Eczema.com

Archive for May, 2010

Yu-Be is a Japanese skin care product that has a legacy of fifty years of proven eczema skin care. In Japan, Yu-Be is number one in its class of skin care products. Internationally, it has gained acclaim as well. Yu-Be is a powerful moisturizer with a host of uses and advantages.

What Is It for?

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream is a wonder cream for general skin ailments. The particular focus of Yu-Be is for treating eczema, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The manufacturers also recommend it to treat cracking, itching, diabetes  skin complications, radiation and chemotherapy skin tenderness, and relief from cold, wind, and heat. It is an all-purpose, high-strength moisturizing lotion, and is also used as a massage lotion.

What’s in It?

Yu-Be is a glycerin-based cream. Other active ingredients of the cream are Vitamin E, Vitamin B2 and camphor. The humectant properties of glycerin help the skin to retain its natural moisture, while the vitamin additives improve the skin’s health and ability to heal. The camphor in Yu-Be works to combat inflammation and bacterial infection.

Advantages

• Yu-Be comes in a variety of forms. The company offers facial scrub, a pump-style body lotion, moisturizing formula in a tube, and the classic Yu-Be tub container. Yu-Be is also available in a lip balm stick.
• Another advantage of Yu-Be is that is it a multipurpose moisturizer, not just an eczema treatment. Yu-Be helps treat anything from chapped lips to diabetes skin discomfort, thus making it very versatile. It’s helpful to have on hand at anytime.
• Yu-Be’s 40% glycerin base gives it a special quality that few moisturizers have. While other moisturizers use high alcohol, lanolin, or water content, Yu-Be’s glycerin base helps the skin to quickly absorb it and retains the skin’s natural moisture far better than most skincare products.
• The fact that Yu-Be’s formula has been unchanged for fifty years is a testament to the durability of the product and the satisfaction of its clientele.

Disadvantages

• Due to the fact that Yu-Be is an imported product, the cost is high when compared with over OTC moisturizing creams.
• Some users have complained about Yu-Be’s odor. It’s true that Yu-Be is not a fragrance lotion, which may explain why it has a bit of the medicinal whiff about it.
• Because Yu-Be is a moisturizing barrier cream, it may not produce results as quickly as other medicines will. While moisturizing is the number one method of treating eczema, some forms of eczema require more focused efforts.

How to Use It

Yu-Be is like any other moisturizing cream or lotion. It is applied directly to the skin and gently rubbed in.

Cost

1.25-oz.—$15

2.75-oz.—$24

Seborrheic Dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema. You may know it better by one of its main symptoms—dandruff. Whether you call it seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff doesn’t matter, the condition is the same. There are plenty of options for treating it. One such treatment is therplex or coal tar shampoo.

What’s in It?

Since therplex is a much more sophisticated sounding name than coal tar shampoo, that’s what we’ll call it. However, there is no escaping the main ingredients of this eczema combatant. Coal tar is a byproduct of the carbonization of coal into gas. It is a thick, dark liquid that is a mixture of hydrocarbons, phenols, and other organic mineral compounds. In addition to being used in many medications, coal tar has been used as a flammable compound for boilers, and even as an asphalt pavement binder.

What It Treats

Therplex is effective in soothing atopic dermatitis, hand dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff, and flaking or itching of the scalp have all been effectively treated by using therplex.

What It Does

Therplex controls itching and flaking, and even cuts down on the rapid spread of the skin cells, which build up and create discomfort. Therplex has bacteria-fighting qualities, which combats any bacterial complications of eczema. The keratolytic nature of the compounds in coal tar softens the skin and improves the skin’s ability to bind more effectively.

Cautions

• While therplex may effectively soothe the skin, it can also cause slight discoloration in some hair types. It is best not to use it on colored or treated hair.
• Some medicated shampoo with coal tar compounds has an unpleasant odor.
• There have been small-scale studies conducted on the possible health hazards present in coal tar shampoos. The concern centers on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are a considered a carcinogen. The studies are not conclusive, and the FDA has approved coal tar medications because of the low concentration of PAH. However, it is worth mentioning as a caution.

Using Therplex

Therplex is a topical treatment. It comes in the form of medicated shampoos, and should be used as any other shampoo. Gently rub it into wet hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly after gently massaging the therplex into the hair.

Brands Containing Therplex

Denorex, Neutrogena T/Gel, Pentrax, Tegrin, Zetar

One of the most recent coal tar products is a new foam-based product called Scytera Foam. Although it is a coal tar-based product, it introduces innovations into the coal tar treatment market by minimizing the disadvantages and advancing the benefits that coal tar provides.

What Is It for?

Scytera treats the most common forms of eczema, including seborrheic dermatitis. The foam is designed to treat and relieve dandruff, scaling, itching, and flaking skin, especially on the scalp.

What’s in It?

The active ingredient in Scytera Foam is a variation of coal tar. Coal tar, a proven ingredient for skin health, uses natural mineral ingredients to enhance the skin’s softness and binding ability.

Advantages

Many coal tar formulas have several drawbacks. One drawback of coal tar shampoos is their difficulty of use, the unpleasant odor and their staining qualities. Scytera has introduced a foam alternative that significantly reduces the downsides of typical coal tar shampoos.

• For one, it is easy to apply, and is quickly absorbed into the hair and scalp. Scytera is the first coal tar product to be packaged in an aerosol can. The foam texture of the solution makes it easy to apply, to spread, and to work into the skin.
• The unique formula cuts down on the unpleasant odor as well. In product odor tests, Scytera achieved a nearly 80% scent approval rating, which is unusual for any product containing coal tar. Instead of the normal pungent aroma, Scytera has a minty smell to it.
• Scytera even reduces the stain potential of other coal tar medications. Rather than use a concentrated coal tar compound, Scytera utilizes liquor carbonis detergens, which is specifically designed as a topical form of coal tar.
• Another advantage of Scytera is that it is compatible with other eczema treatments.

Disadvantages

• Scytera is a prescription drug. Many coal tar shampoos are available over-the-counter. Unfortunately, Scytera requires a physician’s prescription.
• Some users are displeased by the small size of the Scytera (3.3 oz. can), especially when using it to treat eczema over large areas of the body.
• Scytera foam is among the more expensive varieties of coal tar treatment.

How to Use It

It is dispensed from an aerosol canister and applied to the hair and scalp. Scytera is safe to apply to other areas of the skin as well. The product dries quickly. After drying, it should be completely rinsed off. Scytera is safe to apply as many as four times daily.

Cost

3.3 oz.—$36.40

Jeans Cream developed out of the personal journey of a woman who twice endured the difficulty and treatment breast cancer. After her bout with radiation therapy, she determined to do something about the damaging effects and pain that it caused. The product is her namesake, Jeans Cream.

What Is It for?

Jeans Cream can be used as a multipurpose moisturizing cream. People with eczema, psoriasis, shingles, and even sunburn have found the product to be helpful. However, it was originally created as a special cream to soothe and relieve skin affected by radiation therapy. Thus, Jeans Cream has found a market among those who are experiencing the painful side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Whether suffering from eczema, cancer treatment, or just in need of a daily moisturizer, Jeans Cream is an excellent option.

What’s in It?

The active ingredients in Jeans Cream are Aloe Vera Gel and tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E). It is a very mid and non-medicated alternative to other eczema treatments.

Advantages

• Jeans Cream does not contain any perfumes, lanoline, or petroleum. Thus, it keeps the skin as free and breathable as possible.
• Jeans Cream is an ideal solution for a variety of skin problems. In addition, it can be used on even the most sensitive areas of the body including mucous membranes. The manufacturer even recommends that Jeans Cream be used on children and animals.
• The mild formula and natural ingredients of Jeans Cream are ideal for people with especially sensitive skin. The cream causes virtually no irritation among users, and is suitable as a total body, multi-purpose cream.

Disadvantages

• Because it is not a medicated treatment, some users may not experience immediate relief from using the product. It may soothe the skin, but fail to address the problem of eczema specifically.
• Jeans Cream is supported by a small network, not a large pharmaceutical company. Because it is a small operation, the product may not be readily available. Few retailers offer the product, meaning that Jeans Cream is difficult to purchase locally.

How to Use It

As a topical moisturizing lotion, Jeans Cream is applied directly to the skin. It is recommended to be applied at least twice daily.

Cost

7 oz. tube—$45

2 oz. tube—$21.50

Many eczema treatments use a hydrating lotion solution to both soothe and help to treat eczema. One such treatment is Freederm. Freederm, available only through the manufacturer uses a combination of seventeen key ingredients that are offered to completely eradicate eczema, even purporting visible results within three days.

What Is It for?

Freederm is a general-purpose skin moisturizer intended to treat eczema. While it contains many ingredients for a healthy skin, it’s primary benefit is for the purposes of moisturizing affected areas. The most effective form of treatment for common atopic eczema is to ensure that the area remains properly hydrated. Thus, Freederm fills a helpful role for general eczema conditions.

What’s in It?

Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceral Stearate, PEG-75 stearate, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Beeswax, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Orange Roughy Oil, Soy Bean Oil, Myristyl myristate, Phenoxyethanol, Chloroxyethanol & Caprylyl Glycol, Imidazolidinyl Urea. In addition to these ingredients, a representative of Freederm provided the following list of ingredients: Extract of Cardiospermum Halicacabum (Balloon vine extract), Deioninized water, Helianthus annus extract, Octyldodecanol, Echium Platagineum, Polawax, , Glyeryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Triethnolamine, and Citric acid.

Advantages

• Provides a non-steroidal treatment for treating eczema. Initially, Freederm contained 1% hydrocortisone. Any Freederm product purchased now should not have the hydrocortisone. Some users have indicated better results based on the solution without hydrocortisone, while others seem to notice a lack of effectiveness.
• Freederm offers an array of other products, including Freederm Soap, Freederm Shampoo and Conditioner, Freederm Shower Filter, Freederm Bath Ball, and Freederm Liquid Multi-Vitamin. Freederm’s attempt is to offer a full-orbed line of solutions for treating eczema.
• Freederm is safe for all ages.

Disadvantages

• Ordering from the Freederm website may concern wary online shoppers. The style and format of the website appears to be a scam commercial (extraordinary claims, lengthy testimonials, and multiple before/after pictures). As a further concern, Freederm has a record of user complaints and scam reports based on their product quality, customer service, and failure to adhere to the stated guarantee.
• Some users have complained about adverse reactions to the lotion, including rashes and skin burns.
• Because it is water-based, Freederm has a tendency to evaporate quickly, not penetrating into the skin for maximum effectiveness. Its major benefit may be as a lotion, rather than as an eczema medication.

How to Use It

Freederm is a lotion product. Simply rub it into the affected areas as needed.

Cost

4 oz—$29.95

Produced by Forces of Nature, Eczema No More, is an ointment-style topical medication for the treatment of eczema. Eczema No More is a homeopathic formula, using natural and organic means for the treatment of eczema.

What Is It for?

Eczema No More is a topical medication designed to treat eczema, atopic eczema, and atopic dermatitis.

What’s in It?

The product promotional material states that Eczema No More contains “sesquiterpenes, azulenes, and linalool oxides.”  These ingredient classes have anti-inflammatory properties, and can promote skin health. In addition, Eczema No More contains helichrysum, German chamomile, carrot seed oil, and jojoba oil.

Advantages

• Eczema No More offers a 100% natural and organic means of treating eczema. Often, cortisone creams can cause weakening of the skin over time. Eczema No More overcomes these difficulties due to its natural properties.
• It is focused on eczema. While some solutions propose to heal a variety of skin conditions, Eczema No More is a highly focused solution. Each of the ingredients have a direct contribution to the treatment of some form of eczema.
• Forces of Nature offers a “no risk guarantee” on the product. The guarantee states that if the user was not helped by the eczema ointment, they will return the money with no questions asked.

Disadvantages

• Some remain skeptical of homeopathic methods for treating eczema. Eczema No More is considered to be an alternative and homeopathic treatment for eczema.
• Eczema No More claims to affect deep tissues, but this claim has been called into question by those who are familiar with the effect of topical ointment upon the skin. Topical applications usually lack the ability to affect deep tissues.

How to Use It

Users should apply several drops of the ointment into the affected area of their skin two to three times each day.

Cost

11 ml—25.95

Forces of Nature also sells medicated soap, 100g–$14.95s

According to the distributor, Ecdermaid has been used by thousands of people since the product’s development fifteen years ago. An estimated 90% of users experienced relief by using the product. The product is produced by the Merry Clinic, led by Dr. Merry Manqun Li, a traditional Chinese doctor. Ecdermaid is an herbal supplement designed specifically for eczema and associated skin ailments. As an alternative medical solution, Merry Clinic strives to treat ailments by “healing from the inside out.

What Is It for?

The Ecdermaid formula is designed for people of all ages who suffer from eczema, dermatitis and hives. The solution is acceptable for children as young as two years old, and is recommended for mild and severe cases of eczema.

What’s in It?

Ecdermaid is an herbal treatment. Though Ecdermaid also produces a face and body spray, hand and foot cream, and a skin detox formula, their best-known product is  the eczema capsule. This concentrated oral supplement contains the following ingredients:  Rehmannia unprocessed root tuber, Japanese honeysuckle flower bud, forsythia fruit, Chinese skullcap root, phellodendron stem bark, shrubby sophora root, dense-fruit dittany root bark, summer cypress fruit, Chinese peony root with bark, tree peony root bark, scrophularia root, Chinese salvia root & rhizome, cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome, bai-zhu atractylodes rhizome, gardenia fruit, cicada slough.

Advantages

• Natural treatment. Rather than using harsh medications and chemical substances, Ecdermaid uses a natural process, including only herbs in the
• It is safe.
• Ecdermaid proposes a holistic healing approach. Rather than simply provide a medication, the Merry Clinic attempts to offer a whole-body approach to healing. Thus, one advantage of the Ecdermaid herbal eczema treatment is that it includes recommendations for internal healing, skin treatment, mineral bath, diet regulations, stress reduction, and general health maintenance.

Disadvantages

• Requires a daily regimen. In order for Ecdermaid to be effective, it requires an intensive schedule of administering the medication. Users with mild eczema should take 6-8 Ecdermaid capsules on a daily basis, in addition to the other treatment options included in the Ecdermaid process. Users who have more severe eczema should take up to ten capsulres daily. Even children are required to take multiple capsules if the treatment is to be effective.
• Not everyone is convinced of the power of alternative remedies, especially ones that claim to have a detoxifying effect. Ecdermaid is a solution designed on the principles of Chinese traditional medicine. Ecdermaid is not a targeted solution for eczema as much as it is a healthy supplement for the body. The medication does not actually treat eczema, but rather attempts to purify the body’s system, skin included, in the attempt to eradicate eczema at its source.
• Lengthy treatment process. Ecdermaid does not claim to rapidly heal eczema or any other skin disorder. Instead, the process can take over a month before the user will begin to see any results, even in mild cases. In moderate cases, it may take more than two months before results can be detected.

How to Use It

Ecdermaid is an oral daily pill. It is recommended to be taken at meals.

Cost

• Ecdermaid Capsule (150 ct)—$34.99
• Ecdermaid Face and Body Spray (4 oz.)—$15.95
• Ecdermaid Hand/Foot Cream (2 oz.)—$19.95
• Skin Detox Formula (120 ct./one month supply)—$39.99