the inflammation, such
as flaky and scaly skin. This is good for reducing the inflammatory
response. However some pp have found the product to be ineffective.

2) A¡¦Kin body & Pure moisture
Ingredients:
„h Too many to list but the main anti-inflammatory and soothing
ingredients appear to be:
„h Chamomile
„h Sandalwood oil
„h Panthenol
„h Shea Butter
„h Avocado oil
„h Jojoba oil

The product was very soothing and worked well in removing my flaky
and scaling skin. Helped to improving the texture of my skin. Anti-
inflammatory is moderate but better than nothing.

3) Emu Oil
Pure emu oil has been known to have a high degree of anti-
inflammatory properties. I tried it awhile but didn¡¦t really work
that well. Although some pp have had great results. However as
transdermal oil, it may be better suited too carrying other anti-
inflammatory substances into the skin. For some research into the
properties of emu oil

4) Medicated Emu Oil
A form of pure emu oil in an emollient with the following ingredients
„h Emu oil
„h Chamomile
„h Calendular
„h Aloe
„h Wheatgerm
„h Vitamin E

This product worked moderately well although based on the ingredients
I thought it would be more effective.

6) The following herbs and pure essential oils are apparently good
for inflamed conditions
„h Chamomile German
„h Calendular infusion/extract (marigold), vouch this works well
in a
blend
„h Lavender, true
„h Sandalwood oil
„h Yarra
„h Myrrh
„h Everlasting
„h Chickweed, heard good things about this herb haven¡¦t tried
as yet

The following book tells you how to create the various treatments for
eczema:
¡§Do it Yourself Pure Plant Skin Care¡¨, by Carolyn Stubbin.
There are other good books on skin care using essential oils and
homoeopathy but I¡¦ve found this book the easiest to understand.
Do
the blends work? Well, mild to moderate actions, still trying new
variations though.

7) I¡¦ve found that emu oil by itself or combined with calendular
extract or infusion is very effective in reducing the appearance of
Keratosis Pilaris of which I have a lot from eczema.

9) Manuka Honey
Good for wound healing but for treating skin inflammation wasn¡¦t
so
hot but some pp has had great experience but must be genuine manuka
honey with a UMF (unique manuka factor) of 10+.

10) Antihistamines seem to work with me, once-a-day 180mg strength
pills for some instances of my attacks but does not always work.

11) Linotar
A coal tar based product but unlike traditional products it¡¦s not
thick and gooey, nor does it smell that strong. Unfortunately I¡¦m
allergic to coal tar so cannot use but those who are not allergic
especially psoriasis sufferers have had great results. Coal tar is a
known carcinogen as well.

12) Bicarbonate of Soda in a Bath or Paste:
Haven¡¦t noticed much of an effect but some pp have sworn that a
20
min soak before sleep works wonders for the itch, bugger if I know,
didn¡¦t for me.

13) Colloidal Oatmeal products:
There are a heap of such products on the market, supposedly reduce
itchiness, nope, didn¡¦t work for me may for others. Here are some
links but there are a ton of such products.

15) Tried propolis based creams; propolis is a bee-derived product.
There are many such products but I have not found them to be too
effective also can cause reaction in those who are allergic to bee
products. Gotta admit good for healing which I need a lot of, heehee.

16) Zinc Oxide
Could be in a lotion, cream or as is. It has anti-inflammatory
properties but a strong astringent, that is, it dries the skin and
increase the flaking but reduces itchiness. Also leaves the skin with
a white powder on the skin.

17) H Bio-Juven
Ingredients:
„h Aloe
„h Plantolin
„h Melateuca Alternifolia Oil
„h Lavender Oil
„h Ylang Ylang Oil
„h Geranium Oil

Supposed to be good for healing and to treat psoriasis didn¡¦t
work
too well for my eczema.

18) Lucas PawPaw Ointment
Ingrdients:
„h PawPaw skin

This stuff is unbelievably thick, very heavy occlusive moisturiser
but for inflammatory conditions, not so good for me and not so
comfortable on the skin, thicker than honey.

Well that¡¦s it the best of success to you all in your ongoing
struggles. I¡¦m still looking for a permanent solution so any
reasonable suggestion I would gladly accept.

PS. currently testing Brauer Homoderma cream and Greenridge Chickweed
Gel, let u know how it goes