Ask our La Roche-Posay expert your questions about eczema in babies and children - £200 voucher to be won

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Created for La Roche Posay

Baby and childhood eczema can cause distress to both children and parents, especially in winter. Whether you have questions on how often to bathe a child with eczema, or how to deal with the condition during the colder months, Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, Consultant Dermatologist, is on hand to answer all of your questions.

• Everyone who shares a question on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw.
• One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher.
• Dr Catherine Borysiewicz will be back online to answer a selection of your questions.

About Dr Catherine Borysiewicz:

“Dr Catherine Borysiewicz studied medicine at Cambridge University and clinical medicine at University College London. She carried out medical and surgical training at a number of prestigious central London teaching hospitals. Today, she consults privately in central London and Surrey where she specialises in inflammatory skin diseases including eczema, acne and psoriasis and sun damage and skin cancers. Dr Catherine has been working with La Roche Posay to support children with eczema - a condition she reflects with personal experience of managing with her two children”

Here’s what La Roche Posay has to say:

“Eczema is quite a common skin condition in the UK, with 1 out of 5 children suffering from it. At La Roche-Posay, we understand how it can impact the quality of life of your little ones and thus, of the whole family. That's why we're delighted to give Mumsnet users the opportunity to ask all their questions about eczema to Consultant Dermatologist Dr Catherine. As the mother of children who suffered from eczema, Dr Catherine will be able to provide you with expert advice as well as practical tips on how to keep your little one’s skin under control, for the whole family to enjoy a happier life.”

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

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My daughter, who is now 11 has, always had periodic eczema flare ups and recently has had one around her legs and ankles and I was wondering if any particular foods are prone to trigger flare ups?we can never seem to find a pattern!

My 8 year old has eczema on her eyelids, in winter this area goes red and dry, and her skin around her eyes swell up. Once the hot weather comes around her skin goes back to normal.

Every cream under the sun that I have tried doesn't work. I would be so grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks

My son was diagnosed at his six week checkup. His eczema seems to be in check now that we have reduced baths to once a week. Is there any products you recommend to use in the bath?

Can washing powder exacerbate eczema? We're on a budget so generally buy whatever is on offer (& don't use fabric conditioner). I'm wondering if this makes flare ups worse...
Thank you

I've been using coconut oil on my 16 week old - he has rough skin all over his body that gets red on torso and behind his knees and a very flaky and red scalp. So far it is the only thing that has had an effect (health visitor said only see GP if I couldn't get it under control with creams or oils - is this right?) but is it ok to use and how often should I be applying? Should I be washing it off before applying fresh oil each time? As it covers his whole body, this pretty much means a bath.

Are there any foods I should specifically avoid ? I try to buy additive free and organic when I can, also are there any food groups which help the condition >

My DS 2 has eczema on the backs of his knees and arms, I use creams, but it's worse in the winter because of the dry heat, does intensive treatment work, cream and dressings overnight ?

What is the best was to treat a dry scalp in a 6 month old baby. Looks inflamed after a bath but usually mild on the back of the head.

When I was at school, very few children had eczema, I think there were 2 or 3 in my class, my DS class there is a tub for inhalers, and almost half the class has eczema - why on earth can this be - I assume lifestyle - can we reverse this situation ?

I've been told my son shouldn't wear fleece clothes due to his exzema as it can irriate this, is it true?

@FuggyPidding

Can washing powder exacerbate eczema? We're on a budget so generally buy whatever is on offer (& don't use fabric conditioner). I'm wondering if this makes flare ups worse... Thank you

When we went to see a dermatologist for my daughters eczema she said to always rinse and spin clothes after main wash, twice if possible as that would take the soap totally out of clothes. We do this now on a regular basis.

''Eczema is quite a common skin condition in the UK, with 1 out of 5 children suffering from it'' - there was not such high numbers in mine or my parents childhood.

Why is this - is there anything I can do within my home to alleviate this condition - is central heating making symptoms worse, I want the most natural remedy other than creams and dressings.

Any advise would be welcome

@PigeonLittle

My son licks his lips a lot in winter and the skin around his mouth can get red raw. Do you have any recommendations?

Hi, I use La Roche-Posary cicaplast levers, it’s a cream for the lips. It’s the only thing that stops my lips being chapped .

My daughter had terrible eczema from ages 1 to 5, it spread over her whole body, patch by patch, and even her scalp was affected, she has a bald spot. Then, from one day to the next, she outgrew it. What are the chances she will now be clear for life? Is it likely to reappear?

My 4 year old has started to suffer with eczema around his mouth, which seems to be triggered/worsened by the cold weather. It seems to get better when I’m applying cream 4-5 times a day but as soon as I try only applying it 2-3 times a day it gets worse again. It doesn’t help he always tries to lick the cream off! What are the best creams for his face and is there anything else I can do to help it?

Would you recommend showers or baths for 8 yr old with eczema? What emollient is the best out there ? Oats in bath ? Thanks in advance

Ideally how often should we fully bathe young children (if they're not obviously dirty)? I don't want my son's skin to dry out unnecessarily and cause flare ups.

My son (5) has suffered with eczema since

My son (5) has suffered with eczema since beginning of the first lockdown in 2020. He is always itching even when his skin is clear. He is allergic to fish and cows milk which we stay clear of. I know eczema is an autoimmune condition, can you treat eczema from the inside?

Is Oilatum best for baths or is there anything else you would recommend?

@BristolMum96

My child has suffered with severe eczema since birth. They were diagnosed with arthritis aged 3. Is there any link between these? I get mixed answers online and via the hospital staff.

@BristolMum96 From one JIA mum to another... It can be linked or eczema can look like psoriasis I think... might it be psoriasis (maybe ask the rheumatology team about the possibility in case it could be psoriatic JIA???) Have you had a support pack from Juvenile Arthritis Research - you can request one at www.jarproject.org/hope Wishing you all the best. xxx

Any tips for dealing with eczema or dry skin on the scalp please?

Are eczema and cradle cap linked? My little boy still has cradle cap and he’s 3. I’ve tried specific shampoo and olive oil but it just keeps coming back.

I can seem to stop my son scratching and itching. Dry skin and eczema does run in our family but he doesn’t suffer badly, just seems terribly itchy.

We don’t use anything in the bath and actually use a La Roche Posey cream on his body (a doc once recommended it). Any other tips?

Can you grow out of eczema? My oldest son is now 11 and doesnt suffer thankfully but from baby - 6 he really suffered. Or do you think he was misdiagnosed? Thank you