Help with eczema

[2nd time mummy]

My 15 months old son is developing some patches of eczema on his body, especially back of his knee and wrist... he the never had it before... so I am appealing to forum for help due to its wealth knowledge... Please help!!! If possible I would like to keep the treatment as natural as possible... Many Thanks

[Blueskies]

We have this too with ur toddler and using gp prescribed thick emollient cream and cleanser to wash with, need to prevent skin drying out as that can cause it to flare up (in our case) so tring to apply at least twice a day. Good luck x

[TE44]

Bach rescue remedy cream is gentle, I have known it to help both children and adults, as its something he's never

had before, I would look for any changes that may be the cause. Hope it clears.

[vch]

Our homeopath suggested calendula cream when there's a flare-up...we used Weleda calendula nappy cream. And normally, we wash with Dr. Bronner's and moisturise with shea butter, seems to be doing the trick at the moment.

[2nd time mummy]

Thank you for all the advises! Very much appreciated! xxx

[Gooders79]

This time of year can be tricky for eczema sufferers, for us lots of water play and sun cream cause flare ups. We bath every day in emollient avoid showers as much as possible, cream twice a day top to toe, use a soap substitute and no bubble baths etc at all. If you need to use some hydrocortisone to get on top of he flare ups then don't feel bad, it is very effective at breaking a cycle of dry itchy skin which then gets scratched, itched and drier. We rarely need to use it now that we are on a maintenance programme and only need to when he gets ill or spends too much time in showers etc. all of our creams etc are on prescription and have seen community dermatology nurse who was vrey helpful, good luck.

[Youngrach]

Calendular cream. You can order massive tubs with helios and they give great advice

[GinaG3]

I agree completely with Gooders, our daughter is 5, she is a severe eczema sufferer. She can't use suncream and can't have too much sun. This time of a year is a nightmare for us. She has already needed nearly a week off school, only 2 weeks ago with a severe flare and is going in to one again now. Its so hard to keep control once it gets out of control. I was all for natural therapies when my daughter was in flares, I didn't want any steroids touching her delicate skin. I struggled for 3 years, fighting against the use of steroids, we now sadly use them at least 4 times a week.

If you want to try a natural route I would strongly recommend looking at your washing detergent (even Ecover now flares up my daughters skin, I've switched to a brand called Simply), natural soaps for hand washing, no bath products (including shampoo) as a method of trying to reduce symptoms. Chemicals play a big part in our daughters skin condition but we've become accustom to knowing what works in our house. There is a product on the market called Salcura (cream, sprays etc) on mild eczema they work a treat, all natural ingredients. Goat soap is also a great product for use in eczema sufferers, especially young children look up little goat soap company on google. Vaseline, olive oil, coconut oil or shea butter may work for small amounts of eczema that aren't very red just dry, its about optimum moisture for some cases.

It may be a very simply case of cutting chemical use and introducing a heavy moisturiser, maybe even a food or additive. If you find all this advice ineffective please don't hesitate to see your GP, they will prescribe very very low dose steroids to start (or may not recommend these at all - dependant on the nature of the eczema and severity). Its horrible to think you have to use them but having been through the horrendous agony I have been with my little girl I would recommend talking any concerns through with through with your GP.

[civilservant]

see this thread as well http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,1002932,1004168#msg-1004168

[esme]

calendula cream, aloe vera and aveeno all work well :)