152 replies to this topic

[missminni]

This is more or less a journal for me to keep track of this regimen.

Today, being 2 days away from finishing the prednisone script,
I noticed this evening that my hands were feeling rashy and starting to itch.
The last two days I only took 20mg of Pred . and will only take 10mg tomorrow
and the day after and then be done. I didn't have this happening yesterday or the day
before, so I am assuming its happening because of the reduced prednisone dose, since
thats the only difference in the regimen, except for adding ALC yesterday and then
dropping it today because I didn't like the way it made me feel.
To counteract this, I took an additional 50 mg of 7 keto dhea and 100 mg of pregnenolone
this evening being that it is about 15 hours since my morning dose. Within 15, 20 minutes of taking
it, the itching has subsided and the skin feels less dry.
I think I probably should do the preg and 7 keto in two doses from now on,
once every 12 hours.

[missminni]

I was okay this morning. The breakout was suppressed. I took a few things so I'm not sure which one was
effective but I am definitely going to do preg and 7 keto twice a day, 12 hours apart. I also took an extra gram
of resveratrol and 360 mg of fexafenodine. I will keep the extra dose of resveratrol in there, and use the fexofenadine
in case of emergencies. It is very effective at 360 mg. for any eczema sufferers reading. It is the only anti histamine that has ever stopped an attack.
Today is my next to last dose of prednisone - just 10 mg and tomorrow is the last one also 10 mg, so I guess this is a transitional period and I will have to make adjustments. I'm definitely never doing ALC again. The one I used yesterday turned out to be rancid
eventhough it had an exp. of 2010. It smelled very acrid and nasty. I wonder if it was the cause of the rash?
I've decided to up resveratrol because of its immune suppressant quality being that my eczema was described to me
as an auto immune over reaction.
I need to keep tweaking my supps.
now I am doing:
Pregnenolone - 200 mg - 2 doses 12 hours apart (morning and night)
7 keto dhea 50 mg - 2 doses 12 hours apart
Resveratrol 3 g - 3 doses morning, noon and night.
and the other supps are basically the same...I changed a few..mostly lessened doses.
I want to take as little as possible.

[missminni]

My updated daily supplement routine:
morning between 7 am and 11 am
upon waking
100 mg preg -sublingual
50 mg of 7 keto dhea - sublingual

with papay banana fruit yogurt fresh aloe smoothee
1 Now cortisol support w/relora
1 g resveratrol
320 mg silymarin 2 caps
Vitamin C powder 5g (2000mg of C)
1 zinc - copper (30 to 3)
1 B-125 complex
PANTOTHENIC ACID powder from calcium 750 mg

1 liquid calcium
1 e complex - 800 IU - take every other day - need to change
198 mg Potassium (2 caps)
400 mg Magnesium
2 caps 2000 IU D3 = 4000
2 borage oil - GLA 520
2 fish oil - EPA 1200 DHA 480
HCL w/Pepsin

Green Vibrance Drink

AFTERNOON between noon and 4 pm
with protein dish (chicken fish or eggs) w/curry and cilantro w/tomatoes
198 mg Potassium 2 caps
2000 IU D3
2 borage oil - GLA 520
HCL w/Pepsin
200 mg CoQ 10
2 tsps Flax Seed Oil
1 LIQUID CALCIUM
and then
1 g resveratrol
320 mg silymarin 2 caps
PANTOTHENIC ACID powder from calcium 750 mg
1Cortisol support with relora
1 liquid calcium

eat vegetables for dinner
fresh fruit for dessert
1HCL w/pepsin

At 7:00 pm
100 mg preg -sublingual
50 mg of 7 keto dhea - sublingual
1g resveratrol
1 NOW SUPER CORTISOL SUPPORT WITH RELORA before bed

note:
I am still drinking about two cups of coffee sweetened with raw honey or fresh maple syrup and cream.
That's my guilty pleasure. Maybe I will have to eliminate it.
I eat a lot of fresh fruit through out the day, and I am not sure if that is such a good idea.
Mostly cherries, apricots and pineapple at this time of year. Probably too much sugar.
Also eat a couple of slices of whole grain bread or whole grain raisin bran muffin. I sometimes use butter.
Need to figure the food part of this.
All advice appreciated. thanks

total amounts of nutrients from daily supplements:


Pregnenolone 200 mg 2x100
7Keto dhea 100 mg 2x50
Resveratrol 3000 mg
Silymarin 640 mg
Zincmonomethionine 30 mg
Zinc zinc ascorbate 5 mg
Copper sebacate 300mcg
Pantothenic Acid from calcium 1500 mg
Pantothenic Acid (as calcium D-pantothenate 250 mg
Pantothenic Acid (from Calcium Pantothenate) 10 mg
Vit E
Natural d-alpha tocopherol Every other day 400 IU
Natural Mixed Tocopherols 400 mg Every other day
TocominMixed Palm Tocotrienol Comples 10 mg E o d
Potassium potassium Amino Acid Comple 396 mg
Potassium potassium ascorbate 120 mg
Magnesium as magnesium oxide 408 mg
Magnesium (elemental as oxide, aspartate, citrate) 400 mg
Magnesium from magnesium ascorbate 54 mg
Vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol 6000 mg
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) 100 IU
GLA borage 1200 mg
Alpha-Linolenic Acid flax 4640 mg
Linoleic Acid bor 1440 mg
Linoleic acid fish 1126 mg
Oleic Acid borage 570 mg
Oleic Acid fish 1330 mg
Oleic Acid flax 1330 mg
EPA 1200 mg
DHA 480 mg
Vit E (a-alpha) 10 IU
Betaine HCl 1300 MG
Pepsin 324 mg
COQ 10 200 mg
Vitamin C from potassium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, zinc ascorbate, manganese ascorbate) 2000 mg
Manganese manganese ascorbate 0.25 mg
Rose Hips Extract 585 mg
Acerola extrac 400 mg
Bioflavonoids (from lemons) 500 mg
Rutin 25 mg
Hesperidin Complex 25 mg
Green tea ext (Camelia sinensis) (Leaf) 270 mg
(min. 95% Total Polyphenols and 50% EGCg)
Soy Lecithin 150 mg
Ashwagandha Extract (Withania somnifera) (Root) 60 mg
(min. 4.5% Withanolides)
Holy Basil extr
(Ocimum tenulflorum) (Leaf 60 mg
min. 2% Ursolic Acid 20 mg
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) (Whole Fruiting Body) 60 mg
Rhodiola Extract (Rhodiola rosea) (Root) (min. 3% Rosavins) 60 mg
Banaba Extract (Lagerstroemia speciosa) (Leaf) 12 mg
Thiamin (as vitamin B-1) 125 mg
Riboflavin (as vitamin B-2) 125 mg
Niacinamide 100 mg
Niacin 25 mg
Vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 125 mg
Folate (as folic acid) 800 mcg
Vitamin B-12 (as cyanocobalamin) 125mcg
Biotin 125 mcg
Choline (as choline bitartrate) 125 mg
Inositol 125 mg
PABA 125 mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 10 mcg
Calcium (elemental as carbonate, citrate, gluconate, asparate, malate, micronized hydroxyapatite) 1000 mg
Calcium (from Calcium Carbonate and Ascorbate) 151 mg
Boron (elemental as gluconate) 1 mg
Horse Tail (extract e. arvense) 25 mg
Chromium (from Chromium Chelavite® AAC) 20 mcg
Relora® (a proprietary blend of a patented** extract from Magnolia 200 mg † officinalis bark and a proprietary extract from Phellodendron amurense bark) Standardized to 1.5% Honokiol and 0.1% Berberine

Green Vibrance ingredients

Amount per 11.5 gm Serving
Nutrient Dense, Healing and Support Foods

Spirulina (certified organic) 1,500 mg.
Alfalfa grass juice powder (certified organic) 500 mg.
Barley grass juice powder (certified organic) 500 mg.
Oat grass juice powder (certified organic) 500 mg.
Wheat grass juice powder (certified organic) 500 mg.
Hydrilla verticillata (wild crafted) 500 mg.
Alfalfa sprout powder (certified organic) 440 mg.
Kamut® grass juice powder (certified organic) 400 mg.
Chlorella, pharmaceutical grade, soft cell 350 mg.
Parsley powder, freeze dried (certified organic) 250 mg.
Zucchini powder, freeze dried 250 mg.
Beet juice powder (certified organic) 200 mg.
Royal jelly powder (6% 10 HDA) 150 mg.
Midwestern bee pollen 150 mg.
Green bean powder, freeze dried 120 mg.
Carrot root powder (certified organic) 120 mg.
Broccoli sprout powder (certified organic) 100 mg.
Spinach, freeze dried (certified organic) 100 mg.
Cell Membrane & Nerve Support Lecithin powder (Soy, non-GMO), 98% oil-free 750 mg.
Vitamin E (water dispersible d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate) 150 i.u.
Policosanol (60% Octacosanol; from rice bran wax) 5 mg.
High-Fiber Foods & Prebiotic Larch arabinogalactan (FiberAid™ AG) 500 mg.
Stabilized Brown rice Bran 500 mg.
Fructo-oligosaccharides 500 mg.
Whole Apple powder (certified organic) 250 mg.
Milled Flaxseed concentrate (certified organic, de-oiled) 200 mg.
Antioxidants and Circulatory Support Acerola berry juice powder
(25% natural vitamin C, certified organic) 200 mg.
Silymarin milk thistle extract (80% silybin: Silibum marianum) 60 mg.
Ginkgo biloba extract(24% gingkoflavonglycosides, 6% terpene lactones) 20 mg.
Green tea standardized extract (95% polyphenols, 80% catechins, 45% EGCG) 20 mg.
Grape seed standardized extract (95% polyphenols, 90% proanthocyanidins) 20 mg.
Adaptogens Schizandra berry extract (2% schizandrin) 100 mg.
Suma powder (Pfaffia paniculata) 60 mg.
Eleutherococcus senticosus extract (0.8% eleutherosides) 60 mg.
Immune Support Astragalus membranaceus extract (70% polysaccharides) 60 mg.
Larch arabinogalactan (ImmunEnhancer™ AG) 30 mg.
Beta 1,3 - 1,6 glucans (yeast) 30 mg.
Sea Vegetable Complex(providing 231 mcg.Iodine + trace minerals Nova Scotia Dulse(certified organic)360mg.
Bladderwrack (wild harvested) 360 mg.
Rockweed (certified organic) 180 mg.
Probiotic Blend
Twelve (12) Dairy-free Probiotic Cultures (25 billion total at date of manufacture)
Lactobacillus rhamnosus HA-111 2.5 billion
Lactobacillus rhamnosus B, HA-114 2.5 billion
Lactobacillus acidophilus HA-122 2.5 billion
Bifidobacterium bifidum HA-132 1.25 billion
Bifidobacterium breve HA-129 2.5 billion
Bifidobacterium longum HA-135 2.5 billion

Lactobacillus helveticus HA-128 .5 billion

Lactobacillus paracasei HA-108 2.5 billion

Lactobacillus plantarum HA-119 2.5 billion

Lactobacillus lactis HA-136 2.5 billion

Streptocaccus thermophilus HA-110 .75 billion

Propionibacterium shermanii HA-182 2.5 billion
Enzyme Complex
Protease 4.5, (Aspergillus oryzae) 110 HUT
Protease 6.0, (Aspergillus oryzae) 110 HUT
Lipase (Aspergillus niger) 150 FCCLU
Amylase (Aspergillus oryzae) 6 DU
Invertase (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) 1 SU
Cellulase (Trichoderma longbrachiatum) 7 CU
Phyto-Minerals
Phyto-Boron (patented, from calcium fructo borate) 3 mg.
Phyto-Chromium (from Indian mustard, hydroponically grown)
80 mcg.
Phyto-Selenium (from Indian mustard, hydroponically grown)50 mcg.
Tonics
Ginger root powder (certified organic) 20 mg.
Cayenne pepper powder (Capsicum fr.; certified organic) 2 mg.
Palatability
Mango powder (freeze dried) 100 mg.

[missminni]

I am noticing that by 3PM my skin is a bit itchy and looks dry. After reading
about 7 keto (quoted below) I am going to increase my dose to 100 mg twice a day. I will leave the
pregnenolone at the same dose as it is- 100 mg twice a day as well. I am even considering taking regular DHEA again
in a 25 mg dose, but I will wait a few days on that. I don't want the thinning hair again and I noticed my
hair isn't coming out in my brush anymore since I stopped regular dhea about a week ago.

Studies have demonstrated that 7-Keto does not accumulate in the body over time and is free of unhealthy side effects. An analysis of the metabolite at the Chicago Center for Clinical Research found that 7-Keto is rapidly absorbed and sulfated, much like DHEA.3 The sulfated form of 7-Keto DHEA is more stable in plasma, and blood levels can therefore be more accurately measured with laboratory equipment. In the Chicago analysis, peak plasma levels were achieved 2.2 hours after supplementation, and a steady-state level in plasma was reached with twice-daily dosing. Despite 7-Keto DHEA’s rapid elimination by the body, measured as a half-life of 2.17 hours, relatively high blood levels are quickly achieved. For example, after one week of dosing at 200 mg per day, a mean 7-Keto level of 15.8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) was attained; after four weeks of supplementation, the mean level was only modestly higher at 16.3 ng/ml. Supplementation with 7-Keto can therefore have relatively rapid benefits. Lower dosing resulted in proportionally lower blood levels of 7-Keto.3

Toxicology studies have revealed that this level of supplementation is very safe.4 A “LD50” study in rats (used to determine the dose at which 50% of the test subjects would have died) found that the toxic dosage of 7-Keto would have to exceed 2 grams per kilogram of body weight—the equivalent of a daily dose of 160 grams (not milligrams) for the average 176-pound person, or more than a third of a pound of 7-Keto per day! Laboratory analysis of 7-Keto showed that it does not cause DNA mutations, and an escalating dose study of oral supplementation in rhesus monkeys showed no adverse clinical effects at doses as high as 500 mg/kg of body weight, or the equivalent of 40,000 mg daily for the average human.5

Another benefit to 7-Keto is that it does not convert to estrogen or testosterone.6 This makes 7-Keto a safe alternative for persons with hormone-sensitive cancers, for whom regular DHEA may be too risky.”

[missminni]

Today last dose of prednisone 10 mg. I woke up slightly rashy.
Kind of freaked over it and then decided to go see a chinese herbalist doctor in chinatown.
She said I was running hot and damp in the kidneys (adrenals) and liver. Gave me a combination
of a kazillion teas I have to drink twice a day 30 min after eating. Licorice root is one of them.
I do that for 6 days and then go back to her. I showed her my supplement regimen and she said
I could continue it if I wanted as it wouldn't conflict with her treatment, however I could not eat any of the following:
NO
spices as in curry or red pepper which I eat in great quantities every day!! as I do
coffee
chocolate
alcohol
nutmeg (which I never eat but funny she mentioned it)
I am going to continue the supplements because I actually feel better since starting on them.
Will start the tea tonight after dinner.
I know this is all stress related because I had a foot massage while I was in chinatown
and the rash stopped itching and subsided considerably.
There is still a shadow of it, but less so.

[missminni]

One cannot imagine a worse tasting tea. 12 Packets of Ingredients:
1. Raw Rehmannia Root 3 gm (equal to 10 gm raw herbs)
2. Yerbadetajo Herb Herba Ecliptae Mohanlian 1gm (extracted from 10 g original herb)
3. Licorice Root .5gm (equal to 3gm raw herb)
4. Tre Peony Bark Cortex Moutan Mudanpi 1 gram (extracted from 10 gr original herb)
5. White Peony Root 1 gm equal to 10 gm raw herb
6. Cox Seed .5 gm equal to 10 gm raw herbs
7. Sophora root 1 gm equal to 10 gm raw herbs
8. Alisma Thizome 1 g yada yada
9. Ligustrum fruit 1 gm etc
10.Cicada Slough .5 gm equal to 6 gm raw herbs
11.Ligusticum Tea .5 gm equiv to 3 gm rawa herb
12.No english name on package

I managed a cup after dinner without a problem but I made the mistake of having the
remaining cup (each batch makes 2 cups) before bed without much food in my stomach.
I woke up an hour later nauseous and couldn't sleep. The smell was coming out of me.
It was so intense.
Spoke with the doctors sister today and she wisely suggested I dilute it and drink it in more doses throughout the day.
I am going to sweeten it with honey.
I've been putting it off all day.
Got to stick to the regimen.
Have changed a few things with the supps, but nothing too major.

Edited by missminni, 09 August 2008 - 09:27 PM.

[Obsidius]

I notice you have a lot of probiotics in your regimen, have you considered cutting those out and seeing how your skin reacts? I can't find the site where I read it, but there was an article that talked about the possibility of your immune system gearing up to attack these 'foreign invaders' leaving you open to disease from other vectors. I'll admit, I'm not as well read as many of you on these topics, but that was the first thing that came to mind. A quick search on 'probiotic sepsis' should give for some interesting reading.

[missminni]

I notice you have a lot of probiotics in your regimen, have you considered cutting those out and seeing how your skin reacts? I can't find the site where I read it, but there was an article that talked about the possibility of your immune system gearing up to attack these 'foreign invaders' leaving you open to disease from other vectors. I'll admit, I'm not as well read as many of you on these topics, but that was the first thing that came to mind. A quick search on 'probiotic sepsis' should give for some interesting reading.

Yogurt has always been a diet staple for me.
In my case I doubt its the yogurt, although that's an interesting approach and I will read further about it.
Today I am starting to feel a real difference in my skin texture. Much improved. The rash is
much lighter and although it itched a bit yesterday, I woke up much better this morning.
I think there is more of a psychological connection that causes the rash. I think it has to do with
my thoughts or a situation being stressful. I notice that when I review the times that I do get the rash.
Stress is always in the equation. When that kicks in, I have no ability to deal with the stress
because my adrenal activity is so compromised. I am convinced it is related to inhibited hormonal activity
i.e. not enough cortisol is being produced by my adrenals. The Chinese doctor said it was related to
my kidney and liver function and kidneys are where your adrenals reside. I'm going to take that
approach for now.

[missminni]

So far my skin condition is status quo.
There are some red spots that could turn into a rash but they don't.
They seem to come and go during the day. They are most apparent
after a warm shower or if I've been in the sun. They might itch a little bit,
but nothing you have to scratch and it's only briefly when they do.
Still doing the chinese herb tea which only gets more disgusting each time, and
the supplements, which I am going to do only once a day from now on, reducing
amounts as well. It's too time consuming and I can't stand taking
all those pills.

my new regime:

100 mg preg -sublingual
100 mg of 7 keto dhea - sublingual
25 mg dhea
1 g resveratrol

in powder:
2 cortisol support w/relora
silymarin 320 mg
Vitamin C 2000 mg
1 zinc - copper (30 to 3)
1 B-125 complex
PANTOTHENIC ACID powder 1000 mg
200 mg CoQ 10 in 2 tsps Flax Seed Oil

in caps
3 liquid calcium containing:
Calcium 1000 mg
Vit D 100 iu
Vit K 10 mcg
Magnesium 400 mg
Boron 1 mg
Horse Tail 25 mg
1 e complex - 800 IU - every other day
396 mg Potassium
400 mg Magnesium
4000 IU D3
borage oil - GLA 520
fish oil - EPA 1200 DHA 480
HCL w/Pepsin
Green Vibrance Drink

evening
50 mg preg -sublingual
50 mg of 7 keto dhea - sublingual
1g resveratrol
1 CORTISOL SUPPORT WITH RELORA

[krillin]

Licorice prevents the breakdown of cortisol. This might be helpful. It can have estrogenic effects though. Rutin prevents the oxidation of adrenaline.

Assuming that one wants to raise cortisol, I don't think licorice is the way to do it. It appears to only raise it in the kidneys, so it just gives you high blood pressure and high urinary cortisol.

A Pubmed search for "serum cortisol" AND (Glycyrrhizic Acid OR Glycyrrhizin) turned up just these two papers.

Int Immunopharmacol. 2006 Sep;6(9):1468-77.
Glycyrrhizin alleviates experimental allergic asthma in mice.
Ram A, Mabalirajan U, Das M, Bhattacharya I, Dinda AK, Gangal SV, Ghosh B.
Molecular Immunogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110007, India.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, the incidence of which is increasing globally. The existing therapy is inadequate and has many adverse effects. It needs a better therapeutic molecule preferably of natural origin, which has negligible or no adverse effects. In view of this, we evaluated Glycyrrhizin (GRZ), a major constituent of a plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, for its efficacy on asthmatic features in a mouse model of asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to develop the asthmatic features such as airway hyperresponsiveness: allergen induced airway constriction and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine (MCh), and pulmonary inflammation. The mice were orally treated with GRZ (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) during or after OVA-sensitization and OVA-challenge to evaluate its protective or reversal effect, respectively on the above asthmatic features. The status of airway hyperresponsiveness was measured by monitoring specific airway conductance (SGaw) using a non-invasive method and the pulmonary inflammation was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining of lung sections. Several other parameters associated with asthma such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), OVA-specific IgE, total IgG(2a) and cortisol were measured by ELISA. GRZ (5 mg/kg) markedly inhibited OVA-induced immediate airway constriction, AHR to MCh (p<0.01), lung inflammation, and infiltration of eosinophils in the peribronchial and perivascular areas. It prevented the reduction of IFN-gamma (p<0.02), and decreased IL-4 (p<0.05), IL-5 (p<0.05) and eosinophils (p<0.0002) in the BAL fluid. Also, it reduced OVA-specific IgE levels (p<0.01) and prevented the reduction of total IgG(2a) (p<0.01) in serum. We have also showed that it has no effect on serum cortisol levels. Our results demonstrate that GRZ alleviates asthmatic features in mice and it could be useful towards developing a better therapeutic molecule in the future.

PMID: 16846841

Nippon Jinzo Gakkai Shi. 1992 Jan;34(1):99-102.
A case of pseudoaldosteronism induced by glycyrrhizin.
Kageyama Y.
Department of Internal Medicine, Tochigi National Hospital, Utsunomiya, Japan.

A 55-year-old man was referred to us for evaluation of hypertension and hypokalemia. He had been administered glycyrrhizin from one year before admission for the treatment of chronic hepatitis. On admission, his blood pressure was 230/105 mmHg; serum potassium, 2.4 mEq/l; the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and plasma renin activity (PRA) were undetectable. His blood pressure, potassium, PRA and PAC returned to normal within about 4 weeks after discontinuation of the glycyrrhizin. Re-administration of glycyrrhizin caused increases in PRA and PAC. His urinary cortisol excretion was increased and urinary cortisone excretion decreased, while his serum cortisol level remained unchanged. Supplementation of dexamethasone led to a decrease in blood pressure, and increased levels of serum potassium, PRA, and PAC. These results suggest that increased renal cortisol as a result of decreased conversion to cortisone might play an important role in the development of pseudoaldosteronism as well as in its own mineralocorticoid activity.

PMID: 1593803

[missminni]

The Chinese herbs feel like they are working. No new outbreaks and the general
feeling of my skin is much better. I cannot stand taking all those supplements and I'm stopping all except for
Resveratrol and Pregnenolone and 7 keto dhea. I will continue those. Went back to the chinese
herbalist today and she saw the improvement, gave me more teas...different combo, and agreed
I should stop the supplements too. I'd rather eat well and if need be when I don't, I'll take them.
I think taking them for the two weeks that I did helped me, but to continue is not necessary.
She also gave me some herbal pills to help relieve stress and improve sleep...something I still
don't get enough of.

[missminni]

The new herbs make a much better tasting tea, however I ate some chocolate over the weekend, and also had lots of stress (which is why I ate the chocolate, come to think of it)and also did work that exposed me to a lot of dust and dirt, and consequently had some rashy breakouts which I ended up taking fexofenadine for because I didn't want to take a chance and have it go full tilt. I'm fine this morning, but still have puffy eyelids which I know is a sign that all is not well and can still see the rash under the surface. I will give it a few days to see what happens.

Also, in response to Krillin...
1. I am not taking licorice, except for that small amount that was in the herbal formula.
2. and it was licorice root - the raw herb, not Glycyrrhizic Acid OR Glycyrrhizin. They are very different.

[krillin]

Also, in response to Krillin...
1. I am not taking licorice, except for that small amount that was in the herbal formula.
2. and it was licorice root - the raw herb, not Glycyrrhizic Acid OR Glycyrrhizin. They are very different.

Says who?

Shock. 2008 Jul 24. [Epub ahead of print]
GLYCYRRHIZIN REDUCES SECONDARY INFLAMMATORY PROCESS AFTER SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION INJURY IN MICE.
Genovese T, Menegazzi M, Mazzon E, Crisafulli C, Di Paola R, Dal Bosco M, Zou Z, Suzuki H, Cuzzocrea S.
*IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina; daggerBiochemistry Division, Department of Neuroscience and Vision, University of Verona; double daggerDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, Torre Biologica, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy; and section signMinophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan.

Glycyrrhizin, a major active constituent of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has a free radical scavenging property, and its effects were evaluated on an animal model of spinal cord injury (SCI) induced by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy. Spinal cord injury in mice resulted in severe trauma characterized by edema, tissue damage, and apoptosis (measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin end labeling staining, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression). Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a marked increase in immunoreactivity for nitrotyrosine, iNOS, and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) in the spinal cord tissue. Additionally, we demonstrate that these inflammatory events were associated with the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB. In contrast, the degree of (1) spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury (histological score), (2) nitrotyrosine and poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP] ribose) formation, (3) iNOS expression, (4) nuclear factor-kappaB activation, and (5) apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin end labeling, Bax, and Bcl-2) was markedly reduced in spinal cord tissue obtained from mice treated with glycyrrhizin extract (10 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before and 1 and 6 h after SCI). In a separate set of experiments, we have clearly demonstrated that glycyrrhizin extract treatment significantly ameliorated the recovery of limb function (evaluated by motor recovery score). Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that treatment with glycyrrhizin extract reduces the development of inflammation and tissue injury events associated with spinal cord trauma.

PMID: 18665052

[missminni]

Also, in response to Krillin...
1. I am not taking licorice, except for that small amount that was in the herbal formula.
2. and it was licorice root - the raw herb, not Glycyrrhizic Acid OR Glycyrrhizin. They are very different.

Says who?

Shock. 2008 Jul 24. [Epub ahead of print]
GLYCYRRHIZIN REDUCES SECONDARY INFLAMMATORY PROCESS AFTER SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION INJURY IN MICE.
Genovese T, Menegazzi M, Mazzon E, Crisafulli C, Di Paola R, Dal Bosco M, Zou Z, Suzuki H, Cuzzocrea S.
*IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina; daggerBiochemistry Division, Department of Neuroscience and Vision, University of Verona; double daggerDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, Torre Biologica, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy; and section signMinophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan.

Glycyrrhizin, a major active constituent of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has a free radical scavenging property, and its effects were evaluated on an animal model of spinal cord injury (SCI) induced by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy. Spinal cord injury in mice resulted in severe trauma characterized by edema, tissue damage, and apoptosis (measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin end labeling staining, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression). Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a marked increase in immunoreactivity for nitrotyrosine, iNOS, and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) in the spinal cord tissue. Additionally, we demonstrate that these inflammatory events were associated with the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB. In contrast, the degree of (1) spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury (histological score), (2) nitrotyrosine and poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP] ribose) formation, (3) iNOS expression, (4) nuclear factor-kappaB activation, and (5) apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin end labeling, Bax, and Bcl-2) was markedly reduced in spinal cord tissue obtained from mice treated with glycyrrhizin extract (10 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before and 1 and 6 h after SCI). In a separate set of experiments, we have clearly demonstrated that glycyrrhizin extract treatment significantly ameliorated the recovery of limb function (evaluated by motor recovery score). Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that treatment with glycyrrhizin extract reduces the development of inflammation and tissue injury events associated with spinal cord trauma.

PMID: 18665052

It's a constituent of licorice root - not the whole root. There's a difference. Anyway the amount that is in 1 gr of whole root is not going to give me high blood pressure or raise or lower any levels....it's one of 12 different herbs I was taking in a tea that works synergistically, but thanks for your concern.

[missminni]

I woke up this morning with my swollen puffy eylids and as I looked at myself in the mirror, I had an epiphany.
PREGNENOLONE in the same dose that I used when going through menopause...180 mg which balanced me right out then and hopefully
would do so now. I had been taking it 100 mg in the morning and 50 at night, but when I was going through menopause it took 180 mg
to get me normal. So I did 180 mg this morning, and the puffy eylids went down to normal, my optimism and energy returned, and my
rash subsided and continues to do so. I also took another 50 mg late afternoon, but none this evening and I feel great.
I don't think this is everyone's answer to eczema, but I think it might be mine.

[krillin]

Also, in response to Krillin...
1. I am not taking licorice, except for that small amount that was in the herbal formula.
2. and it was licorice root - the raw herb, not Glycyrrhizic Acid OR Glycyrrhizin. They are very different.

Says who?

Shock. 2008 Jul 24. [Epub ahead of print]
GLYCYRRHIZIN REDUCES SECONDARY INFLAMMATORY PROCESS AFTER SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION INJURY IN MICE.
Genovese T, Menegazzi M, Mazzon E, Crisafulli C, Di Paola R, Dal Bosco M, Zou Z, Suzuki H, Cuzzocrea S.
*IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina; daggerBiochemistry Division, Department of Neuroscience and Vision, University of Verona; double daggerDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, Torre Biologica, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy; and section signMinophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan.

Glycyrrhizin, a major active constituent of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has a free radical scavenging property, and its effects were evaluated on an animal model of spinal cord injury (SCI) induced by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy. Spinal cord injury in mice resulted in severe trauma characterized by edema, tissue damage, and apoptosis (measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin end labeling staining, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression). Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a marked increase in immunoreactivity for nitrotyrosine, iNOS, and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) in the spinal cord tissue. Additionally, we demonstrate that these inflammatory events were associated with the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB. In contrast, the degree of (1) spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury (histological score), (2) nitrotyrosine and poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP] ribose) formation, (3) iNOS expression, (4) nuclear factor-kappaB activation, and (5) apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin end labeling, Bax, and Bcl-2) was markedly reduced in spinal cord tissue obtained from mice treated with glycyrrhizin extract (10 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before and 1 and 6 h after SCI). In a separate set of experiments, we have clearly demonstrated that glycyrrhizin extract treatment significantly ameliorated the recovery of limb function (evaluated by motor recovery score). Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that treatment with glycyrrhizin extract reduces the development of inflammation and tissue injury events associated with spinal cord trauma.

PMID: 18665052

It's a constituent of licorice root - not the whole root. There's a difference. Anyway the amount that is in 1 gr of whole root is not going to give me high blood pressure or raise or lower any levels....it's one of 12 different herbs I was taking in a tea that works synergistically, but thanks for your concern.

Licorice root is about 6-15% glycyrrhizin, so 1 gram provides an effective dose.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2007 Dec 22;151(51):2825-8.
[Hypertension due to liquorice and liquorice tea consumption]
[Article in Dutch]
Boganen H, van Hee K, Grundmeijer HG.
Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, afd. Huisartsgeneeskunde, Divisie Klinische Methoden en Public Health, Amsterdam.

--Compared to other countries, liquorice consumption in the Netherlands is very high; on average it is 2 kg per person annually. Also liquorice tea is growing in popularity. Both products contain glycyrrhizin. The pathophysiological mechanism of the effect ofglycyrrhizin was described earlier. --In a literature study, the quantitative effect of liquorice consumption on blood pressure was evaluated. An Internet search on PubMed and Embase revealed 7 publications, all ofwhich short-term studies. --These studies showed that a daily consumption of glycyrrhetinic acid of 95 mg or more caused an increase in blood pressure. --A practical guideline for an acceptable daily intake of glycyrrhetinic acid seems to be 9.5 mg a day. This means no more than 10-30 g liquorice and no more than half a cup of liquorice tea a day. --On diagnosing hypertension, the effects of liquorice and liquorice tea consumption on blood pressure should be kept in mind.

PMID: 18237050

[missminni]

Also, in response to Krillin...
1. I am not taking licorice, except for that small amount that was in the herbal formula.
2. and it was licorice root - the raw herb, not Glycyrrhizic Acid OR Glycyrrhizin. They are very different.

Says who?

Shock. 2008 Jul 24. [Epub ahead of print]
GLYCYRRHIZIN REDUCES SECONDARY INFLAMMATORY PROCESS AFTER SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION INJURY IN MICE.
Genovese T, Menegazzi M, Mazzon E, Crisafulli C, Di Paola R, Dal Bosco M, Zou Z, Suzuki H, Cuzzocrea S.
*IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina; daggerBiochemistry Division, Department of Neuroscience and Vision, University of Verona; double daggerDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, Torre Biologica, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy; and section signMinophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan.

Glycyrrhizin, a major active constituent of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has a free radical scavenging property, and its effects were evaluated on an animal model of spinal cord injury (SCI) induced by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy. Spinal cord injury in mice resulted in severe trauma characterized by edema, tissue damage, and apoptosis (measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin end labeling staining, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression). Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a marked increase in immunoreactivity for nitrotyrosine, iNOS, and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) in the spinal cord tissue. Additionally, we demonstrate that these inflammatory events were associated with the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB. In contrast, the degree of (1) spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury (histological score), (2) nitrotyrosine and poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP] ribose) formation, (3) iNOS expression, (4) nuclear factor-kappaB activation, and (5) apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin end labeling, Bax, and Bcl-2) was markedly reduced in spinal cord tissue obtained from mice treated with glycyrrhizin extract (10 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before and 1 and 6 h after SCI). In a separate set of experiments, we have clearly demonstrated that glycyrrhizin extract treatment significantly ameliorated the recovery of limb function (evaluated by motor recovery score). Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that treatment with glycyrrhizin extract reduces the development of inflammation and tissue injury events associated with spinal cord trauma.

PMID: 18665052

It's a constituent of licorice root - not the whole root. There's a difference. Anyway the amount that is in 1 gr of whole root is not going to give me high blood pressure or raise or lower any levels....it's one of 12 different herbs I was taking in a tea that works synergistically, but thanks for your concern.

Licorice root is about 6-15% glycyrrhizin, so 1 gram provides an effective dose.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2007 Dec 22;151(51):2825-8.
[Hypertension due to liquorice and liquorice tea consumption]
[Article in Dutch]
Boganen H, van Hee K, Grundmeijer HG.
Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, afd. Huisartsgeneeskunde, Divisie Klinische Methoden en Public Health, Amsterdam.

--Compared to other countries, liquorice consumption in the Netherlands is very high; on average it is 2 kg per person annually. Also liquorice tea is growing in popularity. Both products contain glycyrrhizin. The pathophysiological mechanism of the effect ofglycyrrhizin was described earlier. --In a literature study, the quantitative effect of liquorice consumption on blood pressure was evaluated. An Internet search on PubMed and Embase revealed 7 publications, all ofwhich short-term studies. --These studies showed that a daily consumption of glycyrrhetinic acid of 95 mg or more caused an increase in blood pressure. --A practical guideline for an acceptable daily intake of glycyrrhetinic acid seems to be 9.5 mg a day. This means no more than 10-30 g liquorice and no more than half a cup of liquorice tea a day. --On diagnosing hypertension, the effects of liquorice and liquorice tea consumption on blood pressure should be kept in mind.

PMID: 18237050

I know you don't like to lose an argument so I won't counter this issue with you, but please be assured I only used the tea
that had licorice root in it for one week, and that was last week. I am not using it anymore. Thanks again for your concern. It's appreciated.

[missminni]

Update:
I am still taking on a daily basis
180 mg of Pregnenolone
1 gram of resveratrol
and bascially, that's it.
I am drinking coffee, eating chocolate and having an occasional
glass of champagne. If I have a day where I do not eat
well, I will take some supplements, but nothing on an everyday
basis. I have even briefly sunbathed. The sun caused a bit of
a rash...but not the eczema kind... and subsided within the day.
If it weren't for a couple
of dry spots, one on my right hand thumb and the other on the pinky, that hurt when I don't wear gloves when
using detergent or anything harsh, I would be eczema free.
The swollen eyelids are much improved and only look a bit swollen, not as bad as before, in the morning
when I first awake. I have not been drinking the chinese tea. Only did that for that one week. I never finished the second
6 day batch of tea she gave me.
So far I'd say that raising the preg to 180 mg has been my most successful course of action.

[missminni]

update:
It's now a week since my last post.
I think that eating chocolate, drinking coffee, etc do
in fact have an adverse effect on my skin but I believe it's sugar related..lots of sugar in both...
IF I overindulge...which I did...on coffee and milk-chocolate.
I then thoughtlessly went out in midday sun bare armed and bare legged to water the plants.
Soon after there was an itchy rash on my legs and arms. This might have happened if
I went out in the sun regardless of eating those foods, I'm not sure. But i don't want to test it.
Normally (pre-eczema) , the sun doesn't effect me like that.
Thankfully it was not the stinging kind of rash that comes in the beginning of an eczema attack. It was an overall
itchy rash only on the areas that were exposed to the sun. They've subsided.
Still taking preg and res, and every few days I take some supplements.
I feel I'm making progress but have a ways to go.

[cesium]

missminni, why do you take relora, a cursory glance at the references on the internet suggests that it lowers the body's level of cortisol. The marketing references suggesting that it 'normalizes' levels of cortisol would only seem to apply in those situations where your body is over producing it, but in the case of eczema maybe increased levels of cortisol are necessary to quell the inflammation caused by the outbreak of eczema. (obviously, or why else would you take prednisone for it) I would consider dropping the relora and reexamine your intake of some of the immuno-stimulants you ingest, such as the reishi mushrooms and the astragalus. As others have mentioned previously on this thread certain immuno-stimulants like melatonin seems to exacerbate eczema outbreaks. In my own case I've noticed that both high doses of melatonin and alpha lipoic acid considerably worsen my eczema. Any supplements inducing a broad up-regulation in immune response should be viewed warily with this condition.

[missminni]

missminni, why do you take relora, a cursory glance at the references on the internet suggests that it lowers the body's level of cortisol. The marketing references suggesting that it 'normalizes' levels of cortisol would only seem to apply in those situations where your body is over producing it, but in the case of eczema maybe increased levels of cortisol are necessary to quell the inflammation caused by the outbreak of eczema. (obviously, or why else would you take prednisone for it) I would consider dropping the relora and reexamine your intake of some of the immuno-stimulants you ingest, such as the reishi mushrooms and the astragalus. As others have mentioned previously on this thread certain immuno-stimulants like melatonin seems to exacerbate eczema outbreaks. In my own case I've noticed that both high doses of melatonin and alpha lipoic acid considerably worsen my eczema. Any supplements inducing a broad up-regulation in immune response should be viewed warily with this condition.

I know, you are so right.
I figured out the Relora was counterproductive and stopped taking it.
I basically stopped everything but pregnenolone and resveratrol. Once every few days I will take some nutrtional
supps, like vitamins, mag. cal, potassium, and zinc, but no reishi or immuno stimulants. I have been taking a
chinese herbal mix of peony and licorice root sporadically. What do you thing about taking COQ10?
One thing I found very helpful was to take a lukewarm bath with baking soda...just soak for a while and
pat dry, and then apply a cream based moisturizer. I was taking warm showers previously and they seem to stimulate it
and using oils didn't seem to work as well as the cream based moisturizer. I am MUCH better...I would say 80% better.
It is just my hands that act up. Especially around anything chemical and also when gardening. I must wear gloves.

[cesium]

I dropped CoQ10 from my regimen awhile back after reading about some potentially negative aspects of it. Saw the NYT's article on this thread and decided I will give the clorox bath/antibiotic regimen a try. Will also add probiotics and GLA. It seems to make intuitive sense to me that a chronic fungal/bacterial infection elsewhere in the body might possibly ramp up the immune response and over time cause the immune system to go awry, manifesting itself elsewhere on the body such as in a flare up of eczema. I will also consider getting a prescription for the antihistamine you found most effective, since the ones I've been using have only given me marginal relief, especially during the time of a flare up. Thanks for putting up this thread, its given me some new ideas to try.

[missminni]

I dropped CoQ10 from my regimen awhile back after reading about some potentially negative aspects of it. Saw the NYT's article on this thread and decided I will give the clorox bath/antibiotic regimen a try.
I thought about antibiotics as well, but when I had a tooth infection in March, they gave me amoxicillin and it aggravated
the eczema...so beware. Never tried the clorox...but I would go real light on it.
Will also add probiotics and GLA.
That's a good idea regardless.
It seems to make intuitive sense to me that a chronic fungal/bacterial infection elsewhere in the body might possibly ramp up the immune response and over time cause the immune system to go awry, manifesting itself elsewhere on the body such as in a flare up of eczema.
when did you first get eczema? I think it's initially stress related and I know it is definitely aggravated by stress once you have it.

I will also consider getting a prescription for the antihistamine you found most effective,
Fexofenadine (generic and cheaper), also known as Allegra. Get the 180 mg size and if you want to stop an impending attack take two of them....360 mg at once. If you just take 180 mg it doesn't stop the attack. I think 180mg is for maintenance, but I don't use it that way. Get it is as Fexofenadine. Expect to pay $2 a pill. No side effects at 360 mg at all. not even drowsy. It's wonderful. Check the studies done on it by googling fexofenadine 360 mg.
since the ones I've been using have only given me marginal relief, especially during the time of a flare up. Thanks for putting up this thread, its given me some new ideas to try.

You are very welcome. Eczema is the worst thing that every happened to me health wise. People think, oh big deal, a rash...but when it goes into full flare up mode, it is living hell. BTW, I also find that I have to keep my sugar intake down ( I love milk chocolate and ice cream). When I over indulge, I break out.

[cesium]

I thought about antibiotics as well, but when I had a tooth infection in March, they gave me amoxicillin and it aggravated
the eczema...so beware. Never tried the clorox...but I would go real light on it.[/size][/color]

hmm, perhaps the amoxicillin caused a latent candida infection you've been harbring to flare up. I saw you mention possible low hydrochloric acid, from what I understand that can also encourage candida overgrowth in the intestines.

when did you first get eczema? I think it's initially stress related and I know it is definitely aggravated by stress once you have it.
[/size][/color]

I've always gotten minor rashes over the years that appeared to be a sensitivity to certain substaces, but nothing like what I've experienced in the last few years. There definitely does seem to be a stress related component to it.

You are very welcome. Eczema is the worst thing that every happened to me health wise. People think, oh big deal, a rash...but when it goes into full flare up mode, it is living hell. BTW, I also find that I have to keep my sugar intake down ( I love milk chocolate and ice cream). When I over indulge, I break out.

<I>Yup, unfortunately I have a sweet tooth, and have noticed that too much sugar seems to aggravate things. The itching drives me to distraction, and the unsightly rashes make me self conscious putting a crimp in my social life. Had an attractive woman flirting with me this week, but was too embarrassed to pursue it. Also for the first time the rashes started appearing on my hands making it more difficult to hide, thus further fueling my self consciousness over it. Just got done with a prednisone taper last week and already the rashes are reappearing, so I am looking for alternatives. I'm thinking about making an appt with a dermatologist week to see about those topical immuno-supressants, though I am a bit leery about them. But oral prednisone is not without its risks and side effect neither, so I may try the topical immuno-suppressants sparingly for a short term to see how they perform.

[missminni]

Yup, unfortunately I have a sweet tooth, and have noticed that too much sugar seems to aggravate things. The itching drives me to distraction, and the unsightly rashes make me self conscious putting a crimp in my social life. Had an attractive woman flirting with me this week, but was too embarrassed to pursue it. Also for the first time the rashes started appearing on my hands making it more difficult to hide, thus further fueling my self consciousness over it. Just got done with a prednisone taper last week and already the rashes are reappearing, so I am looking for alternatives. I'm thinking about making an appt with a dermatologist week to see about those topical immuno-supressants, though I am a bit leery about them. But oral prednisone is not without its risks and side effect neither, so I may try the topical immuno-suppressants sparingly for a short term to see how they perform.

I don't know about those, but the fexofenadine has no side effects and is very effective. I would opt for that. In fact, check out the studies done with it....no bad side effects at all..it's a wonderful thing. Take 360 mg at the onset of an attack. The prednisone will kill you. The fexofenadine is quite adequate to handle an attack...and you could even do more than 360 with no worries. Do some research on it so you can feel comfortable. I will never to prednisone again.

[cesium]

TOPICAL IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS

* Newest pharmacological class for AD
* Introduced in this decade
* Direct immunosuppressive action in diseases with an immunological basis
* 2 currently FDA approved products
* Tacrolimus (FK506) (trade name Protopic)
* Pimecrolimus (SDZ ASM 981) (trade name Elidel)


Supposedly Elidel is the least of the 2 to be absorbed systemically, but these are just the topical versions of the immunosuppressive drugs they use for organ transplants and the long term risked is still not known conclusively, though from what I gather most dermatologists consider the risk minimal.

link

[missminni]

TOPICAL IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS

* Newest pharmacological class for AD
* Introduced in this decade
* Direct immunosuppressive action in diseases with an immunological basis
* 2 currently FDA approved products
* Tacrolimus (FK506) (trade name Protopic)
* Pimecrolimus (SDZ ASM 981) (trade name Elidel)


Supposedly Elidel is the least of the 2 to be absorbed systemically, but these are just the topical versions of the immunosuppressive drugs they use for organ transplants and the long term risked is still not known conclusively, though from what I gather most dermatologists consider the risk minimal.

link

They said the same thing about topical cortisone cream yet anybody who uses prescription strength (5%) knows well how it thins your skin with repeated use, and I don't even find it very effective.
The fexofenadine stops you from producing histamines, which stops the breakout. Personally I find eczema cyclical
in the way it operates. You get it from stress, and then it causes more stress when you get it. The fexofenadine not only stops the breakout, it is mildly sedating too, but never to the point of drowsy. In fact, I have to get more. Just in case.

ETA~I found fexofenadine online at a Canadian pharmacy for $44.99 for 90 pills. Thats 75% cheaper than I paid at my local rip off pharmacy. You do need a prescription. The name of the pharmacy is www.NorthWestPharmacy.com

Edited by missminni, 07 September 2008 - 08:30 PM.

[cesium]

Yes, I get skin thinning even after a week with the OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream. I also agree that stress is a key factor, but not just emotional stress, I suspect physiological stress from a sometimes asymptomatic bacterial or fungal infection also contributes to it. My initial rashes always started out on my feet, I sometimes wonder if perhaps the toenail fungus I haven't quite licked had anything to do with it. Certainly it wasn't because the skin was overly dried out down there, it was just the opposite. But yes I am a firm believer in the mind-body connection and its effect on the immune system, and have no doubt that emotional stress most likely also plays a major role in this.

[missminni]

Yes, I get skin thinning even after a week with the OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream. I also agree that stress is a key factor, but not just emotional stress, I suspect physiological stress from a sometimes asymptomatic bacterial or fungal infection also contributes to it. My initial rashes always started out on my feet, I sometimes wonder if perhaps the toenail fungus I haven't quite licked had anything to do with it. Certainly it wasn't because the skin was overly dried out down there, it was just the opposite. But yes I am a firm believer in the mind-body connection and its effect on the immune system, and have no doubt that emotional stress most likely also plays a major role in this.

A friend of mine who had a fungal toenail infection for quite sometime and tried every product available ended up curing it with tea tree oil. Her rememdy:
file them down/buff them 2x a day (as much as is comfortable) & apply tea tree oil. It took awhile, but it did clear up completely.

Edited by missminni, 07 September 2008 - 10:05 PM.

[cesium]

My toenail fungus isn't overly extensive, but it is persistent. Had 2 courses of an oral antifungal and it had no effect. Resveratrol is suppose to be an antifungal and I am planning to get back on that with a much higher dosage soon, as well as trying the bleach treatment. Hopefully that will do it. Tried the tree tea oil for a month but got no effect