should I use hydrocortisone cream on ds' very mild eczema?

[GoldenGreen]

DS developed mild eczema at four months - he's now 4.9. Once he was prescribed Epaderm, it cleared v quickly and I would describe it now as very mild indeed - it's just dry skin really - he only gets itchy on the top of his thighs and then only if we don't moisturise with Epaderm regularly. He does however have very discoloured skin there (looks like bruises) - this seems to be permanent? He used to scratch there a lot.

Anyway DP was at the GP today for something unrelated (DS wasn't with her) and she asked for some more Epaderm. The GP asked if the Epaderm helped DS - DP said it keeps the eczema under control. The GP then suggested putting on a hydrocortisone 1% cream to "get rid of it" - all this without seeing DS skin.

My immediate reaction is to say no way - isn't hydrocortisone quite strong? Don't we risk damaging his skin more? But am not knowledgeable at all so would really appreciate any advice.

It sounds like you are keeping it under control. Just use more of the normal moisturiser that you use for him, no need to use steroids unless he is very uncomfortable and no other creams can cope with it.

thanks belgo, I think it's under control and am not convinced by the suggestion of steroids at all!

I only used hydrocortisdone cream when DS2's (usually mild) eczema broke into sores, and he started tearing at it. It was just enough to break the itch/scratch cycle and let the skin heal again.

My dd's is under control and i have resisted more hydrocortisone - i saw one doctor who told me its good to have a little patch, as you can watch it, and note when it starts getting out of control! I have used hydrocortison but only as butterbur said when it was really out of control - we have learnt to live with the patches. I use oil in the bath (aveeno or laverna) which helps keep skin moisturised.