Severe Exema

Hi M.,

I have three boys that all have eczema, the oldest uses a prescription called triamcinilone cream(a relatively cheap prescription), or something like that. He is 14 and this prescription cream is one of the only things that will calm his eczema, as a routine he also uses an over the counter lotion called Amlactin - it is sold at Costco and does sting a bit when you put it on(he says this works good but for the severe episodes he uses the prescription cream since it works a little faster). My two oldest boys (14 and 4) use the Amlactin lotion and the 4 year old runs a few laps around the house until the sting wears off. The pediatritian even uses this lotion for his eczema. My son that is 4 uses ellidel(spell?) which is a prescription and even with insurance it is about $70 per small tube! For him it is the miracle cream but does not work for his older brother very well. Other than that the two youngest (4 and 9 months) also use the 'California Baby' "Super Sensitive" lotion and wash(sold at Target) as a general maintenance routine.

As you can see the treatments and what works can vary per child and age. I hope this helps.

M.

We use mangosteen juice (I can recommend two effective brands) and Vanicream. You can get the Vanicream at all Targets and some other pharmacies. You have to ask for it, but it is OTC. When we went to National Jewish, our son was extremely severe. Now he has perfect skin. He takes a 10-15 minutes bath every night and immediately gets the Vanicream all over. We also do Vanicream in the morning. Since doing this, we have gotten him off all his steroids, hydrocortisones, antibiotics, and medicated lotions. The Vanicream does not burn at all, even on the most sensitive skin. I highly encourage trying it, since it is a medication free way to go. Before starting this regimen, two dermatologists had taken pictures to send in to have their assoc. study as they didn't know what to do to help. We now have a son with beautiful perfect skin. The other change we made was we wash his clothes in All Free and Clear and do not use fabric softener.

Try Gentle Naturals Baby Excema Creme. You can get it at Target. It's a little expensive but does the trick! It is kind of thick, but seems to clear things up! There is a coupon for $1.00 off on the inside of the box. Good luck!

all the responses have been great. A couple of other things to consider....Switch laundry detergent to All Baby or All free and clear. Dreft actually seemed to cause problems for my son. And do a double rinse on all laundry. If you're in a humid part of the country, skip the dryer sheet. Otherwise use one that's also "free and clear." We use Bounce. My 6 year old is still using Aveeno baby wash - everything else causes eczema to return - and he hasn't had an episode in at least 18 months except when we try to go to kid shampoo and washes. also, cut down on chemicals in the home - clean w/vinegar and baking soda and vacuum w/ a HEPA filter. Lastly, you don't mention the age of your nephew, but if he's over 2, try Zyrtec. Its an antihistamine and has just gone over the counter. Our dermatologist told us its the first line of defense at National Jewish Hospital and Children's Hospital here in Denver for eczema. Also, he said its the only antihistamine that's had full testing on kids under 5. I thought the dermatologist was nuts, but it cleared up the eczema fast! As in less than a week. And, we weren't having to use steroid cremes with all their nasty side effects.

Hi M., my 2 yr old suffers from flareups mainly from dry skin and baths.. We switched to Aveeno baby wash and followed up with Aveeno cream while she is still sort of wet after the bath. The Cetaphil cream didn't work so well for us but may for you. Stay away from soaps at bath time. Stick to Dove, Cetaphil wash, Aveeno wash, etc as these do not contain soap. Always follow up with creme, not lotion (we found that out the hard way). If this regimen doesn't help within a week switch laundry detergent. Wash your child's clothes separately with hot water to rule out the detergent aggravating the eczema. Good luck to you! p.s., I like the Aquaphor to help clear up flare ups also!

Just a few things that work for us w my 2 yr old daughter's excema...
1) Bathing w Cedaphil lotion (it works great w or without water)
2) Shorter baths~warm water
3) Aveeno Lotion~they just came out w this great lotion/cream that is made specifically for excema. It works great!
4) Could be caused by detergent and/or food allergies? We use Tide Free and Clear for Sensitive Skin...

Just some thoughts...Good luck

My youngest son will be 2 on friday. We have kept his exema under control for the past year using cetephil creme in the tub.It is thicker than the one in a pump container so the skin absorbs more of it for a longer time frame rather than the pump kind. My son also has food allergies to eggs, and peanuts, so he is restricted from all nuts, tree nuts and legumes. He seen an allergist at 9months and 12months of age, they did a rast test to find out what possible allergies he had . Ever since then my son has had beautiful skin.

I don't have much to add. The food thing is definitely a strong possibility, though. While they work on figuring out what food it might be, have them get some Cetaphil lotion. When my daughter (3yo) and I were diagnosed with exema, our dermatologist told us to get that lotion. You can find it at most store - even Costco! I love it! It helps my skin and my daughter's skin feel so much better - more hydrated without making it feel really oily like a lot of other lotions can. Cetaphil is great for all ages - even babies! The effects can also last for days!
Good Luck!
J. P

When my son was a baby the Dr.s told me that he had severe exema and that they really couldnt do any thing. Just go home and do lotions & creams. I was so frustrated! I knew it was something else because everything in his life like soaps clothes pets etc. were all the same but foooooooood!

I took him off of all baby food and just nursed him and slowly reintroduced the foods back to him and found out it was oats and barley infant cereal. As he has gotten older and is now 5 he can eat breads and cereal but for a long time he just never liked it so I never pushed foods on him he didnt like. He is the best eater ever.

I was so shocked but glad I listened 2 my self and not just given up.

Maybe they can keep a food journal. It could be worth a shot.

My 8 yr old is allergic to the whey protein in dairy and reacts diferently with hives. Every child is different. I have found that you have to really listen to what they are saying to you because the little things can be serious.

Misty is right, The triamcinilone and Elidel works great but if you really can't get a RX then you can try bag balm. It is sold in the pet aisle. It works well and is kinda greasy but it can soothe the skin. works well on diaper rash too. Or you can mix your own diaper rash cream and maalox. Equal parts. and try that. It works well on diaper rashes also.
Good luck.
M.

Your nephew could also have a food allergy. Our one year old also has severe exema. We had to stop feeding him certain foods and it clears up with only brief flare ups. I really would look into what foods he is eating.

Most children with food allergies have severe eczema. I would recommend they just find a allergist to test him and work out a payment plan. Kids can get insurance through most states with a plan. If it is food related, it won't let up until he eliminates that from his diet. Try Aquaphor skin lotion or oatmeal baths too. It is very important you find the cause of the eczema, it could be detergent, soap anything like that too.