Do you need to see me?

Seth (who’s a lot of fun, and a great writer) suggested that I add a photo of myself to the front of the site. While this makes perfect sense to me from a design and networking point of view, I have to say that I don’t want to.
I know most people don’t like looking at [...]

Review of Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Soap

Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Soap in Free and Clear, which I’ll just call the Good Stuff, because that was far too long winded, is awesome.
I’ve always found it nearly impossible to do dishes because my hands would turn bright red and swell. I figured it was a combination of the orange soap and too much [...]

Eczema Boil – What is it?

This image was the banner for the site for awhile, but I realized I’ve never properly posted it here. Below is a macro of an eczema boil on my foot, the place I most frequently have them. Gory details of self-maintenance ahead – you’ve been warned!
They act and feel different from normal boils, being [...]

The Value of Attractions

I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing
To those that know me.
- William Shakespeare, Macbeth
The other night I was scratching rather loudly at my forehead and after 15 minutes Orion left the room saying “I have to go somewhere else,” and I couldn’t help but reply “Sorry!” After a bit he came up to me [...]

Exederm Review

John Gardiner, President of Bentlin Products, LLC, kindly sent us a free sample of Exederm Flare Up cream, which the National Eczema Association awarded Exederm their Seal of Acceptance. Here are the results of our week long test.
Orion used the cream on his face, a frequently irritated spot, and didn’t notice a difference. I couldn’t [...]

Getting Down On Your Immune System

Immunosuppressants can be dangerous, please be careful when using them. This includes Protopic and Elidel, which have had the alarming results of an increase in skin cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma among their users.  [This means you Chris!]
Please read the directions on your medication and follow them accordingly. These ointments suppress your immune system. It’s like [...]

FDA Warning on Raptiva

Raptiva, an immunosuppressant drug for Psoriasis [kissing cousin to eczema], has received new advisory warnings from the FDA.
The government is warning … could result in serious brain infection and even death.

What Causes Eczema?

Pubmed has an article from Switzerland about the genetics involved in eczema -
Atopic eczema (AE) is a multifactorial skin disease caused by a variety of factors such as genetic conditions, alterated skin structure, immunologic deviations and environmental factors, among others.
Recently, it was demonstrated that Filaggrin (=filament-aggregating protein, FL) is a major gene for atopic eczema.
The [...]

Hello, Ugly.

Usually I go through life ignoring my skin as much as possible, since it isn’t really a happy thought. But, it’s been one of those weeks where my face is super dry and beginning to chap, so I’m conscious of it every moment.
It’s tight and peeling off in little flakes, so I’ve been using scotch [...]

What I Don’t Want

Or bad presents for eczema sufferers, and the usual explanations that accompany them.
Polyester scarf “But it’s so pretty” And itchy. Receipt please?
Scented lotion “Well I know your skin is always dry, so I thought this would help.” This one really gets me. It isn’t just dry, it’s arid and sharp. We’re talking about something that [...]