Eczema is 'changing'

[HexBramble]

DD(6) has had occasional patches of eczema on the creases of her knees and elbows. We manage it with aqueous cream, the occasional application of the weakest hydrocortisone cream (bought over the counter) and diprobase.

Her skin is really sand-papery and it doesn't really soften with the creams we apply. We don't apply it religiously though. I've tried Aveeno too.

She's had a flare up recently, so behind her knees are sore, as are the other hotspots, but she's having patches that are totally new - shoulders, inner thighs, side of red ankle. They're itchy, dry and sore with her and the Aveeno I popped on to try and soften it, really really stung her .

The weak HC cream is helping somewhat but I'd really like to know why it's flaring in these odd places. Also, what can I do to help things?

Thanks.

I had terribly sore, dry eczema, barely kept under control by hydrocortisone plus all the standard creams prescribed by the doctor.

Then one day my mum came home with a bottle of Eucerin lotion she'd bought for me to try. It was a turning point! I've been using Eucerin for ten years now and have had no flare ups at all. I apply it head to toe once every two days. I never would have believed anything would be this good! To look at me now you wouldn't know I have eczema (apart from on my hands but that's due to over zealous hand washing).

I can't recommend Eucerin (10% urea lotion) highly enough.

Just to clarify, when I said 'head to toe' I didn't mean on my scalp - that would be very messy!

Oh and 100% cotton bedding is a must. Same goes for clothing - I can't tolerate wool, polyester, nylon against my skin, especially on my back/torso. I only wear cotton clothing on my top half.

And put the washing machine on an extra rinse when washing her clothes.