Day in the Life of Treating My Eczema

I've lived with eczema for a long time. I've also lived with topical steroid withdrawal for a long time. Navigating the ins and outs has been tough and ever-changing. Now, in the fall of 2022, it is changing again.

Why am I changing my treatment regimen?

Many of us wish to handle our skin with natural products. No one wants to be stuck on a pharmaceutical, especially not for long. Some can be very expensive, and some have horrendous side effects.

As of now, my skin has been a bit of a mess. I've tried a load of remedies. Some work for a time but then fail in efficacy, and others do not seem to work at all.

So, conceding in my efforts, I am trying a new regimen.

What about Dupixent?

Dupixent has been something that has been on my mind for over a year. I never wanted to give in.

There are three scary side effects that I didn't want to risk:

• Eye issues - redness, dryness, even conjunctivitis
• Cold sores - something I already have issues with (my immune system toys with me)
• Facial flares - my face is already my largest issue

However, after already enduring so much, I have taken the plunge.

Giving Dupixent a try

Just last week, at the beginning of September, I gathered all the information I could (financially) about how to obtain this drug. It actually bodes better for those who do NOT have insurance. I came into contact with a woman from a company that deals with patients like us who need help. I paid her a fee, and she took care of all my paperwork. I am getting it for FREE! It is on a one-year basis, which is all I am looking for at this point.

I went to my allergist soon after. She had samples in the office and insisted we start right away.

What was my first does like?

The first loading dose is actually two shots, not just one. The assistant administered the first one and allowed me to do the second. Many say it stings badly, but I didn't find it that bad at all. Both were in my stomach.

I will be taking a dose every other week (so every two weeks, I will receive a shot). I am crossing my fingers. I will share updates!

Changing my daily routine

Besides Dupixent, I will start my own little regimen to help assuage the redness in my neck and face. It stings and burns at times. There is no apparent infection (I went into urgent care to get assessed).

My dermatologist recommended I try out black tea soaks. I had heard of this once before, but he feels it assists many of his patients with stubborn facial redness. You steep a black tea sachet (non-flavored) in boiling water. Then pour out that water and steep the same sachet again (for a weaker brew). Let the tea cool to room temperature. Once cooled, you can use gauze or a soft cloth to soak the tea into it and then place it on the skin for 5-10 minutes (once in the morning and once at night). Consult your doctor first before attempting this.

I will start using this in two days. I must run to the store first!

Two other modes of treatment in my regimen will be:

• Dead Sea salt soaks - 2x a week
• Manuka honey facials - every other day for the next two weeks (medical grade - over 10+)

Changing my lifestyle

I find our mindset and internal health also influence our skin health.

Meditating is something I strive to work on. I have been doing short morning meditations towards abundance and prosperity (I am not only trying to help my health but my pockets - I am unemployed), but I wish to try and do two meditations a day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

I am also eating very clean - protein shakes with vegetables and fruits for breakfast, apples with almond butter as a snack, eggs and a vegetable (if available) for lunch, and a good source of meat protein and vegetables for dinner. I may throw in cherries or another small snack for more calories. I am trying to keep anything processed out of my system for now. No pizzas or chicken tenders at the moment!

Lastly, I am doing morning workouts 5x a week. They are short Tabata workouts (ex: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off). I want to keep my lymph nodes draining and my muscles/lungs strong. Even on my off days, I hope to get some walking or stretching in.

How long will I give it a try?

If you are trying anything out, give it time. I give this same advice to myself. I am trying new things but can not assume to see improvements in only a couple of days. A two-week trial will commence. If I do not see any improvement, I may adjust, but sometimes it even takes a month or two in order to see improvement. I know with Dupixent, it can be a little bit before it kicks in. Cheers to baby steps!

What is your routine like?