Hi, I went through something similar about 8 years ago and it flares up intermittently ever since. Not sure what initially caused it but I think it was a stress reaction to the awful relationship I was in at the time. I too have tried the tacrolimus cream but I hated it. Now, managing my skin since has been a full time job. Every time I flare up it’s a trial and error to see what will fix it this time.
Anyway here’s what works for me:
Complete skin reset. I use only Doublebase on my face (you can get it off amazon, it moisturises and provides a protective barrier while it heals underneath).
Don’t let get your face under hot water and wash your hands before applying moisturiser.
No makeup, perfumed products, hairsprays! (I use the Elnett unfragranced now)
For a cleanser use the least chemical thing you can, possibly Cerave can help you with this.
Take anti histamines to calm your skin down.
Avoid any products with Methylisothiazolinone (shampoos mostly)
You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll heal without needing steroids but it might need anti biotics? It’s definitely worth a try I think. This will sound gross but when my eczema flares up nowadays I sometimes find a dab of athletes foot cream works faster than steroids
![Rolling on the floor laughing :rofl: 🤣](https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/joypixels/emoji-assets@5.0/png/64/1f923.png)
I’ve also found adding a few drops of tea tree oil to my bodywash once or twice a week helps keep flare ups at bay
I find diet wise my triggers are dairy and gluten. I don’t cut them out completely but I do cut back.
hope all this helps. Please feel free to PM me if I can be of any further help. I know how horrible it is to go through x