Your Stories - GLA and Evening Primrose Oil

Burt's bees evening primrose creme has helped - TB, New York, USA

For the majority of my life I have only had eczema on the backs of my knees and elbows. Once I turned 20, I got the worst flare up of my life which spread from the previous areas to my neck, face and eyelids. It was a horrible 4 months of suffering with no hope. After trying holistic remedies, aloe vera, fish oil, flaxseed, organic lotions, shower head water purifier, strict diet etc., After sleepless nights, I finally went to the dermatologist and he prescribed me Fluticasone Propionate Ointment which cured a horrible flare up within 3 days. After the struggle of not scratching for three day, I have maintained my skin by moisturising at least three times a day with Palmer's olive butter formula for my body and Cetaphil day lotion for my face. Burt's bees evening primrose creme has helped extremely too because of the primrose. I think all treatments depend on how bad you scratch and your tolerance for certain cremes. Good luck but from someone who has suffered alot and did not trust that anything would ever work for me, I finally have hope and strive to maintain non-flare up skin. (September 2007)

GLA and Essential Fatty Acids - Lori, San Diego, USA

Both of my children have had eczema and thankfully, I have been able to control it very easily. At three months my daughter came down with it on her face, her back and limbs. She cried a lot and scratched. The doctors prescribed all sorts of creams, however, my husband is a research scientist and would not allow there use. Most were very potent steroids. So, we researched and read about essential fatty acids, GLA in particular. I was nursing so I started taking borage oil as well as giving my daughter small amounts in her cereal. Within a week, her eczema was gone. I did not keep using the oil after the symptoms cleared, but every time there is any sign of it, the oil clears it quickly. My son had the same issue at 4 months. However, his face was so bad that first we had to treat it with Bacitracin and cortisone for about 4 days. Then, with the oils he too cleared within a week. I also used an infant probiotic to help build his friendly bacteria. He has NOT had eczema since and he is three now. My daughter had a bout this past month, her first in years, she is 5 now. It did not respond to the oils. So, we looked for another reason and found out that zinc deficiency can cause dry skin/eczema. So, we gave her some and within 2 days, it is gone. This is what worked for us. I understand that helpless, horrible feeling of not knowing how to help you child. Please talk to your doctor and see doses etc. for your child. Or seek the help of a holistic doctor. You can also research GLA and zinc and eczema on line. (September 2006)

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Page updated: 17 September 2007