Anyone know what this skin problem is?

[HarimadSol]

I took DD (6 mo) to the gp a week ago for mildly dry, pink and itchy skin on her torso. I assumed eczema. He didn't say what it was, but prescribed zerobase and oilatum bath additive. I use ecover laundry detergent for her clothes.

Last night, her back went very red. She scratches her chest when her clothes are off. Her lower back is peeling, and the skin feels thickened. She seems a bit tired and has had long naps today, but is alert, happy and otherwise well when awake.

We have another appointment on Thursday with the gp, but would welcome any ideas of what this might be or how to help!

[HarimadSol]

Any ideas, anyone?

[gordonpym]

Poor girl, it does look really bad. Have you seen this mumsnet discussion about ecover? . Looks like you're not the first experiencing rash with them.
You should try a gentler, for sensitive skin, laundry detergent and maybe do a double rinse. Try using as little detergent as you can. If you are afraid stains won't come away, just put a drop or two of washing up liquid on the stain, excellent for stains and gentle on skin. That way you can use less laundry detergent.

[gordonpym]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/allergies/69845-is-ecover-bad-for-skin sorry

[TheWildRumpyPumpus]

It looks similar to my boy's eczema - his is mainly over his back and shoulders, a little on the wrists and elbows too.

It feels very rough and scaly, and he scratches till it bleeds, no matter how short I keep his nails.

We have steroid cream which helps a little, emollient cream makes it worse in his case.

[mousmous]

my dc's eczema looked similar.
in hindsight it turned out to be triggered by alder pollen (flying right now).
double rinse anything you wash for dc and dry inside to avoid pollen.
moisurise, keep nails as short as possible, piriton for the itching.
good luck

[TiedUpWithString]

Ouch! Poor girl. Take her to the GP just to be on the safe side- they could also prescribe some good body cream. Also check her neck glands to see if they are swollen- just in case its actually an infection.

I strongly recommend a soothing oatmeal bath. A handful of pinhead oatmeal in the end of a pair of tights or stocking, tie it up and use it as a sponge in the bath. Then use some olive oil when she's out of the bath. Do an extra rinse with all washing and consider changing the detergent and fabric softener.

[TiedUpWithString]

Oh, also, oilatum makes my skin sore (long term eczema sufferer).

[HarimadSol]

Dang, I thought ecover was supposed to be good for this kind of thing. I'll try something else.

She's a bit less red today, but still itchy and peeling. Almost like a burn!

I'll try the oatmeal bath and olive oil today. She has a gp appointment this week.

Thanks, everyone.

[TiedUpWithString]

I use Method detergent. Like Ecover but better. Save the left over Ecover stuff for your own clothes until it's used up!

[TiedUpWithString]

Also, take the photo with you of your DD's skin just in case it's calmed beforehand.