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Allergies and intolerances

Ezcema and soapnuts

8 replies

dreamteamgirl · 17/08/2006 21:42

Has anyone else found soapnuts good for helping with ezcema?

DS was getting really bad so we switched to soapnuts for all his washing and it has almost disapeared... I am wondering if I can really put it down to the soapnuts, or if maybe hes just out grown it or something... He is 18 months, and has been clear skinned for about 7 weeks...

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lilymolly · 18/08/2006 11:21

Hi , Have a friend with 7month old ds who had terrible excema (spl?) but she tried soap nuts and has noticed a huge difference. We did giggle at baby group though!! [blush}

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dreamteamgirl · 18/08/2006 19:25

Ha ha, yes soapnuts do sound kinda funny dont they?

Glad to hear its not just me- I have become so evangelical about them since his skin improved so much!!

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Utka · 18/08/2006 19:33

I'm really interested to hear about this. I've been recommended them by the Anaphylaxis Campaign as an alternative to Filetti soap powder, which is about to change its formula. Wierdly, for a brand that is championed by people who are allergic to things, they've decided to introduce almond milk extract to the powder from now on. The AC were actually quite reassuring about the potential risk for those allergic to nuts (dd is), but recommended the soap nuts as an alternative. I am seriously thinking of investing in some, but am of course concerned at the nut issue too. Do you know if they are actually nuts?!!

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dreamteamgirl · 18/08/2006 20:11

Hi Utka

No they arent nuts, they are berry shells
"Soap Nuts are actually not nuts, they are a shelled seed or berry - it's the shells that we use. They grow wild in Nepal and India and are a natural source of high quality Saponin." from www.ethicstrading.com/soapnuts.htm.

I get mine from in a soapnut shell . Well I say get, I mean got- I am still on the first £9.00 bag, and have been doing ALL our washing except our bedding and towels in it for 10 weeks.

Once in a blue moon, I have to re-wash one or two things and after "art" time I prewashed everything with vanish before washing them with the nuts, but 95% of the time its great first wash - I even know people who wash their nappies in them!!

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dreamteamgirl · 18/08/2006 20:12

PS Crazy on the Filetti!! Why would they do that??

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Utka · 21/08/2006 17:40

Thanks for this dreamteamgirl. I was wondering how effective they would be. I tend to wash at 60 degrees most of the time but could bump it up to 90degrees as dds' stuff is all 100% cotton to cope with the eczema. I think I might give it a go - after all £9 isn't much in the scheme of things.

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nannymcphee · 21/08/2006 18:35

Can I just add my tip for ezcema - porridge oats in the bath. We put a handful in the end of an old tight/pop sock and run the tap through it. My DD's skin isn't terrible, but the milky bath water has really helped. After about 3/4 baths I really noticed a difference. Am very intrigued about the soap nuts! Thanks

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dreamteamgirl · 26/08/2006 23:39

Sorry Utka

Been crap this week

We wash everything at 40 degrees -theres only one or two bits that we wash any hotter, so you wont need to wash at 90.

And nannymcphee -totally agree on the porridge oats. Was so amazed how soft it left DS' skin that I used it on myself (have psoriasis which has also improved with the soapnuts) It feel gret and smells yummy!!!