Itchy Toddler

Hi R.---I have dry skin that doesn't look like it. But when this weather changes and the furnace starts to come on, I need to use lots of moisturizer. I also suggest giving her ground flax seeds whenever possible, as it contains omega 3 fatty acids. Walnuts and pumpkins seeds are another good source. I know that eating more foods rich in omega 3's can help skin conditions.

Be sure she is eating as many fresh fruits and veggies and drinking as much water as possible. This will also help her body to do what is necessary to keep her skin adequately hydrated and possibly not feeling dry and itchy. Good luck, be well...D.

R., I have a one year old son and we have been fighting skin issues since he was 3 months old. We found out that he has eczema and that it was flaring due to food allergies. Just a thought, but maybe there is something new in her diet with the season change that may be causing it? I also agree with the response regarding the detergent. I am highly allergic to perfumes etc and don't use fabric softener at all in my laundry, for me or my son (my husband is on the band wagon too unfortunately). There are so many, many things it could be, I would definitely call your pediatrician as they will probably give you something to do without going in, but, you never know. Good luck and I'm sure you'll get it figured out.

Hi Ya,
T is not as nearly as sensitive as A but still has a very dry spot on his one cheek that just came out this past week too. He got very dry last winter too, on both cheeks and I use Cetaphil, which was recommended by my pedi when he was real small and had irritation on his face from teething drool when he was sleeping more on his tummy. I have to put it on 3 or 4 times a day and sneak it on at night too real heavy. I'm sure you are well versed on "sensitive skin" products, but one thing we've been using since March is a laundry ball, no detergent - just white vinegar to give it a boost when needed. I'm very pleased and have done away with almost all our detergent. I still have the same jug in the laundry room since March!

I also use "nipple salve" on his dry spots from the Birth Cottage that I actually got as it was also recommended for cuts, scrapes and burns. It's one of their homemade products and contains Calendula, Chickweed, Olive oil and Beeswax. Works good too but has a light scent that's hard to slip by him (so usually the over night stuff I use).

It doesn't bother him either, just looks real bad- dry, red, kinda crackly, and get bigger if I don't stay on it.

It could be a lot of things. It could be a nervous habit, but she could also have something like excessive candida yeast in her body - that causes itchy skin but not necessarily a rash. I have a friend who has this and has addressed it nutritionally.

In general, I don't think you should hesitate to call your pedi if you are nervous about something - it costs nothing for a phone call. If you get the feeling you are being viewed as a nuisance, get another pediatrician!

I would make sure that there's enough humidity in the air. Seasonally your skin changes and if she's not hydrated enough it could manifest itself in the skin itchiness. We use humidifiers as soon as the heat comes on, and it helps keep the itchies down.

It's winter time and the air is soooo dry even though it may not seem like it. Make sure she is well hydrated and you use a cream on her. It's very possible she is still having a reaction to the laundry detergent. Instead of using a fabric softener, use a 1/4 cup of white vinegar in your rinse cycle. Also, is she on any type of medication--including vitamins? It's possible she's having a reaction to them as well. Do you have pets? Do the neighbors have pets she may be around?

Sounds like eczema....Google it....it is a pain in the butt, hard to figure out where its coming from....worse in the winter.....we use Hydrolatum, which is an over the counter super thick body cream. Good luck!

Hi R.,
You mentioned you use a free and clear laundry detergent. What does that mean? No scent? Are you aware that it will still have chemicals in it that could be affecting your daughters skin? I was so allergic to chemical fabric softners that it didn't matter that I didn't use them, I just needed to be in a room from someone who did. Also the cleaners you are using in your house, floors, type of soap you are using. I'm not saying you should go to vinegar and water here, but if I can show you what I learned about the toxins in so many of the household products I was using, you may be able to eliminate what is bothering her. At the very least, you can make more educated decisions when purchasing your household products. I have been allergy free for almost a year- and my nephew was able to come off of his meds and inhaler after 2 months of using a non toxic laundry detergent!
I also think that a diet more rich in essential Omega 3 oils can assist in righting any imbalances causing the irritation. Is it just a nervous habit?

Hi , This sounds like my daughter too, now 12 yrs old. Try oatmeal baths. My daughter has allergies but we have never figured out to what. I have taken her to so many allergist who tell me different things so I gave up. She may also react to stress, which can cause itching. Do you have pets? She could be allergic to them or carpets that harbor allergens. I dont trust allergist personally but if it persists, get a good recommendation before you see one. I also give my daughter Zyrtec when she has an attack but she is older and it has worked for her. Her medical doctor suggested that to me. I dont suggest you give her anything unless her doctor has a diagnosis.

Hi R., When you say you use a "free & clear laundry detergent, what exactly do you mean? My first guess is that it is some ingredient in your laundry products - detergent, fabric softener, bleach/whitener additive, and/or dryer sheets. Shaklee's laundry products are all non-toxic and also clean as well as, if not better than, all other products on the market. I have learned this first hand. Their detergent doubles as a pre-spotter; their bleach substitute (we all now know how dangerous it is for us & our families to use bleach at all) is called Nature Bright, and it will whiten & brighten all your clothes remarkably; they were the first company to be able to make a non-toxic dryer sheet (most all other dryer sheets contain a very toxic invisible shield that creates havoc with children's skin). Please feel free to contact me for more info - ###-###-#### or ____@____.com I really hope this was helpful for you. E. Taft