HELP PLEASE 2 YR OLD WITH VERY ITCHY FACE

[Linz2]

Not sure whether my 2 year old has developed a habit or something is irritating his skin although nothing new has been introduced food wise or in the house. A couple of weeks a go he started to wipe his eyes/nose/cheeks not rubbing or scratching but wiping excessively. We did think that maybe he was developing conjunctivitus as he had come into contact with a child we thought had had it but then a week last saturday he got chickenpox and did seem to stop doing it, however he is over chicken pox now and he has started doing it again in the last day or so. I did ring the docs a week or so back who suggested that it could be the start of a cold but obviously has not got this. Was using aqueous cream on his face but have since been advised by health visitor that if not washed off properly can irritate skin and prescribed double base cream. Saw doc yesterday who said his cheeks do look a little red/dry and advised to use double base and if doesnt help then try very mild steroid cream. Only concern with using creams that when I put it on he is still wiping his face and will touch eyes and make eyes sore.
Anybody had any experience of this and how to deal with it as if it is just a habit I do not want him doing it as he his making his face sore by wiping it. HV advised not to tell him to stop wiping it in case is a habit and pharmacist send don't let him wipe it as will make sore, but how do I stop a 2 yr old wiping his face when doing it all the time. Just don't know what to do for the best. He is happy enough in himself and does not affect his sleep.

[clayre]

my ds had his after a cold, he is also 2, i have been putting emulsifying ointment 2 or 3 times a day and its less dry and he's rubbing less

[Linz2]

He thanks for your reply it much appreciated. He did have a cold before xmas, but the itching did not start until a few days after the new year. I have been using the double base cream (hydrating gel) for 3 days now (hv suggested trying it for 3/4 days) I would not say that there has been a lot of improvement so wondering when to start using the steroid cream, basically do you think I should stick with the double base cream a bit longer?

[Kitti]

perhaps try some herbal type cream/natural remedy?? Calendula cream is that the right one for this sort of problem?? Bit rubbish myself actually but I know that sometimes the harsh presecription creams can irritate. I was once prescribed a cream by the doc and had a severe allergic reaction to it even though it was meant to help eczema!! Maybe just a vitamin E cream or Boots do a nice lavender gel if he nees his skin soothing but it's quite expensive for a little tube and has a strong smell.

[smartiejake]

Chickweed ointment is very good for dry skin. dd1 used it on her face.