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8 Products For Healing Eczema After Quitting Steroid Creams! #TSW

5/26/2017

46 Comments

 
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Dear friends – after my post about my #skin healing up from intense #eczema after withdrawing from the strongest #steroid creams available (clobetasol propionate ointment), I received numerous inquiries from people about the products/supplements/practices I used during this process that helped me the most. After probably 200+ hours of research (I lost track, but I would research for hours, daily, for months on end) during the most intense period of physical and emotional suffering I’ve ever experienced, I’ve narrowed down the list to products I think ACTUALLY helped during this process. I saw dermatologists, homeopaths, and naturopaths, and I tried so many things (and spent a ton of money trying out so many expensive supplements and seeing some of the country’s best specialists either in person or over skype…I’m guessing I spent $5000-$10,000 during this process) and most didn’t work. I completely understand that everyone’s body is so different, but hopefully this list will give you a good starting point to help ease your suffering if you’re going through something similar. This condition is commonly referred to as #TopicalSteroidWithdrawal or #TSW.
 
Practices/Products/Supplements
  1. Try to shower once every other day, or every 3 days. You can use a washcloth on the off-days to maintain good hygiene, but exposing all of your skin to water (which has a drying effect) only further exacerbated my eczema and prolonged the healing.  I switched to Free and Clear Shampoo: http://amzn.to/2nOWMPJ. I also use this as a body wash. Every since I switched to this shampoo, I have never had any scalp itching or dandruff which I had on and off throughout my life.
 
  1. Minera Dead Sea Salt Baths – here’s a link to the salts: http://amzn.to/2oNOfBy . I recommend buying the 20 lb. bag to start (I bought a 2lb bag at first to try it, and it ran out after 2 or 3 baths). I put 3-4 cups in a warm full bath (try 2 cups in a half bath if you have a child wanting to try it) and stir it around until it dissolves. 1 cup isn’t enough to make a difference. I switched to bathing since I couldn’t shower during the first few months – it hurt too much. Your skin is all broken, on fire, and peeling. The dead sea is known for its healing properties. NUMEROUS people with psoriasis and eczema swear by these salts, and they greatly alleviated the itch for me. Most often I would not rinse off after the bath – just pat dry and put some moisturizer on afterwards before the skin completely dries. However, as my skin has healed, if I ever experience a minor flare, I will take a warm dead sea salt bath, then shower off, progressing from warm water to ice-cold water. I try to stay in the ice-cold water as long as I can bear. Even though it’s unpleasant, I feel amazing afterwards (there has been a lot of research on how cold showers can help your lymph system). I still moisturize after doing this, as the salts can have a drying effect on the skin, even though they greatly alleviate the itch.
 
  1. Vitamin B12 cream - http://amzn.to/2oU0vxj . I searched high and low for a moisturizer that didn’t make my skin itch worse. I spent hundreds of dollars trying basic ones, as well as fancy ones. I tried all sorts of oils – coconut, avocado, olive, jojoba, etc. None of them helps my skin like this cream does. Dry skin is harder to heal. BUT, if your moisturizer makes you itch more, you will end up doing more damage to your skin which also prevents healing. Make sure to put this on right after you pat dry after you bathe or shower before your skin completely dries for maximum effect.
 
  1. All Free and Clear Laundry Detergent - http://amzn.to/2oTXj4B . I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews about this, but this is the only laundry detergent (including the all-natural ones) that didn’t make my skin go crazy. Definitely avoid Tide or Downy or anything with strong fragrance, as these are a huge aggravator for eczema. Also, I don't use Fabric Softener sheets, but if you use them, I recommend Bounce Free: http://amzn.to/2rIaV7j
 
  1. Sudocrem Healing Cream- http://amzn.to/2oq5nue (occasionally Amazon stops carrying this, then will restock it...you might have to find it on another site). This product did not work for me, but it has worked extremely well for my nephew and his eczema. He takes a Dead Sea Salt Bath, then uses baby lotion, then slathers this on top of the lotion, and my brother has said it has healed his son’s skin (note: he never used steroid creams, so this may be why he healed so quickly). This cream is on a lot of eczema forums, especially for those who suffer with TSW. It is very inexpensive – about $10 – and is packed with zinc which is very good for those with eczema.
 
  1. Calcium D-Glucarate - http://amzn.to/2nGMAxL . I read that this helps to eliminate excess steroid hormones and toxins in the body, and thought I’d give it a try. I feel like out of the 50 or so supplements I tried, this was one that actually helped a lot! This is a high-quality brand of this supplement, and has received really good reviews across the board. A very respected naturopath that I consulted with over skype (very expensive sessions, but brilliant guy…Dr. John Thomas) loved this brand, and I’m glad I tried it.
 
  1. L-glutamine - http://amzn.to/2nGIZzC . This is very helpful in healing the gut, which in turns helps eczema. I don’t know if it will speed up the #TSW process dramatically, but I tried it nonetheless and felt like it helped. It is a very inexpensive supplement. It is tasteless. When I was at my worst stage, I made homemade bone broth in a slow cooker and mixed a tablespoon of this into the broth. You can google “homemade bone broth” and many different recipes will show up. Whichever recipe you choose, I would highly recommend that you make it in a slow cooker or CrockPot for 24 hours on low, not 8 hours like some of them recommend. The longer cook time allows all of the marrow to cook into the broth. It’s one of the healthiest foods for healing the gut, and I find it to be quite delicious. You can also make soups out of it by adding veggies and/or meat. (You can also use this for weight loss...it is very filling and has a ton of protein in it!). I generally like to pour it into a container and let it cool in the fridge overnight - a layer of white, hardened residue will form at the top. I crack it an take it out, and the broth is much more palatable. Without doing this, it can taste like you're drinking straight grease.
 
  1. Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda - http://amzn.to/2qoeLih. I highly recommend using a pure brand of baking soda like Bob’s Red Mill, and not the cheaper Arm and Hammer or generic brand you find at the store (you can google why…I read a couple of articles on it and how some baking soda is refined…I didn’t want to risk it for only a few dollars in savings). Part of the battle with eczema can be balancing the pH of your body. Baking soda is extremely alkaline, and thus you must be careful when taking it, and do your own research before doing so. I read on an eczema forum that a girl’s eczema was GREATLY alleviated by taking up to 4 tablespoons of this per day. I never dared take that much, as a new set of problems can arise if your body becomes too alkaline. However, each night before bed I would mix anywhere from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of this into a glass of water, along with a tablespoon of L-glutamine. I definitely noticed a positive difference.
 
In addition to these supplements, I noticed that cutting out soda, eating healthier, and exercise in small amounts definitely helped speed up the process of healing. Also, try to regulate body temperature as much as possible. I liked to keep my house at 72 degrees Farenheit. Heat is a big trigger for my eczema. Even to this day, with my eczema pretty much gone (I’ll have occasional tiny spots that flare up) I still notice when I do heavy workouts and sweat a lot, or am outside in the sun for long periods of time and sweat a lot, that I will get very itchy until I cool back down. I avoided sweating as much as possible when working out in the early stages, because sweat would cause my skin to burn unbearably. I mostly switched to a few sets of heavy weight exercises, rather than long cardio sessions. Try to cut out as much sugar as possible without going crazy, as sugar can feed yeast in the body which can lead to more itching. Sugar also makes the body more acidic, which can also lead to more itching. I actually lost 20 pounds in 3 months due to the extreme nature of the diet I tried (I went from 190 lbs to 170 lbs. At 170, I actually felt quite weak. I find that I feel best around 175-180 lbs). At night, I slept best when I used a breathable blanket that wouldn’t get too hot.
 
All of this sounds extremely nit-picky, and I realize that some of it is. However, these are the steps that actually worked for me. These 8 supplements and other things I’ve listed above really did help me through this horrible trial of quitting steroid creams and the backlash my body gave me when doing so. I haven’t listed the other 100+ things I tried that didn’t work, but don’t be afraid to deviate from this list. Do your own research, as everyone is different and reacts differently to certain foods and supplements. It is my sincere hope that something, even one thing, in this article can be helpful to you, or anyone you know, who is struggling with eczema. People who don’t have eczema don’t understand this terrible condition, how it can be all-consuming and the only thing you think about when you’re in a flare-up. Going through this process has increased my self-awareness, taught me patience, and increased my gratitude to God and to my body for the gift of healing. I wish each of you success in your journey of #healing.
 
(note: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice and should not be taken as such. I have not been paid by any of the makers of these products to write this article…it is solely educational and a documentation of my own personal experience…I hope it can help).
46 Comments
Kendra
8/23/2017 03:27:20 am

My husband suffers from terrible eczema on his feet. I applied foderma eczema serum and then socks to the affected areas at night and within 2 weeks there was a substantial improvement. The cream is thick and does not run to untreated areas. The scent is pleasant and I am very pleased with the results.

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George Evans link
10/18/2017 08:08:03 pm

So far I never experience this kind of what we call this allergy?. But thank you for the concerns and you made this post to remind everyone.

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Sharon link
10/29/2017 01:31:32 am

Hi Josh, Thanks so much for your blog on RSS!! My Naturopath recently research my symptoms and now we know that I am suffering with TSW as well. My life-long Eczema was getting worse so that I went onto Prednisone for 13 days but weaned off it properly per my family physician's instructions. However, than I went to the Dermatologist who put me on tons of cortisone creams and only after I ran out did I abruptly stop using them. I find that during a flare-up only pure apple cider vinegar calms the intense itching. Anyway, I took your advice and bought Calcium D-glucarate but the Organika brand at 500mg/day and just started today. I stopped using my cortisone creams about 3 months ago when I ran out. I know we are all different but just an idea of how long it took for you to see improvements and did your condition get worse during the process? (I wish the medical field would tell us to wean off the creams as well). Your youtube video is giving me hope because you got through it. I feel so restless but my hubby is very supportive. God bless, Sharon

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cyndie wise link
2/8/2019 08:47:44 pm

Dear josh thank you thank you, thank you. I just found out i have dermatitus the dr perscribed steroid cream. I have had horrible side effects to most medications. This condition is simular to eczema but i am not a child. It says children get this. So may of been wrong diagnosed. So im not using the cream or picking it up i will refuse it. No need for tsw. I had no clu. I dont do side effects. T.y. for the information. All drs wanna do is prescribe. I read some where you can use a oatmeal based cream. Would that help? Thank you congradulations on your baby.

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Rebecca Sander
5/29/2021 12:33:32 pm

I am so happy to read this! I have been going through t s w for three years, and so many times I have wished that people could understand enough to not use the steroids in the first place so they won't have to go through this. I am so glad for you. You have saved yourself a world of hell. Much happiness to you!

Rob
9/30/2019 12:00:32 am

I have had eczema from my knees down for over forty years, the best treatment I found was , believe it or not,standing in front of a fire when itchy, and letting the heat get more intense than the itching, in summer I let the shower water get scolding hot and run it over my legs till the heat gets more unbearable than the itching. My hair on legs is growing back, and I get a few days to a week or two relief at a time.

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Bebygirl
10/4/2019 12:42:35 pm

I also had this, it eventually went away after I installed a water softener, I had a 24mcg of hardness (magnesium and calcium) in the water, I also noticed my face, feet, and legs healing, not to mention cleaner clothes and coffee pot, just to mention a few things.

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Yvonne Tang
4/8/2020 11:10:14 am

Hello Sharon,
How do you use Apple Cider vinegar? Just apply direct to skin or wash? Thank you!

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Sahitya
4/27/2020 01:52:21 am

Hi,
Could you please share your inputs on how long will it take to come out of TSW? Did any of the products really help you?

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DNN
1/7/2018 02:14:53 pm

My son suffered from eczema on his neck and arms, just like the photos you shared. He struggled for at least 3 years and just recently, we tried red light therapy and it pretty much healed him within weeks. Research it Josh! 660 nanometer red light seems to have had the most research behind it.

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Jazzmine
11/7/2018 06:46:15 am

Did you Buy your own light?

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CD
10/24/2019 09:14:17 am

I don't know what DNN used, but I bought a red LED grow light on Amazon - same wavelength that most plants use for photosynthesis. They sell panels meant for humans for anti-aging which of course come with instructions (a good thing - don't want to overdose) but they cost quite a bit more than a grow light.

realhealing link
3/13/2018 05:55:47 am

I am glad to your blog and step to treat eczema. Eczema is on my hand and other part of body. I use Real healing products for 2 weeks then i feel better.
So you also used realhealing products and there is no side effects. http://www.realhealingproducts.com/eczema.php

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Sally
4/1/2018 08:53:07 pm

I suffer from eczema as well, so i really empathise with you here. My eczema used to be worse but it is better now.
What helped for me was avoiding cheap jewellery ( probably a nickel allergy flares up eczema for me). Avoid toilet Paper and tissues and soaps with perfume. I get some sunlight each day. i read getting sunlight helps reduce autoummune diseases.
those things helped for me and when i do use steroid cream i only use a little bit every three or four weeks.

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Jyotika
5/3/2018 05:53:23 pm

Hello,

I have been suffering from TSW for a few months and I read your blog about a month ago and found it very helpful. I have been mixing baking soda and L-glutamine in water and drinking it once a day along with taking calcium d-glucarate. I also bathe with the Dead Sea salt. The combination of all these things has made a significant difference. I see my skin healing more and more everyday. I really appreciate you sharing all these things, it really helped me a lot.

I was wondering, did you stop following this routine once your skin healed? If so, did you notice your skin regress even a little? I’m afraid that when I stop my routine, my skin will revert back to the way it is now.

Thank you!

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Sahitya Yamajala
4/27/2020 02:07:46 am

Hi,
I am going through the same now. Can you suggest what are the best ones worked for you to come out of TSW? Would you mind telling me how long did it take for you to heal completely? Thanks in advance

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Maria link
7/15/2018 09:05:09 pm

Every time when i leave steroids i am gone through with seviour itching dryness on my face ... Ur artical is really helpful definitely gona try these medications..thanks

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Akhil Arya link
9/10/2018 12:16:19 am

I appreciate this work amazing post for us I like it.

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Singh link
11/1/2018 03:46:02 am

You have the power to keep the reader occupied with your quality content and style of writing.
I appreciate you and hoping for some more informative posts like this one…

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First Scar Clinic link
11/9/2018 02:17:00 am

This article contains great original thinking.I really enjoyed the content and agree with most of your views. Thank you for sharing.

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Kik link
11/28/2018 02:33:00 am

Great post, very informative and useful! So happy to be here and learn from the best. Keep writing

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Karishma link
11/28/2018 04:23:19 am

I really loved this blog and everyday I do see something new which most of the time adds to my knowledge and motivated me to do things differently. Thanks

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Lynn
1/6/2019 11:38:24 am

Hi any essential oils that are Vest fir eczema? I know rgere are so many but which o es are the Best?

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Lynn
1/6/2019 11:41:33 am

Typo.i know there are so many essential oils but which ones are best for eczema

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Lizelle Havins
2/14/2019 02:16:25 am

Hi Josh,
Thank you so much for this wealth of information. I too have been spending so much time and research trying to do any and everything to help my baby boy who started with eczema at 2 months. He is now 6 months and I was having to use steroids about every 3-4 days. I was very concerned in tears, staying up late researching and praying. I went to alotvof doctors and specialists and nothing was helping until God led me to your video and blog. I immediately ordered the stuff and ststarted to see a major difference in just 2-3 days. I breastfeed so I’m the one taking the supplements and he also just started solids in combination. I started the sudacrem which seems to work well for him too. He was having a lot of groin redness and itching. If it’s not too much to ask do you have any recommendations for the groin area?? Or something from the list you presented you also use in the groin area too. I find the scalp and groin are his most itchy body parts. Thank you again and God Bless you for sharing this information.

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Elsie may
10/26/2019 06:34:22 am

Hi Lizelle, have you looked into the Medical Medium, Anthony William? He talks all about this. I’m not remotely connected to him just know that lots of people are having success clearing things up. He says it’s liver related. Anyway great article, thanks for sharing it!

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Esko
3/17/2019 01:03:58 am

Hi. This works for itching.. Little oats pillow. You put it in microwave for 1 minute and then on the skin when the pillow is really hot. And you dont have to use hot shower so much for skin..

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rohit aggarwal link
3/26/2019 10:42:54 pm

thanks for the information

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varun gupta link
3/26/2019 10:44:32 pm

good one keep it up

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Elizabeth
4/9/2019 11:39:56 pm

I have had eczema for 67 years, nearly all my life, sometimes extensive and really severe, and sometimes not too much trouble. In the last 20 years I have had success controlling it with exposure to the sun without use of steroid ointments, but last March I had a terrible flare up on my feet, including the soles which break into fissures. It is an extremely painful condition and I have had trouble walking at times. I have been using the once a day steroid Elocon for SEVEN months without any improvement at all. A week ago I started using Foderma eczema serum once or twice a day in addition to the steroid and I see a huge improvement in reduction of inflammation and healing of the skin. I am really impressed and will continue with foderma serum. It has improved the quality of my life within a week, thank goodness. If you suffer from eczema which has been difficult to treat, I would certainly recommend giving this a try.

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Ankit singh
11/13/2019 04:52:42 am

Really nice and descriptive article. I had cured my chronic eczema naturally. I was opted for cow urine therapy. I got relief from my skin problem within a time of 2 months.

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Avril
12/7/2019 06:15:31 pm

Thank you so much for your tips, the best I have found. Means the world to me, thank you for sharing!

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Jake
12/13/2019 11:55:32 am

Thanks man some great tips here.

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Carla link
12/24/2019 01:08:41 am

the age old cow urine therapy works like wonder on eczema, the skin responds to the minerals in the cow urine rapidly.

Jain cow urine therapy center in India provides solution for eczema and other skin related solutions.

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Cathy
1/12/2020 04:30:35 am

I have eczema on my hands, in addition to really dry skin, and using foderma eczema serum will alleviate the itching greatly. It feels smooth on the skin for a while, but you can touch paper without leaving a grease stain! My dermatologist recommended foderma to me first. Even without eczema, I would use this. I have it in my kitchen and others have commented how wonderful it feels.

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vivienne calabro
2/10/2020 03:03:18 pm

I have atopic dermatitis or eczema. All the Dr recommend are topical steroid creams with oral antihistamines. I really am suffering more in the last few months. My dermatologist recommend's injections ofor Dupexent. What is your view on this?

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Prof Ioannis St
11/6/2020 01:34:34 am

Dupixent or dulimap is another scam like steroids!!!
Calcium d glucarate is not working as a supplement!! L glutamine is the secret!!! After first week your skin will be bad but then good so do not worry. 1 month treatment. Speeding growth hormone is the way works

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Lois
2/15/2020 02:37:41 am

Hi Josh, I’m currently month 2 of TSW and in a state of hell and wondered when your skin began to give you a bit of a break??

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Raymond
3/16/2020 11:22:37 pm

Hi Josh,

I've been dealing with TSW for about 3 years now. But the biggest thing I'm dealing with is subconsciously itching at night. My wife has told me that I itch my face which stops the healing process.

Did you have any remedies or ways to stop itching while sleeping?

Would love to know your thoughts

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CBD Cream Near Me link
11/17/2020 08:47:38 am

Thank you for this amazing article. This has been a struggle of mine for so long. I am hoping that this will help me. I will gladly share your article with my community of 237K Instagram followers.

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cbd topical link
12/2/2020 01:38:56 pm

thank you for writing this article. Got some really amazing info out of it that I hope will help me. I will also gladly share your post with my 275K tiktok followers. Thank you!

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Michele link
12/23/2020 01:59:09 pm

Helloo mate nice blog

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Oliver link
5/1/2021 12:53:52 am

Thanks for sharing the tips. I am using this to make others understand

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Krishnan link
5/8/2021 07:56:56 am

Very helpful article buddy! You really have a great stuff! Thanks for the valuable information!

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Kristofer Van Wagner link
6/22/2021 10:52:45 am

You made an excellent point that when looking for eczema ointment, it is important to speak with with a professional pharmacist. It makes sense as they can recommend an ointment or treatment gel that is suitable for our skin type. I will definitely keep this information in mind when I look for a scar treatment.

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Raj
1/2/2022 12:02:09 pm

Hi, this article is super informative and thank your sharing all the tips.
However, I bought Glutamine instead of L-glutamine by mistake. Should I do the purchase again or are these two actually work similarly? Thanks again.

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