Discoid eczema on face

[NL22]

Hi all,

My 18mth son has chronic discoid eczema and I am at the end of my tether with it! We are under a dermatologist, have ruled out food allergies and are about to have tests for other allergies. But it is just getting worse every week, despite the use of heavy duty steroid creams. I used to get reassurance from the fact it didn't seem to bother him, but in the last month, it has become very itchy and he has been clawing at his head and face over the last couple of days. It is so distressing to watch and I am terrified that we will get to the point of bandaging etc as there just seems to be no end to it.
Despite 7 days of anti b's and steroid use, his face is still weeping and extremely angry. Does anyone have any advice on discoid eczema on the face? How on earth is it possible to keep it clean and dry?! Any advice much appreciated. Thank you

[MrsTawdry]

Poor DS. I assume you're not using any soaps or washes on him but are using emollient instead? What about his clothes and bedding? What are they washed in?

Try to keep the temperature in your home as constant as possible.

[NL22]

No, no soap and use non bio washing powder (tried one for eczema sufferers and noticed no difference). We've never used anything on his face as I also have sensitive skin so am always quite cautious. I just can't see any pattern even when we have tried different techniques, it's so frustrating. Today's new thing is an extra rinse with every load of washing! I've got 4 children under 6 though, and the washing is pretty horrific already!!

[MrsTawdry]

I would really ditch the powder. I found that really made a difference. I stopped using anything at all when DD was very small...they don't sweat and it's worth living with a few stained items of clothing. I just washed at 40 degrees with no powder and there was a difference immediately.

When it's calmed down you could try soap nuts...you can buy them online...google Soap Nuts.

[MrsTawdry]

Just noticed the bit abou 4 dc....I really would wash his separately with absolutely no detergent at all... though it will make more work. Try it...see if you notice a difference.

[NL22]

Thanks, will give it a go. I will pretty much try anything at this point!

[MrsTawdry]

Do come back and update. I know how horrid Eczema is.x