Excessive Scratching?

Danielle - posted on 06/14/2010

I agree about possible allergies, particularly about laundry detergent. I would try All Free and Clear, it's dermatologist recommended for "mystery allergies" and whatnot. And oatmeal baths or oatmeal bath products can be good for eczema-related problems. As Leah said, the allergy test is a great suggestion. Once allergies are ruled out, it is probably a sensory thing, like you said. Is she seeing an Occupational Therapist? They work really well is sensory issues and will even sometimes recommend long sleeves and tighter clothes to get them used to have something on their skin. I've even seen kids wrapped in spandex leotards when nothing else works! Definately talk to an OT, and one who specializes in children! Hope you find an answer soon to end your child's misery and help her feel better!

Leah - posted on 05/07/2010

Hi, sounds as though she may have an allergy. It could be that she has an allergy to the creams/products you use on her skin, maybe even the laundry detergent you use to wash her clothes in, maybe its the clothes fabric themselves. Do you have pets maybe thats the issue and it can even be as simple as an allergy to dust, pests, even the cleaning products you use around the house, even the food she is eating.

Some simple steps start using 100% natural products. This doesn't have to be expensive such as: Put some oats in the foot of some panty hose and tie a knot, use this to wash her skin. Then moisturise her skin with 100% edible oils such as olive/almond/apricot etc Use 100% pure soap flakes to wash her clothes in you can add a cup of vinegar (to a full load) which will remove build up of detergents in the clothing fabric also. Use 100% natural fabrics clothing such as cotton/wool/bamboo/hemp where you can. Use plain water to wash her bum during a nappy change with a cloth allow to dry and use plain cream such as sorbelene to moisturise. Make your own cleaning products using 100% people friendly ingrediants such as bi-carb soda and vinegar. Basically you don't what to use products that have frangrances/perfumes, alcohol, additives and presertives that may be irritating to her, even cause dryness (= itcyness).

All that said you should go and get an allergy test on your daughter it is painless. What they do is put all these various little drops on her forearm and with a pin prick the skin where the drops are. If she has a reaction to a certain drop she will get a red bump otherwise nothing. This will allow you to see what she is allergic too and to avoid it.

Your poor daughter this must be driving her nuts. But try and keep her skin supple with moisture as dryness is a big promblem for my skin being itchy, it drives me crazy too!

All the best for you both, good luck.

Cheers Leah.