Really Itchy Skin

Updated on February 16, 2009
S.M. asks from Bethlehem, PA
44 answers

My 21 month old son has really itchy legs. Soon as I take his pants off to change his diaper he scratches them. I have tried Cetaphil, Aveeno Daily Moisturizer, GoatsMilk lotion (and prob. others) I only bathe him every 3 days. I use Baby Aveeno Moisturizing bath for his skin and hair. Has anyone found lotions that work for dry skin? (I do not feel this is an allergy b/c this has occured since the weather got cool)

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So What Happened?

WOW - thanks to everyone's suggestions. I will start trying them!! THANKS!

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R.B.

answers from Williamsport on

I have some lotion that will help the dry skin even if it is associated with eczema. I assume you live in Williamsport. I could send you some, or drop it off, or whatever. My little ones have very sensitive skin. Also, I have a body wash for kids that really would help.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Add 1/2 box of baking soda to their bath water. Towel off and then use plain Nivea lotion. Together they work wonders.

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L.R.

answers from Reading on

I see you tied Aveeno but did you try the Oatmeal bath? Also eucerin is excellent. I suffer from Ezema so I know how he feels. These are both 2 products that I have tried personally. The oatmeal bath is very soothing.

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J.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Have you had him checked for ezcema? My son has ezcema and it comes about when the weather is cool. Your pediatrician can give you some lotion that will help.

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I.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

try just oils or greaces
baby oils - vasealean
and see what happen i go throw the same thing so i try uewing oils

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L.C.

answers from Pittsburgh on

hi S.,

I too have a son who is now 6 but had very it chy skin when he was very young. Same scenerio. Always scratched as soon as the diaper came off. I took him to a pediatric dermatologist in Oakland and he was diagnosed with ecgzema. A dy skin condition. It worsens in the winter months when the air is cold and dry. I was told to bath him every other day and to put a dab of baby oil in the water. I did this after washing his hair to avoid greasy hair. Also, was told not to use soaps of any kind since soap is known to dry out your skin. a moisturising lotion can be applied on top of all this helping to help add extra moissture to his skin. Its good to apply it right after their bath while the pores on their skin are opened.
My son still suffers from this today. It is treate with Medication. Maybe seeing a pediatric dermatologist could offer you more advice.

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N.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi S.,
My name is N. and I just saw your post i shop with a wellness company that makes products that are safe for kids to use for dry skin. If you want to know more just drop me a line. I hope he is feeling better.

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C.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hmm... it could be eczema. My hubby has it and it gets worse in the winter. I'd check with the doctor! =)

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V.D.

answers from Harrisburg on

my dd and i have excema, and i was told by a ped icu nurse from philadelhia childrens hospital to use crisco. it sounds silly, but it works. just a light coat after her bath, and she doesnt have the "itchies" anymore. i also use all baby. its a little pricier, but quite often kmart will put it on sale. hope this helps! good luck!!!!

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C.G.

answers from Allentown on

I know this sounds a little nuts- but for dry skin we use a little crisco (the one for 'cooking') massage or plain old vaseline. Both work really well on my itchy, dry skin prone little 2 year old angel!
Good luck!

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E.S.

answers from York on

My husband and I both have really dry skin, so we knew our twin sons probably would to. Everytime I change my kids clothes, I put on just the regular baby lotion (I always get the soothing lavendar scent) and I smear it all over their legs (which seems to be the driest spot on them other than their faces) and arms, back, chest, belly, and feet. Not only do they like getting their little "baby massages", their skin is always super soft. I really put a lot on after baths too. We only bathe them every 3 days because with the heat in the house and the cold outside, their skin will dry out faster. We use aquaphor on their faces, it's made by Eucerin for babies and it's almost like a vaseline. The doctor told us to use that because it was safe. I make sure to smear that on their faces and lips everyday, especially after wiping them off with a wet cloth or after a bath.
I also have allergies to detergents and soaps, so you may want to try using the hypoallergenic all or something just as sensitive for his clothes. That's what I use on our clothes and none of us have problems, if I switch though I get really itchy like you are describing. If you don't think it's an allergy and just because of the weather, than I would suggest just using extra lotion and a lot of it. Make sure to try to use something like the aquaphor which will be safe on sensitive skin.
I hope this helps some, good luck!

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H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Eucerin works pretty well. It is usually near the diaper rash creams at the store. You can also try putting the lotions on right after the bath before he is totally dried off (helps lock in the moisture). My son has excema and was actually allergic to Cetaphil -- Aquaphor works the same way as Cetaphil, but IMO is more hypoallergenic.

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D.M.

answers from Scranton on

Hi there,
I am 40 yr old D., mom of 3. Sounds a little like exema. When you take him out of the bath, make sure to moisturize when he is still wet before you dry him off. Try using Free and clear laundry detergent, and dont change it stick with the same kind. Make sure you use a gentle soap (not ivory) I use dove unscented (its what works best for each person) Good luck, and just listen to everyone and take from it and use what works for you and your son :)
D.

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C.N.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi S.! I have been told for several years that "baby" products tend to dry our kids skin worse because they contain some sort of alchohol (fragrence); especially Johnson products. I use Eucerin and Dove products on my kids. I'm very happy with the results. My son gets severly chapped skin in the winter and I use Aquaphor on him. It's really thick like petroleum jelly so it's a little greasy but it works. On another note; I use Boy Butter on my hands. This is a creamy personal lubricant for men! I know it's sounds gross but my hands crack and bleed in the winter due to being so dry and chapped. I use the boy butter at night and my hands are doing much better. I use this every winter. I would try the other products I mentioned first but if they don't work let me know and I can forward you to Boy Butter. I love it and recommend it for dry skin.

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L.J.

answers from Washington DC on

S.,
My daughter who is also 21 months old had patches of itchy dry skin. When I became an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay I started using the extra emollient night cream on her and it worked great. At first I only used it two nights a week just to see how she would react to it then over time I started to use it more often. After about three weeks I noticed dramatic results. Now she no longer suffers from itchy dry skin.It cost $11.00 and it should last you quite a while because a little bit goes a long way.

Good Luck

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W.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

I use Sarna cream, but be careful b/c it has something like camphor in it that you can not put near mouth/eyes. How about hydroquartizone.

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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

my three year old daughter has bad ezema on her legs and chest and i would go thru all those things never worked...but i did find useing straight shea butter takes it all away..but it has to be just shea butter not the lotions with shea butter you can get it at a natural store it is very cheap and will do wonders...my daughter is now old enough to tell me when it starts to bother her and she will just get her special cream and put it on...i also only was her clothes in all free and clear because laundry soap can make it worse also...and i wash her sheets on her bed every couple of days..

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J.T.

answers from York on

Hi,

My daughter has eczema, and we found that Eucerin lotion works great for itchy, dry skin. Hope this helps!

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A.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I know how hard it is to have skin problems and I am sorry about your little one. But If you like ALL natural products
I have a something that I know WILL WORK. and you can see a difference within a day or 2 without any steriods.
I work for a company called Joy USA. and we sell eco-friendly all natural hair and skin products. Our website is
inkomfe-usa.com. If you like what you read online you order online and use my code when you purchase 1006 or please give me a call ###-###-#### I do carry stock
Our products are dermatologically recommended and is great for any age and skin type.

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K.J.

answers from Harrisburg on

Try a very light layer of vaseline. My children went/go through the same thing and so do I so that is what works for me also a little baby oil on wet skin like right after the bath even before you take him out of the tub.

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J.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My 4 year old had the same problem. I tried numerous creams and lotions, nothing seemed to work. I recently switched our soap to the walmart brand of dove (Equate mosturizing body wash) He has not had any itchy spots since.

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S.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

hey S.
You got lots of great responses but no one suggested looking at the cause of the itchiness.what do you use for laundry detergent,fabric softener,and body wash?? If you can treat the cause of the itchiness,you won't have to resort to expensive creams.I would encourage you to do some research and read labels on everything that would come in contact with your son's skin.For example,do you use Bounce dryer sheets? The box has a warning label,"do not come in direct contact with clothing".How scary is that??

www.SwitchStoresForHealthyLiving.com

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K.M.

answers from Cleveland on

Our doctor recommended short, daily lukewarm baths followed by a generous dose of baby oil gel (a thicker version of baby oil) and this has done wonders for our little guy's itchy legs. In addition, when it's really bad, we put Euceryn lotion on his legs at every diaper change. Our doctor also suggested to just use a little Aveeno soap, or even no soap at all.

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J.W.

answers from Washington DC on

we all got the itchy skin this winter. I would definately recommend Eucerin Calming Creme. It is gentle enough to use on kids everyday. Im tellin ya, it works right away. very soothing. Also, make sure your using bath products for sensitive skin in the winter, its less drying, of course dont make the water too hot. Try it, it worked for my son.

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L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Hey S. I use Renew lotion and it's great for dry skin..even helps cure excema when used on a regular basis I know I have iton my hands....hope this helps L. C

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D.E.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My son was diagnosed with eczema as an infant. The Dr. gave me a prescription for a lotion with Hydrocortisone cream to use 2 times a day till the rash lessened, and to use an extra moisturizing lotion everyday and in between. I found that Aquaphor and Acid Mantle(the pharmacy usually have it behind the counter)work really well and Dove moisturizing body wash works great for him. The Dr. said just to keep him lotioned really well. My son's eczema tends to get worse in the colder, winter months. I, also, use a humidifier in his room at night. Hope this helps a little. Good luck!

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L.W.

answers from Washington DC on

It could be eczema. My youngest had it so bad both of her cheeks were red and bumpy for months. She really had it all over and nothing that was recommeded worked. I tried eucerin, cephacil all those pricy moisturizers. Then I found this cream on the internet called freederm and it worked wonders. My daughter hasn't had a breakout since. She was 9 months old at the time and she will be three this week. I never had to buy another jar either.

http://www.freederm.com/

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M.L.

answers from Johnstown on

My son had excema as a baby and still has some problems now and we use Aquaphor and it really helps. It's kinda expensive but if it helps. You might be able to get a sample from your pediatrician that's how I found out about it. Hope he feels better I know how difficult it can be.

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S.J.

answers from Philadelphia on

Have you tried cocoa butter (however you spell it??). I find that it's a lot thicker than the usual lotion and works better.

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J.M.

answers from Washington DC on

try using AQUAPHOR it is avial anywhere, and it is great. Don't forget during dry winters skin gets dry easily. Hope this helps

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D.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

I am a pediatric nurse. It is prob eczema. I highly recommend either aquaphor or eucerin. They are pretty expensive but worth it. Also, when a child has eczema, frequent or daily bath are helpful for the skin. The bath water should be luke warm though. Hot bath water can irritate the itching. Good luck.

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C.S.

answers from Washington DC on

My son started with the itchy skin when he was just a few months old (now 3 years old). We learned from his pediatrician that he has eczema, and were prescribed a steriod cream for him. This cream has helped tremendously, but we still bathe him with Cetaphil wash and use the Cetaphil lotion in between. Hope this helps...
P.s. We also found out that our son has asthma, and for some reason alot of children with asthma are also know to have eczema as well.

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T.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

Its probally exema try hydrocordizone my 3 year old as well as myself every winter its because of the cold. thats is the only trhing that would work on my son dont use more than 2 times a day. Does you son have any signs of allergies or asthma because that it a big trigger of exema.

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B.M.

answers from Scranton on

Try putting about a half cup of baking soda in his bath. It will sooth his skin and won't hurt him at all. I have used this for so many things like diaper rash, exzema, scrapes, things like that. Also Neutrogena Body Moisturizer after bath and Cetaphil(found in the face lotion/wash aisle) to wash with are what we have found to work. My daughter and I both have extremely dry skin. Also Vaseline under pajamas works wonders1!!!!

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B.W.

answers from Harrisburg on

Eucerin lotion is awesome. It's a little pricey, but I've definitly found it to be the best. I know this might sound a little crazy, but I've also found that a good conditioner works as well.

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T.R.

answers from Dover on

Try Arbonne products. We get itchy from lotions in stores because they have chemicals that irritate our skin and cause us to feel more dry. So of course, we buy more lotion, exactly what they want us to do. Arbonne doesn't use chemicals. I just recently started using their products and they are working great. My SIL used their baby lotion on her daughters eczema and said it worked great for that too

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A.D.

answers from Washington DC on

What laundry detergent do you use??? Also, what dryer sheets??
My 3yo is still suffering from itchy skin. I use only Gentle Naturals Eczema Baby wash and I use the lotion ,too. I only wash his clothes if Dreft Baby detergent.
I grease him up like a pig every night before putting on his pj's.
If I deviate from one item above the itches come back. He will scratch until it bleeds some times. Both sides of the family suffers from dry skin so I knew it was coming.
This really works.
Good Luck!

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C.C.

answers from Dover on

when i had PUPPS (a rare and extremely itchy skin condition during pregnancy) i was prescribed an anti-itch menthol lotion called SARNA, it is OTC and was a god send!

coconut oil is fabulous for dry itchy skin!!!

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C.J.

answers from Harrisburg on

Hi, sorry if I am suggesting something someone has already suggested. I use Curel lotion(cream)....I have used this on my daughter since she came home from the hospital. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!

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B.C.

answers from Harrisburg on

My son gets little spots of excema, especially when the air gets cold. Can't say he ever had itching all over his legs, but I know his spots get itchy. If you have a Dr check him next time you're there, suggest that...if it is that Elidel works WONDERS!!

My hubby gets very dry skin from working outside and he likes Nivea lotion.

B.

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H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

The lotion that seems to work for just about everything on my son with very sensitive skin is Aquaphor. We discovered it for diaper rash that would come on suddenly and severely. He gets patches of dry skin between his toes and he has a few spots around his mouth that seem to be really bad in this colder weather and it works on everything. I put it on his face before he goes for naps/bedtime so it stays on as long as possible. If irritating foods get on it or if he drools/has running nose, it gets worst so I just keep putting on lotion to heal and prevent it from getting worse.

Another person mentioned laundry detergent/softener/dryer sheets...my advice would be to think gentle and minimal. My son isn't the only one in our family with sensitive skin so we are cafeful with detergents too. I only use All Free and Clear - dye and perfume free. We do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets. Except for those really fuzzy items that are staticy no matter what you do, I don't have a problem with it. It drives me crazy to be in small spaces with people that use strong perfume or strong detergents. I love NOT smelling my clothes when they are clean!

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R.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

Honestly.. i would try bathing that area more frequently.. imagine walking around with dirty underware for three days straight.. witout using toilet paper but still going to the bathroom.. urine can be slightly acidic.. and poo can be an iratant.. if his skin is sensitve just use warm water in a basin and a washcloth.. just to make sure that area is clean..
it didnt say what kind of diapers you are using.. but any type keeps our waste products in close proximity to the skin.. and that is something that can definitly cause iching.. also it didnt say wether or not you give him a little "naked time" just like when we put a band aid on our skin.. the diapers keep fresh air out.. this too can create a situation where iching is prevalant..
good luck and god bless

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D.M.

answers from Lancaster on

Hi,
My son also had very itchy skin. He would get red spots on his legs and arms. The doctor gave us a prescription for Elidel.
Also, you might try putting a light oil or a deep moisture lotion on before you dry him after a bath. Just rub it in until he is dry (in a warm bathroom). I lotion myself before I dry off after showers. It has helped us. We like Gold Bond ultimate healing and Curel lotions.
Drinking lots of water helps too.

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L.S.

answers from Lancaster on

I have had great success in totally clearing up my son's dry itchy patches, and my eczema with organic jojoba oil, and pure emu oil. You will have to go to a natural/health food type store, or buy off the internet. HTH.

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