Itchy scalp

[Blyton]

My 1 yr old has had mild-moderate eczema since birth. He had quite severe cradle cap, now his scalp is dry and itchy. Have been using HC and Daktacort (sp?) on it when it looks red and slightly yellow as to prevent infections as he keeps on scratching it. He hasn't got much hair though it's started to come through. We put 50/50 paraffin on his scalp to help the dryness & steroids for the itchiness. Does anyone have any recommendations for keeping his scalp moisturised without gunking it in all this gloop & steroids. I've used various oils as well but nothing seems as effective as 50/50. Am really worried that it will stop his hair from coming through properly and that he'll have really bad crappy lank thining hair as he grows older. I also read about ringworm of the scalp, the symptoms of which are similar to what he's got. Has anyone's toddler had this ? And how is it diagnosed ? Swab?

I would strongly suggest referral to a dermatologist if he is not under the care of a specialist already. It is very common for eczema to get infected as it is difficult to stop them from scratching. (Have you sewn socks onto his pyjama sleeves)?

Hydrocortizone will not stop infections - steroids only mask the symptoms, and the infection will get much worse. Daktacort sounds as if it is a combination of antifungal and steroid. Not appropriate for bacterial infection. Are you sure it is ok to use both daktacort and HC?

I think a visit to GP is the first priority, ask for referral to paediatric dermatologist, then take it from there.

Eczema is different with every child, and controlling it is a matter of trying different treatments until you find one that works for your child.

Dd was allergic to all petroleum based products (oilatum, vaseline etc)but did quite well with aqueous cream with a tiny bit hydrocortizone occasionally. She did need systemic antibiotics once when her eczema got infected.

Consider keeping a food and flareup diary, and evaluate things like washing powders etc.

HTH

Have just googled daktacort, and yes it is an antifungal plus steroid, so definitely would not use in combination with HC. Too much steroid cream is not good. The object should be to use the least amount of steroid cream possible, combined with an emollient to sooth and moisturise. Very important to exclude bacterial infection, so GP first. Good luck.