Toddler Suffering from Eczema and Dry Skin

[SJM2013]

Hi,

Looking for a bit of skin care advice :)

My 18 month-old son suffers from dry skin, and at times, really bad flare ups of eczema on hands, legs, arms, chest and neck; this has only become a problem in the last 3 months. As a baby his skin was fine, but I realise that our skin changes all the time.
My GP has prescribed Epaderm and Diprobase cream to moisturise his skin, and when his eczema is really bad, as a last resort I use the steroid creams Hydrocortisone and Eumovate; using steroid creams on a daily basis doesn't appeal to me on a long-term basis though.

Could anyone recommend any products which you use to treat dry skin and eczema, that are alcohol and perfume free?

Thanks.

Hi. I don't have any magic solutions I'm afraid but just wanted to offer support. My ds has severe eczema which we've struggled with since he was about 18 months - he's 4 now (5 in Jan). It's always there but during that time we've had periods when it's been ok and times when it's been truly awful - that's the nature of eczema. We've used a range of creams during this time with varying degrees of success but one thing I have learnt is that it's a question of trial and error and you just have to find the best solution for your son. We are currently using epiderm, emuvate and another steroid which us just for face which I forget the name of. We are relatively on top of things for now. I know lots of people really rate aveeno cream for hydrating eczema prone skin - you can buy it in boots. We tried it and didn't work but worth a try. There are loads of other things you can try too. We've tried most things so happy to share experiences!

Using steroids on a daily basis really won't hurt his skin. We used eumovate when our DS first got diagnosed at 4 months, for weeks daily until the flare ups were under control. The dermatologist reassured us about using it regularly and said at least steroids controlled his eczema, where as the kids they really worried about were the ones that couldn't be controlled with steroids.

We were advised to use the steroids twice a day and moisturise twice a day in between. It cleared his skin beautifully. Do you use oilatum bath too?

Hopes Relief

This worked for our DS. Brilliant stuff!

Any moisturisers that have ever been prescribed for my eczema or my son's have ultimately made it much worse.

We use Aveeno, which you can buy or get prescribed, or Burts Bees - they have a baby range called Baby Bee - and their stuff is really gentle on the skin.

I use Dermalex on myself and DS. Steroid free and works quickly. However it's expensive so I'm going to find out if I can get it on prescription. I'll probably keep using it either way because I love it and a little goes a long way.

Thank you for your help and advice suggesting products which you have found useful.
It is reassuring to know that dermatologists have advised that steroids are safe to use on a regular basis, especially if it keeps the eczema under control.
I do use Oilatum, but have had mixed results with it; sometimes clears his skin beautifully, but on other occasions has exacerbated the problem.
I will give Aveeno Burt Bees and Dermalex a try, so thanks for recommending them.

How often do you find you have to use these products? I am moisturising my wee boy's skin daily at the moment, after bathing him at night, but don't know if I should be doing it more or less?

We moisturise DS after his bath every night, unless we have to steroid him. You know not to use steroids and moisturisers at the same time? The moisturiser dilutes the steroid cream so leave a good gap.

Yes, the GP has advised us to moisturise his skin with Epiderm/Diprobase, and then leave it 15-20 mins before applying steroid cream if necessary.

Do you see a dermatologist? I never trusted my GP to treat eczema since they told me just to moisturise and he'd grow out if it. The dermatologist was horrified. We see an allergy team too.

We have never seen, or been referred to a dermatologist. Judging by the number of people who have had success in treating eczema and really dry skin after consulting a dermatologist, it may well be a good idea though. Thanks

Been having a look at Burt Bees and Dermalex's products. Although they are a little more expensive, it's good to know people like have had good results from them. Will give anything a try!

Sorry, forgot to ask what products you buy from their ranges and how long you find these last?

We also found Aveeno helped a lot. And using oats in a popsock in the bath!

Ask for a referral, I really don't believe a GP should be managing a toddler's eczema, they just don't know enough about it. I say that as a healthcare professional and a mum of an eczema child!

I definitely will ask for a referral to a dermatologist then, thanks.
Will also give Aveeno and Dermalex a go.

I have bad eczema used steroids twice daily for years. Betnovate mostly. I was hospitalised with it. My skin is thin, it tears really easily, this is the result of the prolonged steroid use. Both my children have it. When babies I moisturised at every nappy change, head to toe, with epaderm. This was done even when skin totally under control. When they have flare ups we do a week treatment of steroids, usually eumovate, if this does not work, another week with a stronger steroid. Once clear we stop. The thinking behind this is its better to use a stronger steroid for a short period then stop, rather than prolonged use of a weaker steroid. Once under control we may do weekend treatments ie sat and Sunday twice a day to quash any sign of further flare up. Do be careful with steroids, my skin is terrible as I said . I have some degree of pain a lot of the time. Have very careful control of steroids. Obviously with massive flare ups use of steroids for prolonged periods might be the only way, but get off them as quick as possible once its died down.

By the way mid flare up aveeno is unlikely to make much difference. I have used it during a flare up and it irritated rather than soothed. When my skin is ok and just dry it's fine though.

I use A r b o n n e baby products and they're lovely. The reps who sell the products tend to be bonkers however so I had to separate the letters in the hope they don't find this post.

Thank you for sharing your experience of living with eczema - sounds terrible for you - and your advice on prolonged use of steroids. Your right, it sounds much more sensible to use a strong(er) steroid for a shrt period of time, then come back off of it, rather than prolonged, indefinite use of weaker steroids.
So, you find Aveeno better suited to dry skin, rather than during a flare up of eczema? I have also heard of A r b o n n e, and appreciated you separating the letters so their reps don't identify the post lol:D

it's a matter of finding out what works for you.
for us this worked

• short and not very warm baths, not every day, more like twice a week (or even less if you can get away with it)
• a thick fatty moisturiser mornings and evenings (we used weleda skinfood) and a light moisturiser throughout the day (aveeno)
• only cotton clothes

oh, yes. if the skin is angy and inflamed steroids are needed. don't worry about them.
we were also prescribed piriton, but only coud use it night time as it made dc sleepy. but at least it gave some relief and the skin a few hour to heal during night.
dc has outgrown it thankfully, it only comes back during hayfever season.

Any Aveeno products in particular people use?