I've been doing pottery for about 8 years as a hobby and this past year I've developed some exzema in the past year.  Quite painful rashed, itchy and scaley and cracking.  I've been to a couple of dermatologists and they may begin testing for the specific irritant.  And I've received a couple of prescription ointments (no help) and steriod treatments (they do help....but I hate to start that!).  The doctors have suggested using gloves and I've been doing that....especially when glazing.  But I was hoping to get some suggestions for creams or other treatments from fellow potters.  Surely someone else has dealt with this issue. 

Thanks so much!

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Has diet been brought up?  Sometimes you can have a big impact on your skin with the food you eat.  Have you considered trying a gluten free diet for a bit to see if there is any change?  External remedies are not going to work with exzema.  There are things that will protect your skin when you throw to keep them from getting so dried out. You have to beware that whatever you use, you don't have in on your hands or gloves when you are handling bisqueware.

I don't know whether it will help with eczema but for dry and severely cracking fingers, I've found an excellent hand protectant that is not greasy and is almost like an invisible glove. Other potters that I've shared it with like it. Wildfire fighters and park rangers use to it protect their hands from poison oak and ivy.  It's called Biosafe Skin Protectant and it's hypoallergenic. Not cheap but a little goes a long way.


Hope you find some relief soon,

Sheila

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