Does Anybody Else Have a Child with Allergies/skin Allergies?

E.,

I've read the responses and do not believe anyone has said this already:

1. Skin problems come from the inside, not the outside. This means creams, baths, applications, topicals, etc. may help your child live with the problem, but will never fix it.

2. Allergies are an immune system problem. To fix them, you have to figure out what in her life is aggravating her immune system so severely.

3. Conventional physicians don't get extra credit (or extra pay) for being detectives. They get paid when they dole out treatments like shots, drugs, etc. Yes, they need to justify the drug prescription with some form of testing, but it doesn't have to be great and certainly doesn't have to fix her health. There is little incentive for the "medical system" to help identify and permanently remove the underlying cause. This would, of course, result in less visits and treatments for your daughter, and less revenue for them, not more. Get the picture?

4. A likely contributing factor is a gut problem. Most of our immune system is in the gut. This means bad food. Bad food = sugar, toxins, pesticides, rotten food, foods that stimulate her immune system, etc. Try to eliminate all of these. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/1...

5. Food intolerances are likely a big piece to the puzzle. The best testing for food intolerances is stool testing (not blood or skin scratch). If you want to know what is aggravating the gut, test in the gut. Go to www.enterolab.com. No doctor referral neeeded (sweet!). Order test kit online, send in specimen, they email the results in 3 weeks. Gluten and dairy are the most likely culprits statistically, but there are others too: soy, eggs, corn, yeast, etc.

6. Once you eliminate the offending foods, healing will begin. To promote healing, give her a high quality probiotic. VERY important. My 5 year old enjoys swallowing hers whole. We use Zymogen brand, but here's another that might be good: http://products.mercola.com/probiotics/?source=nl

7. Supplements are very helpful. Focus on these: vitamin C, omega 3 fish oil, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium. Watch the sugar intake of these and research quality. Lots of stuff out there is junk.

8. Stress can also have a significant negative impact on the immune system. We wonder what on earth could be stressing a five year old, but there are often things that might seem trivial but affect them deeply. Only you can investigate this.

9. For a good doctor to support your path to healing and offer guidance, I second the recommendation of one previous poster for Dr. Deborah Bain. I'm not a fan of her blood testing for food intolerances because it is blood IgE test, rather than stool IgA, and because it may result in a list of 30 foods to eliminate. This is very impractical for most people, and possibly unnecessary. I believe if you start with the main culprits like gluten and dairy, you might see other food sensitivities disappear over time as the immune system calms down. My personal view.

Good luck!

5 moms found this helpful

I skipped the medical profession completely for my kids since they were worthless when it came to my allergies and all they do is give you drugs. I tried NAET first. That is what most accupuncturist use and it only lasted a year on my kids. It was great for a year, but in the end a big waste of money.

Now I and my kids go to Dr. Kathi Maher in Arlington. It's a long drive, but well worth the extra hassle. She is a chirporactor/accupuncturist and knows several alternative/homeopathic treatments. My oldest had lots of issues, but now he is healthy and normal going on three years.

Since she's a chiropractor, she may be covered under your insurance. You can call and talk to her. Her website is http://healthbyhandswellness.com/

She cured my sons food allergies and my inhalent and cat allergies.

1 mom found this helpful

I am wondering if a food intolerance testing would help. You may want to call Dr. Bain in Frisco and ask if the Immuno Lab testing would apply here. Dr. Bain is a pediatrician and focuses on nutrition to improve health. We resolved ear infections this way and my lil' one had minor eczema and so far it seems better. Just a thought that may help get to the core of the issue if indeed this is a cause.....

www.healthykidspediatrics.com

1 mom found this helpful

Wow! You got a lot of responses with great info!

My two cents doesn't exactly apply, but it might help someone! During the winter in the past, I would get really dry hands that started cracking and bleeding near the nails. I have learned to put mineral oil or olive oil (olive is supposed to be healthier) on my hands, then put them in rubber gloves and do the handwashing of the dishes (pots and pans, etc). This starts to relieve the dry cracked state of my hands.

My sister had trouble with her heels getting too dry and cracking and bleeding and she swears by putting coconut oil on them. She has tried tons of lotions and special foot softening stuff and says the only thing that has helped is the coconut oil. You can get it online or at a health store.

Obviously, this is only for the symptoms, but you got a lot of good advice for searching for the root cause!

1 mom found this helpful

E.,
I go to an allergist that is one of the BEST in Dallas. He has received lots of awards from the medical profession for his abilities. I was a "difficult" patient to help with all of my medical issues + allergies. He has GREATLY helped me!!!

I see many children in his office everytime I am there. His name is; Dr Elliott Ginchansky. He is in the professional bld. C at Medical City. His phone number is ###-###-####

Good Luck,
K. t.

1 mom found this helpful

You've received some great advice, so I'll try not to repeat what has already been posted, just what I haven't seen recommended elsewhere!

I have a nine-year-old daughter with terrible skin allergies and I have suffered with them since childhood myself! One thing that has made a tremendous difference for us is to filter our water...not just drinking water, but also the shower and bath! Ever since I can remember I would have red welts all over my body after showering...I was always told that I must be allergic to something in one or more of my products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash), but I would still welt without applying ANYTHING! The eczema was miserable, too. As an adult and mother of a precious little girl who was having a terrible time with eczema, I began trying everything, and one thing that has made a great difference for us is the New Wave Enviro Products water filters that you install on your shower between pipe that comes from the wall and the shower head (I did it myself and it was very easy and straight-forward!) and a big "ball" that you put in the tub as you are running your bath, to filter the chlorine from it (you take it out before bathing). I originally purchased mine online, but have since purchased them (replacement filters and additional filters for other bathrooms) locally at Whole Foods.

Skin products are tricky. It is definitely useful to have allergy testing done to know what to avoid (or the NAET and laser treatments to "cure" allergies sound interesting, too!), but I would advise against most of the products at the grocery/drug stores! You'll want to avoid "sls" (sodium laurel/laureth sulfate), which is in just about every shampoo and soap/body wash/face wash you pick up, petroleum products (yes, even petroleum jelly), and fragrances to start with. For moisture, try just Virgin Coconut Oil, olive oil or jojoba oil, which end up costing less and working better than traditional "moisturizers"! For cleansing, there are lots of "natural" products out there, just make sure they don't contain the sls, petro and fragrances (you'll probably be shocked when looking at the labels of so-called "natural" products!). Currently we are using, and really liking, "California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash," which is available at Target (in the Baby section), and many other retailers. There are lots of other options there, too.

For future use (I don't know that I would put it directly on inflamed skin), sulfuric acid and/or glycolic acid are great for mild sloughing to reduce the scaliness (they also work great for keratosis pilaris, the "dry skin bumps," and anti-aging for mommy!).

We have had good results adding Himilayan salt or even Kosher salt (nicely priced!) to the bathwater, and my daughters are always excited when I add Bragg's unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (1 cup for a normal bath, 2 cups for a really oversized one). ACV is great for balancing the pH and has many folk-remedy uses.

And I can't neglect to mention the importance of clothing!! All-cotton (especially organic or oko-tek certified if you can find/afford it!) is a great place to start (unless you have knowledge that your daughter is allergic to cotton). Target has organic cotton sheets that occassionally go on sale, and Pottery Barn Kids now has some with organic and oko-tek certification. Hanna Andersson (online or they have a store at NorthPark) makes most of their clothes and all of their pj's with organic or oko-tek certified cotton. Your laundry habits are critical, too! I love Seventh Generation laundry detergent. I'm currently using the Lavender (scented with essential oils rather than perfume), but started with the fragrance free. I buy the gallon jugs of distilled white vinegar whenever they are on sale and use them in place of liquid fabric softener. My machine has a liquid fabric softener dispenser, and I just pour the vinegar in to the fill line (about 1/4-1/2 Cup?). With your daughter's feet being so miserable, I would also recommend that you make sure that she is wearing only real leather or cotton next to her skin (at least until she is rash-free). Often the shoes will "have" genuine leather, but the insole and/or lining will be leather-like.

I wish you all the best in your search for the right protocol for your daughter! I look forward to "hearing" what works best for you!!
--B.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi E....I would try changing your products at home too!! Most products out their have chemicals and toxins in them and therefore add to the excema and allergies and asthma. Look at Melaleuca products...there are no chemicals/toxins and help to eliminate symptoms if not get rid of all together! After checking out the website: www.melaleuca.com go over the guided tour, product comparison etc..I use the products and swear by them!!! Let me know if you have any questions!!!

Good luck!
T.

1 mom found this helpful

E.,

I am part a networking group in Dallas and we have a Dr. that has visited a couple of times that treats allergies. I have seen photos of a gentleman that he treated with a severe skin allergy like eczema and he was able to find the problem and correct it. I think he would be worth calling and talking to at the least. I need to locate his name and number for you. He is over around Forest and 75. You can email me at ____@____.com I have his name and number.
Ted Bartnett

###-###-####

###-###-####

Eliminatemyallergies.com

I think a couple of the other responses talked about what he does. He looks to find what the problem is and eliminate that. Good Luck. Oh if you do call him please give him my name as the person that referred you.

Regards,
M. D.

www.NAET.org My sons eczema is gone and has been for 10 months. Treatments are given by a doctor usually a Chiropractor. The website should help you find a practitioner.

try a nutritionist. the problems could evolve from what she is eating as well. never know.

Hi. I don't know a specific answer to your question, or know who your allergist is, but I had this problem as a child. (not as bad as what it sounds like your daughter has, but close) I started taking allergy shots at age 6 and they helped tremendously. They did help with the itchy skin, for sure. Have you dried Dr.Young in Rockwall? He's and ENT/Allergy Dr. Maybe he would have a different opinion...

Hi E.,

My son has struggled with Eczema since he was born. He's allergic to so many foods - all the commons ones, and about 10 weird ones like peas and grapes. It's so frustrating and we have had a long journey. One of his biggest problems are his hands. We tried medicine after medicine until finally our pediatric dermatologist prescribed an ointment made from coal tar. It's called Betameth something, but a dermatologist would know what it is. You have to get it made at a compounding pharmacy, but I tell you what, it has made such a difference. I don't know why we had to try everything else out there, but now he really only struggles with feet and hands and that is what I use.

Also, I currently use Eucerin PLUS lotion. The others haven't worked. And I was given a sample of Renew, which is made by Melaleuca (I don't sell it or anything - not a pitch) It has tee tree oil in it and they did some clinical trials with it for Eczema with good results. The sample that I tried worked really well - better than I had expected because I haven't had good success with other "natural" products. So, just something to think about. I hope you can find relief. I understand what a "crazy-maker" it can be.

E.

While not as severe as your daughter's, my son has experienced a number of food/environmental allergies that produced painful eczema on his arms and face. What finally helped him was a trip to see Dr. Lewis Cone DC. Dr. Cone specializes in Nutrition and was able to narrow my son's allergies to not food, but mercury (vaccines, fish, fillings in MY teeth passing traces through pregnancy and nursing, etc.). Through a few supplements provided by Dr. Cone, we were able to cleanse my son's system of mercury and he no longer has allergies (for the most part - he still can't eat TONS of gluten or dairy w/o seeing some eczema pop up). I would definitely recommend you see him. He is located on Forest over by 75 - ###-###-####.

Also, for the eczema, what worked best for my us was organic, unrefined coconut oil. You can get it at Whole Foods or Central Market. Kind of greasy, but so much better than any lotion we tried, prescription or not.

I didn't read the other responses, but I wanted to let you know there are other kids w/ allergies and I feel for you. My son really improved when we cut out all the food he's allergic to. Maybe she's allergic to more, sorry to say.

i have a son who has severe allergies seasonal and food allergies.I have seen an allergist and my son is on an onitment for his excema and also on a nonsteriod cream to keep moist.I really don't think you really need to do the shots. Have you changed your childs laundry soap? I only use all and its helped alot for his excema. Make sure you try to offer water more than any other drink because this helps excema to stay calm.Use nonscent lotions. I use aveeno for bath time and he does great.

My son has been suffering from atopic dermatists since he was 6 months old. He is allergic to everything under the sun. But he is 8 now and has been on allergy shots for almost a year he is doin well for outdoor allergies and pets. But he still remains on prescription creams and Allegra just like Zurtec but more effective because he was on that for so long. If takes a while but once you get it under control the outbreak clears up faster. We go to the Allergy clinic in Duncanville they are wonderful it is right off of West Wheatland. You will always have to avoid the foods for a while beacuse they are more severe but the environmental allergy can be helped with shots. We use desonide oinment and protopic cream, He takes a bath with dove soap only and we use either eucerine cream mixed with baby oil dont ever use regular lotion it irritates the skin and cause it to burn. And you may want to have her tested for internal allergies as well that is not just a skin disorder I thought so with my son boy was I wrong but he looks like a brand new child now. But if you ever need to talk you can email me personlly I have been what you are goin through its not easy but it will get better. God Bless

A friend's little girl sufferes horrendous allergies-mostly food but her skin reacts badly. I recall seeing her look like she had chicken pox/scarlet fever or heat rash all the time when she was little.

She's now a bit older and her skin is lovely. Her mother shared that the ONLY soaps and lotion that work for her daughter and helped clear up the skin reactions is Melaleuca. They will use nothing else now because it's the only thing they tried that works. Melaleuca isn't something you can just buy at any store either-I think you have to find someone that sells it. I bet you can look it up online-it's a whole brand of products but the soaps and lotions are what helped that little girl.

wwwmelaleuca.com

It was recommened for me to use because I have my own skin issues and I found it to be an incredible product. I loved it! I am currently searching for someone else who sells it as I need some more but I'm blessed in that there are several lotions I can use that work for me. I thought though, that you might like to know about this stuff.

My mother has psoriasis and likes it too. It's specifically designed for people with sensitive skin and medical conditions-so it is ultra gentle and non-greasy and absorbs quickly. I can't say enough good things about it.

I hope you find the info you're looking for. Blessings on you and your sweet little girl.

Adaptogens are a natural way to help boost the immune system. To learn more and watch "The Story of Adaptogens Documentary" 10 minute video, go to VitalHealth.TunguskaMist.com

The Immune Tunguska Mist formula contains the following adaptogens to support a healthy immune system: Amla, Astragalus, Holy Basil, Eleuthero, Licorice, Reishi, Rhodiola, and Schizandra. My husband no longer deals with allergies since he's been taking adaptogens, and they may provide some relief for your daughter, too.

I also highly recommend an incredible book titled Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by Winston and Maimes. From the book "There is a category of herbs called adaptogens that help the human body adapt to stress, support normal metabolic processes, and restore balance. They increase the body's resistance to physical, biological, emotional, and environmental stressors and promote normal physiologic function".

I will keep your daughter in my prayers that her little body feels better soon.
God Bless!

I go to DR Bob Lanier. He is wonderful. I have severe food allergies too and I am allergic to almost everything I was tested for. I know they can help you with the shots. It is a long process but the pay off is huge. His phone number is ###-###-####. He has many awards and helps do testing for the Federal Govt. He has been practicing since 1977. Awesome. I hope she is able to get some help soon.

I had a niece who responded quite well to immunotherapy. She had terrible eczema, even on her face. She was allergice to almost everything. My sister had a variety of creams that she used and some things she would have to put in the bath water which helped a lot. It doesn't sound like you have a very allergy doctor, I would seek a second opinion. It seems like the doctor should have recommended allergy shots.

Have you tried vinegar? Sounds crazy, but try using a mixture of vinegar and water. You can put it in a spray bottle for the back of her legs. You can soak her feet in a mixture of vinegar and water. I have used the apple cider vinegar. I used it straight for my dry, cracked hands and it stung so I'd use 1 part vinegar-2 parts warm water or 1 pt vin., 3 parts water. Try it for several days and see if it helps. I also read that you should use filtered water in the mixture instead of tap.

Also, I'm very allergic to urea and it is in a lot of lotions/moisturizers. Check to see if what you are using has urea. It will make matters worse if she is allergic to it.

Last, don't use lotions. Use creams. Lotions have alcohol and creams don't.

I'm not sure why your doctors are not helping you more. Allegies, eczema, and asthma all reside on the same gene. My son has all of the above (not food allergies, thank god, but allergies to all types of pollen/molds). ANYWAY, he has a prescription cream for his eczema. I can't remember the name of it (sorry), but I know there are also some other steriod type prescription creams (that you have to be careful with - with children). But, I'm just saying..there are prescriptions out there that will help.

You can go a more natural route - oatmeal baths help, Eucerin lotion is good.

-L.

My baby has dry skin too. How about olive oil? It really doen't have a smell. Also, try castor oil, she will smell like lipstick, but it is thicker than olive oil and doesn't slide off like crisco.

L.

My daughter has had severe eczema for most of her life. She is now 8 and is finally getting better.
I know it is really, really hard seeing your child suffer. The only thing we did different was getting her allergy shots. It seems to have worked for us. Also, putting some bleach (I know it sound terrible) in her bath might help. It is the same concept of chlorine in the pool (which always clears our daughter up). The bleach kills the bacteria on the skin which her immune system (since it is hyper) attacks. I think I've tried most of the other stuff on here except for some of the lotions - there are sooo many out there. I used to spend tons of money just trying to find the right one. Wet wraps are good and also we put oil on her as soon as we take her out of the bath and her skin is still wet and then put the towel around her. Just make sure to keep those open skin areas covered to avoid infection. Hope you can get it under control, I really feel for you.

I meet a woman who started making her own soap for the VERY same reason. She is now selling her soap online, I met her at a craft show in Frisco, so she is local. We bought some and really like it. You might give it a try. Her website is www.stardustsoaps.etsy.com

good luck!
p.s. Zyrtec made my 14yr old VERY sleepy

Hello E.,

I have a botanically based skin care, health and wellness company.

My 6 year old also has asthma, allergies and eczema.

One of our line of products I use on her has helped with the eczema immensely (uh sorry about sp?).

We have a line of baby products that includes wash, lotion, baby oil and diaper rash cream.

All of our products are botanically based, dermatologist tested (baby products are peditrician tested), ph correct, hypoallergenic, never tested on animals, no animal products or by-products, and contain no mineral oil.

I used the steroid creams before and they worked but I was worried about putting all those chemicals on her body. This is a more natural way and I've had great results with it.

Please let me know if you'd like further information.

M.
###-###-####
____@____.com

Hi E.,
My 6 yr. old daughter has the exact same problem. We just did allergy testing and she is allergic to 23 things. We seen soooo many doctors and still have not found anything that works. Please let me know if you find something that work. It breaks my heart that she is always uncomfortable. She also at the age that kids will notice and ask her what happened to your feet. Good Luck.
If you ever want to talk about it my email is ____@____.com
M.

Dear E.,
check out this web site for allergies
www.ecoquestintl.com
Good luck
J. G

my son had/has really bad excema too. His at times if it got bad would bleed. My dematologist gave me two different steriod creams, one for his face and one for his body. I do lotion everyday, and both dematologist I went to both recommended Avenno Baby. (soothing relief moisture cream). I tried them all to, and it is best lotion. I am not sure what your dematologist told you, but mine said that when his body is under stress (getting sick) or dry wether is when my sons gets really bad. When it starts to get really bad and the lotions no longer help then I apply the steriod cream for a couple of days and it gets back under control. If your child's skin gets so bad it bleeds, I can't believe that they did not give you a steriod cream to help. Also I am sure your dematologist told you to use a soap and laundry detergent that has no dyes or perfume.

E.,
Sorry to hear about your little one. My children, now grown, nor my grandchildren have had the problem. But I gave some product to friend of mine for her daughter who had great luck with Melaleuca's gold bar and their Renew lotion - I am a regular consumer of Melaleuca products but not an active distributor. You can locate their products at melaleuca.com. They also carry an exttensive line of "environmentally sensitive" cleaning products that might be beneficial.

I have many friends and family in Michigan and every year they solicit me to send them soap and lotion when winter comes as these products seem to be the only thing that has given them any relief from their chronic dry skin.

I feel for you. She may be allergic to wheat/gluten. Or anything else that is made from corn, wheat, ie. chips, spaghetti, bread, cereals etc. I suggest going to www.knowthecause.com He talks alot about this type of skin allergies. When your skin breaks out it is due to the body reacting to what you eat and tries to push it out, overwhelming the liver. My little girl had it when she drank bad goat's milk. Of course I took her off of it and bought her the store brand goats milk and put Seven Wonders Miracle Lotion (in a white pump)from the Health Food Store. It did WONDERS on her skin!!! Soothed it naturally without all the "chemicals". Hope this helps.

This sounds strange but please try it.AloeVera the real plant, break off a leaf split it open use the gel inside on her feet. This will heal the skin better than anything, also great for burns and bites.Once the healing jas started use the lotions as back up. I have an adult friend we tried this on and it help a lots.
Best of Luck. S.

I feel for you. We have been that route (just not as severe) with my 9 year old. Starting when he was 3 until he was 5 we did the whole Zyrtec, Nasonex, Singular route and then did the allergy shots. The shots were 2x a week and worked wonders. We quit them when he was 5 due to change in insurance, new baby and all the other stuff that made it impossible to pay for them. They were great for us.

Mine are not quiet this bad, but may I suggest some all natural hydrating soaps. Lush, which is located in Northpark has shower gels that are all vegan and made with natural oils. My kids (an myself for that matter) have almost stopped the itching completely and my skin is much better hydrated. They have several fragrances personally for the itching and pain of skin irritations, I think the Olive Branch is best. Its made with grape leaf and olive oils. And must be shaken befor use. BUT IT IS AMAZING what it has done for us. I'm a huge fan of their products, but don't suggest bar soap of any kind including theirs because of the drying factor.

Good luck!

My son's eczema was so bad that he has permanent scarring. This doctor has saved him. they deal with ashmma, allergies and eczema. This office is world famous. With Jack, it was as simple as pulling him off dairy. But when he is really bad I use the other medications, and it is wonderful!! Also, my son is now a different child! We go to the office at Presbetarian. But he has other offices too.

http://www.aircaremd.com/

My 5 yr old daughter is exactly the same...cats, eggs, wheat, peanut butter, strawberries....etc etc. Her skin bled it was so bad. We finally found a mixture of meds that helps though she has the occasional flare ups.

She is on the Singular pill and we use Cutivate Rx cream on her skin. Its not 100% gone but it has done wonders.

You have to be cautious of lotions that the beginning ingredient is water...it dries the skin even more. And you'd be suprised how many lotions have some form of Alcohol in them, also very drying.

I have also asked about allergy shots for this same thing....we keep getting told she is too young and she could still grow out of these allergies and the shots would prevent that from happening and could make things worse.

Best of luck!

I didn't get a chance to read the other responses, but I will tell you that my two sons have asthma and two years ago I switch all of my household cleaners and personal care products over to Melaleuca and with in a couple of weeks I could tell a major difference! We have used the nebulizer maybe five times since! I also have ecxema really bad, or should I say I can have it really bad. Since I switched to using Melalueca's Renew lotion and bath oil along with the laundry detergent and dryer sheets I don't have any issues. My two and a half year old has ecxema as well, but it is under control as well. If you would like to learn more just let me know. You can personal message me. I would love to send you over a link that talks about the things that can be found in cleaners that we think are safe.

H. M.

E.,
If you are near the Carrollton area, try getting in touch with Dr. David Chihal at Trinity Medical Center. He's and ENT with a specialty in immunology. My three year old started taking allergy shots in June for a severe mold allergy and is already greatly improved. Here's his contact information:

Dr. David Chihal
4325 N. Josey #101
Carrollton, TX 75010
###-###-####

I'm a little late in sending in my response but I have to let you know what's working for us. We're going through the exact same thing with our 4 yr. old son. After several trips to the allergist and dermatologist I've finally found something that providing him much comfort. Have you ever done wet wraps? I use a prescription called Triamcinolone (I have them give me a tub of it). I put it on the eczema spots on his hand and feet. Then I soak two pairs of wet socks in warm water and place one pair over his hands and the other over his feet. Then take a dry pair and put over each wet pair. He then sits (or plays) like that for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes we peel them off and cover his hands and feet with Aquaphor - it seals in the moisture. My son has it really bad and this has been the only thing that works. Hope this helps!

I am at a loss, but suggest taking her off yeast related products for awhile, have her dirnk water instead of milk and juice and no dairy for a few weeks and be careful about the detergent you use and no dryer sheets!
Also probiotics supplement is very helpful.
V. B.

She is probably allergic to food too and that is causing her severe eczema. Maybe try a homeopath. MD's will only give her medicines. There are several homeopaths in the area . Email me if you are interested. ____@____.com
L.

E.,

I too have allergies and eczema as well as my 7 mo old. Here's something for you to consider... I had household chemical allergy testing and found that I am allergic to Quaternium and Formaldehyde. Quat is found in everything you can think of in the health & beauty section. I had to throw out my shampoo/conditioner, face wash, hair gel/mousse, some makeup, lotion, baby wipes, etc. Once I got rid of anything with Quaternium (sometimes the label says poly-quaternium or Quat-7, quaternium-15, etc.), I was able to get off of all my medications.

So, to get to my point, look on the back of her soaps, shampoos, lotions for this ingredient. You could put a dap on her back and see if she has any reaction. This could be a culprit in her bad allergies/eczema. I can't tell you how many of my friends I have shared this with and whose children were allergic to the bath soap and once they figured it out, things got much better. Hope this helps!

BTW: There are over the counter alternatives so don't feel like you can't find other products. I use a lot of Dove products, Cetaphil, and shampoo from Costco.

I know you've gotten a gazillion responses but I just wanted to put in my two cents worth. I have found a product called Freederm. You can go to their website and order it. I have had dermatitis since I was 10 months old and I am now 43. This is the only product I have ever used that has cleared up my skin and kept it cleared up. I found this when my own daughter started developing the same problems. To keep this short you can go to their website and see my testimonial. It is on page 7 or 8 and probably the longest one on there! It has a picture of my daughter, blonde hair, blue eyes in a blue outfit with a set of golfclubs. This has been my miracle and I hope you will consider it. Doctors will try to put her on steroid creams and in the long run they do more harm than good. Their website is www.freederm.com. I wish you the best of luck from someone who has been there and so glad I found a product that works before my own daughter went through all the doctors and testing. Again, good luck!

My family's allergies weren't this bad, but my acupuncturist's were. His name is Dr. Steve Homoky, and is at Coit & Spring Creek. ###-###-####. He uses a special treatment called NAET (www.NAET.com), and doesn't use needles on children, so it's more relaxing than traumatizing for them. He changed from being a petroleum engineer to an acupuncturist after his oldest son was able to throw away his epi-pens for his own severe allergies - all after only 3 months of these treatments, and no allergy shots. This sounds like her body isn't able to process the toxins that she's exposed to, so they are coming out of her skin, which is the largest organ of the body. Please give him a call, and see what he can do. It's been the best thing ever for our family, as I've been able to have dairy after 14 years of being lactose intolerant, and my daughter, who used to get loads of sinus infections and strep throat, hasn't needed antibiotics for over 5 years. Used to be 3-4 times each year. Saved us a ton in doctor's bills and missed school/work! Good luck!

E.,

Soak in warm baths in epsom salts. Many children with challenges also have eczema (allergies and brain function can be closely related since the digestive system is the "second" brain). I work with many children who have gotten a significant amount of relief from the epsom salts.

Also please make sure she is drinking adequate water----divide her body weight in half and then drink that many ounces each day. (100 lb child would drink 50 ounces each day as a MINIMUM)

This is not a cure, this is just for some relief.

Since your daughter has so many other allergies, there's also a possibility allergic to wheat/gluten. Both of my cousin's boys (ages 4 & 2) always have had allergy and severe eczema problems, especially the 2 yr old, and they were finally just diagnosed as also being sensitive to wheat/gluten. They have since changed their diet, omitting wheat/gluten products and their eczema has improved dramatically. Check with your allergist - you might want to ask about this possibility. If you are not happy with your allergist, you might want to try Dr. Jane Lee at Baylor Dallas, ###-###-####. Good luck.

My daughter is 10 and has suffered with asthma/allergies since she was 3. She's been on all of the regular: advair, singulair, breathing treatments, nasonex in the past, etc. I took her to see Dr. Shea, he's an ENT and has started her on allergy drops instead of allergy shots. They are amazing! After 2 nights, my daughter told me how much she liked the drops. She said that they made her breath better. She blew her nose every morning for as long as I can remember and now she hasn't blown her nose in over a week. He has lots of reasearch he could share with you about the drops. We are vey happy! Good luck. His number is 817/551/1010.

As a child I had what my allergist called "Olympic Size Allergies" I began getting shots in second grade and got them until high school. I think the years of shots helped because now as an adult I can manage my allergies with over the counter meds. While I did not have skin allergies, I did have severe inhalent allergies. I got two shots a week. One in each arm. My parents gave them to me at home. It may be worth a try.

Renew lotion by Meleluca. Though I wouldn't put it on her if they are cracked and bleeding.