30
edits
Changes
no edit summary
===Characteristics===
Eczema can start in a child's early years and can come and go. It is characterized by red, itchy and dry skin often in skin creases such as elbows, backs of the legs, face and under the chin. It can be prone to bleeding where the child scratches constantly and it can be extremely distressing and quite soul destroying to watch your child in such discomfort, endlessly clawing at her skin until she is red raw. Scratching the skin leads to abrasions which feel itchier, hence the 'itch scratch' cycle. There can be different types of Eczema. Pickle had some very nasty thick and stubborn circular areas of Eczema on her back which the dermatologist told me was 'Disc Eczema' . Complications of Eczema can include, secondary skin infections such as Impetigo ,which would require antibiotics, poor sleep and possible stunted growth (as a result of the growth hormone being disrupted due to the unsettled nights) Obviously a lack of sleep can lead to irritability and poor concentration and for older children, Eczema can bring about feelings of stigma and isolation.
====Possible triggers====
The following are things that have helped MY child (and, in turn, me) this may or may not help you. I hope it does, but if it doesn't please click the links to some of the websites that I will add at the bottom. Someone out there may be able to offer you that chink of light that you so desperately need. Please remember, this isn't your fault. It isn't because you bottle fed your baby. My twins were formula fed (another story for another time) and I did self-flagellate for a little while but it really gets you nowhere so stop right now! (I command it) In any case, according to the 'Journal of Epidemiology and community health' ''The protective role of breast-feeding is also the subject of debate. Some studies show beneficial effect, others show none, some show negative effects''. So there. Sorry, I digress.
Stop using washing powder. If you can buy it (and it's not terribly expensive) use 'Surcare' which is completely free of any perfumes or colors and cleans your clothes perfectly well. Don't use fabric conditioner. Ideally you should aim to do a hot wash (60 degrees) but it's not very environmentally sound. If the clothes are covered in sick, wee, poo or mud then I will. But otherwise 40 degrees.
It used to be thought that fewer baths were better as water dries the skin out, however, current guidelines advise ''',at least''' , daily baths in tepid water for short periods. products such as Oilatum should be added to the bath