Excema Help

kross605

DD has always had excema but its gotten really bad over the last 6 months or so. The majority of her body is covered in dry, red, inflamed patches and they are clearly itchy as she scratches so much she has little cuts and marks all over her.

Im planning to take her to a dermotologist to get more expert advice and also see if they have any inclination as to whether its allergy related or not. But until I can get that appointment, does anyone have advice for things I could try? Should I try a milk elimination diet or something? 

Im trying to stay away from steroid creams or other Rx items until I get to a last resort point (Im almost there!). Ive tried numerous lotions/creams/gels etc that are meant for excema, coconut oil, lanolin, aquaphor, regular oatmeal baths and a few other things I cant remember and nothing helps for more than a few days if it helps at all. I am now putting Eucerin Skin Calming lotion on her patches a few times a day to try to reduce the itchiness. She wont tolerate cold compresses so that option is out.

I am so sad for her. Any ideas?

NOV2007

I have placque psoriasis, and the only lotion that I have found that actually works and helps reduce the dryness is CeraVe.  You can get it in all drug stores and Target, etc.  It is rather pricey at $13.00 a bottle.  It's not in the lotion section, but in the aisle with the facial washes and such are.  I highly recommend it.

OnceInLoveWithAmy

Hunter has horrible eczema on his hands and feet.  We have tried ALL the things.  He does have a Rx cream that we use, but we also follow up with Vanicream afterwards. 

We eliminated dairy, eggs and wheat products to see if it was allergy related.  Also, if you or your husband have a food allergy, eliminate that too.  I have a strawberry allergy, so we stopped giving him all berries for a week, just to be on the safe side.  

My one suggestion is skip the regular dermatologist and go straight to CHoP's dermatology.  We were sending Hunter to a fantastic derm in Plymouth Meeting, but because she wasn't use to dealing with children, she was too afraid to prescribe strong medications.  We had one appointment at CHoP, and within a week of a new medication we saw a huge difference.  He still has flare ups when the weather changes (he's having one right now) but it's been like night and day since a year ago.  

Good luck!  I totally understand the frustration of dealing with this, and I hope you can find that little lady some relief!!

kross605

thanks for commiserating!
We just eliminated dairy and eggs this weekend and put her on a regimen of dove soap for baths, Rx hydrocortisone cream, and eucerin for exema lotion/creme. It seems to be helping but I dont know which part of the plan is doing the trick! Im only using the Rx cream until the worst spots get better and am hoping to find a more natural solution long term, so we'll see what happens when we remove the Rx cream in a few days (hopefully).
Im also planning to get her an appt with both an allergist and pediatric dermo in case it is allergy related. My husband has some fruit and nut allergies so Im also hoping she's not going to be allergic to the soy and almond related products we're using as substitutes for cows milk/dairy! ugh.
Do you know how long I need to eliminate the dairy/eggs etc to know if its allergy related or not? I thought it was 3 weeks...is that right?

NewQueen

I second CHOP. Call right away because it takes forever to get an appointment.

babe2331

I second going to a dermatologist. I would also consult with an allergist if you think they may be food allergy related. For what it's worth, we were taking Mikey to specialists at Nemours for his severe constipation/allergy issues and we were quite pleased.

Mikey too had horrible ezcema.  One was so bad I thought it was a ringworm! Once we cut out dairy and baby/toddler formula, they seemed to clear up instantly.  Our pedi recommended Aquaphor and bathing with unscented Dove soap.  Good luck!

babe2331

Also, our pedi suggested to cut out all laundry detergent with perfumes, not just for baby's clothes.  The residue can remain in your washer. 

kross605

babe-thanks for the advice on the washer residue. I stopped using fabric softener in her clothes weeks ago but still use it for DHs. Ill have to break it to him that he has to give up his good smelling softener for the bland stuff! I use white vinegar usually, but he balks and wants his lovely smelling Snuggle. He's high maintenance like that.

OnceInLoveWithAmy

@kross65-  I am honestly not sure how long it should be.  We did a week and didn't see any difference, so perhaps I am just impatient