Treatments for eczema

[Ellie1995]

DD (age 2.5) has suffered with eczema since 18 months.

She gets patches on her arms and legs but it is worst on her face and neck.

We use E45 daily and the GP has prescribed 1% hydrocortisone for flare ups.

What we are now finding is that as soon as we stop using the hydrocortisone on her face, the eczema flares up again. Obviously it’s not something I want to be using on her face long term really.

Has anyone found anything alternative that we could try, that could help to control it long term?

I didn't get on with e45 as a child and still don't. I've used Aveeno for about eight years now and it's the only cream I've found to be effective. If I don't use it daily though, I get flare ups and have to use a steroid cream. It's available on prescription (certainly for adults) but it's often a last resort because I think it's more expensive than other options.

There are tens of options of creams. It's often a matter of trial and error. Have a look at the National Eczema Society website and ask your GP for a different one.

Do you use 1% cream or ointment?

I have facial eczema, particularly around the eyes, and have done since childhood. It is a case of trial and error, and persevering with things for a while.

I also use 1% hydrocortisone when it’s flaring up badly but in between I use epaderm ointment which I think is more effective than E45.

You could talk to your GP about something like protopic, which doesn’t have a thinning effect on the skin. I find it itchy on me now but as a child and teenager it worked for me. Or drop down to 0.5% hydrocortisone? That’s available over the counter.

Have you tried ditching dairy from her diet?

Another vote for Aveeno and cutting out dairy! You can get Aveeno on prescription.
Also try changing your washing powder, Fairy non-bio despite it's claims about baby soft skin does horrendous things to my skin.

I’d second trying different creams, it is trial and error - I don’t especially get on with E45 or Aveeno but like O’Keefes. Speak to your pharmacist and also make your your are using a gentle wash and not over washing her.

Do also join the eczema society.

It’s worth trying diet, some people find cutting out diary helpful. Some kids find goats milk OK. Do some reading and the society will have info.

E45 has an additive to make the oil and water mix which many people are sensitive to. I used Aveeno cream on my son. I'm not sure if it cured it but it definitely soothed it.

Thanks everyone.
I will take her to the doctors next week to see if they can prescribe something different for her to try - Aveeno seems like it could be a good choice.
Will discuss with them whether it could be worth trying cutting out dairy too.