Eczema - Dallas, TX

Updated on April 07, 2007
M. asks from Dallas, TX
23 answers

My baby has always had eczema, I have a steriod cream I use when she has really bad episodes and inbetween I slather her with aquaphor. Ever since she has been wearing shorts and t-shirts it seems to be getting worse and nothing much seems to help.
Then yesterday, my daycare lady gave her baby yogurt (did not know until after she gave it to her) and her eczema became very red and inflamed, she also got little red bumps on her legs and face. in the past her eczema did not seem to bother her much but she has been scratching it lately and today she has a really bad patch on her arm and she scratched it until it bled (I kept trying to make her stop, but she was in her car seat and I was driving!).
So I have three questions......
1) could the yogurt (dairy) have caused her eczema to get worse, if so does this mean she is allergic to dairy? She is on a milk based formula, should I consider switching to soy (she is 10 months old and should be transitioning to milk in the next two months)
2) what is the best treatment/lotion/baby wash/etc for eczema
3) what should I do at her age to aleviate the itch?
I feel SO bad for her, I have always had skin issues so I feel for what she is going through.
Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thank you all so much for all the great advice. The pedi did not think it was the dairy that made her eczema worse, but thought it could be something in the yogurt she ate. So we will just practice with foods and see what makes it worse! My friend sells the arbonne line, so she gave me some samples to try, it sounds like a really great product.
Thank you again

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

I used Oil of Olay's shea butter body wash. In fact, that's all we use in the house. It has really helped my son's excema.

I also use Aquaphor, Eucerin, & Bath & Body Works' body cream. All that cream really helps soften up my son's skin. I also use Elidel. I used to use the steroid cream, but I was frustrated that I couldn't use it every day. Now I use Elidel when it gets really bad, and it goes away after a couple of days.

If none of that helps, then I would go to a ped dermatologist.

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S.B.

answers from Seattle on

The Arbonne baby care line does wonders for my little girl with eczema! I use the wash and lotion daily, and the oil if she is really bad (like if I forget to do lotion one day). It has really helped her a lot! The last time she had an eczema breakout was when I ran out of the wash and used something different until my order came in. It is very gentle, I have used it on her since she was a small baby...I also use it on my 3 1/2 yr old. Try it...you will like it! And, IMO, its better than slathering a steroid cream on her every day. As far as the itch, I would put lotion on it as often as possible until it clears up.

Good luck!
S.

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C.

answers from Dallas on

My son is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soy. He had horrible eczema! Once diagnosed with food allergies, avoiding these foods has made a world of difference for him with his eczema. Environmental factors can also be a problem for my son, but the foods definitely are an issue.

They can prescribe a topical ointment that is a mix of steroids with an antibiotic. This helps when they have scratched to the point of bleeding.

Since the eczema was something that was already a problem before the yogurt, it is quite possible that your daughter does have a milk allergy. Nutramigen is an allergen free formula that you can try. It is expensive, but so worth it!

Best of luck to you! I would recommend talking to your doctor about this. If you need an allergist referral, let me know.

C.

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C.D.

answers from Dallas on

My daughters excema got horrible around 10-11 months old. She was on a milk based formula and breastmilk as well. I slowly weaned her off the formula and her rash got much better. She still gets flare ups some. Also, I know this not for everyone,but I give her a childrens fish oil supplment. When I forgot this for a week recently her rash was awful. I researched and found that skin problems in general can often be a sign theres a lack of essential fatty acids,thus in her case the fish oil helps. Nordic Naturals makes a childrens one that both of my children enjoy.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.E.

answers from Columbus on

Cetaphil cleanser and lotion worked best for my daughter. The dermatologist said to bathe every other day (short, lukewarm baths because if the bath is too long or too warm it could lead to dryness). Immediately follow the bath with lotion (within three minutes).

I've heard that dairy can be a problem, but I also remember reading that the good bacteria in yogurt helps eczema.

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

I have had eczema my entire life, and my son also has it. I've heard that it is caused by a food allergy, but I'm not sure about that. I started using Arbonne's baby wash, lotion, shampoo- everything, not only on my son, but on myself too! It is amazing! You should try it! My friend sells it, so I bought it from her for a while, then I started selling it on the side, so if you don't know anyone that sells it, let me know, and I can help you! Also, Aveeno Baby is very gentle and doesn't cause irritation, but it doesn't heal it. I would take your child to a dermatologist and/or an allergist to see if he's allergic to dairy products. Hope this helps!

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L.

answers from Dallas on

My 18 month old has eczema... I was told it goes "hand in hand" with his peanut allergy. I've been battling eczema for almost 6 months now... I have screamed with my annoyance and irritation of it. My son is always clawing at his extremities. Until recently...

We have tried Hydrocortisone 1%, steroid cream, aquaphor, everything. My son's eczema got really bad the last couple of months... his legs were all red and rough, with several really red patches on the back of his legs. I've just recently figured out how to tackle it with mixing up what doctors have told me in the past... but I've been doing it a little differently then instructed. But THIS WORKS. He wakes up now with soft, beautiful, non-red, non-itchy arms and legs!!! And he doesn't itch!!!

I bathe him often and let him "prune up." Pruning just means their skin is retaining a lot of moisture -- water -- in their skin which is what we want the skin to do. I wash his hair with baby shampoo, then wash his body with DOVE SENSITIVE SKIN bar soap. Pat to dry with a towel. Put on Hydrocortisone 1% everywhere like it's lotion. Put a nice slathering of Aquaphor over it all. Put pajamas on immediately (before everything dries) to keep all that on the skin longer and sort of like "locking in" all that moisture. He wakes up with clear wonderful skin!! It's an instantly overnight change! However, it will take a few days to totally clear up with all the roughness. But trust me, it has been working for the last 2 weeks.

You can also do the Hydrocortisone 1% and the Aquaphor again throughout the day...

I can't imagine Yogurt causing the eczema to flare up... perhaps it was an allergic reaction or something... but then again, she is already on a milk product. You should check with your doctor about the Yogurt.

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B.W.

answers from Dallas on

My baby has sensitive skin. The Arbonne baby line is the only thing that doesn't make his skin break out. About the yogurt: my husband is lactose intolerant. He gets sick when he eats dairy food, but he is able to eat yogurt. Something about the live cultures in it make it OK for people with lactose intolerance.

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.,
I have to agree with Charlotte. Arbonne baby products are truly the best. I personally know 7 people who Arbonne has cured their children's eczema. I use it on my baby and my pediatrician recommends it. Try it risk free and find out for yourself! I'm a Regional VP with Arbonne. Please let me know if I can help your baby cure her eczema and become comfortable in her own skin again! :) Here is a link to my website and you can check out the products on shop online:

http://www.jennifercaldwell.myarbonne.com

Sincerely
J. C.

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried the Arbonne baby care line? I know several people who have eczema , or who's children have eczema who have had amazing success with these products. They're botanically based witout any chemical dyes or fragrances, so they're very safe for her.

I feel for you and I hope you find something that works for her!

-A.

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D.O.

answers from Dallas on

Food allergies/sensitivities can absolutely 'show up' as eczema. Don't forget about chemical sensitivities as well. Chemicals in cleaners and bath & body products were major triggers for my boys. Once we converted our house to products without formaldehyde, ammonia, bleach, or phosphates, we saw such a difference. We use products from Melaleuca. Our entire family has benefitted. We are saving money, using less toxic products, and our boys are feeling so much better. I would be happy to share all of our specific experiences with you. Email me at ____@____.com. I would also recommend for you to take a look at www.saferforyourhome.com. :)

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J.F.

answers from Dallas on

not sure about the dairy, but I would defintely think it's worth a call to your dr.

as for the itch, my 3 y/o has eczema pretty badly, as well. She gets what we call "itchy spots" on her legs all the time. We use the Aveeno daily moisture lotion in the baby section, but my doctor said to rub hydrocortisone cream on the effected areas once or twice a day while they are irritated. Just a thought. Hope she's okay!! Those itchy spots are dreadful!

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C.A.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.,

I think it's worth a call to your doctor. It sounds like it could be related, but it could have been something else.

This is kind of opposite of another response, but I was told to lay off bathing everyday - but I think that may was related to soap/shampoo. You can also use Eucerin. Does she wear 100% cotton? I think that helps, too.

Good luck! C.

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C.P.

answers from San Diego on

Like other moms have replied, I also recommend the Arbonne Baby Care line! The baby oil and lotion work wonders on their skin. My daughter has eczema patches too and since using only the Arbonne baby lotion and body oil, her eczema has cleared up. It worked much better than using hydrocortizone and aquaphor.

And I am sure something she ate inflamed the patches. Keep an eye on what she's eating and see if it happens again.

-Char

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R.S.

answers from Dallas on

I see that you have already gotten tons of responses regarding Arbonne products. Considering eczema is the reason I started using Arbonne I know all about it... It does work, all of their items are great. Even though I have used the product for 2+ years I just RECENTLY began "working the business". If you are interested in trying it I would be glad to mail you a sample.

R. Smith
District Manager
Arbonne International
###-###-####

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M.B.

answers from Dallas on

My son has eczema too and we use this cream that I got from Healthy Approach in Colleyville. It's called California Baby Calendula Cream. It's a more natural approach and we put some on every time we would change his diaper. it has worked wonders so far. Good Luck!

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S.R.

answers from Dallas on

You can try Dove body wash for sensitive skin. That might help a little. That is what my pediatrician recommended for my little guy who is 4 months and it seems to help. Also Melaleuca has a great lotion called Renew that is great for excema and might help. You can go to www.melaleuca.com and get more information and if you want to purchase it I can get you signed up and even get you a sample of it.

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M.G.

answers from Dallas on

I think anything can cause it to flare up. You may want to talk to the pediatrician to see what he/she thinks.

Honestly the Arbonne baby care (ABC) stuff works wonders. My friend's son had eczema so bad, but after using the wash and lotion (I think it was probably the lotion more than the wash that did it), it started fading. The ABC products are super moisture rich and seem to be very helpful. Let me know if you're interested, and I'll order you some.

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C.P.

answers from Dallas on

HI, I know what your baby is going through. I am 27 years old and have had eczema since I was 2. I have the worse case that my doctor has ever seen. Milk definitly can be an aid in your babys eczema. I was allergic to milk and even had to have orange juice on my cereal instead of milk...no ice cream nothing. I am not sure what you are doing now but you should try limiting her bath to 2-3 times a week. Some peop0le are giving baths every day and to a person with eczema this is very painful especially if you have open cuts just the water alone burns. What kind of laundry detergent do you use??? The ALL free and clear works great but don't use any dryer sheets since those make you itch too. I have heard great things about the arbonne but have not used it. I would look at all your ingredients for lotions and such and not use anything with lanolin in it. Lanolin is a sheep derieved product and if you are allergic to wool you might be allergic to lanolin. I use Aveeno sensetive for my baby just as a precaution. I have steroid creams for me...although they don't help they hold back some of it. Good luck and if this is a thing to look forward to I read the other day that they might have a cure for this by 2010....It would be a miracle cure for us with eczema. Best wishes!!

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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

M.,

I have the same problem with my daughter. unfortunately it's a game we will play for a while.Have her tested for all food allergies as well.

My pediatric Dermatologist prescribed Mometeson cream-body and a protopic-face and bathing every other day with Cetaphil soap and lotion.

T., Morgans' Mom

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

M.,

I have heard of different foods making eczema flare up. It sounds like to me that yogurt is one of her "triggers". It may not be all dairy, but it is one of those "play with it and see what happens" kind of things. I know that is hard but you won't know if she is allergic to whole milk until you try it.

My son had horrible cradle cap for 6 months (I know it isn't eczema but it has just as bad)and I have eczema all over my hand and the only baby wash I found that helped both of us is Aveeno Baby and then make a body Wash specially for eczema. We teamed that with Hydrocortisone 1% (you can buy the Target brand for cheap). It will take a little while for it to all go away but it should help a lot.

I have found that with my eczema Eucerin works the best, since it doesn't have an scent or other crazy things. Also Vaseline has a new Intensive Rescue Healing hand Cream out that is to die for. You can go to Vaseline.com to get a dollar off coupon for that.

I hope this helps.
J.

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M.O.

answers from Albuquerque on

Hi M.. I know how difficult it is to watch your baby suffer like that, and not know what to do to make her feel better! Believe me, I've been there before too with my nearly 3-year-old son!

I too HIGHLY recommend Arbonne's Baby Care products. I have many friends and clients (from newborns to adults) who swear by Arbonne International's Baby Care Line to control and eliminate their excema, cradle cap and psoriasis issues. Arbonne's products work for most people because they are: Hypoallergenic, pH correct, 100% certified Vegan, herbal and botanically based. Also, Arbonne doesn't use mineral oil, chemical dyes or fragrances, or any animal products or by-products! The reason we don't use those ingredients in our products is because they can be highly allergenic for many people.
Here's a little more information about the philosophy of this fabulous skin care system:

Sensitive skin — at five months or 55 years — requires special skin care. Pampering delicate baby and extra-sensitive adult skin is as elementary as ABC: Arbonne Baby Care. From hair and body wash, to diaper rash cream and sunscreen, Arbonne Baby Care has every inch of sensitive skin covered. For fundamental, sensitive skin care needs, just remember your ABCs: Five products that soothe, nourish and protect skin ... from the day life begins.

I would be happy to send you some FREE samples, please feel free to visit my website to contact me at: www.mandyolsen.myarbonne.com.

Sincerely,
M. O.
Executive Area Manager and Independent Consultant, Arbonne International
www.mandyolsen.myarbonne.com

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S.W.

answers from Dallas on

Hey M.! I have been there, done that with my now 9mo old. When he was about 3 mo, we finally brought him to the Dr and she told us his red, dry, bumpy spots were eczema. We tried everything from they hydrocortozone and aquafore, ucerine, etc. They just seem so thick! and just cover the spots. Around that time, i became a consultant for Arbonne International and switched over to their baby care line. We have not had a bout of eczema since!

I do know that certain foods do cause eczema--dairy! It may also be from clothing material or chemicals in your clothes detergent.

If you are interested in the Arbonne Baby care line, please contact me. I will be more than happy to send you some samples.

God bless,
S. Woods
Arbonne International
Independent Consultant
____@____.com

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