My poor baby (eczema related)

My son (2 years old) has always had problematic skin. Baby acne early on and eczema on and off. It has gotten really bad and today it was just awful. I feel like I do everything I should (don't bathe too often, use all natural detergent/soap, moisturize, etc.) but nothing works for long. I have been using a prescription ointment and/or cream and it'll work for a bit then stop.

Anyway tonight I put on his cream after his bath at my parents and on the way home he started screaming mommy booboo ouch and scratching his legs. I felt so helpless. He was hysterical. When we came home his legs were bright red in all of his usual spots. I put cool water on it and loaded him up with aquaphor. He finally calmed down and fell asleep. It was awful. I'm going to take him to his dermatologist next week but am looking for any advice of what I can do for him tomorrow or just to hear from BTDT moms. Sorry so long, just needed to get that out

ETA:wondering if him swimming, beach, sunscreen, etc is making it worse than ever?

Message edited 7/24/2010 9:47:23 PM.

Re: My poor baby (eczema related)

DD is almost 2.5, and has eczema as well. We just saw the Derm yesterday about it b/c it has been really bad lately and he said - yes summer usually causes a lot more flare ups for all the reasons you listed.

DD never had a flare up as bad as your son, so i don't have a much advice...

We use CeraVe cream and the prescription ointment to control the flare ups.

Re: My poor baby (eczema related)

Thank you for the response. We use Cerave as well. Dr. Krystal by any chance?

Re: My poor baby (eczema related)

ask your ped about Sarna lotion eczema. It's a sensitive fragrance free anti itch lotion. It can help.

Re: My poor baby (eczema related)

DS has been that bad - it is horrible!!!

Sometimes when he is so uncomfortable, I put him in the bath (luke warm) with some baking soda. For whatever reason, it really helps soothe his skin. (I use baking soda whenever I give him a bath).

We use Cetaphil in the big tub. We had tried Aquaphor in the past, but it did nothing for DS.

We also always only dress DS in 100% cotton clothing - ESPECIALLY in the summer.

I do find that the pool and sunscreen make it worse for DS. I try to limit those things.

We use Dove Sensitive Skin body wash for baths, All Free and Clear for laundry detergent, and NO dryer sheets in the dryer for DS.

And Dr. Kristal was the MOST helpful! I highly highly recommend him - don't know what we would have done without him!

HTH.

Re: My poor baby (eczema related)

i have gotten a LOT of really good info/advice on this website.... it's a baby center group for parents of children with skin problems!

http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a8325/babies_and_children_with_skin_problems

i have never tried the bleach bath - but many SWEAR by it!

eta: we were just told by our ped to not use any products/lotions, etc. with alcohol in it, because it's VERY drying (alcohol)...

Message edited 7/24/2010 11:14:19 PM.

Re: My poor baby (eczema related)

We also use baking soda in the bath for DS and it really seems to help him.

Summer, especially the hot and humid weather can cause flare up for DS, his is also allergy related, certain foods cause him to have flare ups. Have you noticed any trends with flare ups following certain foods? Dairy is a trigger for DS, you could ask your Dr about having him tested for allergies.

I am sorry your DS is so uncomfortable, I hate when DS gets flare ups, I just feel so awful for him