Eczema

[sussexbrett]

On other forums I've seen people suggest manuka honey is good for excema. is that so? and if so which one is best?

[Admin]

With eczema one aspect is that each person's situation can be different, so what works for one person does not always work for another. However yes, using the manuka honey can be helpful to many people for their eczema, and we do have quite a few customers from this, although using the pure honey has some practical issues with its stickiness.

We've written a bit more about it on this page: Manuka Honey and Eczema

In short there is a derma cream that uses the honey, and we also have the alternative Pot of Gold Skin Balm which has had good feedback.

[sussexbrett]

what about the sterilised manuka honey? or wouldn't a higher strength one work better?

[NZHS]

If the eczema is really severe and leading to cut / broken skin (eg from scratching), and becomes more like a wound, then the sterilised medical grade manuka honey - the ManukaCare product - becomes very good.

However as that is pure honey, it does leave a sticky layer which creates practical issues.

Both the Medihoney derma cream and the Pot of Gold Skin Balm are more of a cream style product, where it is quite quickly absorbed into the skin, and not leaving a layer of honey. And provide good moisturisation.

The higher strength manuka honey basically have a higher potency of the special antibacterial properties, which is useful in other areas such as stomach ulcers, digestive issues and infections, but not so important for eczema.

[augustmama]

Do either of these products you mention contain steriods at all? Friend's GP has suggested a steriod cream to help with her eczema.

[NZHS]

No, there is no steriods in either of these products. Both the Pot of Gold Balm and Medihoney derma cream are steriod free.

While is is quite common for GP's to recommend steriod based creams, care should be taken over their use longer term.

You can see more in depth information on the Pot of Gold Balm at the website www.potofgoldbalm.co.uk