Excema

I don't remember if I have posted anything about this here or not, so here goes ...

I am 32 and almost a year ago I developed a mild case of eczema. (the dermatologists said it was mild) I have seen pictures and read of cases that were really bad ... I don't really have alot of redness and it doesn't itch too bad. It is sort of flaky in some spots and very dry. Sometimes I get these little red bumps.

My mother has this too but hers is worse, she gets the bumps and they bleed and her skin is really dry and flaky. She refused to go to the dr about this, she has never been treated or really diagnosed with it, but it is pretty much the same and in the same spots as mine.

When I first noticed this and went to the dr, it was mostly on my upper arms. But now I also have a patch on the back of my neck and between my breasts. (not sexy at all) and now the skin on my back is getting really dry too. I wanted to get a tattoo on my arms to cover the patches there, but my tattoo artist said that the skin could get "ripped" and/or cause the eczema to spread!

So now since I have to re-think all that, are there other remedies? I have tried lots of different lotions and some help a little but not enough to make a big difference. I had the steroid cream before and that helps the redness and when I get the bumps. I have used hydro-cortizone when I get the itch, but that isn't all that bad for me. The worst part is just the dryness and in some parts the skin is sort of flaky.

This really sux, I know it could be worse and I don't mean to make anyone with a worse case feel bad, but it is starting to depress me. I cover up alot and I don't even want my husband to look at me anymore :cry: what else can I do for this, that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg?

Thanks!

~ flutter :)