We're new to eczema. Can someone with experience tell me what to put on ds's feet when they crack open and bleed?

[MaMight]

Ds's eczema seems to suddenly have got a whole lot worse. He used to have dry red patches, now he has thick leathery cracked skin which splits and bleeds very easily.

The dr has given us steroid cream (to thin the skin I think) and some moisturising lotion.

Just now, playing in the garden, ds's foot cracked open and I've washed it but there is still dirt in the crack I think. I don't want to put antiseptic because surely that will sting. Should I still use the steroid cream? Shall I put moisture cream and a sock to cover it up? Or leave it open?

[Papillon]

Have you ever given him fish Oil... can help combat exzema internally

Hope someone helps you soon... Moisturising cream, the richer the better... my sister uses B Panteon but thats a NZ product on her sons exzema which helps... sock would scratch wont it...??

Steriods arent a long term solution and wont help solve the problem imo

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

I've had eczema since I was a baby, so have more personal recommendations than "correct" advice I'm afraid.

Firstly I would suggest germolene, savlon or another mild antispetic lotion for the crack in his foot, to avoid infection. They are usually quite soothing, and often have a slight painkiller in them too. If he is still playing outside you could just put on lots of antiseptic and then cover with a big plaster to keep it clean.

Later when he's sitting still, and again at bedtime, I would rub in some of the steroid cream - IME steroid cream is the only thing that can actually help heal, rather than just soothe.

Rest of the time, use lots of moisturiser - diprobase, or E45 or something similar.

When I got that really thick skin, it indicated that I was in contact with something I was allergic to. Is it just on his feet?

[MaMight]

Thank you E&M. Sorry you've got the personal experience to answer though

The thick skin is just on his feet. Much worse on one foot than the other.

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

I would have a think about what his feet have been in contact with recently: new shoes, socks, slippers, toiletries or what have you. Eventually (hopefully) cleared up my hard skin by changing shampoo - god knows why it appeared on my hands rather than head though, presumably because it was undiluted.

If he's outside a lot, he might have picked up an infection through little cuts on his feet (little cuts being a fact of life with eczema, sigh). If he starts getting a lot more cracks etc I would go to the doctor as it might be an infection that needs antobiotics.

Does he have bad eczema anywhere else on his body? If so have you tried wet-wrapping? It cleared up my legs for (pretty much) good.

It's my pleasure - I've had so many crap times with my skin over the years that if I can spare your little DS any of that I'll be very glad.

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

Did the crack heal up ok?