Severe Food Allergies, Eczema ..does Anyone Else Have Kids with This?

Updated on January 20, 2007
H.S. asks from Columbus, OH
15 answers

My 8 month old son Caden has severe, multiple food allergies to milk, soy, wheat and eggs..(so far) we can't seem to keep his skin clear from breakouts for more than a couple of days..and he doesn't sleep well, along with the severe diarrea that comes with it..We just can't seem to get this under control. The only thing he's allowed to eat is his formula (elecare) he's on periactin and zyrtec for the itching.(and even with that he still wakes up and his pajamas are bloody from him scratching) and they have him on locoid, desonide and cutivate for his skin creams. I guess I was just wondering if anyboday else has had to go through this..and if there's ever an end..I just feel so bad for him..he's miserable..So, if anyone has any suggestions Please let me know!!! Thank you!!

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So What Happened?

I just wanted to thank everyone for the advice you gave me..Things haven't changed much, but they are improving slowly..thanks again!!!

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D.G.

answers from Cleveland on

I just wanted to chime in and say that you have received great responses. I would suggest definitly finding a really good pediatric allergist and see if they can help you narrow it down.
You would be suprised what is in some of the items we use without even thinking about it. There are also some really good online support groups for kids with allergies and I can give you those if you would like off group.
D.

1 mom found this helpful

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T.E.

answers from Columbus on

My experience has been to get opinions from western as well as alternative medical professionals. As you can see from the variety of responses you've received already - there are so many angles to try...there will be even more as you approach different doctors/practioners from varying backgrounds.

Hang in there!

T.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi H.,
My heart goes out to you and your little guy. It is so miserable when we can't stop the issue that's causing so much misery. My experience has been that allergies (as well as skin eruptions) are a sign of a weak immune system. Doctors typically treat the symptoms without addressing the cause. If you'd like to explore ways to get him healthier, I'd love to help.
S.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.N.

answers from Columbus on

My one-year old son has the same problems. My doctor had me rub the 1% hydrocortozone cream on infected areas - especially his face. When he had a couple of bad break-outs during the "oh, he's allergic to that too" phase, it worked really quickly to calm the itching. I still use the hydrocortozone almost daily on his chin and wrists/hands right before bottle and bedtime (even if he's not red). His face stays SO MUCH clearer that way. I've also used Eucerin cream, but it hasn't been that helpful.
My sister had severe eczema and my Mom used the Aveeno Oatmeal baths and lotions mentioned, Eucerin cream, and also Udder butter (yes, cream for cow udders). My Mom would put the udder butter stuff on at night and then she would put long thin gloves on my sister's hands so she wouldn't itch as bad. The good thing is that my sister grew out of the eczema around pre-teen/teen years, so there is hope!!!
My brother just married a dermatologist and she will be in town during Christmas. So far, without seeing my son yet, she has suggested Cetaphil cream/lotion/bath soap. I haven't tried it yet because I want her to look at him before I buy it as not to waste it. If you would like, I could ask her opinion based on your question above or if you live close to Columbus we could set up a meeting on the same day? My sister-in-law says she sees almost 9 cases a day of exzema and allergy-related skin problems, so she might know how to help.
ANYWAY, you have lots of responses, so I'm sure you'll figure something out - good luck and let me know if you want me to dig deeper for you.
B. Napieracz

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T.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi H., my name is T. ans my second child has allergies and eczema. When she was smaller and if her eczema gets out of control now we gave her atarax (oral), it's an antihistamine, it helped her sleep. Abby also has food allergies to peanuts, eggs, fish, and slightly to milk. I do sympathize with you. I give her oatmeal baths and go through alot of lotions, the creams with steroids help the most but only when she took the atarax to stop itching. I hope this helps a littleI know it's hard, I would cry when she cried because i felt so helpless. If you find anything else that helps I would love to know. You can even call me. ###-###-####

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S.S.

answers from Cleveland on

My son is now 13 but I remember the days when I experienced the same thing. Tried everything the doctor prescribed and nothing helped. PLEASE try this, it worked for me. AVEENO!!! Use the soap, oatmeal baths and lotions. Use the lotion several times every day. Hopefully, he will grow out of these allergies, my son grew out of most of them. He only has severe reactions to nuts now. If he is allergic to so many foods remember there are probably many environmental allergies also. Use fragrance free detergent and fabric softener. Throw away the dryer sheets, they cause alot of itching. Buy all cotton clothing. Also watch for tree and grass allergies.

Good Luck. I hope this helps

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M.

answers from Cincinnati on

I don't know if you're breastfeeding or formula feeding, but if formula feeding, even the hypoallergenic stuff is made from corn -- and your son could be reacting to that. The ingredients of Elecare are listed at the link below and show corn syrup solids as the first ingredient:
http://rpdcon40.ross.com/pn/PediatricProducts.NSF/web_Ros...

The ideal situation would be for him to get breastmilk (ideally from you - relactate?) and breastfeed well past 12 months while you avoid the foods (milk, soy, wheat, eggs) that trigger his reactions. You can look into relactating, though I don't say that lightly - it would be hard work, and you'd want support from moms who have gone through it, but is certainly possible (many adoptive moms do it) and sounds like it might be worthwhile given the health issues he's experiencing:
http://kellymom.com/bf/adopt/relactation-resources.html

I think the formula companies and many doctors do us moms a huge disservice by trying to pass off formula as a decent substitute for our babies - while it is for SOME, it is really detrimental to others. My kid would NOT be thriving on formula (even hypoallergenic) given his multiple allergies. Human milk is tailor-made for human babies (cow milk is for baby cows, soy milk formula and corn syrup solids making up hypoallergenic formula are not as healthy as human breastmilk - even the formula manufacturers agree to that! - and while some kids do fine on formula, some do NOT and really, truly just need their mother's breastmilk). Plus, it is more likely that he will outgrow these allergies over time if he's getting breastmilk. Yes, it can at first seem challenging as the mom to limit our own diet (if breastfeeding), but it is worth it when your baby is calm and comfortable and happy - it is definitely do-able and becomes really 2nd nature once you get the hang of it (reading labels). I've had to do this for my DS, now 10 mos - very obvious cow milk allergy, likely soy too though I gave that up when I cut out cow milk products, and I also suspect a sensitivity to wheat. My little guy doesn't seem to have the egg sensitivity that yours also has, but I can absolutely empathize with you and your little guy.

A great book is Dr. Doris Rapp's "Is This Your Child" which is specifically about babies, kids, and allergies. Best of luck to you - I really hope our babies outgrow these allergies!

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L.

answers from Mansfield on

Hi H.,

I agree whole heartedly with Megan...take your son to see this Dr. We all have a frequency...electrical waves...do the test she recommends & I bet you will see what your son is allergic to. I also suggest only feeding him ORGANIC foods. Walmart carries Organic formula...I added some Organic vanilla protein powder to my daughters...she liked the taste...and so did I. You can find Organic baby foods in most stores anymore...Walmart also carries them. I am not sure where you live, but you may also want to try taking him & all your children to the Chiropractor. You will be amazed at the difference in them. If you email me back of where you live I may be able to help you find a good Holistic Dr. if the one Megan mentioned is not close by. Hope this helps!

L.

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B.H.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi H.,

It is hard to figure out all the different problems that us parents go thru raising our children. But i do know of a all natural lotion called renew. so many of the products today that doctors tell us to use in the long run have some side effect every parent should have these products in there home so our homes are not highly toxic places if you would like more info give me a call ###-###-#### or e-mail me ____@____.com thanks and good luck B.

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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

my son has eczema, and in the winter is it alot worse.
we have tried many lotions all just temporary relief.
since he is a baby (3 in january) he does not get bathed everyday, only makes it worse. I can tell ya that we use to have dogs and something in the dog saliva DOES help. can clear it up for days. so if ya have a dog and he is licking kid, he is helping. :) ALSO havent tried this yet but I will be, Licorice root, ( not the candy) says to take root and water and mix it, soak patches in it and place on skin.
another recipe is: orange juice and mustard oil mix it and apply on skin. i use shea butter when he rigt outta bath and still wet. and again before i dress him . he is a picky child when it comes to clothes and sometimes wants to be nude, I let him, he knows best for his irritation. i added a sheet to his blanket so blanket doesnt snag his skin. yes it can be that bad. I know I babbled but i hope something in here helps.

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J.G.

answers from Columbus on

My son went through this. We found out his only allergy is to cats and dogs but, he has Atopic Dermatitis. We now have his somewhat under control, this is what we did..First, we switched the laundry detergent. I thought Dreft would be best, but tbh, the free and clear All works wonders! If you use fabric softener sheets..stop. I only use free and clear Downy. If you even use the sheets for others clothes, it leaves fibers in the dryer. As far as the bath..I use Gentle Naturals Eczema bodywash. And then after, I use the cream. We used the oatmeal everything, and about every lotion around. Most of the would either really hurt him or make it worse. This stuff is GREAT! Its kinda oily feeling but it gives them back their baby soft skin. Also, keep up the Zyrtec. It helps..really. I went through this, he was constantly bloody, and miserable. He would lay in his bed going back and forth just to try to scratch what itched. This has really helped tons!

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D.J.

answers from Columbus on

My daughter had very similiar problems. She is completely better. She has been going to Dr. Theodore Cole at the Cole Center for Healing in West Chester, Oh which is in North Cincinnati. It takes me 2 hours from Westerville. It is worth the drive. He is a doctor that uses alternative and natural remedies. My daughters health was deteriating in so many ways. I cant imagine how she would be if not for the help of Dr. Cole.

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J.P.

answers from Cincinnati on

my son had severe eczema on his face. His dad has it on hips and back. We used Elidel (sp); a prescription from his doctor. It was a last resort. My ex had been fighting it for years. Nothing worked....this did!

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M.F.

answers from Columbus on

Hello H.. My kids do not have this problem, but they do have allergies. Both of my kids take Zyrtec, however, I do use Benadryl cream on their skin. This will help with the itching. If that doesn't work, try hydrocortisone cream. Both creams are great for itching skin and they also combat allergic reactions.

Oh and try bathing him in an oatmeal bath called Aveeno. They also make a shampoo, soap and lotion. I used these on both of my kids especially if they had a diaper rash or a reaction to food or something in their surroundings.

Good Luck to you H.. God Bless!

M.

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M.K.

answers from Columbus on

Hi. I sympathize with you. My daughter was severly allergic to milk protein, which is in most foods, even spices. This is going to be hard to believe, but after my daughter had electrical homeopathy, she is no longer allergic to milk-- honest to God. It is a miracle. Basically what we are allergic to is the elecrrical rays that something puts off. Try this experiment:
Put your son on your lap(or your husbands, it works even better with strong men!)
One arm goes around baby, the arm arm is held straight out, have someone push down on your arm that is out, while you give strong restitance. Now put the food your baby is allergic to on your babies stomach hold your hand over your babies hand which is over the food, the electrical rays will go through his body and use yours as a transmitter, Now, Do have someone push down on your arm again, using the same resitance as before-- you should notice, you do not have as much strength in your arm, the less strength you have, the more youor baby is allergic.
It is amazing! It is alternative, but I have found that the alternative, natural way God intended is the way to miracles.
David Mumm (whose home base in in New york) comes to Ohio frequently to see patients-- He has an amazing machine that cancels out these electrical rays so your baby will be no longer be allergic. No side effects. No ouchy- believe me! It reminds me of Jesus worked miracles!
It is awesome! It has changed my daughters and moms life!
He Will be here next week, I think.
His email: ____@____.com
I always recommend my favorite website of www.biblestudents.com

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