groverssadlittlegirl - Nice to meet you!

Female-Age 30 - Average size in weight - 5'2 - not the normal Grovers standard
I have Grovers and I was treated with topical steroids, oral steroids (when it was really bad), Alegra, Tetracycline and a pill that I took at night to help me sleep through the horrible discomfort.

I have had this problem since September of 2007, a biopsy was taken December 2007 which identified Grovers. I now use the topical steroids because they do help and I've stopped all the pill popping. I'm trying to control my skin disorder through proper diet. The diet will help control all the things that can irritate your skin. Works well for other skin conditions.

I have been able to keep the spots down and I'm a lot healthier! However, when you need the drugs, you need the drugs. The steroids really helped when Grovers was at it's worst. The Tetracycline helped after the steroids did their job.

Here is what I take or eat:
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that protect cells from free-radical damage and help promote skin healing. Vitamin E is used to promote optimal skin health and is helpful in reducing itchiness.
Leading Food Sources of vitamin E: Broccoli, Avocados, Almonds, Mangoes, Peanuts, Sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts

Zinc
Zinc is an important Mineral that builds up the immune system and is instrumental in healing skin aliments. Zinc also has the added benefit of helping to process essential fatty acids.
Leading Food Sources of zinc: Barley, Chicken, Oysters, Crab, Beef, Lamb, Wheat, Turkey

Vitamin C
Allergies are often an underlying cause of eczema. Vitamin C, a natural Antihistamine, may help control eczema by blocking the effect of inflammatory responses to allergy-causing substances (allergens).
Leading Food Sources of vitamin C: Cabbage, red, Potatoes, Strawberries, Tangerines & other mandarins, Peppers, bell, red, Oranges, Kiwi fruit

Flaxseed oil
Red, itchy patches of eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea often respond to the anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties of the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil.
Leading Food Sources of flaxseed oil: Oil, flaxseed
Flaxseed oil is thick, rich, and nutty tasting. Do not use flaxseed oil to saute with as direct contact with heat causes it to break down and its beneficial properties are lost.
It does however make a very nice dressing for salads and grilled vegetables when combined with lemon juice or vinegar and it can hold its own against flavorful components. If you'd rather not use all flaxseed oil, try pairing it with olive oil for a slightly lighter dressing. You can also use it in quick breads, muffins, pancakes, waffles, cakes and other baked goods in place of less beneficial oils.

Quercetin
Foods high in quercetin may be beneficial for eczema sufferers because quercetin inhibits the release of histamine, acts as a potent Antioxidant, and reduces the formation of allergic compounds.
Leading Food Sources of quercetin: Cabbage, green, Spinach, Garlic, Grapefruit, white, Apples, Cranberries, Kale, Pears, Grapes, Onions

Omega 3
People suffering from eczema often have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and altered essential fatty acid and prostaglandin metabolism. In addition, eczema sufferers are more prone to developing allergies and inflammation. Consumption of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for reducing the inflammation and severity of eczema.
Leading Food Sources of omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, Trout, Tuna