Has anybody got any suggestions for a non petroleum based emolient ?

[puffylovett]

I need a cream I can smother all over my 3 month old, preferably calendula based rather than conventional epaderms etc. This is my 2nd DC with eczema, so feeling rather gutted but at least I know how to deal with it.

He's particularly bad on his head and face, but starting to develop small patches all over his back from the pressure of lying down.

I don't like to use petroleum based products as I feel they don't let the skin breathe, even though they work. With DS1 he was still itchy, and it was homeopathy that worked in the end, but it took some time and I need to manage DS2's skin in the meantime whitrele we start treatment. Am currently wheat and dairy free for a few days (bfing), any other ideas welcome

I've tried the Itch relief herbal cream, Aloe gel and am about to start with Neem cream (was a godsend with DS1 but they are different constitutions / skin types) so could just do with some other ideas.

Thanks in advance !

oh, and sometimes the creams are so heavy and thick to stop the skin from releasing mositure, ezcema skin releases too much water.

I've recently discovered Neal's Yard Organic products (came late to that party!). I haven't had chance to test any on babies (I'm still cooking...) but my friend has used a couple of their balms on her DS.

The baby balm is here which I'm reliably informed is brilliant for dry skin - on adults too!

However, she's also just told me that they are launching a new range of calendula remedies today but it would seem they're not on the website yet. I've seen the catalogue and it looks really good though, and all their products are completely organic. You can contact her through that website link if you want more info - she's much better at explaining than me.

Hope you find something that works

I would be careful of neil's yard products for eczema. I have eczema on my feet and one of their products made the exzema a lot worse. My feet swelled up quite badly within an hour of putting it on.

Meant to say I use Aveeno

We've tried Lasinoh and found it too thick & sticky for everyday use - but Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter is fantastic and sorted DDs (4 months) sore little face out a treat (and delights DS because his little sister must have a face like a bum )

The butter is olive oil based with chamomile oil - it's free from colours, preservatives, parabens, petrochemicals, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate and fragrances.

It's great for a quick fix on dry skin for you too ! I use it at night occassionally and my skin is so soft the next morning !

Bruffin - That sounds terrible! I'll take it all with the proverbial pinch of salt in that case then. Eek.

Not sure if this is classed as an emolient, but I am using the Waitrose Bottom Butter on my eczema at the moment. You would need to have a look at the tub, but it is mainly olive oil and vanilla (my children think it smells like Kinder Eggs!) and feels lovely.

Oops, just started reading the thread backwards and see someone else got there before me!

essential care do a good cream , have bought it myself for my daughter's eczema in the past and it has always done the trick. Just google it.....

Nelsons calendula cream is really good

Weleda weather protection cream is good too.

I have had eczema since I was 6mo and I swear by Diprobase cream lots of times a day and using Oilatum Junior in the bath. IMHO Vaseline is absolutely wonderful because it keeps the moisture in the skin so if my skin is really dry then I put the Diprobase on then Vaseline over the top at night. Calpol could help as well since it alleviates the itching. Also this might sound weird but I found Bepanthen nappy rash cream sorted out DS1s eczema very quickly.

Your poor ds.

Perhaps try a couple of drops of lavender oil in bath water - this literally cured my dd's ezcema - 'twas a miracle.

If you want to try aloe vera, Holland and Barrett do a 99.9% pure version (but I had to get it from them by mail order).

Hope you find something that works asap.

This is paraffin free uk.lizearle.com/bodycare/nourishing-botanical-body-cream.html

Liz Earle is a patron of the National Eczema Society and lots of their products have helped me.