Ds just diagnosed with Eczema - need some advice

[GillL]

Ds (22 months) has recently become covered in spots. He started off a couple of months ago with a patch of very light pink spots on his tummy but in the last week or so it has spread all over his body. The doctor told me it was eczema and has prescribed Oilatum moisturiser and Hydrocortisone cream. I've been doing some research online and every web site I have found describes it as dry itchy patches of skin in the creases of the joints. There is no mention of spots. I was wondering perhaps if the spots could be a reaction to the suncream I've been putting on him (Boots Soltan kids) or if the spots are normal.

Both my dc have eczema and both have spots appear with it, both started quite bad then it calmed down and now my dd just has a patch on her shoulder and my ds a patch on his face. I find oilatum bath emollient keeps it at bay. I also use Halos n' Horns shampoo as it doesn't have any of the chemical nasties in it.

The suncream might have flared it up, I found E45 products irritate my dd's, try a different make he may be fine with a different one.

Also different makes of wipes can flare up my dd's which might be worth watching out for too.

Thanks sleepsforwimps (like the name )

I'll have a look for a new suncream. Can you recommend any?

DD has eczema and we use Baby Soltan from Boots. However each child can react to something different so all you can really do is see what works for you.

My DS's eczema always starts with what looks like a rash before developing into a scaly patch.

I tend to try and keep it at bay using cream and fish oil (internally) - our current fave cream is the Vogel Neem Cream.

I do find that he reacts to suncream - the best one I've found is the Green People No Scent one, but he even reacts to that sometimes. If you do a search on history you'll find loads of recommendations.

HTH

DD has reacted to almost every eczema cream we've ever been prescribed (and that's a lot!) but for some reason she was fine with the very first sun cream we tried. Maybe it's sheer luck or maybe it's because it gets absorbed into the skin less as it's intended as a barrier? Not sure really...

DS1 has eczema and it does tend to show up as spots on his torso -- on his arms and legs it tends to be scaly/red patches.

We use E45 suncream and have had no problems with it.

Eczema can also be a allergic reaction to dairy product. It's a bit complicated but pasteurisation kills the good stuff as well as the bad stuff in milk and part of the good stuff is their to help us digest the milk. Without it the children often develop eczema.
My little girl has been drinking raw milk since last November and her severe eczema is now total under control. No more cream needed but it will reappear every she eats anything made with pasteurized milk.
You could try it.

Thanks for all the tips and advice. I really appreciate it.

BTW, I've found the allergy board (www.mumsnet.com/Talk/allergies) very helpful for eczema advice.

thanks cuppachar