Baby Eczma

Hi there,

We did the dermatologist and allergist route (seeing 2 of each) by 6 months. We did the baths, steroid creams (fluticasone was the one that finally worked for our son). Our son did have food allergies, to dairy and egg. Although we appreciated the allergist for being able to identify the dairy and egg allergy with skin testing, their advice was to wait and he'll grow out of it - maybe.
Therefore, about 4 months ago we began seeing an acupuncturist who treats allergies using acupressure (no needles) and NAET (www.naet.com). My son ate scone (accidentally!) with dairy and egg both yesterday without any reaction, even though less than 2 weeks ago he broke out in hives everywhere when we put egg on his skin. NAET strives to eliminate the allergy, not cover it up or decrease it with medications. Friends with kids with excema or blood in the stools have also had luck with this within a few treatments. If you'd like the name of our practitioner, feel free to email me.

Good luck,
H.

2 moms found this helpful

this is usually allergy related....my son's cleared up beautifully w/Zyrtec, an antihistamine. I'd really hesitate to put one so young on prescription anything so try other things first. Eucerin (the creme not the lotion) worked well when he did have itchy spots. We kept my son's from coming back after the initial round of antihistamines by using super sensitive everything. California Baby Sensitive for shampoo/body wash. All free and clear or All baby for laundry. Double rinse on the laundry. NO SOFTENER. Softener is a huge issue for people w/sensitive skin (my dad and I both react horribly although neither of has had eczema). Try rinsing w/vinegar too - put it where you put the softener - no, his clothes won't smell. also, no dryer sheets. If you remove clothes barely damp there won't be much static - I remove all the fleece/synthetic fabrics to hang dry and we have very little static on what's left in the dryer. I use a clothes line in the summer so no static issues then. No perfume/cologne for you, hubby,caregivers, or sisters - including any strong smelling personal care products such as shampoo, hair spray, make-up. Moving to less toxic cleaning products would help too - vinegar and baking soda work for most things. If you're nursing, try limiting/removing dairy/wheat/egg. If you're on formula, talk to the doc about switching to something w/out cow's milk and maybe w/out soy. Natural products can help - but be really wary - they can have potent allergens in them due to use of plant products (including nuts - particularly almond).
Don't worry too much, most kids outgrow it...my son has except for shampoo products - the poor kid is still using California Baby Supersenstive at 7. If we try anything made for big kids or adults, he has small flare-ups. otherwise he's been clear for 3 years or more.
Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful

Hi. My daughter has severe exzema also and we have been everywhere for what to do an have had every test done and the last dermatologist we finally saw 3 weeks ago out of childrens hospital was the best ! He informed us that exzema has NOTHING to do with allergies its a skin barrier problem there is not enough moisture in the skin and it breaks down. My daughter is on zyrtec also but not for allergies its the antihistamine that actually helps stop the itching which helps bring the swelling and inflammation down !
So we use the zyrtec and something at night when its really bad so she can sleep. We give baths every couple days and then use cetaphil for wash and vanicream for lotion its sold at walgreens. That all together has helped so much and now instead of looking for allergies we finally have a real answer ! Good luck and not sure about cloth diapers or not ? My sister uses them on my niece but I refuse to change my niece I hate them but she loves them !

1 mom found this helpful

I suggest using soy soap to clean her with and natural cocoa butter lotion to keep the area moist. Not every lotion will work as many have alcohol in them. Make sure to check the ingredients.

My kids have this problem and using what I suggested above has helped keep the eczema under control.

Have a GREAT day!

S.

1 mom found this helpful

When our son was that age we did Elidel and Gentle Naturals Eczema products. It sometimes worked. What we do not, per our doctor at National Jewish Hospital, is a 10-15 minute bath at the end of the day. Use Dove or Ivory (unscented) just before getting out. While skin is still wet, slather him up with Vanicream. You can get it at most pharmacies just by asking. When we started this, he had the most severe case of eczema that the two dermatologists had seen. He now has beautiful skin. We do have him on Allegra, as well. When we went to NJH, he was on Elidel, steroids, topical antibiotics and oral antibiotics. Now, the only time we have to use steroids is when we stay with family that has a cat. I'm amazed and grateful to not have to be using so many meds. If you need to, you can do the baths and lotion as often as you need to, especially at first to get the skin soft again. The timing is a big key to the baths working. I've been amazed as we've been at the hospital to see what kids look like when they come and how good their skin is when they leave just by doing baths several times every day. GL!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi,
My friend had the same problem with her baby. Her son's eczema was so bad that his wrists were all cracked and bloody. She switched to an all natural laundry soap (the stuff you buy at the store actually has ground up fiberglass in it).
The last time I saw them, her son's skin looked wonderfully healthy.
Let me know if you would like me to introduce you to a company that sells healthier, more affordable cleaning and personal care products.

sincerely,
N.