Severe Eczema

Updated on August 18, 2008
M.W. asks from Woodridge, IL
56 answers

my 7yr.old is experiencing the severest eczema ever over the past 6 mos; she has had it since birth. Dermatologist has given steroids cream, but to no avail; aquaphor, eucerin and many other all natural lotions/creams have stopped working. After some research, I have started giving her Omega-3 child pills to help increase oils in her body and Vitamin E oil to help heal, but she is still scratching her wrists and itching her lower arms nonstop (sometimes leading to bleeding cracks). She was last tested for allergies at age 3 and was diagnosed with some environmental allergies. Does anyone have any other recommendations for this problem?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

O.P.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not trying to advertise here but I have been shopping with a wellness company for just under two yers and have had GREAT results with it. My sister and neice suffer from eczema; Elidel, hydrocortizone, among other products HAVE NOT WORKED! I introduced my sister to "the wellness company" and it's the only thing that has worked for her and my neice. Renew lotion is AMAZING! It's not only good for eczema, but for psoriasis and even diabetics can use it; my diabetic friends use it as well for their skin and love it.

Send me a message or callme and I'll get you a sample.

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

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Chicago on

Prescription strength hydrocortisone cream has worked well for us when the other lotions became ineffective.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.C.

answers from Chicago on

My son had eczema and has allergies. I took him to a dermatologist and she told me to use this Soap called Vanicream. You can have the pharmacy order it or order it off of drugstore.com. They also have a lotion. And its not expensive. I was also told to use "free" detergents.
Like All Free, Tide Free with no fabric softener.As soon as I did this, he was instantly better. The eczema went away. My son was diagnosed as a baby, about 1 years old and he is now 7. The dermatologist said Eczema is associated with underlying allergies(which you seem to know already. His is allergic to fish and has environmental alleriges. I still use the soap and detergent to this day. I tried all the other brands, like you did and nothing worked. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at ____@____.com. Would love to hear if this works for you too.

More Answers

T.B.

answers from Chicago on

M.,
My sister had the same thing as a child. She had it the worst on the soles of her feet and on her ankles. I'm not sure if you have tried, but I would consider changing soaps- both laundry and bath soap- to see if that helps her. Many times kids have allergies to things in their home- household cleaners, pets. Have you had her tested yet for allergies?

I would also suggest changing out your cleaners. We use Shaklee's Get Clean line at home because I'm a distributor. It's unscented, gentle, and biodegradable. If you want to check it out visit www.shaklee.net/tammybristol/getclean.

Good luck- I hope you find something that helps.

T.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.N.

answers from Chicago on

Dear M.,
I am 37 and Mom of three. I have had severe eczema all my life, and have just recently found relief. I have gone the gamut with steroid treatments but have found that an over the counter product has worked miracles for me. It is called cracked heel relief it is sold at Walmart and Walgreens it's 2.99.
A little goes a long way. It's only ingredient: Emu Oil. I use it after a bath at night before bed, you should apply it to softened moist clean skin for best results, and cover overnight. My eczema was so severe I could not bend my fingers without them splitting all of the time. It also works on dry patches of skin too. It is emollient so it helps your body retain it's natural moisture, also the fats in the oil are most like our natural oils in our bodies. You will see improvement overnight and hopefully gain total control in a few short days!
Also FYI it is yellow and stains, so dress the affected area with cloth. I use it on my hands and feet and use gloves and socks and it does stain.
Hope this helps you out!!
C.
____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not sure if anyone has recommended this yet, but maybe your daughter should see a homeopathic doctor. It sounds like you have tried a lot of different things over the years, so it probably couldn't hurt to try. We see Tom Bayne in Glenview for my son's food allergies. He is really down to earth and we have already found success in that my son's systems are strengthening and his allergies are decreasing(and it's only been 4 months).

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Chicago on

Don't use anything scented on her! This includes laundry detergent. I used to have severe eczema and all those lotions and potions are deadly. It makes a big difference, especially in winter.

Too bad we're landlocked here in the Midwest. Salt water from the ocean works wonders.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

my son has had eczema since 1 month old (he's now 3). We go to a homeopathic dr. in naperville and it's SO much better. Dr. Josephine Polich (www.dupagehomeopathic.com). She prescribes homeopathic remedies which are natural and work toward cure from the inside out. Plus, they don't have side effects like steroids do. Homeopathy addresses the root cause of the problem, doesn't just treat the itching, dryness, it addresses the original sensitivities to environmental things and often will cure that imbalance in the body so that it never reoccurs. Here's her newsletter on eczema that's an awesome read: www.dupagehomeopathic.com/newsletters/eczema.pdf.

she's giving a free seminar on how homeopathy works on chronic illness on 5/22. info is on her homeopage. I'll be there helping her w/ the seminar if you want to attend. It's in Naperville (so is her office). If that's too far for you, I can give you a link to other homeopathic Dr.s in the area.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from Chicago on

Some great advice has been given here. Make sure all the laundry products you use in your home are chemical free. As another Shaklee distributor responded, the Get Clean products are excellent. I just had a mom call me yesterday and tell me her husband bought something at the store when they ran out of the Get Clean laundry products, and her daughter broke out in a rash within 3 days. She had been using Get Clean laundry detergents since her daughter was born. Be careful of everything that goes on her skin. This includes soaps or handwashing products you may be using. Diet is also a key, and I agree with the mom who sent that e-mail. Omega-3 is a great idea, but be meticulous about the quality. Find out where the fish come from, where it's manufactured and what type of purification process it goes through. That is very difficult to do, and that is one of the reasons I appreciate the pharmaceutical grade label on Shaklee's Omegaguard, because I know all that has been done. I open one and put it on my baby granddaughter's dinner several times a weeek.

It's takes a detective mentality to figure out these things, but when you do figure out what the underlying problem is, you can sometimes resolve it very quickly. Best of luck in your search!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from Chicago on

Allergies, eczema etc can be greatly helped by de-toxifing all your home products. I work for a company that has over 350 non toxic, naturally derived, scientifically proven products that have helped eliminate these type of problems. I would love to introduce you to all these fantastic products that would make your life healthier and your home safer! It wont take much of your time to get you all the facts. Please contact me at ###-###-#### and ask for R.. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.D.

answers from Peoria on

Hello
I have come across a product called Xango. It is juice made from a mangosteen. Not related to a mango. There have been a lot of good results for people whom have eczema. They drink the juice which works from the inside out and then they made a paste or just apply the juice directly to the affected areas. If you are interested I can email you some testimonials and send you to some websites to look it over. Hope this helps.
D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M., sorry to hear about her problem. I am going to tell you something you probably won't believe but here goes anyway. You are going to have to change her diet keeping all sugars, wheat and corn from her, and get her on a good probiotic if you ask her ped about this he will tell you it is nonsense but take it from someone who knows its the only way or she will grow up to be an adult with more health issues than eczema. She has a fungal infection in her gut which is causing her problem from either her or yourself over the years being given too many antibiotics. If you want further help from this I will be glad to give you information.

sincerely a grandmother

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.F.

answers from Chicago on

one of my granddaughters had eczema on the back of her knees. Talk to a doctor of natural medicine..and get some Noni cream. (all natural) and use that on it. Hers usually goes away by the next day. We go to Dr Stephen Holcomb in Naperville..he owns the Natural Medicine Clinic.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Chicago on

I see ya got a lot of advice, so this may be redundant...we use Cetaphil soap and lotion. Since we stopped using regular soap, including baby soap, her skin has virtually cleared itself.
Good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Champaign on

Hi M.,
I am new here and just saw your request. My daughter who is now 23 experienced eczema as a small child also. What I found that helped the most was "neosporin" the ointment. It seemed to clear it up in a couple of days. Plus I am sure my Dr. at the time recommended small doses of benedril. Didn't spell that right but worth a try. If you aren't sure what dose of benedril ask your Dr. But I know the neosporin ointment worked. Good Luck. By the way my daughter eventually grew out of it. I know that doesn't help now but something to look forward too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.T.

answers from Chicago on

M.,

My son too had eczema. We tried many steroid creams and found that he was allergic to the creams. The Doctor prescribed Elidel cream, it has worked wonders. Good luck

R.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.F.

answers from Chicago on

My kids suffer from eczema as well. What the doctor has me give my kids at night is Adderax so that they can fall asleep and not scratch the already inflamed areas. They only take this when their eczema flares up badly. Try giving your daughter Aveeno oatmeal baths. That should help with itching and hopefully make her a bit more comfortable. I would also suggest taking your daughter to an allergist. I almost feel like they are better at coming up with treatments for eczema. I know it is frustrating to see your child so uncomfortable.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Chicago on

I want you to consider Arbonne's Baby Care line for your little one. My son has excema and it has worked wonders with hime. He had it on his torso and legs...and we never look forward to the winter months here in Indiana, but this winter was a breeze. Since using the Hair and Body Wash and the Body Oil...his excema was non-existent this past winter! WE are so thankful for it. Brady (my son) even asks for it by name...Mom where is my Awebonne (how he says it is so cute...he's 5). I LOVE LOVE LOVE this product line. I am a consultant...after having so much luck with this and some other products I started using, I decided in my spare time I could share it with others. You can check out my website at www.kristenstemple.myarbonne.com. Other mamasource mommas are some of my consistent customers purchasing the ABC line for their LOs too! You can contact me through my website by signing my guestbook with any questions you have. If you send me your email address I will send you a letter from a 15 year veteran in pediatric medicine who now "prescribes" the ABC line before jumping to steroidal treatment for excema...it is a must read! I wish you luck with whatever you choose, I know how frustrating excema can be.

Talk soon...take care,

K.
www.kristenstemple.myarbonne.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.K.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter had eczema also. I put cortizone ointment extra strength on her. It will stop the itching. For the healing when she scratches herself and make a sore, get you an aloe vera plant; break off the leaf and put the aloe vera on the sore, it will not only heal her, but the scars also. Also bath her only in luke warm water, the hotter the water, the drier her skin which can cause an out break. To keep her skin from getting so dry, try using Johnson and Johnson baby oil gel, excellent product!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Chicago on

Wow, a lot of advice and it is all a little different. My son had horrible skin issues up until this year. He, too, would scratch his arms and legs until they would bleed. I switched all of my cleaning products to Shaklee's Get Clean and also the Laundry products. I put him on their children's vitamins and their probiotic, as well. So far, no more itching but we are coming into allergy season. I am not a distributor for Shaklee, but I highly recommend the products.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.

answers from Chicago on

I always use vaseline. I have it really bad and I so do my kids. The weather change is always making it worse. I have to say it is the only thing that has worked for us and it is cheap. I would give her a bath and then put it on and then pjs and then see what happens. It is always ten times better the next day.

K.Z.

answers from Chicago on

Ive grown up with eczema. I used to get bleeding cracks on the back of my neck, elbows and knees. The medicine the doctors gave my mom never worked either. What did work was her smacking my hands every time...haha. no just kidding. The cortozone 10 in the store believe it or not. Not the ointment but the creme. I would also take oatmeal baths when it got really bad. The rash feels like .... you know the enitial itching feeling you get right after you get bit by a maschitio? Well that feeling constantly. Ive also used benedril creme after the cracks go away. That relieves the itching sometimes. and i carry it with me all the time. I now have scars from it. Wherever she scraches like that will scar a darker color than her skin tone. Also use soaps and lotions with no perfumes to irritate skin. That helps a little. Keep skin lotioned. Dont take a shower every day unless absolutly necessary. Sometimes my mom would tape my fingers before i would go to bed with the cloth tape so i wouldnt scratch at night. which sometimes was when i would have my worst episodes. Or after you put the cream on cover it and tape it with a bandage, this way it'll make it harder to get to. She will thank you for it when she gets older. The scars to this day (32yrs.) are kinda embarassing. if you want to ask me anything i would be glad to help. ____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.E.

answers from Chicago on

If you are interested in trying the Arbonne sensitive skin line, please let me know and I will be happy to get you some samples.
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.,
This may not be the cause at all but I thought i'd throw it out there because it's easy to test it. My baby had horrible eczema and gas and we discovered she is very very sensitive to the hormones in most dairy. I switched her to organic or hormone free dairy and it fixed it. Trader Joes offers a ton of hormone free cheeses for a reasonable price. Costco's milk is actually hormone free. it says no rBGH which is Bovine Growth Hormone. This hormone is banned in every other country in the world but it's in much of the milk supply in the US.

Hope you can figure this one out.

J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.E.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.--
I'm so excited to have an answer for you. It's a lotion made by a company that I just started ordering products from. I have sample/travel size bottles that I give to my family and friends just so they can try it. It's called Renew. I also have pamphlets on how and why it works over the other creams/lotions you've mentioned. Many people start ordering other products from this company just because of this lotion. I would love to send you a sample and the info. I'm new to mamasource to I'm not sure how people usually get in touch with each other or even sign their names when they give advice. It looks like I can send you a personal message so I'll try that.
Signed, C. E

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.E.

answers from Chicago on

What kind of soap do you use??

You may want to considering buying soaps that have be naturally made or start making your own soap. I have made my own soap and lotion for years because of all the additives that are in even baby soaps.. Most soaps have alcohol of some sort in them and usually some kind of petroleum products. Also make sure there is not fragrance in the soap.
You can also try an ointment with tea tree oil in it. These product can be purchased at you local health food stores or The Vitamin Shoppe. Has to be all natural.

Good Luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Chicago on

M.
I sell Arbonne products, and if you're not familiar with the company, their products are pure, safe ,and beneficial, botanically based. We have a 45 day return policy also , so you have nothing to lose. Other clients have seen results in eczema after using our baby wash and skin oils. I don't usually try and sell on this website, but it sounds like you've tried so many things already and I think this could help your daughter. Respond if you want any more information.
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Chicago on

Definitely look into food, airborne, and contact (like lotions, clothes) allergies. Just using cover-ups like creams and medications is only going to continue to mask an ongoing problem.

No matter what helps deal with it, I think you're going to need to figure out the source of the body's reactions. Someone mentioned that she is also likely to have a systemic fungal reaction, which is definitely a problem for so many people that it is worth exploring.
Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.N.

answers from Chicago on

My son also had severe eczema and I have used Cetaphil Cleansing Soap on his body. For my son, this soap has helped his skin tremendously. Hopefully it can do the same for your child.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.G.

answers from Chicago on

My sister had the same issues and went to clinics and dermatologists and she got relief for a minute and then it was back again. I think she used lavender oil from the health food stores but I am going to call her and see. My number is ###-###-#### or ____@____.com LShe actually has little problems now. Hope to hear from you
B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.N.

answers from Peoria on

Hi M.
I have dealt w/ eczema all my life. When I was a baby until about the age of 16 I really had it bad. Now ever so often I will get flare-ups like in the creases in my elbows, back of my knees, and especially in between my fingers. After years and years of getting Kenolog shots, which really did take care of my skin while I was growing up, I changed doctors and he gave me two prescriptions to try. To my surprise, both of them worked and its was like a miracle. Here are the names of them. Your doctor may have already prescribed these, but they have helped me so much. Sometimes I only need to put it on for one day and I'm cleared up.
"Valisone" creme is the first script. I believe its 0.5%. I don't have any right now but I do have the other med in front of me and its called "Betamethasone Diproplonate Creme"..I believe that is generic, but I'm not positive. Its 0.05%. As for itching, this doesn't really work, but Benedryl will do the trick there. I hope this helps some as I know how uncomfortable eczema is!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.P.

answers from Chicago on

M.,
This is a simple thing to try - it worked for my son, but he never had it as bad as your daughter - we stopped using dryer sheets. The stuff left on the clothes was what he was alergic to. Liquid softeners in the wash were okay because they get rinsed off. Don't know if it will work for you but I thought I'd make sure you knew about it.
Good Luck!
LacyLyn

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Chicago on

I know you said your doctor prescribed some steroids, but have you used Triamcinilone? It comes in various doses and you only use it twice a day. It worked wonders for my son as a baby and even now for spot treating during the winter when he develops little patches behind his knees or hands. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.P.

answers from Chicago on

It has been my experience as a Holistic practioner that most skin conditions stem from a kidney imbalance and can be treated in a holistic way. Nutritonal supplementation can also help along with plenty of water. Environmental allergies can also be treated holistically. I offer complimentary consultations and am located in Brookfield.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.I.

answers from Chicago on

My son, now 16 years old had the same eczema as a baby. It was all over his face, arms, legs even his entire scalp! I couldn't comb his hair because it would come out in the comb. Finally just before he turned a year old someone told me to use olive oil. Just plain old olive oil, you can purchase it at jewel, dominicks anyplace where food is sold. I was a little hesitant at first but I rubbed it on him everyday after his bath and during the day. A few months later it was like it never happen but I continued to rub it on him until he was 2 years old. I hope this works for your daughter.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Chicago on

This problems our family has known oh to well and our dermatolgist recommended crisco oil in the can , don't laugh!!! this works!!!! we to tried every thing, and the same things you have tried, but finally we used crisco oil and it worked!!! use it mainly at night at bed time, and it is cheaper than all the other stuff!!! good luck !!!
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.D.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.
I know your daughter is young but my daughter and granddaughter both have eczema and go to a tanning salon for relief. They only stay in a few minutes and it helps alot. I know you would have to monitor her but it has really helped my girls. They, too, have tried creams and lotions to no avail.
Good luck
C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.,
My cousin had the same problem on his handsand arms, he had tried many steroids and OTC creams and nothing worked. But I work with a Wellness Store that has a Therapeutic lotion and medicated bath bar that I gave him and it completely eliminated his eczema after about a week. I can send you or drop off some free samples so you can try it on her. It is guaranteed to work for eczema or psorasis and it is safer than most main stream products. Email me if you'd like me to get you some samples.
J.
____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.F.

answers from Chicago on

Some times it is a nutrional allergy. There is a way to test her without needles etc. for food allergies. I know a woman Chiropractor who does nurtional testing. I have known her for 7 years and she is AMAZING! She is in Hoffman Estates, let me know if you are open to this.
Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.E.

answers from Chicago on

yes it is food she is eating. has she been allergy tested? there are thee ways to test and it is best to do all three. SPT, RAST testing and Patch testing
J.

R.T.

answers from Champaign on

Please go to freederm.com!!! The picture of the kid with the red cheeks was my daughter at 6 months. We havent had any problems since.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Chicago on

I am a mom of three children who suffer from what the doctor tried to label as eczema or psoriasis and whatever else they could think of so I wouldnt keep coming back. Anyhow I have ulcers on my legs which started from one little sore that I kept scratching and scratching until it got bigger and bigger, i would scratch until i saw blood. I just had surgery on my legs during spring break i no longer have that winter itch or any itch for that matter but what i've tried is PURE shea butter and all natural eczema cream made by products of the earth these are the only two products that has worked for me. I promise you i have tried every cream, lotion, bath product that is on the market but NONE of them has worked as well as these two. Try keeping your child cool and not to hot that really makes the itch worse. Hope this can help. By the way I am also a fulltime preschool teacher.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.!

I don't mean to push my products but we have a fabulous product that helps with eczema. I have lupus so I get those ulcerated sores that start with an inflammed reddish tone, turn black and flake up like eczema. I have used our special attention cream for 3 years now and it works. I gave some to my co-worker who has eczema and she hates the smell (camphor) but it works! I'll gladly send you a sample to try on your baby. It is a nature-based product I think you'll like it.

____@____.com
www.warmspirit.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.T.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.
my son who is 4 months old..he has the same problem. i have been reading on internet about it..i have tried steroids, ecurine, vaseline..
i found an interesting website on net.. for natural cure

http://www.ayurvedictalk.com/remedies-for-eczema-dermatit...

neem oil is great..

and i have been trying that, i think its helping him.

let me know if it helps you too..

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.Z.

answers from Chicago on

I have a friend who actually had a similar problem. Using oils and Omega 3's is a step in the right direction. My friend actually rubbed the areas with oils. Avacado oil, Olive oils etc. It is worth a try, and very natrual. He did not want to use steriods on his child. Hope this helps.
N. - Nutrition Naturally
www.jp4ahealthieryou.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.S.

answers from Chicago on

My son has had this since birth,he is now 7 we are still battling it everyday. It is a combination of diet, outside sources and inside. My son is even bothered by sweat. It makes it worse. the summer seems to be the best with the sun.
I had one doctor tell me to put wet pajamas on him at night.CRAZY!!! There are so many different remedies but only short fixes. Believe me I have been to every kind of doctor.Find something that works for you. I find Chewable Benadryl tabs for itching.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.,

try Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

I wouldn't want to necessarily help diagnose, but there is so much to consider with Eczema. environmental, allergies, foods... if it were my child, i would try to understand as much as possible about eczema, what causes it and do a whole troubleshooting lifestyle until it is narrowed down.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.P.

answers from Chicago on

Try using a water filter on the water she bathes in. If you remove the chlorine and other chemicals out of the water that she is sensitive to, it will protect her skin. You can get filtration for the whole home or for just a certain faucet. Check online or at home depot for options...a carbon block filter that you can change after 3-6 months is what you want. I have heard great things from people using water filtration with eczema. I hope she gets better!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.,
I am a nurse but involved heavily into nutrition. Nutrition is key. Have you heard of glyconutrients? I have great results. email me and will be happy to share more.
Pamela H RN

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.G.

answers from Champaign on

I am a mother of 4 however two have eczema the older of the two is 9 and she has had it sence birth we had tried everything with her to relieve her itching, then at about 6 or 7 months old we found out that she had asthma, once she started on med. for it her eczema cleared up it still shows up only when her asthma is acting up. The younger of the two is 6 she too has had it sence birth, we tried all kinds of steriod creams, one summer for the 4th of July we were outside all day and using a small swimming pool, well just from being in the sun cleared her up. I later found out that the sun does give out vitamins which is good for you. Just be careful with the steriod creams because they do sometimes harm the pigment of the skin my older one has blotchy spots on her arms and forehead from them.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.A.

answers from Chicago on

It may actually not be eczema, but a food allergy. My son developed what we initally thought was eczema, then it was called "contact dermititis", then something else which I forget the medical name, but it was basically a type of acne developed in the pre-puberty years.
This all started at about 16months old. He saw 3 dermatologists besides his regular ped, and after being on steriod creams, aquaphor, and 5 different antibiotic creams and oral medications, for a period of 3 1/2 years straight with no change.

As a last resort, the derm. suggested that it may be food related. She said that maybe we should try to eliminate either dairy, gluten, and or both for a short time and see if there may be any change. Well, long story short, we elminated all gluten first, and cut back on the dairy a bit at the same time. (we switched from regular choc. milk, his favorite, to choc. soy milk instead), and within 4 DAYS, his skin issue was at least 80% better and best yet, GONE!!! The last 20% or so of the condition took another few months to resolve itself, but it is now all gone. Of course, we still have to stick to a gluten-free diet, but it's not something we need to really consume. Hope this helps - it may be worth a try!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Chicago on

You should have her blood tested for food allergies. I did a diet once where I ate NO sugar for 4 months and my skin became completely clear like a newborn baby's. You could try that too. It's just so hard to take sugar out of a child's diet.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.,
I have heard of great results with a product called Renew lotion. It is a lotion that contains Melaleuca oil that helps with eczema and another product that might be helpful would be an ointment with Melaleuca oil (tea tree oil)in it. I don't sell these products, but I would be more than happy to give you more info on how to go about shopping for these products from Melaleuca. Obviously, many of their products contain Melaleuca oil which has amazing antiseptic and antifungal properties which is a natural alternative for your daughter. Melaleuca also has natural unscented laundry detergents without all the chemicals and also has a vast array of vitamins to meet most needs that may also help her. Please feel free to contact me a ____@____.com if you would like more info
Good luck,
K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.!
My son Roland is 4 and has had same issues since young. I've kept him in 80% natural and organic foods including organic milk. But on a recent trip to NYC after eating non organic grapes and popcorn - the break out was horrible. His therapist (my son has PDD-NOS and sensory issues) suggested perhaps an allergy to foods high in salicylates...salytic acid same stuff as in aspirin. Foods high in this are grapes, apples, raisins, all berries. All my research has pointed towards the Feingold diet (Feingold.org). I've also removed soy and dairy which are common allergens in kids. We are on the stage one program of Feingold and after one week his eczema is 90% cleared up. I removed all body washes that had colorings and fragrances. Plus switched him to Tom's Natural toothpaste. It was tough to add gluten free, wheat free to the mix BUT for 6 weeks we can do it. He is doing much better with the sensory issues -- allows to be touched, etc. If the body is always fighting a rash -- it makes sense that it would contribute to crabbiness and behavioral issues. After 6 weeks we will introduce each "taboo" food one by one and see what causes an outbreak. Then we will go for allergy testing to confirm our findings.
Good luck, M.!
S. in Lisle

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.A.

answers from Chicago on

Have you considered removing wheat from her diet? I've found that lots of kids who have problems with eczema do better when the wheat is removed (it worked for my son...we removed wheat and dairy and his cheeks, etc cleared up within a few weeks).

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.M.

answers from Chicago on

M.,
My son also suffers from severe eczema. He is on all of the strong steroid ointments as well. we have done a few things that have helped to eliminate the use of the creams and also help reduce the eczema.
1. One thing that has helped is to eliminate foods from his diet and reintroduce them. We found when he is given larger amounts of acidic fruits like orange juice or strawberries that it inflames the eczema. She could be allergic to something she is eating.
2. We have also tried allergy medications (zyrtec)when his eczema flares up. Working with an allergist might help too.
3. They originally told me to bath him daily and dump all that aquaphor on him etc. I am sure you know the drill. It didn't help. So We tried giving him less baths when we can to not dry out his skin, we use California Baby natural soap on him (Whole Foods)They also have kids versions. and then Eucerin 3 times daily.

Since these changes we have seen a dramatic decline in his eczema. He used to scratch his skin so badly that he had bloody scabs all over him. It was horrible! It has gotten so much better. I hope some of this helps your daughter!

H.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions