Emma vs. Exczema: the battle begins!
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Topic: Emma vs. Exczema: the battle begins!
Posted By: Maya
Subject: Emma vs. Exczema: the battle begins!
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 8:11pm
In the past few days Mercedes exczema has flared up something chronic. It doesn't seem to be bothering her all that much, but she has big scaly red patches around both eyes and also behind her ears, and today it has spread up her earlobes and one patch on her ear is so raw that it was bleeding earlier 
So I am on a mission to find something that will deal to it. I've got some hydrocortisone here which I might use to get her thru this bad patch, but I need to find some sort of moisturiser/ointment to use longer term. I spoke to my uncle who is a naturopath today and he gave me some Vitamin E cream, but when I checked the ingredients it contains almond oil which I can't use coz of her allergies. He also told me that the pawpaw ointment I have been using is too harsh as it also contains citrus (and he said she may even be allergic to the citrus so it could be making it worse rather than better). So tonight I have just put plain aqueous cream on it, and I am taking her to the GP on Tues to get her ear checked so will get her to look at the exczema as well, but I'm keen to know what other people use on their babies exczema/really dry skin? What have you tried, and what has/hasn't worked for you? -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Replies:
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 8:35pm
Emma, I wouldn't use hydrocortisone on her face, especially around the eyes, as it will make her skin paper thin. We have Elidel for Hannahs face - dont know if you've read about it, but it is not a steroid but there is a small risk of developing skin cancer, so cannot get sunburnt. We have only used it a couple of times very sparingly and it has worked wonders. I always thought it was weird Han getting it around her eyes - makes her look like a panda - and behind ears. But overall the best thing that worked for gettng rid of it was food elimination. Now that the eczema is gone, all her skin is lovely and soft again so no need for moisturiser. Oh also, we dont use any soaps or shampoos anymore. Good luck, hope you find something that works.  ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 8:44pm
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We got a tub of stuff prescribed by the doctor, why don't you ask your GP for a prescription for something? ------------- |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 8:44pm
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Thanks for the suggestions! I have heard of Elidel, but not sure in what context (possibly my brother, he has shocking dermatitis). I might ask the doctor about that one on Tues.
I think food elimination is definitely a biggie, I'm almost 100% certain that the banana was the trigger so no more banana for her but now that the exczema is there getting rid of it is a mission. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 8:58pm
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Hmmm Im having the same trouble with Alize's skin. His ezcema on his face has flared up something shocking and I was using lipobase repair but to no avail so Im with you Ems and back to good old aqueous. Alize's face and neck is one big red patch and feels like sand paper. I think his has flared up due to all the chocolate I have been eating (naughty mum Let me know Ems if you try the Elidel ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 9:42pm
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There was a advert in the Littlies Mag about stuff to use for excema. I'll try and find it and get back to you. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 10:33pm
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Its called Aveeno. Its bath stuff that is good for the itchiness. I think there is a link from the littlies website to get a free sample. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 10:43pm
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hopes relief from the chesmist.... i think thats what its called. a very soothing non steroid cream that doesnt sting. yeah i wouldnt put steroids on her face, or anywhere for that matter, not at this age. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: kezplanet
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 2:21am
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Emma, just a thought when looking at new creams and the gremlins allergies, my nephew has very bad eczema, I also have/have had bad bouts and my youngest seems to be going that way. A lot of natural creams have manuka honey in them and we have found that honey is a trigger for my nephew's eczema along with eggs and many other things, but see if you can do a test patch befor buying too many things. I was talking to a rep from Natura Pharm (I think thats the name-blue & white packaging) at a parent & child show that porridge (oats) soaked water,wraped in muslin applied to the skin can help sooth the itch & I can also remember using pinetarsol mixed with cold milk used to sooth the insane itch that comes with eczema - again try a patch test not sure if you would get the same reaction from dairy if used externally. Someone else also suggested Colloidal Silver Cream which I found at a chemist & they had a tester jar and the two patches I trialed it on have cleared up within days so may be giving that a go next. Good luck on your mission, sorry about the rambling, let us know how you go
Kerryn ------------- Kerryn, Mum to Ashlyn(29/3/04), Anastasia(1/11/05) & Abigail (24/02/09) |
Posted By: nuttymama
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 8:58am
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Gosh I wish I could remember the name I might ask my doctor next time I go.
Micheal used to get such severe excema we had to smother him in cream put a wet body stocking on and then a dry one over night. The cream we were given after trying everything else I might add was the base cream that they use for moisturizer like aqueous so very gentle. It was the only thing that worked and believe me we tried everything. Abby has to go back to the docs next week so I ask what it was and let you know ------------- Abigail 06/01/2005 Jayden 21/11/2001 Micheal 03/04/1997 |
Posted By: AnnC
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 11:12am
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I think Rhyley has got ezcema on his face and a little on his body, it could be due to trying different foods at the mo having started on solids, thing is he is eat veges not fruit or dairy. he is also teething something cronic so maybe that too.
my daughter Brooke gets it, we just use steriod cream for her bad bits and any mosterizer thats going for her body, but I have ordered some hopes relief so will try that once it arrives and report back. Never tested her for allergies she is such a fussy eater as it is but does your dr refer you for the allergy test or do you have to pay for it yourself? Also is anyone of you on the child disability allowance for their ezcema, I got told that you can get it for it which i was supprised at. so going to ring on tuesday and look into it as have to go to the dr anyhow. ------------- Ann 
Also Mum to Josh (15) and Brooke (10) |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 11:40am
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We also battle with ezcema for Tyrell manily on his head....which then ends up looking like cradle cap. We were given steriod cream when he was a newborn with really bad ezcema on his face. We now can't use it as it has left bald patches on his head. We now use Lemis fatty cream that the Dr prescribed. I think it just covers it up....doesn't clear it up. Good Luck Emma. |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 2:22pm
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So many suggestions! Something has to work!
Will definitely have a look at the link on Littlies, and have a look at the Hopes Relief. I'll only try one thing at a time tho to see how she goes, and will talk to the doc about the Elidel. AnnC - I get the Child Disability Allowance for both gremlins, Sienna for her kidney condition and cows milk allergy, and Mercedes for the cows milk allergy, it helps cover the $62 a week for their formula and the cost of Sienna's doctors visits/scans etc. It's around $76 a fortnight. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 3:10pm
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Emma I also found this email mailto:promotions@arrowpharm.co.nz - promotions@arrowpharm.co.nz Email them with your details and you get a sample of their soapfree wash and lotion. Its meant to help with sensitive skin. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 7:02pm
Ta!  ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 8:01pm
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Emma, do you get the Allergy NZ magazine? There was a sample for the Aveeno bathwash stuff in it. ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 8:22pm
I used too - then I stopped having a child with allergies so let my sub lapse - I spose now is a good time to look at renewing it  ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: jack_&_charli
Date Posted: 10 April 2007 at 11:19am
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we use the lemnis fatty cream on jack and while it doesn't clear it up, if you use it daily as a moisturiser, it stops the flares ups.
i've been a battler of exzema all my life so i really sympathise for you emma and poor lil mercedes ------------- http://www.alternatickers.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 10 April 2007 at 5:44pm
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Aw, man... not advice here but I really hope you win the battle, Emma! Poor Mercedes. (poor mum!!). Bloody allergies. ------------- Andie |
Posted By: Kelpa
Date Posted: 10 April 2007 at 7:20pm
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Just ordered some of this wheatgrass stuff from this website to try combat Paiges Molluscum...Could be a goer and is natural????
www.wheatgrass.co.nz -------------  
 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 10 April 2007 at 7:57pm
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Hmmm, looks interesting Kelpa. Let me know how you get on with it!
I'm still just using the aqueous cream, and poor Mercedes still has a splotchy, scaly face. We have an appointment with the doctor for Friday so will talk to her then about prescription stuff but if I get a spare mo am going to give my uncle another call and ask him about other alternatives and what he thinks of the Hopes Relief. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 10 April 2007 at 10:34pm
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Aqueous cream didn't do crap for Han and I'm almost sure it made it worse for her (her eczema calmed down significantly when we stopped using aqueous and just went with the emulsifying)
So yeah, I recommend emulsifiying a million times a day once you have the flare up under control. If Han flares up, I slap on some quite strong stuff to calm it all down over night and then go back to normal moisturising routine. Usually she only has a bad flare up about once a month - and a thin layer of *whatever it is called* is enough to control it. Anyway... that's not going to help you as it isn't on Han's face and she's a bit older. But good luck! Hope you figure out how to control it asap as that's really the only thing that I have found that works... preventing flare ups. Han's had infected eczema a couple of times, and as you know, it ain't fun!! xoxox for little Mercedes |
Posted By: Kelpa
Date Posted: 19 September 2007 at 7:21pm
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So Emma how do you go...The wheatgrass cream cleared up Paiges Molluscum within two weeks..was amazing..Didnt try it on either of their exczema as used it all.
Blake has got bloody exczema now here and there and esp his face!!!!!!!!! What was our preferred cream?????? -------------
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Posted By: meow
Date Posted: 19 September 2007 at 7:36pm
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Wow, that's amazing! If I'd known about that cream when Ella had molloscum, I would have bought some! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: fairsk8
Date Posted: 24 September 2007 at 10:39am
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QV cream works wonders for Xanda and my exzema, you can get it at the chemist.
------------- http://www.bump-and-beyond.com/"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 24 September 2007 at 10:50am
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Funny you should ask Kelpa, Mercedes exczema mysteriously cleared up when she had the chicken pox, but flared up again a couple of weeks ago. Kelly has been slathering it with Lemmis Fatty cream (not the kind with hydrocortisone in it, just the base cream) and it is looking really, really good. In fact you can't use the exczema to tell them apart now coz it's almost non-existent! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 24 September 2007 at 1:34pm
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Emma, do you know where you can get the Lemmis Fatty cream from? Is it available over the counter? Nothing the doctors have given us is working on Sam and she has nearly rubbed her feet raw! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 24 September 2007 at 2:43pm
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I got a huge tub of it free on prescription for Isla. A friend of mine has excema her self, and recommended it for me, so I asked the Dr for it. I had only been given aqueous cream, and emulsifiying cream by the Dr and Paed, but neither helped much.
The lemnis fatty has worked miracles! Her skin is looking good,(still some eczema but major major improvement)...and glad I helped Mercedes,...although like Emma said,...the eczema on her face was useful for thelling them apart! The Lemnis Fatty is white, and thicker than aqueous cream, but not as thick and slimy as the emulisifying cream. |
Posted By: Kelpa
Date Posted: 28 September 2007 at 9:43pm
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Can someone tell me......How Hopes Relief cream is going???
Also does Lemnis Cream come on Yellow and white tubes and Big tubs???????? Blake has now got exczema everywhere. Makes you feeel really awful aye??? -------------
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Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 29 September 2007 at 7:33am
| The yellow and white tubes are the Lemnis Fatty with hydrocortisone, the tub is just the Lemnis fatty base cream without hydrocort (as far as I know anyway- we have both). |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 29 September 2007 at 8:30am
i,m winng my battle with james exama it stii flares up every now and then but he new cream is wroking sooo yay its been a long long time and lemmis fatty is great for when they are small and if you dont want to use a strodio based cream ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 29 September 2007 at 3:08pm
| We go tot the point we were having to use steriod creams continuously, but as Isla eczema covers her entire trunk, I wasnt keen. Since getting really vigiliant in using the lenmis fatty twice a day, the worst of it has gone! Havent used steriods again since then! |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 29 September 2007 at 9:21pm
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Mercedes' skin is looking really good with the lemmis fatty too. On her face that is, her poor wee butt is blistered and bleeding from the diarrohea. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Kelpa
Date Posted: 01 October 2007 at 7:17am
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Ok....so stupid question...are you predominantly just using the Lemnis without the Hydrocortisone??? And this is what has helped???
The Doctor gave me tons of the tubes. Maybe I need to go back and get a tub? -------------
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Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 01 October 2007 at 8:20am
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Yep! I went to the Paed and he was concerned that I was only using a cream with hydrocort, and still she was covered in eczema. He said we need to rebalance the pyramid of treatment- ie- the main thing should be moisturisation,..with only a little bit of hydrocort if the eczema is red and inflamed, for max 5-7 days at a time. We had been using it continually for months, and given up on using the aquous cream cos even with the hydrocort, her ezcema was a mess.
So we stopped using the hydrocort, and concentrated on moisturisation- so Lemnis Fatty twice a day, and it wasnt long til there was a huge improvement! |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 02 October 2007 at 11:29am
| Yep, completely agree with Kellz, as soon as you get the flare ups under control then just work on moisturising at every chance you get. When Han was still in naps I'd make sure I was slapping some cream on her at virtually every nappy change. |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 05 November 2008 at 10:53am
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Bump for Spicey! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 05 November 2008 at 11:06am
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Haven't read all the posts, but wanted to add, Caitlyn's halfbrother has eczema and his mum has been using aloevera from an actualy aloevera plant , and thats been providing some relief , apparently there is a certain type of aloe vera plant .
I used pinetarsol in the bath , aqeous cream after her bath and now Caitlyn's skin is completely clear ------------- 
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Posted By: BugTeeny
Date Posted: 05 November 2008 at 1:04pm
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I haven't read the replies either.
But with Hannah's eczema we tried; Hydrocotisone - made it worse. Aquaeous - ditto. Pot of Gold Balm - made it less red, but scales still there. Then finally, we tried an emulsifying ointment made of: 50% soft white parrafin 30% emulsifying wax 20% liquid parrafin. She smelt like lighter fluid for a couple of days, but within that time she was eczema free. Any patches she may get now I just dab a bit on as soon as it shows up and it's gone within an hour. Marvellous stuff - for Hannah, that is. But it's worth a try
------------- 
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Posted By: peachy
Date Posted: 05 November 2008 at 1:06pm
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I haven't had time to read other replies here, but I highly recommend seeing a specialist, expensive but SO worth it. I recently took Lauren to a specialist for her eczema, she was allergy tested and he gave me some creams.
Two visits later, Lauren is 100% clear of eczema, but I follow a VERY strict routine to keep her clear. She has a pinetarsol bath twice a day, one in the morning and one at night. Within 3 mins (while the pores of the skin are still open) of getting out of the bath she is completley covered in a highly moisturising cream (gylcerole something a-rather). I apply this cream minimum of 3 times per day to keep her skin very moist, otherwise she feels like a crocodile!! I also have hydrocortizone, but very rarely use it now as she has no visual eczema. I also learnt from the specialist that the key to controlling eczema is to stop the scratching. Scratching damages the dermis, resulting in more and wider spread flare ups. He was so interesting to listen too, I could have sat in his office all day long! The specialist I saw is the advisor for Allergy NZ. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MrsH
Date Posted: 05 November 2008 at 10:25pm
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I am almost 30 and have suffered from eczema all my life and to read about the poor kiddies really does break my heart. If you've never had it, as a parent you'll definitely know how difficult it is to cope.
The greasy ointments are best for the dry crusty skin because it stays on there and keeps it all moist (nothing worse than closing your hand and your skin splitting where the joint is on your finger). I now use DP lotion with 1% hydrocortisone on my face and have done since I was about 11 or 12. This is the only moisturiser I have ever used as everything else just stings. (My mother can't believe how clear my face is now after seeing me grow up with eczema and I still get asked for ID at bars, supermarkets and bottle shops which is consolation for growing up with an adolf hitler patch of eczema under my nose and constant crusty eye.) My advice to you is to keep it dry, keep it moisturised, get some sun (helps with scarring) and fresh air on it, put your washing through a second rinse, make sure the kids aren't too hot, watch for triggers such as stress (I'm sure teething can be pretty stressful), try and prevent the scratching (infections much? Keep nails short), food elimination and get an allergy test. Pinetarsol for the bath, Locoid for the scalp (this does sting), hydrocortisone on the bad parts of the face, perhaps a stronger steroid cream like locoid for the other inflamed parts of the body and finally aqueous or emulsifying ointment (the oily greasy thick one - kinda like vaseline which can be used as a soap) on the rest of the face and body as a moisturiser. Oh and another thing - if kids are rubbing eyes, it could be that they're tired (of course) but they may just have tired itchy eyes which could be a bit of eczema (or hayfever which alot of eczema sufferers also have). And don't give up, there is a happy medium with eczema, you just have to find it and it will definitely be worth it. Admittedly, I didn't treat my own skin when I was an infant so am not telling you all how to suck eggs but thought any advice would be helpful.  Good luck!!------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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