I have eczema on my legs. It has been driving me absolutely nuts lately. I know using the creams are not good for long term basis. I've had doctors over the years tell me to sit in the sun. I am curious if tanning beds do the same thing? And if so how often should I use them?
Thanks.

Yes, tanning beds have been reported to do the same thing. I would talk to your doctor about how long and how often would offer the maximum benefit with the minimum risk of further skin disease, or whether the benefit is to a degree that it is worth the risks at all.

I have eczema and think that if you go sit in a tanning bed, you must be totally nuts. Go sit outside in the sun and get the UV sunlight on your skin but don't go bake in a container for sweat and burning light... nothing good can come of that!

I think some of my skin problems came from brief experiences in tanning beds. I think the intensity of light gives deep burns that can't be recovered from easily.

Try wearing loose clothing and using non-irritating lotions and forget about tanning beds... just my opinion.

A client of mine told me to try Penaten. Diaper rash cream. In the baby isle. Well I tried it and it worked. It say's right on the container for skin irritations. I would definitely recommend it.

Hi, here must be sth useful for you.

Flaxseed contains different types of essential fatty acids that are thought to revitalize the skin. Vitamin A and Vitamin E mitigates skin dryness and itchiness. Zinc aids the healing process and boosts immune system functions. When used long term, Zinc should be taken with Copper. Grape Seed is rich in the antioxidant which inhibits the body's allergic responses.

Do not take these statements as medical advice. If you think you may be in need of treatment, please contact a healthcare professional.

i agree about increasing your fatty oils and using thick creams. i also have some excema and am pretty sure that it is worse when i have too much caffeine, so i am trying to cut down on my coffee or drinking decaf, however, it could be related to the milk i take with my coffee which is a lot. just a thought, perhaps you are drinking too much caffeine.

I have outbreaks on my face a couple of times a year and have found that cortisone creams work wonders. I wrap a very warm damp cloth over the affected area to soften up all the flakyness, then put the cream on.

Be careful MrsS... cortizone cream causes the skin to thin over time. This can lead to many nasty outcomes when it comes to facial tissue and any areas where stretch marks, wrinkles and visible veings could come into play. My dermotoligist basically tells me not to use it on the face. If I have to, I only dab it on the raised rash type eczema and not over the whole area. I get the white flakiness over parts but only use topical steriods on the spots I get.

I apply lotion and ointment all the time and try to avoid getting break outs. This along with keeping skin dry and cool are very important. During times like these past couple months I actually have to apply Aquafor ointment to avoid having problems. Cortizone is used as quick as possibly when I see the eczema peeking out but this ends up being real infrequent when I keep up with the ointment or lotion.

I think getting a proper strength cortizone through a prescription is advisable because then you can use very very little to control breakouts of eczema.