excema around eyes after 2 years absence??

[yentil]

DD1 aged 4 suffered from excema from 4mths till 2 full on (under care of consultant), then only had flare ups when ill behind elbows and knees and skin beautiful otherwise (aveeno / epaderm / doublebase / 1% steriod used for maintainence) although her skin is always dry.

Since DD2 has arrived 12 weeks ago DD1 has had excema break outs in patches over arms and legs (size of 5p coin). Now all over eye lids and top lip. Really flaky and she looks so sore. We haven't had this in two years and now i am really worried we are heading back down that road.

Has anyone any idea what could have caused this 'relapse'. Wondered if it could be strss of new baby or just one of those things. Also can I use 0.5% steroids on eyelids? I have been using 1% on her arms and legs.

Should we just go for a referal again like we always had in the past.

any words of wisdom appreciated. thanks

Hi there am not an expert but have suffered with excema since childhood. I am lucky as its pretty well under control now.

Many people do link excema to stress but personally I don't think that's the case for me.

Things that have caused a particular flare up around my eyes are swimming pools and face products. I think this is an area without oil producing glands so is particularly prone to drying out. It is also an area of very very thin skin so I would consult an expert before using any steriods. I have used steriods on eye lids but it was specifically prescribed for that area, sorry I can't remember the strength.

I do find flare ups more common in winter, I think its the drying effect of heating, so there could be a link there.

Its a bit of a stab in the dark but I think its also worth thinking about any products that you might have started to use since DD2 arrived. They may not necessarily be being used on DD2 but she may be coming into contact with them either from you, DD2 or something else- milton fluid maybe, or a soap /cleaning product you are using to keep things really clean with a tiny baby around, or something made of a common allergen e.g. wool blanket.

Hope things improve soon. Personally I would go for a referral too.

Both my sons (age 4 and 2) have eczema that comes and goes but both are allergic to dust mites. Their eczema flares up at this time of year due to the heating being on and it is always the skin around their eyes that gets very red and sore.
DS1 had it really badly last year, eyelids and skin on forehead were cracked & bleeding and eventually got infected. for most of last winter he looked like he had terrible burns on his face, he was really suffering.
i have now removed the carpet in the boys room which seems to have made a big difference to his skin, however, he is still getting sore patches on eyelids so maybe they are extra sensitive?
we have been prescribed protopic for DS1 and this has helped.
also both the boys sleep face down so faces are in contact with mattress etc so closer to dustmites. don't know whether your DD is the same.
hope this helps.