Eczema + Itchiness "down below!"

[Foxylady67]

I am getting quite bad itchiness in and around my back passage

I'm also getting soreness around the "front" aswell

I've tried hydrocortisone cream from the Drs, but I seem to be allergic to that aswell

When I have my period I use vaseline to insert the tampons.... and it always causes soreness and irritation. So I must be allergic to vaseline (any ideas on what I could use instead?)

I was also using Replens as I get very dry down below. But stopped using that now because I thought that might be causing irritation.

For over a week now I've not used anything at all "down below" and am getting quite bad itchiness at the back, and continuing irritation elsewhere "down below!"

I'm 99.9% certain I have not got worms (I keep looking)

I'm pretty certain it's all to do with eczema. I have little outbreaks on different parts of my body from time to time. And now it's the turn of my "nether" regions. It's just putting me off sex and making me feel annoyed and uncomfortable.

I will venture to the Doctors (again) but thought anyone had any good ideas on what to do please?

[Jabba The Hut]

My daughter recently had the same problem - tried everything (including EFT which helped a little bit) and resorted to the remedy we used when we all had chicken pox - a bath with a cup-full of porridge oats! She also used a handfull of oats in a hanky, tied up with a rubber band, dampened under a warmish tap, then applied to the affected area. Might be worth a try. Certainly helped me when I had prickly heat and E45 anti-itch cream wasn't available.

[Foxylady67]

Originally Posted by Jabba The Hut

My daughter recently had the same problem - tried everything (including EFT which helped a little bit) and resorted to the remedy we used when we all had chicken pox - a bath with a cup-full of porridge oats! She also used a handfull of oats in a hanky, tied up with a rubber band, dampened under a warmish tap, then applied to the affected area. Might be worth a try. Certainly helped me when I had prickly heat and E45 anti-itch cream wasn't available.

What's EFT??

Bathing in porridge oats Wouldn't that make the bath all lumpy I'd rather go with the idea of tying the oats in a hanky. Might try that! Thanx

[HelenaReiki]

Hello
You could try using KY Jelly instead of vaseline. You could also try Canesten cream on both areas. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and there is a forum running on this subject. Stay away from soap/shower gel for a while until cleared and dry the area with a cool hairdryer. A visit to the GP may be a good idea or an STD clinic which specializes in that area of the body. I am speaking from experience! Hope it gets sorted soon, regards Helena

[Jabba The Hut]

EFT = emotional freedom therapy - do a Search, there are lots on this forum who use this therapy.

And no - there are no lumps in the bath if you use oatmeal!!!!!

[CarolineN]

Hi Foxylady

Looking at the symptoms you have posted, there are several possibilities of what may be causing your problems. Candida/fungal infection is a common one - have you had antibiotics in the last year or so? Itchiness round the anus is often a sign. Treating Candida is another matter - not easy! You might get the Dr to test for it and if positive give you some tablets to take (be aware that die-off can make you feel pretty awful for a couple of days). Once treated you need to look at why you got it in the first place - a BANT registered nutritional therapist can guide you trough the process of recovery and prevention. Ask your doctor to test for bacterial infection too - this is treated with antibiotics.

It may be caused by a shortage of essential oils, as eczema often is - which you get from eating oily fish (such as herring, mackerel, sardines, and ocean salmon, and flaxseeds (oil) and nuts. You could try supplementing these 'good' oils - a tablespoon a day with a mixed tocopherol version of vitamin E capsule until it is improved, then reduce, (unless you are on blood thinning medications, in which case this is not an option). This will deal with the eczema - and possibly the itching as well. Your skin and brain will thank you for the oils

Another possibility is food intolerance (another minefield!) but one which, if you find the cause, can change your life! Again a nutritional therapist can sort this out for you and help deal with the underlying causes, heal the gut and advise about diet, supplements and lifestyle. Allergy is also a possibility, but less likely.

There are all sorts of things like avoiding artificial fibres in underwear, soaps, bath foams, scented creams. Vasseline is made from petrochemicals and is not good for the skin - aloe vera gel may be kinder, or E45, KY, etc - have a word with the pharmacist. Zinc oxide ointment/powder may also be helpful - zinc supports immune function. Soothing oatmeal in the bath can make it less irritating (bag the fine oatmeal, soak in a bowl of water for at least an hour or overnight, then add to the cool bath - a piece of tights tied at each end with the oatmeal in it works fine as a bag).

EFT can be found here - with masses to explore including a free starter download. Brilliant for all sorts of things! and hours of reading.

Hope it gets sorted soon!

[Foxylady67]

This seemed to be the answer, and I thought I'd let everyone know