My Unreachable Eczema: Creative Hacks for Treating My Back

As an eczema warrior, I have developed a tried-and-true method for treating my eczema, which consistently covers most of my body. Through many years of creating a skincare and medication regimen, I have learned to apply my medicine and creams so that I benefit the most—with comfort and relief. Yet, one part of my body is the most difficult region of my skin to care for...my back.

Eczema back flares are frustrating

Sometimes, I experience flares on just my back or alongside other body areas. When there is flaring and inflammation, it is painful and frustrating. It is the most neglected area I have. I still find that my flares take longer for that area to heal, and I experience a lot of itching.

Enlisting help or doing it alone

I believe two heads are better than one, and having help is always a blessing. It is nearly impossible for me to cover my back alone, so I enlist my spouse to apply the topical creams when he is available. However, there are times when he is not available to help me, and I cannot wait for him. So, with this method, I usually skip my back treatments. I have also tapped into my creative juices to create homemade applicators like brushes or unused shoe horns to apply my creams and topicals.

The struggles of applying creams on my back

It is funny when I go to apply the product, and some of it slips right off. Over the years, it has never seemed to go on evenly, and I usually miss a spot or two on my back. My back is where I usually have missed spots of sunblock when I go to the beach. I have even contorted my arms by reaching from the top, middle, and lower sections. I usually get a Charley horse in my arms since I am not that bendy. Also, I tend to get some thicker creams stuck on my clothes since they do not absorb as well. Then, there is the added wait time of letting the medication and creams dry, which can take a while. I tend to be in a hurry most of the time I'm applying my creams. So, this leads to only periodic and nonuniform applications like the rest of my body.

Is there something else I can do?

I have consulted with my provider about alternate solutions - specifically pills and tablets since there is no mess and no fuss. Yet, because of the treatment plan my provider prescribed for me, I cannot just lean on pills. It is important to me to follow my provider's care plan, so I do not experience gaps or side-effects.

What do you do?

So, I thought I would seek wisdom from my fellow eczema warriors: What are your tips and tricks for successfully applying creams and medications to your backs? Or, if you have another troublesome area, what works best for you? Have you come up with your own creative way? I am interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas.