During my years of suffering with eczema, I’ve tried many strategies. For a long time, I consistently did online research and attempted a DIY approach to managing my condition, usually reading articles and online discussions. I discovered some really helpful bloggers, many of whom have functional eczema clinics, but I didn’t use their services. I just read articles, listened to podcasts, and watched YouTube videos.

Many approaches helped temporarily before I found myself back at square one, searching for the next thing. I also indiscriminately tried supplements, figuring they’re all natural, without checking with my doctor first. Here are just some of my experiences with strategies that other people credited for their healing:

• Drinking celery juice every morning — That helped temporarily.
• Taking milk thistle — I saw quick results before having an allergic reaction. Turned out milk thistle is related to my seasonal allergies.
• Doing the candida diet — I felt 100 percent better and lost weight, but it didn’t clear up my rashes and was unsustainable for me.
• Getting on a Facebook group for using apple cider vinegar topically — I wrote in to say it made my rashes worse and was promptly shamed by the group manager.
• Taking liposomal vitamin C — It helped only temporarily.
• Getting off my strict diet that was adding stress when I started a master’s degree while working — My rashes cleared up from the relief … and then came back.
• Receiving acupuncture — It helped a bit at first, but then I believe it made my rashes spread to new areas where the needles compromised my skin barrier.
• Using hemp protein powder in smoothies — A major flare-up/allergic reaction sent me to the emergency room and led to the discovery of my hemp allergy.
• Being told by a dermatologist to take lots of showers and use moisturizer, while my doctor advised taking fewer showers and limiting soap — This was confusing, plus the suggested moisturizers all had ingredients I’m allergic to.

None of these ideas are “bad” or really hurt to try. Even if they made my eczema worse, they taught me what didn’t work and eventually led me to a functional clinic. However, I wish I hadn’t gone through all those years of suffering while struggling to take something on by myself that I didn’t have the tools to master on my own.

The biggest lesson I learned, which I want to share with anyone who suffers from eczema, is this: We’re each unique, and each of us is a little bit different when it comes to our condition’s root cause(s) and individual treatment needs.

When I was working with my eczema clinic of choice, getting one-on-one help with protocols, these aspects an individualized approach led to significant healing for me:

• Getting a gastrointestinal test and labs geared toward eczema to see what specifically was going on in my gut and with my nutrient levels, hormones, etc.
• Stopping vitamin B6 supplements because my labs showed I wasn’t deficient
• Having each protocol tailored to me because I have a lot of allergies to nuts and plants, which many supplements contain
• Learning which specific food and product ingredients to avoid, which helped me revamp my diet and products without breaking down in the middle of Whole Foods

If you have eczema or know someone who does, remember that each person is unique and deserves individualized treatment. It’s the only way to get to the bottom of skin issues, particularly if you haven’t found a “magical cure” or “quick fix” or if what you’re currently doing feels unsustainable for you.

Here are my do’s and don’ts for eczema treatment:

• Do consult a professional with a proven track record of helping other eczema sufferers.
• Do stay committed to a long-term healing approach from the inside out versus quick-fix promises or never-ending diets.
• Do respect your uniqueness and start from there instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Don’t read too much into other people’s advice and experience.
• Don’t stay on a hamster wheel of DIY methods while suffering.

These days, my rule of thumb is to take any advice with a grain of salt and instead focus on myself and my own needs. This has helped me find the right kind of help for my individual case and finally know that help really is out there. I hope you find what works for you!

On MyEczemaTeam, members discuss eczema from a specific point of view. Would you like to share your personal story to help others living with eczema? You can learn more about this paid writing opportunity from MyEczemaTeam here.

Members’ articles don’t reflect the opinions of MyEczemaTeam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. Content on MyEczemaTeam isn’t intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.