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Original poster

19 wk old dd has suddenly got eczema and we're about to go on holiday. HELP!

72 replies

Feierabend · 03/09/2009 19:40

Over the last three days, my 19 wk old dd has suddenly developed sore red patches behind one of her ears, behind both knees, in the folds of her chubby legs and on her feet. We're off on holiday on Saturday. What do I do? Does she need to see a doctor before we go?

We've got Diprobase, acqueous cream, Aveeno cream and oatmeal bath, Sudokrem, Oilatum and Epaderm at home, all of which I guess I can try on her. Is the only thing a doc could prescribe in addition to this steroid cream? Is it a matter of trial and error and keeping her greased up to try and control it / see what works best? Does she need a bath every day with either Oilatum or Aveeno, or is it better NOT to wash her too often? How often should I put cream on? And, most importantly, why this sudden outbreak? We were away for the weekend at my mum's, could it have been the washing powder she uses???

Lots of questions, sorry but I hope I can get some answers. Thanks so much.

OP posts:
alypaly · 21/09/2009 15:03

Please have a look in the leaflet that comes with the steroid..which cream have you been using...just hydrocortisone or was it eumovate

Original poster
Feierabend · 21/09/2009 15:13

Eumovate. Have just re-read the leaflet and it says not to use on viral or fungal infections, skin blisters or sores that are 'caused by an infection' (so not sure what that means for us?). I showed the doc her open blisters before we went on holiday and he said to still use the cream. I think I'd better go back to the docs.

OP posts:
alypaly · 21/09/2009 15:19

thing is ,you dont know if the raw area now has a fungal growth,so i would check with the doc

Original poster
Feierabend · 21/09/2009 15:21

Fair enough - am making an appointment right now. Thanks alypaly

OP posts:
Original poster
Feierabend · 21/09/2009 15:21

Oh - with her eczema being so bad at the moment, will she be okay to have her jabs tomorrow?

OP posts:
alypaly · 21/09/2009 15:21

why would he give you a cream that says dont use on open blisters...to treat open blisters...arrgh doctors...make my blood boil

dogonpoints · 21/09/2009 15:27

eumovate is quite a strong one. I'm surprised you weren't prescribed hydrocortisone first.

However, twice a day is not 'a lot'. Steroids do control the eczema rather than cure it but for the majority of people there is no cure and medical science always prescribes steroids so 'steer away from steroids' is rather biased advice.

Keep going back to your gp and ask for a referral to a consultant if you are still unhappy.

If you are in favour of alternative medicine, you will need to be prepared to phase out steroid creams so inform yourself and decide what you think about that as it does completely oppose the medical science view.

alypaly · 21/09/2009 15:30

dogonpoints totally agree with the steroids controlling it..but in between times just emollients. Other wise you can cause rebound and worsening of symptoms and increses the need for them. Think it depends on severity too.But yes i do agree.

Original poster
Feierabend · 21/09/2009 15:32

Well I just phoned the surgery and they only have emergency appointments left for this week so will have to call again tomorrow. In the meantime - jabs yes or no? It's her third lot.

OP posts:
dogonpoints · 21/09/2009 15:33

oh yes, we agree then , emollients only in between

dogonpoints · 21/09/2009 15:34

Her jabs are tomorrow, you need to find out pronto if she has a skin infection or not before her jabs. I'd call that an emergency and I'd phone bakc for one of those appointments

alypaly · 21/09/2009 15:34

Feierabend ask the doc with regard to her jabs

Original poster
Feierabend · 21/09/2009 15:36

Done. I have no problem with delaying her jabs for a week or so if that's what's needed... what could happen if it was an infection and we went ahead?

OP posts:
dogonpoints · 21/09/2009 15:44

don't know - I'm no medic! - but if it's an infection your dd will need abs of some sort (cream or oral) and I don't think they'd vaccinate someone on abs

alypaly · 21/09/2009 19:02

dogonpoints... wont give jabs if on ab's. you have to be fit and healthy.they should always ask before they give the jabs if DC's are well

alypaly · 21/09/2009 19:03

tha5t was meant to say i agree with dogonpoints...sorry for the typo

Original poster
Feierabend · 21/09/2009 19:53

I am so glad I've asked for your advice, I am really only starting to get my head round this eczema stuff. Thanks again.

OP posts:
alypaly · 21/09/2009 23:25

Feierabend if its any help i used to work for the dermatology company that makes oilatum and other eczema products.
I used to speak to most of the dermatologists country wide about our products and our competitors.
Any advice i give please always double check with your doctor but i am happy to help anytime.
Have also worked at the Childrens skin hospital in london a while ago

Original poster
Feierabend · 22/09/2009 08:33

Thanks so much alypaly. I am sure I will have more questions - at the moment I don't even know where to start looking for answers! Apart from MN, of course

OP posts:
Original poster
Feierabend · 22/09/2009 12:15

GP sending us to A&E . She thinks DD may need intravenous antibiotics for badly infected skin. Sitting here crying. Just feeding her before we go.

OP posts:
alypaly · 22/09/2009 12:33

Oh poor you. she will be ok. Tell them that you have used the steroid on open skin and i am sure they will advise that you shouldnt as it makes it spread.Take all her meds in with you

Try not to worry..IV antibiotics soon get to grips ,she will be ok when they get into her system

alypaly · 22/09/2009 12:33

were you going abroad or just in this country for your hols

alypaly · 22/09/2009 12:39

iv antibiotics will hit the infection really hard...do they suspect a staph infection.
KEEP IN TOUCH...try not to worry,you are in the best care at hospital

merrilyverily · 22/09/2009 14:24

my oldest DD developed eczema at 3mths (she's now 14 yrs) and it has continued on and off. We've never used steroid and hydrocortisone. Homeopathic treatments were the most effective when she was little. A consultant via a family friend recently recommended glycerin and rose water (about £2 from Boots). It works a treat on her skin.

alypaly · 22/09/2009 14:48

merrilyverily is that expensive at boots. We used to make it up for customers at the chemist..£1.75 for 200ml bottle.