21/04/2011 by spindlygiraffe.

Yesterday we were back at our GP.  A positive outcome for the future but nothing to stop the current itchiness.  Looking at James’ diary, 4 years, when he was months old we went to the out of hours doctor.  It was the Easter weekend, first weekend in April.  His eczema was really bad then.  All they did was put him on so much piriton he was only awake occasionally.  I know most see piriton as a washout, but for a tiny baby………… it was horrible.

Last night he was up and scratching.  He has the fan on in his room as he is so hot.  I was thinking too much and did not get back to sleep before he woke again.  This morning he woke early.  Brilliant, tired and irritable 4 year old and tired and irritable Mummy.  He’s already dissolved into tears about silly things this morning.  At least I know why, but this rarely helps when I am easily would up.  I go from being really cross with him to really upset due to his skin.  His eyes were so swollen and infected he could not really open them - hence out gp outing.  Today is our last day at home due to his adenoids operation.  The doctors surgery was the first outing in two weeks (not officially meant to happen).

My hands are still itchy.  Yesterday I had a frenzied few minutes of pulling them apart.  I was so hot!  I nearly turned the fan on in the living room.  It was not that hot yesterday.  It did work as a reminder though as to how hot he must feel, how that aggravates his eczema, that makes him hotter, aggravates his eczema- I guess you get it.

Basically, I think this must be a bad time of year for us both.  I guess we will both get through it.  He won’t have any idea that I’ll be expecting it again next year.  Why does it tie in with the Easter weekend?  Easter changes, it is like a sixth sense knowing when bank holidays are and doctors are closed.

Posted in Children and Eczema, Eczema and the Weather, General | 2 Comments »

21/11/2010 by Nicki.

I am going maaadd in this weather! Trying to wrap up work before Christmas means that I’m more stressed than usual and the harsh conditions aren’t doing anything to help.

 As many of you will know the constant change in temperature doesn’t help, outside in the bitter cold and straight inside to a heated house is very confusing for the skin! I’ve now made a rule for myself that I won’t go outside without being fully kitted out in gloves (someone asked me if I work in the fields at the weekend as my hands are so ruined!), scarf and hat. I also carry moisturiser religiously in my handbag so I can top up during the day.

 I have always sworn by layering so I can quickly adjust to the temperature. For me, wearing a thick jumper and coat for example has never worked, especially in London on the tube and running around the whole time! I literally layer up; top, thin  jumper, thick caridgan, thin coat, as the constant changing in temperature has an instant effect of my skin and I can quickly adjust.

 My fingers are just crossed the temperature doesn’t dip anymore!!

Nicki x

Posted in Eczema and the Weather | 2 Comments »

05/09/2010 by Nicki.

Now that we’re in September (and the weather is already terrible) I’m already starting to think about the Winter and my skin!

I’m always the one that wants the windows open and the central heating off, much to the depair of everyone around me.I hate wrapping up to keep warm and going out to find myself frantically de-layering when I step in a shop with the central heating on max. It makes it impossible to dress properly and I usually walk around dressed like it’s summer so I can stay cool and itch-free.

It’s also the worst time for my skin to get dry so I have to remind myself to put on more moisturiser than normal. Again it doesn’t seem like you can win!!!

Nicki x

Posted in Eczema and the Weather | 2 Comments »

11/08/2010 by Nicki.

Hi everyone, so I’m back from holiday and have returned from Barcelona with not only a few more pounds on the hips but also nice patches of eczema! You cannot win- suncream makes my skin itch, the heat makes my skin itch, the sand makes my skin itch, and then I go and get sunburn as I missed a bit on my neck and shoulders when I put suncream on.

No advice anyone has even given me has helped my skin on holiday actually, I’ve found it’s really something you have to work out yourself. After many suggestions and trials I have finally found a suncream that doesn’t sting, a holiday wardrobe that keeps me cool (i.e. a wardrobe full of kaftans), and ways of coping on the beach. My main holiday must-do is  showering around 4 times a day, I have a pet hate of suncream on my skin for too long. However this turns the conversation off my eczema and onto my suspected OCD!!

The one tip I have never understood is that the sea is good for your skin, some people swear by it and every year I pull myself together and give it another try, enduring on average 2 minutes of itching before I give up and go back to my sun lounger….

Nicki x

Posted in Eczema and the Weather | 3 Comments »