Eczema - 3 1/2 Year Old

Updated on March 25, 2010
R.F. asks from Plano, TX
12 answers

My 3 1/2 year old daughter was treated for eczema about 2 weeks ago (originating from her ear - dry, flaky and red, to the point where it was bleeding). I hae two different medications - a foam and an ointment. It healed great to start with and I started to treat some bumps that were showing up on her chest. This morning, she woke if with her ear 'crusty' again, and the red bumps re-appeared from her ear to her chest. I know it's not a reaction to the medication because it worked so well at first. I suppose I just need to give it to her on a longer/permanent basis, not like oral meds where it's a week or two...?

I've never had an issue with eczema - is this a 'lifetime' treatment for this condition? She eats great - no new foods have been introduced, nor any new detergents, etc. If you have experience, please let me know - I have a call in to her pediatrician for other advice as well.

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M.S.

answers from Provo on

She needs the Basa stick from Basa Body. It does not stink and it does heal! It is amazing and very affordable. My mother out of the blue started getting it right under the eye. Hundreds of dollars later and no luck she tried this and in 3 days it ways just about gone.
I think it is a whole whooping $7 and it's Organic.
www.basabody.com

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S.

answers from Spartanburg on

Elidel worked on my child and also a humidifier in his bedroom.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.R.

answers from Lakeland on

When my daughter was a toddler - she had the worst diaper rash ever- it was bloody and terrible from the start. It turned out that she was lactose intolerant (she had just stopped nursing and started on milk in a sippy - and had terrible and immediate diarrhea) The pediatrician prescribed "Elidel" (sp?) creme. I was chicken to use it because of the warnings in the paperwork about use on babies. I questioned the Doc, and he assured me that it would be fine. My sister told me that she uses it on all 3 of her kids because they have Eczema and it was the best! So.....I reluctantly started using it - just the tiniest little pea sized amount and VIOLA - it cleared up immediately! I don't know what creme you have, but if you can get this Elidel - maybe it will help you a bunch! Good luck!

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A.H.

answers from New York on

i have it in my ears too. i use vaseline every evening before bed.. it works great to loosen the flakes... it only happens when the weather changes.. for about 1 month..and then i'm ok again.. good luck

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I’ve had eczema off and on since I can remember, and my youngest daughter has had it on her tummy and back since she was about 6 months old. It isn’t too bothersome for either of us, but the big thing is to be sure that you keep the skin hydrated with a really good lotion. I use Renew lotion for myself and on my 1 year old daughter, when our eczema breaks out. But when we use the Renew lotion regularly, like once or twice a day, the eczema stays at bay! (look at that…I gave you a rhyme too!!)

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Eczema is unfortunately a condition that may require lifelong maintenance. My baby has eczema and we have to put on the ointment when it gets really bad. We were told however to use the ointment (which is a steroid) sparingly b/c steroids thin out the skin. It should only be used when the rash gets really angry looking (bright red). Otherwise, just put a thick lotion (aquaphor or eucerin are good ones) onto the areas. This will help smaller rashes go away and prevent new ones from forming. Inevitably you will see some angry red rashes -- then use the steroidal ointment. Otherwise, just keep your baby well moisturized!

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L.P.

answers from Dallas on

My 4 year old has severe eczema and sees a dermatologist for it. Here is what we do: Limit the time in the bath, water seems to make it flare up. Right after bathing, apply Aquaphor or CeraVe lotion. For bad flare-ups (sounds like what your daughter has) we do whats called a "wet wrap therapy". Apply the medicated ointment generously to the affected area. Cover with warm, wet towel or washcloth and then cover with dry ones. Keep this on there for 20 minutes. After removing the washcloth, apply the Aquaphor or CeraVe. Do this for once or twice a day but for no longer than 5 days.

Could this be viral? Does she have any cold symptoms? Maybe something to ask the pedi about if she does. If it truley is eczema, keeping her skin hydrated and bathing with Aveno products could help.

Hope she gets better soon and that this doesn't turn into a cronic condition.

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried removing dairy from her diet? My brother had eczema as a toddler and it went away when he was off dairy. There are other alternatives you can try such as almond milk or goat's milk, just to see if this is the case.

If it is an allergy, you can go to an NAET specialist to have the allergy cleared up. (Worked with my husband's severe dairy allergy). I know meds are very h*** o* the body, so I would try to find alternatives if possible. I've also heard great results from using Renew lotion and/or taking anti-oxidants such as OPC's, Pycnogenol or Grape Seed extract that helps with inflammation. Best wishes for your daughter's recovery!

K.N.

answers from Miami on

Good Day,
Yes there is a chance that this will be a life-long issue, just as there is a chance she will out grow this eczema! I've had this for 18 years now, like your daughter and I got it at age 39! My son had psorisis and he has out grown that! The ointment is probably the best treatment; and if it spreads, use some of the oatmeal baths to soothe her itch and skin! I will keep her in my prayers!
Sincerely,
Kathy N.

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A.M.

answers from Dallas on

you will probably see it clear up as the warmer weather comes on and the dry conditions from the heater in your home subside. use dove to bathe with - the one with no scent. my daughter had it and we use dove for her skin and it helps a lot. also use a humidifier at night as that works wonders. we use the california baby calendula cream (they have it at target) and that worked wonders on her skin also. she had it very bad all over her face starting at about 4 months thru about her 9th month. we too had the medication from the dr (a steroid for the face and a oral liquid to control the itching) but i didnt want to use the steroid cream on her face as it can lighten the skin with prolonged use and i knew it would take a while to get her angry condition under control. her condition was so bad that it weeped at one point because as a baby she rubbed it raw. she is now eczema free for the most part. when she gets really hot sometimes she will get a little patch. it was not attributed to any allergy to food or environment. it is hereditary in our family.

M.M.

answers from Dallas on

I am sorry you are dealing with this, I know it can be frustrating. Most children with eczema are allergic to chemical preservatives in common products. Renew lotion will work well, it has helped a lot of children get rid of eczema. You can learn more about safer alternatives at www.LiveTotalWellness.com/texas or email me at ____@____.com if you would like to get a free sample.

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S.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have eczema and so does my 9-m-o daughter. The directions I have been given for topical medications (ointments) is 10-14 days. Also Eucerin is helpful in treating problematic areas between outbreaks. It is expensive, but a pediatrician recommended it and I (and my grandfather!) have had good luck with it helping prevent flare ups. For me and my family (my daughter is at least the 4th generation with eczema) it is a lifetime thing, but with avoiding things that trigger the eczema and using a good lotion (like Eucerin) I've managed mine pretty well and just need the ointments every now and then. By the way, triggers for me are dry skin (from winter or frequent hand-washing, cleaning products, etc.), anything that rubs a lot (my wedding ring for me, diapers for my daughter), and stress. Hope this helps and good luck.

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