is there no cure?venting about eczema

Amanda - posted on 03/26/2013

Get the Dermotologist to write her a prescription for DermoSmooth Body Oil and see if tht helps her. I am a mother of 4 and my son (tht has a twin sister) has had SEVERE ECZEMA since he was 2 wks old. Everywhere!! Face, hands, arms, torso, back, bottom, legs and feet! ! He is covered and like your daughter cries constantly bc it itches and burns and hurts. We done everything tht was recommended from day one.... switch to free and clear laundry detergent, use fragrence free lotion (we have found tht Aveeno helps), not allow him to overheat if we can prevent it & also alot of ppl dk bt WHOLE MILK flares some ppls eczema so we changed him to soy milk (of course we did a trial period to see if it helped b4 just changing him over) All of this helped to an extent bt never had him "flare free".. meaning somewhere on his little body always had red puffy itchy patches.We also tried creams after creams tht never ttruly helped.Bt right around his 1st bday I switch to the 3rd Dermotologist since he was 2 wks old and the new Dermotologist recommended washing in Aveeno soap as we were doing, usimg Aveeno lotion (as many times a day as their skin needs it to stay looking hydrated.. in other words no dry, letting him play in a bath daily for about 20 mins bt only washing every other day (other than the diaper area of course) and using DermoSmooth body oil. Its 2 times a day for the 1st week, once a day for the 2nd wk and as needed after tht. I highly recommend after bathtime. Now the only time my son has flare ups are when its extremely hot outside or if he is running a fever. Try this and see if it helps your daughter. I hope it does bc I know how painful it is to feel like there's nothing u can do to help them when they start crying bc it hurts or itches.

April - posted on 03/23/2013

Wow sorry ladies its been this long since I wrote this but so happy to see all the responses!!!:) it is truly a blessing I think just to have the support, knowing others are having to deal with it! I want to start a online support group, more personal /blog idk maybe even have where we can even call eachother if need be for support! Sometimes it's nice to hear another voice on the other end! I know though I have supportive hubby, it's very easy to be depressed & only over these kind of things. Though we know we are not alone, it hard to see your child or any child in pain, an feel helpless! I'm glad to say my daughter is about to turn 6 in few weeks & thankfully I think is out growing it, she still has really dry skin & itched but no where close to as bad as it use to be. She has gotten skin infections in the past & has developed asthma. Which most y'all prob know it goes hand in hand with allergies & eczema! I will be working on something soon! Thx you all for your responses, there r some new stuff I have read & will def try!

Mei - posted on 03/21/2013

Hi!

Saw that Charmaine mentioned MooGoo, I've interviewed their founder in the link below, those interested can find out more about their products:
http://eczemablues.com/2012/07/moogoo-le...

Hugs!
Mei

Charmaine - posted on 01/30/2013

Hi,
My 5yrs old daughter is having the same problems too. It flairs up over her knees, legs and elbows. We tried cultivate cream before but she cries as it's burns and stinging. Then, we went to nearest pharmacy, the pharmacist introduce us the steriod free products from Australia - MOOGOO irritable skin balm. We let her tried for 1 week, it have been improved, but due to stop the steriod based cream, it's out breaking and take some times for fully recover.

And, I jus get a Eczema Starter Pack for her daily use.

More information : http://www.moogoo.my/eczema/

Hope it helps :)

Liz - posted on 10/29/2009

I am so there with you! My 3 year old has horrible eczema from his scalp all the way to his toes. We have been back and forth to Dr's, allergists, dermatologists, pediatricians, asthma clinics, etc. We have done no dairy, dairy, antihistamines, oatmeal baths, eliminated all fragrance, cotton clothes, bathing twice daily, creams, lotions, ointments...etc etc etc.

NONE of the Dr's seem concerned with the eczema and say they "have seen more serious cases". I understand that it COULD be worse, but our children are suffering and scratching through their early years and it is terrible to watch as a parent. In my mind, I understand that this is not life threatening, but it is about quality of life....who the heck wants to spend 24/7 scratching?!?

I think I also may have vented there as well....sorry I wasn't much help, but just wanted you to know that I feel your pain!

Sabrina - posted on 10/28/2009

Im there with you...my 5 yr old is the same way...we found out he has food allergies and that can flare the eczema up..Also have you tried aquaphor? works really good mixed with elidil and givin hydroxazine by mouth. Ive learned that to get it controlled you have to be really consistant and doctor them 2 to 3 times daily...Hope this helps...

Mere - posted on 10/26/2009

My boys (6 years and 6 months) both have eczema. There is a product called Eczema Shield, which is a probiotic that helps in about half the cases of baby and childhood eczema. It contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and has been clinically trialled. It's a powder that is added to food or (cool) drinks, and I've found it helps with my youngest. I take it each day (he's breastfed). I also avoid strong smelling beauty products, coffee, acidic foods like citrus, berries and tomatoes.



With my older son, he avoids these foods, and also has extra oils in his diet. And more than the average amount of water. His eczema will flare up if he eats these foods, or anything with colours or flavourings in it.



Have you tried visiting a kinesiologist? (Natural or alternative therapy) They can help to pinpoint which foods or products are causing problems for the kids.



Best of luck.

Janet - posted on 09/16/2009

I have a 5 year old with eczema . He has had it since 3 months old..... he flares up when he gets angry , irritated etc and also when he eats certain foods but these can be controlled - anger and irritation can't!!!!

Most of the time we manage it by using emulsifying ointment as a moisturiser, unperfumed soaps, unperfumed washing powder, and controlling the food issues. When its warm enough we get him swimming in the sea - even though it may take 15 minutes to get him in the saltwater because of the pain - his skin is so soothed afterwards so its worth it. He also has baths with bleach in when its really bad to kill infection.......We also use betaclomozol for 2 days when its really bad as this makes the eczema disappear. These last 2 tactics can only be used sparingly so we really concentrate on avoidance. I also had eczema and severe psoriasis as a child so I know what hes going through....... wet wraps and distraction is a must to stop the scratching.........I also think its about getting him to learn what to do when he is in the throes of a scratching fit.....he knows that he needs to calm down and relax and even though he can't do that yet he knows that he needs to come and see me and not scratch away on his own......As there is no cure, its a control issue and believe me I've been to hell and back for the last 5 years with him....... but find what works for your child and go wit it - everyone's solution is different.....

Shana - posted on 08/10/2009

My son started breaking out on his face near his ear. When he was 5 months old. His doctor instantly said it was eczema and to try the cream and oatmeal body wash for infants. Nothing seems to help and it is now going from ear to ear in a upside down u shape. He has not had break outs anywhere else other than his face near his hair line and ears . Any ideas? His current break out has not seemed to go away at all, just has lightened up a few times since it first appeared (he is now 9 months old) but for the last month has been constant and bright red. He cries in pain and has itched it to the point of bleeding. I need help!!!

Barbara - posted on 08/08/2009

My son also had severe eczema and has been break out free for almost a year now using the Aveeno lotions, dove soap, and my secret weapon A&D Diaper Ointment with aloe. My son was able to sleep at night with this. Also keep out of heat as much as possible. Good luck

Kirsten - posted on 08/07/2009

My two redheads (now 11yo and 8yo) had severe eczema. If they avoid wheat, corn and milk (not all dairy, just milk) then it is rare to have outbreaks. As soon as they go out to eat, or don't watch what they eat, sure enough, they have outbreaks again.

It started when my son (now 11) was just 4 weeks old. It was originally food allergies and liver problems direct from me (100% breastfed). As soon as I cleared up my diet, when he was 8 months old and we discovered the food allergies and my liver concerns, he had clear skin for the first time. It sure was easier when he was little to avoid wheat and corn, before he started eating out and having convenience foods.

Angela - posted on 08/05/2009

Nolan scratched in his sleep. I took him to the doctor last Friday because I too was at the end of my rope. Here's what the doctor prescribed: Absorbase. I put that all over his body. The doctor also prescribed Triamcinolone 0.1%.I have to apply that twice a day for 2 weeks ONLY on the affected areas. So far, so good. It has really smoothed his skin.

Carrie - posted on 08/03/2009

Brenda, on allergy testing, find another doctor! Lila was tested right a 1 year old. They use a multi- vial prick on their backs. Avoiding her few food allergies has been wonderful for her skin. However, I don't want to use Elidel or Protopic the rest of her life. Not even once a week. It's not safe long term.



Rebecca -- I've also been told about changing all chemicals in the house to Green Works and that will help the skin & allergies. Haven't done that yet.



As for soaps, creams, and laundry soap, my health food store by me sells wonderful products for people with sensitive/eczema skin. Call you local health food stores and see what they offer. Beats driving to Canada! :o)

Carrie - posted on 08/03/2009

I completely understand! I started a community called Kids & Eczema. My goal right now is to search further into the idea that the liver is causing the Eczema. If the liver doesn't process things properly (or any body organ) our body shows it to us externally. Google liver and eczema and see for yourself. Then join my group if you want to crusade with me. There has to be a way to treat the CAUSE, not just cover the symptoms.

Jenn - posted on 07/23/2009

Have you tried adding some salts to the bathwater? I know it sounds strange but my Daughter had severe eczema on 30% of her body, with cracking and bleeding on her hands and feet. We started using Epsom salts in her bath when we saw improvement after swimming lessons in a saltwater pool.

Tameka - posted on 06/16/2009

HI. My name is Tameka. I have four children and all including myself have eczema. Its been a struggle but we're staying afloat. My oldest was born with eczema. The other three have contact dermatitis that lingers for weeks at a time. Occasionally they have flare-ups behind the ears, behind knees and in the creases of elbows. my baby and oldest have food allergies and I have to keep journals of reactions. I have been taking him to get allergy shots weekly and its been hard. In the beginning no one wanted to watch him out fear of catching what he had.I would actually beg my mom to watch him so I could go to school. She'd sleep all night and in class I'd sleep all day. we went to doctor after doctor and I'm not selling any product but here's how we maintain control:
First there is no definite cure only treatment and this requires a complete alter in your life style.

Five minute rule after bathing- moisturize like crazy. Aquaphor is perfect. Can be found in walmart.
Aveeno oatmeal bath packs were good for soaking. also at walmart
Dove was good as it contains moisturizers and lever 2000 was good for really dirty days
both can be bought at walmart
Keep a spritzer body on hand for added moisture in hot weather
The sun is your friend but the summer is not. Oozing skin attracts insects. Stay in the shade but allow ur baby/child sunlight occasionally
Do not take your baby out around noon as this is normally the hottest part of the day.
buy a diary and get support. I kept track of all break outs and flare ups.
My son is allergic to eggs, chocolate, nuts, most citric fruits including tomatoes and oranges. Grass and duct flares him up. pet dander and roaches.
I used selsum blue medicated shampoo and nothing with perfume. Dreft does not work well with my son's skin but urs may be different. We use ALL hypoallergenic or Arm and Hammer's laundry detergent. No one with perfume on holds my baby or held my Tae.
All cotton tees and dress in layers. according to the weather.
We use Hydroxyzine( Vistaril) as our antihistamine mainly at night but sparingly.
Hydrocortizone 2.5, Triamcinolone Acetonide for some itching and swelling, and redness. We prayed a lot. I cried a lot. It was hard. I was only 18. It was heartbreaking hearing other children saying ooh mom, look at the ugly baby! The staph infections and lesions. People asking if he's HIV positive. ignorance is a horrid thing. One I even considered taking him back to the hospital and leaving him. He's older and is now a smart honor student that wants to be an engineer. We have all had eczema but his was really bad. I was told not to take him out because he was an open wound and could catch diseases easily because of all the tears in his skin.I hope this helps.

Rebecca - posted on 06/04/2009

I'd like to through out an idea to you that has helped a lot of my friend's children with bad eczema. A close friend of mine who's daughters both suffered badly from eczema who were prescribed the steroid cream and had the same issues with the cream, you know the burning and not to mention that extended use is just not good, got referred to a some really great products and a really great company. The products don't contain any harsh or harmful chemicals or toxins. She like most moms dealing with children with eczema was desperately looking for anything that would really worked. She figured she had nothing to lose by trying a different band of products With in a few days of using the new stuff, she saw a huge improvement with the eczema. With in 1 month the eczema was completely gone! This was two years ago and her girls have had no issues with eczema. She referred me about a year ago to the same company and even though my kids didn't suffer from eczema I was very interested in having healthier products in my home that weren't going to cost me an arm and a leg. I also suffered from very dry, cracked skin especially in the winter and figured, why look into it. I've been shopping with this company for nearly a year and the few friends of mine who's children suffered from eczema who I've referred have had the same results. NO MORE ECZEMA! Such a simply solution that is safe for everyone. If you would like some more information or details you can visit:

www.CleanerGreenerHomes.com

or you can contact me directly and I'll be happy to talk to anyone.

All my best,
Rebecca

Ariel - posted on 06/01/2009

I feel for you. My best friend's daughter had such bad eczema that her palms and the soles of her feet would crack open and bleed and her legs were just masses of lesions. She is almost 10 years old now and while she still has it, they finally have it under control and despite all those years of frustration and lotion she is still a happy, smart, wonderful little girl. Maybe you could help the nighttime itching and upsets by making velvet hand puppets for your daughter? Something soft to put on her hands so when she scratches at night it won't tear her skin, and they can also be her buddies to snuggle with.... wow, I should patent that idea. I bet they'd sell like hot cakes. In fact, I may go make some for my son. Could name them Itchy and Scratchy :) Too bad The Simpsons have those names trademarked. lol

Brenda - posted on 05/29/2009

I completely understand what you are going through. I have a 21 month old and he was diagnosed with severe eczema when he was 3 months old. The symptoms started when he was around 4 weeks with a small dry patch on his itty bitty arm and by the time he was 2 months old it was head to toe. We saw a dermatologist at 3 months and did the Cutivate cream and an ointment called Protopic. It is pretty well under control now with the exception of his hands and right under his but cheeks. We always have the 2 medications on hand but use them only when he has significant flare ups. He is already having chronic changes to the skin on his hands that we can see when it is under control. We also smother him in Aveeno lotion for babies with eczema twice a day and after swimming, etc. We were told because of the severity of the eczema he likely has food allergies, but he cannot be tested until he is 2 years old. He also has some type of allergy that produces hive like lesions but we are clueless as to what is causing it. There is no pattern to when it develops but we take Benadryl liquid where ever we go. I pray that your little ones can find relief somehow.

Seeta - posted on 05/27/2009

My son now 3 was born with eczema. His pediatrician sat me down and said in extreme cases, use aquafor, when it seems to be calming down use eucerin. Also use Dove baby wash, sadly its not available in the US. You can purchase it in Canada but in person. The company will not ship it to the US. If you have friends or relatives there, they can ship it to you. At three, he only gets it mildly. I continue to use Dove baby wash, Eucerin and whenever I see a sign of outbreak I use a pediatrician prescribed cream call Desonide .05%.
My experience with eczema is to make sure the child's body is always moisturized, Keep them hydrated and use fragrance free detergents. To this day, his laundry is done seperately with Dreft. Try to avoid contact with persons wearing too much perfume. I do feel for you. Remember, it's ok to vent.

Hang in there mom......some say that in time it goes away on its own.

Anna - posted on 05/21/2009

Poor mum, I'm guessing with two kids with eczema you'd be able to do wet wraps in your sleep, and i'm sure you wouldnt be getting much of that at the moment.

do you give your daughter antihistamine?

it helps my son sleep.

Every mother needs to vent about eczema, it's the only way we survive.