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can't sleep

4 replies

forgetandforgive · 24/11/2013 23:11

My 7 yro son has atopic eczema. Is not that he won't go to sleep but he doesn't stay asleep throughout the night. He's had eczema since 1 year old but it's getting worse and worse. I'm feeling desperate and helpless. he wake up 6- 7 times a night crying and scratching on a bad day and on good days if i'm lucky he only wake up 5 times during the night. So we just sleep on the single bed together. I don't see the point in going back to my bed. Too exhausted to move around plus I don't want him to wake his 9 y old brother up with his crying. I think some nights we only get about 5 hours in total of sleep. He seen doctors and dermatologist but steroids doesn't seem to help anymore. But still using steroids months on end. Hoping that it will help. I feel life is so lonely especially during the night his scream is so terrifying loud. I've tried cutting out certain food in his diet, eg dairy, chocolate and eggs but made no differece. so obsessed with hovering which I do everyday and I can't stand dust, I feel if I keep dust to a minimum his condition might improve. Does anyone know a good website where I can but sleep wear or silk gloves for people with eczema. Please help. Feeling hopeless and no where to turn.

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Maisie55 · 25/11/2013 08:25

hi, I have no personal experience of children with eczema but some friends of mine do and swear by dermasilk underclothes/Pjs to help the nightime scratching. you can get them on prescription in some areas (not here sadly) otherwise they are quite pricey but could well be worth it for some sleep!

I feel for you, we are having sleep issues of a different sort with my one year old and its really taking its toll, sleep deprivation is the worst!

HTH Smile

IDismyname · 25/11/2013 08:32

I would try several things...

Up his intake of oily fish if you can (3 x a week if poss), or take supplements. There are loads on the market. Try and oil his skin from the inside. This may take a while, so be patient. (Not easy with sleep depravation, I know..)

What does he bath in? Aveeno products were good for my DS. Also check his temperature in the bed. Is he getting too hot? or too sweaty? Both these can affect the itchyness, and you might find different bedding or pyjamas a help as Maisie55 suggests.

HTH

forgetandforgive · 27/11/2013 21:48

Thanks for the advice. I will look up the website on the Web suggested by maisie55. Yes I do moisturise his entire body with 50/50 & dermal 500 but it's still not effective eventhough it's done 3 times a day. Recently i'm not sure what i'm doing wrong but he's getting very itchy. He's got an appointment with the dermatologist in 2 Weeks time. the probably give him a more potent steroids to try. Lets see how he gets on!

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forgetandforgive · 27/11/2013 21:58

Hi. I will definitely be looking at the site you suggested even if it's abit expensive. The docs will not write prescription for those I don't think, but I will ask about it next time we see her. Even as i'm on MN, both my DC is not asleep. One is talking and the other is scratching. lets Hope we can both overcome this sleeping problem & I Hope your ds is just going through abit of a phrase and eventually his sleeping pattern will get back to normality. For me, the doctors said that some child will grow out of eczema when they reach puberty. Fingers cross and pray.

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