Since my teenage years, admittedly a very long time ago now, I have suffered with dermatitis. This mainly affected my hands and wrists and at times was acute. I had to wear household gloves for any domestic task involving detergents and for task such as peeling potatoes. I found starch set my rash off terribly. My rash would wake me during the night with the most intense itching. I would go to the bathroom and run my hands under cold water and try not to scratch but it was so bad that usually I scratched and the rash became open, sore and sometimes even infected.

I tried many creams and ointments;some from over the counter in the chemist shops and many prescribed by my own G.P. and consultant dermatologists. I found some preparations helped for a while but that was all. The only thing that resulted in my rash going away completely was during my four pregnancies and the ensuing periods whilst I was breastfeeding my babies.

When this rash was at its worst then the only thing that alleviated the intense itching was Piriton but this also made me sleepy. At times when the dermatitis was itchy but not at its worst then certain preparations helped, especially if used before the itching really took hold. I found that if my skin became dry then the rash would become troublesome and the itching would start. Over the years I often began to know when a dermatitis flare up was likely and if treated early then better results were obtained

At one time I was advised to use, along with a new and prescribed ointment cream E45 which I found very good and have never been without in some form since. I'm not sure if it was prescribed or purchased as this is going back a few years when prescriptions were much cheaper than they are today. My doctor advised that the E45 cream would help to moisturise my hands and he felt it wouldn't cause an adverse reaction. From first trying E45 I was a fan of it.

As I've become older my dermatitis is usually kept under control;certain things are definitely a no no. I have to be careful with skin products and as am rule use un-perfumed soaps. But my skin overall is sensitive and many things can set off an itching bout and a nettle rash can occur, not only on my hands. At times like this I have to apply something quickly to stop the itching or it spreads and worsens. I am feeling itchy now just thinking about it!

Fortunately, a few years ago, I saw in a chemist shop that E45 had a sister, named E45 itch relief cream. I immediately purchased this and tried it.
I now find that I purchase E45 in the itch relief variety as, although I don't think it is quite so good at moisturising and replenishing the skin, I do really appreciate the fact that it still does have moisturising properties, as well as soothing and calming my often irritated skin.

I am sure that in the days when my dermatitis was at its most troublesome and I would wake at night scratching at my hands furiously, then this cream would not have been strong enough to calm the itching;no cream that I tried was though. However, now as long as I use this as soon as the itching starts I find it effective. As soon as my hands become dry or a little irritated I reach for E45 itch relief. I don't rub it in but gently smear it on to the skin as this causes less irritation.

I like the container it comes in with the ease of applicator design, as I find this easier to use, rather than wrestling with the tub lid as I used to with E45 cream, especially when replacing it while the cream hadn't quite absorbed into my skin.

But another reason why I like E45 itch relief is because it is handy, when used in the tube packaging, for travel. I used to have to take a cream with me for itch relief and a further cream for moisturising purposes, but now only take the one to do two jobs. In fact, whilst on holiday I find this cream is a good all rounder. I usually carry a tube in my handbag and, if suffering from sunburn and dry skin, I can use this while out;it being handier to travel around with than after sun. Of course, it has greater versatility.

I have had no adverse reactions to E45 Itch Relief although I suppose it can cause reactions with some so please read ingredients before using.

FACTS FOR E45 ITCH RELIEF CREAM ( Taken from www.superdrug.co.uk):

' Dermatological. Rapid relief from the itch of eczema. Treats and soothes problem, dry skin conditions. E45 itch Relief Cream treats and soothes the itching caused by eczema, dermatitis, pruritus and other dry skin conditions.

The anti-itch ingredient, lauromacrogols rapidly relieves the itching caused by these problem, dry skin conditions. Specially formulated with urea, a moisturiser found naturally within the skin, E45 Itch Relief Cream is non-greasy, moisturising and quickly absorbed to soothe your skin leaving it feeling calm and comfortable.

E45 Itch Relief Cream can be used by the elderly, adults and children. Also available in 50g. Dermatologically Tested - Allergy Screened - Perfume Free.'

INGREDIENTS (NOT in my own words but taken from taken from www.boots.com):

'Contains: Urea 5.0% w/w, Lauromacrogols 3.0% w/w. Also contains: Dimeticone, Phenyl Dimeticone, Liquid Paraffin, Cetyl Palmitate, Stearic Palmitic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Polysorbate, Carbomer, Glycerol, Benzyl Alcohol, Trometamol, Purified Water.'

PRICES:

Superdrug: 100g-£5.81 per

Boots: 50g tube-£3.87

Lloyds Pharmacy: 100g tube- £5.65

Amazon.com: 500g pump dispenser- £23.77