Hi M.,
I own a holistic (chemical free) spa in GA. I am an esthetician of 13 years and I specialze in natural skin care. Ihave done a lot of research into Skin Conditions including eczema, (my daughter has it as well). I hope this helps you and the other moms on this group.
Eczema is an autoimmune disease - meaning the immune system is overactive. In other words, it is an allergic disease, and such diseases are escalating world-wide, due to the ways in which we are polluting our environment When the immune system fails to recognize “itself” as friendly it mounts an attack on itself." Your sons eczema is a direct result of his body not being able to process food properly. If your son were to get a flu and not be able to eat for a day or to, you may even see an improvement in the eczema.
Dr.s often disagree saying that they are not connected. But look at all the other moms on here whith children that have the same problem. Cortisone creams, ointments, and lotions commonly prescribed for skin disease may clear the skin temporarily and control the condition in many patients. Side effects from steroids include thinning of the skin, dilated blood vessels, bruising, and skin color changes. Treatments that are recommended by doctors and pharmaceutical companies worldwide amounts to futile attempts at mere symptom treatment, instead of the trying to address the root causes of the condition. Symptoms you see on the skin express the body's attempt to heal, but are not the cause of disease.
Over the counter creams and ointments aren't any better. They all contain fillers and chemicals that can irritate the condition even more.
Now your son can't go on eating nothing. I recommend seeing an Allergy Specialist. See if you can find anyone that knows about EPD. Enzyme Potentiated Desensitisation is a form of Immunotherapy developed in the 1960s and now used world-wide. It has the potential to desensitise anyone to the allergens to which they are allergic. This includes foods, dust, animals, birds, grasses, pollens, moulds, and many chemicals. An ultra-low dose of allergen is used - approximately 1/1000 part of a routine skin-prick test - combined with the natural enzyme beta-glucuronidase which enhances, or potentiates the desensitisation process (thus we get the rather curious name). It is particularly effective for the treatment of eczema, and will work quickly for children - the younger the child the quicker it will work. It takes about 2-5 years to be effective for an adult.
Until then cut out things like high fat foods (no McDonalds), dairy,frozen premade foods, pre packaged foods and sugar. All of these things cotain chemicals and preservatives that his little body just can't handle. A good diet of fresh or frozen veggies and protien(chicken and beef), and fruit will clear him up very well.
For treating the surface eczema try using Aloe juice or even the gel directly from the plant. Aloe works in your skin in 4 ways:
1.) It Penetrates. It actually sinks down into the lower layers of the skin (dermis) where your collagen is. Healing the skin where it is created
2.) It Exfoliates, Aloe is a natural exfoliator, the plant enzymes actually break down the soap and residue
that hold dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells make your skin look flaky, dry and dull. Aloe does it naturally without scrubs or chemicals.
3.) Aloe Regenerates- Aloe regenerates skin 11 times faster than you body does naturally. That's why aloe is often used on burns. If you have scars, sun spots, wrinkles or any other skin damage, aloe can help heal it fast!
4) Aloe is a Natural Anti- inflamitory - Aloe cleanses, removes impurities, and shrinks and tightens pores all at once.
Honey is also realy god for irritated skin, it has a natural anti inflamitory as well.
Find a good botanical oil to use as a moisture like avocado oil , and don't waste your money on anything over the counter.
Good Luck!!
H.