Beginners guide to eczema?

[Solasum]

Hi all

My DS is 10mo, and has for about a month had very dry and a bit red skin almost everywhere, apart from in his nappy. It is not raw or weeping or anything. The GP said it is likely that eczema has been triggered by the stress of teething, which is ongoing. He has been prescribed zero base and 0.5 hydrocortisone for the red bits. In addition,I have cut down on the number of baths, and had oats in the bath when he has had one. His skin still looks quite sore and itchy though.

Basically I am after best practice advice from those in the know. Should I be doing anything apart from slathering on the creams? Does it matter what order they go on in? Should skin be slightly damp after bath, or dry? Do we need to have something in the bath that is stronger than oats?

Did any other DC have teething eczema, or is this likely to be a longer term problem? I use nonbio washing powder, but did wonder if it might've making things worse, though until now he has been fine. He is obviously on solids now, but also mixed fed milkwise, if that makes a difference.

Any tips gratefully received.

[sometimesyouwin]

I have suffered from eczema since I was 6mths old. It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Non bio washing powder is a must for me with my sensitive skin.
My biggest piece of advice would be to definitely apply creams to damp skin. I spent years of my life complaining to my mum that putting cream on made me itch even more. Applied to dry skin it would make me scratch like crazy. I always lather loads on straight after a shower or bath. Keep the temperature of the water fairly low and bath or shower every other day. I hope it improves. Eczema is miserable for little ones and their parents.

[gingertreat]

I went through this with my little son. Moisturising creams or oils are necessary. However the dryness of the skin is a symptom of some other dysfunctions within his body = bodily organs. To take care of this you must analyse his food. One of the reason why the skin shows the symptoms now could be the stress of teething, but also time of the year.
We can not solve problem with our liver or lungs just by applying creams. By the way - steroids will not only help in long term, but increase the problem within.