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Eczema. I feel like it is a never-ending battle. It's seriously one of my biggest frustrations these days. Not on my self, but on Benjamin. The poor dear itches all over it seems. Sometimes I feel so hopeless and I feel like I've tried everything but I know I cannot give up.
You can see the rough skin on his legs and arms there {sorry it's a bad picture - the child is snow white so the light just bounces off of him!}. Do any of you have to battle with Eczema, on your person or on your children? I battle both. I am afraid I had something to do with the fact that Benjamin has such bad eczema. Of course, my case is nothing compared to his. It is very hard knowing how miserable my eczema makes me, and then knowing that Benjamin's is so much worse.
It's really bad around his ankles and behind his knees. And the poor thing doesn't know how to ignore the itch, and so he scratches and scratches. I feel like I have tried everything under the sun {I know I haven't}. I've tried switching soap/shampoo many times. We use scent-free, hypoallergenic detergent for his clothes. He wears mostly 100% cotton clothing. I've tried goat milk soap. I've tried countless lotions and ointments. He's had a prescription steroid cream.
Some of these things worked for a while, and all of the sudden they quit. The most success we had was with the Goldbond Ultimate Healing lotion. This worked wonders. And then just stopped. It's so disheartening to see his eczema go back to the way it was- some days even worse. I just feel so hopeless. Have I said that before? Sigh.
The newest thing we have tried has been Triple Cream, which we found in the baby aisle at Target. The box said it was specifically for eczema and although it was rather expensive I had to get it to see if it would help my poor baby's legs. It seems to be doing okay. I've seen a little improvement, but not enough to make me real excited.
This is what his ankles looked like yesterday:
And while that may look not-so-good to you, believe me, that is good. I am praying that this will continue to improve. Please if you have any advice for eczema, please tell me. I feel like I'm at my wits end on this. If this cream doesn't do it, I really don't know what will! This is me asking for help: HELP!!
The poor little pumpkin!
ReplyDeleteI asked my mother and she mentioned Ivory soap because it's really gentle and has no additives. I don't know if you've already tried that because you said you've changed soaps and shampoos a lot, but Ivory soaps and Ivory flakes are apparently good...Good luck! Poor baby. :(
ReplyDeleteFor eczema I have heard that making your own detergent is really good.
ReplyDeleteI found this but you may have already tried these:
ReplyDeleteA few of these tips among the many to help with relief of symptoms include:
* Avoid dehydration of the skin by using natural oils such as avocado oil or coconut oil after washing
* Avoid extreme temperatures
* Wear clothes made of 100% cotton or natural fabrics allowing your skin to breathe
* Take 10-minute lukewarm oatmeal baths
* Use only personal products that consist of natural ingredients staying away from chemicals, fragrances and preservatives.
Here's more I found:
ReplyDeleteThe most common natural cure for eczema is as simple as the sun. Sunlight contains UV rays which aid in the healing process. It attacks T cells that cause redness. It also helps to burn off the ’scales’ or dead skin cells. While sunbathing can be a great benefit getting too much sun can be just as harmful as it is to others not suffering from eczema. This may lead to other conditions namely skin cancer. Please, as always, sunbathe in moderation.
Keeping your skin moisturized is also important. Use natural oils such as aloe vera and especially coconut oil. Try to stay away from deodorant soaps, perfumes or powders. Using a cleanser other than soap can be greatly beneficial. If you have to use a soap use one that is rich in goats milk. It is also recommended that you do not use a loofah or wash cloth when you bathe. Don’t scrub your skin when you dry off, pat dry only. Petroleum used on the skin after a bath will help prevent anything from entering into the skin.
Herbs can also play an important part. Apply a nutmeg paste directly to the skin. One teaspoon of sandlewood mixed with one teaspoon of camphor can also be applied to the infected area. Another sure fire way to clear up an eczema is a mixture of mustard oil and margosa leaves. Boil the leaves and mustard oil together and apply to the body four times daily.
A few years ago I sold Arbonne products. I never used the baby products but was told they were great for eczema and other sensitive skin issues. The down side is that they are expensive. If you decided to try them I do know someone who still sells it and can get you in contact. Here's a link to the products. http://www.arbonne.com/products/baby/set.asp
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteHave you tried the California Baby Super Sensitive line?
I don't have eczema, but I do have contact dermatitis often when I am not careful. I have sensitive skin...
Like others have said, I think the most important thing when you have skin problems is to use as much natural products as possible.
Use natural detergent that's free of everything!! Like the Seventh Generation Delicate Care Laundry that isn't actually a baby detergent, but it doesn't have any additives, not even scent. Sometimes, regular store bought detergents, even if they say they're free and clear (or whatever the term is), are not really free of additives. For example, they might still have brighteners, or enzymes (which are HORRIBLE from what I've read).
Use natural baby care products, like Burt's Bees Buttermilk products, or California Baby Super Sensitive, or the Calendula line. Use it even just for normal handwashing.
Clean with natural cleansers around the house. No chemicals. Your baby breathes/touches surfaces that you clean...
Avoid triggers (this, we have to find out what...)
Wear natural clothing. Cotton, if possible organic cotton or bamboo.
Hope this helps!
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