'Natural' emollient for eczema and nut allergy advice please

[Bilbomum]

DS (nearly 3) has always had pretty bad ezcema and itching problems and also has multiple food allergies including nuts.

I'm losing faith in the standard treatment he's had for the last 3 years and I'm starting to worry about the amount of petrochemicals he has been absorbing through his normal eczema treatment (Epaderm/Hydromol twice daily). Final straw came on Friday when I picked up his new emollient prescribed by the hospital consultant and found it contained peanut oil!

I was thinking of shea butter but obviously I think that's a nut. The only other thing I've found that looks like it's worth trying is apricot kernel oil. Presumably it doesn't count as a nut does it?? Has anyone ever tried it?

All advice gratefully received...

[LadybugLillie]

I have come across this thread when I was researching something and noticed no one mentioned Rocky Mountain Soap Company Dry Skin Relief. I used to work for the company and due to Canadian laws they cannot claim that the products helps with a medical condition, but I have personally talked to many customers, especially moms, who swear by this... All the products are made with mostly organic ingredients in a small Alberta town. You can buy it here... www.rockymountainsoap.com/productDetails/1010952/1002271/1000144
The shipping costs aren't that bad either.

[cinnamonbun]

I've struggled with eczema on and off since a very young age and the only thing (apart from steroid creams) that truly helps and stops the itching is baths with salt. Ask for Epsom salt at your pharmacy (not perfumed salts). It has made such a difference to my life. Good luck!

[nevertoooldforindie]

I was recommended a company on another thread about eczema and its a company called moogoo (search for moogoo). They sent some samples and I noticed they do a version of their ezcema cream that is nut free. I haven't tried them yet so can't report if they work or not.

[Bumpstart]

Bilbo mum, what a great story, thanks for sharing!

Here's hoping for current eczema kids too.

[Bilbomum]

Gosh this is strange, I started this thread back in 2009! Perhaps to give you all some hope, DS suddenly grew out of his eczema when he hit 4. No change of diet or creams it just happened. It was very severe and I never believed it could get better. He's now 6 and has peachy skin. Still has major allergy problems but believe me that's much easier to deal with than the eczema was.

I drove myself absolutely mad for four years (and spent a lot of money) convinced that a different cream or change of diet might be the miracle answer. No explanation which doesn't help anyone unfortunately but at least you know that sometimes the body just seems to right itself.

Big sympathy to everyone dealing with eczema though, it's been a couple of years now but I still thank my lucky stars every day that he grew out of it.

[Bumpstart]

Sorry to hijack..... My dd only tolerates ointments. Creams all sting. Has anyone got any suggestions of something lighter than hydromol that is not a cream?

Thanks

[MousyMouse]

we use weleda skin food, but I know it's not for everyone afaik it contains lanolin (organic, though) and lemonene.
it's very rich. we use it in combination with aveeno hand lotion: weleda skin food mornings and evenings, aveeno in between as needed. haven't needed steroid creams for ages.

[ladylabya]

Aveeno for us and the Aveeno body wash all on prescription so free for dd.

[eragon]

I would remove all the food that has had a positive test result, as skin may clear up as a result.

I would investigate environmental allergies, obviously, most common cause of ezcema is dust mite.

I would NOT give any form of milk that comes from an udder. IgE milk allergy means no milk. some intolerent people cant have any form of milk either.

sadly those with milk allergy often have hard to control ezcema and its more likely to be life long.

what is your ezcema routine?
I agree with wet wraps as an idea.

test patch on a clear bit of skin with new creams.

at one point my son skin couldnt tolerate olive oil, due to his poorly controlled environmental allergies and recent food reaction, which of course results in flare up of ezcema.

good luck. be careful.

[MelBanks]

Try Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, its great for hair, skin, cooking, baking, frying etc. It is award winning as so my neighbour told me and it tastes wonderful. When you apply it on your skin, it doesn't give that greasy look. It straight aways absorbs into your skin, naturally healing you.

www.tiana-coconut.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm

[mumat39]

Sorry here's the link :

www.allergybestbuys.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/dermasilktherapeuticpyjamasforchildren-902408m.shtml

[mumat39]

We used to use Aveeno and it was by far the best cream for DD and left her skin feeling moisturised for a good few hours. But DD started to react to it so we use cetraben now.

Has anyone tried these ? Saw them in a leaflet that came through the door and just wondered if they work?

www.allergybestbuys.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/dermasilktherapeuticpyjamasforchildren-902408m.shtml

TIA

[MistyB]

DS2 had severe eczema and food intolerences as well as allergies as an infant (intolerences and eczema have improved). We excluded all intolerant foods and used suppliments to build up hus immune system and gut lining. We also investigated which creams were causing a problem. It included any petrochemical and nut and seed oils (weleda have lots of seed oils which were a problem for us). Earth friendly baby lotion and lush were best for us but we found a way of 'checking' which ones were likely to be OK for DS as it is very individual. PM me if you would like me to give you more details.

[swampster]

My eldest had mild eczema as a toddler. Emollients, bath stuff, special eczema creams helped briefly then seemed to make it worse. It was pretty persistent till I remembered my own eczema / prickly heat / general skin issues are made worse by mineral oils, vaseline, petroleum-based products. I cut them out and also things with sodium laurel/laureth sulphate in them (so almost all sops and creams! Though I'm not sure that made any difference) and used vegetable oil in the bath and Lansinoh on really dry bits... it cleared up straight away and hasn't really recurred. He uses any old soap and moisturiser now and it hasn't come back but he does have very dry skin.

The other thing I have found AMAZING is Neal's Yard stellaria cream - it is fabulous on all sorts of itches. It is chickweed, I think, audreyraines suggested chickweed too.

I'm pretty sure my eczema is triggered by mineral oils and / or perfumes. And when I get hayfever it can flare up so antihistamines can make a difference.

[eragon]

for goodness sake BE careful. 'natural products' contain natual things, so putting on stuff that creates pollen on skin might sensitise the body to tree pollen /hay fever etc. so if you have environmental allergies, be careful.

my son has all the enviromental allergies, and so rubbing stuff which may have cross reactive pollen proteins in broken skin, doenst sound like a recipe for fun.....

lots of prescription eczema stuff has nut /stone oils, all of which should be avoided, so do read the label on the stuff yr GP gives you. I have been caught out this way.
From my experience the ezcema creams in health food shops have a high rate of nut oils in, so again read the label very carefully.

another reason to read the label and understand it, is that lots of so called 'natural ' ezcema creams may have stuff like aloe vera in, but the ingredient list has the same stuff as the petrol chem you might be trying to avoid.
Aqueous cream is only fit for soap, and is not really meant these days to be used as a moisteriser on its own. GP's still hand it out, but ezcema society recommed that its used as a soap. I wouldnt try wet wrapping without medical advice, as it can cause infections if not carried out, and kids with ezcema have a high chance of getting skin infections.


NATURAL does not mean good/ safe or anything else imo. i find it all quite alarming when we are allergic to normal natural stuff!

[malakadoush]

Oats in a pair of old tights in bath water. Chicke weed isn't an Emollient but will stop itching.m

[avsbavs]

I definitely advise trying Aveeno. It has been a God send for me. You can get it on prescription as it gets pretty expensive.

I have some eczema tips as well, after 17 years of suffering from eczema, I went on a programme recommended by a friend of a friend. the idea behind it is to break the scratching habit as well as healing the skin using lotions and steroids if necessary. The positive point is that steriods are explained how to be used properly, so over use does not cause negative side effects. I stopped using them all together seven days into the programme, after 17 years of completely relying on them. So, the basics is that everytime you scratch, you log it, on a counter, or just tally on a scrap piece of paper. the aim is not to count scratches, but the process of logging them makes the action a conscious one, rather than a habit that becomes second nature. after two weeks of this, begin to think about not scratching. hold your hands gently balled by your sides for thirty seconds when you feel an itch. then if the urge is still there (which is rare) gently press the area with your nail. after three or four weeks scratching noticeably decreases. if this is coupled with regular moisturising then eczema should improve. if you want the name of the programme's book please email me on [email protected]

i am also happy to answer any questions

avalon

[Matou]

Hi everyone,
I finally got round to joining Mumsnet. My DS is nearly 11 months old. When we started solids he developed sold (in hindsight) mild eczema on his belly and ankles. It then moved to behind the knees and in the elbow creases. And now it's gone - fingers crossed. We tried Diprobase, but I found it difficult to put it on without rubbing. Eventually Aveeno seemed to do the trick, although sometimes I find it very gritty.
Anyway, in the process of trying to resolve this anxiety-inducing problem, I found this thread very useful so thank you.
I thought I would share the result of my internet search for different creams. Beware, it is quite long!

Non-proprietary emollient preparations:
Aqueous Cream, Emulsifying Ointment, Hydrous Ointment, Liquid and White Soft Paraffin Ointment, White Soft Paraffin, Yellow Soft Paraffin

Proprietary emollient preparations:
Aveeno®, Cetraben®, Decubal Clinic®, Dermamist®, Diprobase®, Doublebase®, Drapolene®, E45®, Emollin®, Epaderm®, Hydromol®, Kamillosan®, Linol Gamma®, Lipobase®, Neutrogena Dermatological Care®, Oilatum®, QV®, Ultrabase®, Unguentum M®, Zerobase®

dexeryl (French)
Dermol cream

shea butter www.cornwallsoapbox.co.uk/shopp1490617156, Baby Shea from Maples Street Organics, www.sheabliss.co.uk/page/6/mother-and-baby
apricot kernel oil
lush dream cream/ wash
www.aveeno.com/productDetail.do?prodid=4307
medihoney: www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=1186&prodid=1256
Weleda Skin Rescue cream www.weleda.co.uk/Shop/Baby/icat/baby
Waitrose baby Bottom Butter.
Pure Potions Skin Salvation. www.purepotions.co.uk/#324X0
Green Baby non pet jelly. or baby salve
Napiers infant starflower skin cream shop.napiers.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=137
Vogels Neem Cream
Green People body moisturiser
Simple Derma Intensive Relief Lotion
SK Cream only availble online from camomilehouse.co.uk
calendula cream (check other ingredients) www.boots.com/en/Nelsons-Calendula-cream-50g_6733/?CAWELAID=334481069&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engines-_-Go ogle%20Base-----Nelsons%20Calendula%20cream%20%2050g
chickweed and calendula cream from earthbound organics. www.earthbound.co.uk/acatalog/Medicinal.html
neals yard baseline moisturiser + avocado oil Neal's Yard Remedies Baby Bath (£6.25), Organic Baby Barrier (from £6.75), Organic Baby Soap (£4), Organic Baby Powder (£4), Baby Massage Oil (£5.75).
dead sea salts
flaxseed oil, freshly ground flax seeds (in coffee grinder)
jojoba oil
Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream
calendula cream
hemp cream
aloe vera cream
aloe vera body butter
emu oil
sunflower oil
coconut oil
witch hazel, aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, lavender oil, chamomile oil for itching
allergenics stuff from holland and barrett
essential oils direct www.essentialoilsdirect.co.uk/deliveries/beeswax_pellets.html, www.baldwins.co.uk/

Vegan alternatives to Beeswax:
Carnauba Wax
Candellila Wax
Olive Wax

www.alpaderm.com/en/products/cerat-des-alpes-bebe-bio/
www.cleansingincense.co .uk/creams.htm
www.essentialoilsonline.co.uk/acatalog/Aromatherapy_recipes.html
bourage oil (starflower)
www.elenasnaturecollection.co.uk/1/default.asp
www.boots.com/en/Little- Me-Organics-Sleepy-Head-Body-Cream-150ml_641663/
www.halosnhorns.co.uk/
www.purebaby uk.com/
www.barefoot-botanicals.com/SOS-Products/e/S-O-S-Lifesaver-Moisturising-Bath-Oil.asp x
Graphites cream
store.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk/
livingnature.com/
Botanicals Therapeutic range www.victoriahealth.com/
Witch Doctor gel
www.riohealth.co.uk/Rio-Rosa-Mosqueta.aspx
akamuti www.little-green-nursery.co.uk/cat.php?category_id=300
Evening primrose oil
angel baby bottom balm www.bowbelle.co.uk/index.php?target=products&product_id=41
www.exederm.com/
w ww.elave.co.uk/
www.purenuffstuff.co.uk/
www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset /script/home.html
www.natural-alternative-products.co.uk/hopes-relief-cream-for-the-treatmen t-of-eczema-psoriasis-p-177.html
www.miamoo.co.uk/baby-eczema.aspx
www.skinshop.co.u k/list.asp?deptid=10328
fairfresh.co.uk/painrelief/supersalve-skin-care-balm-a-soothing-reli ef-from-skin-problems.htm
www.naturesrecipe.co.uk/contact_info.htm
www.paiskincare.c om/organic_moisturizers.htm
www.sensitiveskincareco.com/index.php?browse=191&view=957
http: //www.expresschemist.co.uk/product_1041_bioforce-chamomile-ointment-35g.html
www.expresschem ist.co.uk/Natures-Response.html
essential care www.100percentnature.co.uk/products.php?cat=43
Natural Organic Edible Cosmetics Available at: www.noecosmetics.com
www.earthfriendlybaby.co.uk
Perfect PotionAvailable at: www.skinnutrition.co.uk
www.theorganicpharmacy.com
www.lavera.co.uk
www.spieziaorganics.com
www.naturesense.co.uk/naturesense/eczema-remedies/cat_67.html
Mother Earth Problem Skin Cream for Infantile/Babies/Baby Eczema
Aubrey's Natural Baby Body Lotion
Liz Earle
benet's balm www.naturalbeautyscotland.com/department/scottish_beeswax/
purity www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/page/pressreleases/purity.pdf
emilsiderm
Balneum
Dermasalve
marigold eczema cream
Allergenics cream (poss prescription)
polytar shampoo
hypoallergenic cardiospermum gel
Evening primrose oil cream Gammaderm Cream
manukahoney.co.uk
Aloe vera Lotion, £2.99 for 200ml, hollandandbarrett.com
Vitamin E cream
Earth Mama Angel Baby
bath that had a cheesecloth bag filled with organics oats, 1 drop lavender essential oil, and 1/4 tsp jojoba oil (also from mountainroseherbs.com).
Epsom salts
Alba?s Un-petroleum Jelly
Mama Rose?s Naturals
Apricot Oil by Burt?s Bees
Burt?s Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme

blueberry leaves lotion
zinc lotion
Wysoy
EczEasy organic balm
nervine and relaxant herbs, such as chamomile, linden flowers, oats and skullcap added to a bath or skin ointment can be beneficial.
For itching or pain relief, herbal washes, creams, oils and salves can be helpful in decreasing inflammation and promoting healing of the skin. Chickweed, chamomile, calendula, yarrow, comfrey, plantain leaf and lavender flowers are valuable for these functions.
www.shesmadewell.com/soaks.html
tea (infusion) of Heartsease/Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor), allow it to cool, and use it as a scalp rinse, that should ease the eczema on the head (try it at bathtime
Beelief.com
Salcura
Aloe Vera Propolis Cream
www.hedgerowherbals.com/about_eczema.htm
Neem Cream bioforce
Hemp Seed Balm on my face from here www.innocentoils.com/GivingGreenRange.html
www.beautynaturals.com/product.asp?ref=PB-HRC
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Typical dosage: up to two 400- to 500-milligram capsules three times per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times per day; or up to 3 cups of tea per day) simmer 2 teaspoons of dried root in 3 cups of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Because licorice is intensely sweet, you might want to include other herbs in your tea.
To use licorice externally, make a tea by simmering 2 tablespoons of ground dried root in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain, cool and apply to eczema patches with a clean washcloth. Or you can look for natural skin products that contain licorice or glycyrrhetic acid, one of licorice?s active ingredients. Caution: Do not take internally for more than six weeks. Do not use if you?re pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart or liver disease, diabetes, or severe kidney disease.
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Taken internally, this root decreases inflammation. Herbalists consider it a traditional remedy for many kinds of skin disorders, including eczema. Rich in minerals, burdock also contains inulin, which stimulates an immune pathway to destroy the skin bacteria that can worsen eczema. Typical dosage: 1 to 4 cups of tea per day (simmer 2 teaspoons of dried root in 3 cups of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or two 400- to 500-milligram capsules three times per day; or 10 to 25 drops of tincture three times per day. To use externally, simmer 1 tablespoons of dried root in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, cool, and apply with a clean cloth.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Like burdock, this common plant contains inulin, which improves the body?s ability to dispose of unwanted bacteria. Dandelion also stimulates digestion and liver function. And it?s chock full of vitamins and minerals, many of which help maintain healthy skin. You can eat the young, fresh leaves raw in salads or steamed as a vegetable. Typical dosage: 1 to 4 cups of tea per day (simmer 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried root in 2 cups of hot water for 15 minutes); or two 400- to 500-milligram capsules three times per day.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
This versatile herb can be used externally and internally to help heal wounds and reduce skin inflammation. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes); or up to eight 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 40 drops of tincture twice per day. For external use, cool the tea above and apply it to eczema patches using a clean cloth. You can also find gotu kola as an ingredients in herbal creams.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)
This American wildflower contains substances that fight infection, decrease inflammation, and stimulate the formation and repair of connective tissue. A German study found that a salve made from the juice of the above-ground parts of E. purpurea was effective in treating several types of inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema. In addition to using echinacea salves, you can apply an echinacea tea as a cool compress. Simmer 1 tablespoon of dried, minced root in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain, cool, and apply to inflamed skin with a clean cloth.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
This traditionally revered herb contains allantion, an ingredients in many skin lotions. Allantoin soothes the skin and speeds healing by promoting the growth of skin cells. To use, apply comfrey as either a salve or a compress. Simmer 2 teaspoon of dried root in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes, strain, and cool; use a clean cloth to sponge on the solution. Caution: Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. If you?re pregnant or nursing, avoid applying comfrey or comfrey products to large areas of skin.
Coleus (Coleus foskohlii)
This Indian variety of coleus should not be confused with the common houseplant. The medicinal coleus can reduce the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals by increasing levels of a substance called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within cells. So far, studies have focused on its use for asthma, but researchers are currently looking at new eczema drugs that also work to prevent the breakdown of cAMP. If drug companies are willing to bet research funds on cAMP?s role in eczema, then herbs that affect cAMP may be worth a try for your eczema. Michael T. Murray, N.D., author of The Healing Power of Herbs, recommends that people with eczema take 50 milligrams of an extract standardized to contain 18 percent of the active ingredient forskolin two or three times per day.
Oregon Graperoot (Berberis aquifolium)and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
These herbs have a place in the treatment of eczema foe two reasons. First, they promote good digestion and liver function, thereby helping the body get rid of minor toxins that may promote inflammation. Second, the berberine that both herbs contain is a potent antimicrobial substances. It fights bad bacteria such as streptococcus and staphylococcus that can complicate eczema. Typical dosage: up to six 500-or 600-milligram capsules per day in divided doses; or 10 to 20 drops of tincture three times per day. To use externally, simmer 2 teaspoons of dried root of either herb in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain, cool, and use as a wash. Caution: Do not take either herb internally during pregnancy.
Oats (Avena sativa)
This familiar breakfast grain soothes and moistens skin. There are three great ways to use oats for eczema. Method 1: Boil 2 to 3 quarts of water, toss in 2 handfuls of oatmeal, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain into a bathtub of water, or cool the solution and apply to your skin with a clean cloth. Method 2: Put 1 to 2 handfuls of oatmeal in an athletic sock or tie into a piece of muslin. Drop the oat sock in the bath as the hot water is running. You can then use the oat bundle as a sponge on itchy areas. Method 3: Buy a commercial colloidal oatmeal mix such as Aveeno. These products are designed to be poured directly into the bathtub. The one method to avoid is pouring whole oats directly into the bath. This creates a giant cleaning project and isn?t good for your plumbing.
Avocado (Persea americana)
Avocado is good to eat because it contains vitamins A, D, and E. The same vitamin make avocado good for the skin. To help reduce the itching, dryness, and inflammation, apply the mashed fruit directly to patches of eczema, or (if green?s not your color) apply the oil.

1. Apply an unscented lotion that contains menthol over the affected areas. This will help to relieve itching.
2. Make a mixture of nutmeg with water and apply it over the affected area.
3. Boil neem leaves in mustard oil for nearly ten minutes. Once the oil cools down, just strain the leaves and apply the oil regularly over the affected area.
4. Finger millet extract are proved to be beneficial in treating chronic eczema.
5. Apply freshly prepared ghee to dry patches of eczema, which helps to relieve itches.
6. Camomile is another remedy that helps to soothe the skin condition.

www.naturesgiftuk.co.uk/?gclid=CMLTvbuaw5oCFQMFZgodt1jmqw#/gardenershc/4518683739
Helios Urtical Urens Cream www.helios.co.uk/cgi-bin/store.cgi?action=link&sku=TUBE-U&uid=31439

kate logan calendula borage balm
Bria Organics
rich luxurious hemp cream at Innocent Oils
Willow Trading they stock a number of natural baby ranges including Essential Care baby lotion
babipur.co.uk has a lovely organic oats and chamomile blend
Bottom Balm cream from Nature's Child
goat's milk cream on the internet called KIDDIE KIND
www.handmadenaturals.co.uk/shop/shop.php?action=full&id=130



sun cream www.thinknatural.com/products/800043/Yaoh-Organic-Hemp-Seed-Sun-Cream-240ml.htm
sunsense
Lavera suncream

bamboo towel www.bamboomoomoo.co.uk/

protopic (tacrolimus monohydrate)
Cetaphil

[Winnie1999]

Hi Bilbomum,

Shea nut butter is actually from a seed, and I use it with my nut-allergic children. I was worried, but it was in the one sunblock that worked well for them, and our allergist gave us the go-ahead. The University of Nebraska released a study recently indicating the shea butter should not be a problem for people with nut allergies.

I don't know much about apricot kernal oil, but I think it actually might be a problem for some people with nut allergies ...

[alypaly]

diprobase,doublebase,epaderm,cetraben,
emulsifying ointment,are all good.

[noodlesoup]

Apricots are related to almonds so you might need to avoid that too.

[nappyaddict]

calendula cream
bottom butter
hemp cream
aloe vera cream
aloe vera body butter
emu oil
jojoba oil
sunflower oil
coconut oil
shea butter
witch hazel, aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, lavender oil, chamomile oil for itching
allergenics stuff from holland and barrett

Friend's DD gets something called Cetroben and Oilatum prescribed from GP that has worked miracles.

[alypaly]

emulsiying ointment, beware as lots of emollients contain nuts,peanut oil ,arachis oil, almond oil ( thats in cerumol ear drops too)

[Webme1]

I add a drop of Olive Oil in the bath and I find that this helps to greatly reduce the dry-itchy tightening feeling normally felt after a bath. In addition, when cream is added (immediately after the bath) it feels more effective than when Olive Oil is not used.

[abra1d]

Dead Sea salts in a bath. You can get them in bigger Boots branches or online. My son gets relief.

Also Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream--like a vaseline but somehow better.