Eczema Relief Ideas Needed!

Updated on February 07, 2008
M.M. asks from Newhall, IA
50 answers

My son has terrible eczema on his knees, butt, ankles, and elbows. I've used Aquaphilic and Eucerin lotions, and use Vaseline to comfort the itch! Any other ideas! Is there a cure?

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R.F.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My 4-year old used to get really bad eczema breakouts until I discovered Xango. Now her skin is perfect. Let me know if you want more info on it. I love the stuff!

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J.F.

answers from Appleton on

When my son had eczema as a toddler the allergist told us to use Cetaphil lotion. It worked great and it is over-the- counter right next to the Eucerin. We are now using it for my daughter 21 months. I hope this helps!

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D.M.

answers from Boise on

Hi M.,

My mom sales Melaluca and they have a lotion called Renew. It runs between 8-9 dollars. Let me know if you need help ordering it. Also Keri lotion is real good.
Deb~

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J.M.

answers from Appleton on

I have a daughter who has horrible eczema. We battled with it for over a year. I took her to her pediatrician all of the time because she would itch constantly till she would bleed. Finally she sent me to a dermatologist and we received a perscription medication and I also use some lotion that comes in a jar that is decorated like a cow. It is an awsome moisterizer just don't use anything with fragrance. I was also told that ointments stay on longer and don't rub off as easily as creams. I would talk to your doctor and see if you can be referred to a dermatologist. We saw Doctor Holder and she was amazing.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.W.

answers from Grand Rapids on

Try talking to his ped. you can get an Rx for something better. All it realy is is Eucerin mixed with cortizon.

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A.K.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi, I don't know if this will help, but I read something somewhere (I forget where) about chamomile extract and calendula extract helping eczema. My baby daughter had something that looked like eczema on her tummy and chest. I started giving her massages with Angel Baby Oil made by Earth Mama/Angel Baby. IT's made with all natural stuff and her rash went away within a day or two. Two of the ingredients in the oil are Chamomile and calendula extracts. I got it at a organic, natural foods store and since I've been using it each night to give her a massage, I haven't seen the rash again.
I don't know if it will help you, but it's worth a shot.
Good luck!
A.

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L.H.

answers from Green Bay on

My youngest son has the same problem, but on his chest, back, and face. We asked our chiro about it and he said more oils, like coconut oil in cooking, and omega 3's. As long as remember about the omega's, he seems to do great! also find a homeopathic/holistic chiropractor in your area. This has greatly helped!

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R.R.

answers from Boise on

My Grandson has severe eczema. Renew lotion from Melaluca has tea tree oil in it and it has helped tremendously. (We have tried everything you have tried.) HOWEVER, eczema and food allergies go hand in hand. My grandson has been tested for everthing and he is highly allergic to peanuts and, once my daughter took eggs out of his diet, his skin has cleared up.
R. R

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D.R.

answers from Omaha on

Aveeno childrens bodywash and lotion

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J.P.

answers from Salt Lake City on

my daughter gets eczema as well behind her knees, elbows, butt etc. My doc. prescribed her Triamcinolone Acetonide to put on it and it clears it up fast! I believe that it is a steroid so you only put it on the areas with eczema and you don't use it all the time but I have found it to be very helpful... even when she gets random rashes. Hope that helps.

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A.

answers from Des Moines on

My son has a little on his leg. My doctor (Hetherington) just recommended 1/2% hydorcortizone cream. I haven't tried it yet. Good luck.
A.

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E.K.

answers from Kalamazoo on

I am a hairdresser and the one company that makes good products for eczema is called EC Mode, you can find it online. They make creams, shampoos, ect all for eczema and psorasis. Their products work well and smell good. For a cheaper alternative, try using hydrocortizone cream to treat the symptoms.
-Erika

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R.S.

answers from Appleton on

The best lotion I have found is Vanicream and I have to get it at a pharmacy. You may have to special order it, but it works very well. It was recommended to me by a dermatologist. I really like Melagel from Melaluca for relieving itching and it it helps heal(more than just eczema). My kids and I have eczema and I try to limit bathing and don't add bubble bath or anything other than what they need to get clean. I like the kids shampoo from Melaluca also. It is very mild. I never scrub their skin either. I would recommend staying away from lotions with petroleum products in them. Many ointments contain this and it is not good for your skin. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

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J.D.

answers from Saginaw on

I am right there with Rebbecca R. My husband suffered from eczema for years. His skin would bleed and itch terribly. We tried every over the counter lotion, prescriptions, steroids and more. Nothing helped until we became Melaleuca customers and converted our home to safer products. The renew lotion saved us, but it was really getting the chemicals out of our home entirely that did it. You may want to take a look at what laundry detergent you are using, because many of them will contribute to eczema flare ups. The same goes for many soaps that carry ingredients like formaldehyde in them. There are wonderful safer alternatives out there.

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K.D.

answers from Missoula on

My daughter when she was born had this as well all over her body and bleeding. I took her to the doctor and they gave me a steroid cream for only the really bad spots and to use spairingly. This has helped tremendously!!

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K.W.

answers from Milwaukee on

I use Daisy Blue Naturals Calendula n Honey products. They really work! Completely natural with no chemicals. I know people who used to receive cortisone shots and since using the CnH haven't had a breakout in 4 years!

I have started selling the products to get the discount. I really like all the natural products they have. Check it out
http://3563.daisybluenaturals.com

Let me know if you have any questions!
K.

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L.B.

answers from Hickory on

Here are some non-toxic solutions to help children with eczema...

New Studies on Eczema - Chronic Itchy Skin
Studies on eczema – recommendations on how to treat chronic itchy skin http://www.mercola.com/1998/archive/eczema.htm

Good Bacteria Prevents Eczema in Infants
Pregnant women who took probiotics had babies that were less likely to develop eczema than babies of women who did not. Aside from probiotics, find o...
http://www.mercola.com/2003/jun/14/eczema_prevention.htm

'Good' Bacteria Treat Infant Eczema
Another study confirming the use of probiotics. I also link to my recent letter in the British Medical Journal discussing fish oil to improve eczema.
http://www.mercola.com/2002/jul/17/eczema.htm

Impressive Relief for Skin Disorders
Eczema vanishes after using an innovative 'no-meds' method.
http://www.mercola.com/2005/dec/31/impressive_relief_for_...

http://search.mercola.com/Results.aspx?q=Eczema

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M.D.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My 5 month old daughter had eczema. Her doctor gave me a presciption for a cream that I used twice a day. He also told me to bathe her with Cetaphil, and he also recommended putting Eucerin on everyday. It took about two weeks with the presctiption cream and her eczema went away completely. That was about 4 weeeks ago and it hasn't returned.
(I stopped using the cream but have continued with the other recommendations the doctor gave.)

Hope that helps.

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S.M.

answers from Madison on

Have you ever shown the eczema to the doctor? My daughter also had really bad eczema. She still has it a little, but the first year was the worst. The doctor can prescribe creams that will help with the itching. Unfortunately, many of the creams available are steroid creams which can eventually thin the skin. This hasn't been a problem for my daughter, however. You should only use the creams as much as your doctor says. Also, you could try caladryl lotion for the itch. If the scratching is terrible at night, benadryl or a prescription zyrtec is always an option so the child can sleep. For prevention: after baths, apply lubriderm or vaseline when the skin is still somewhat wet so that moisture is retained. Moisturize daily. Use mild soaps; refrain from using bubble bath. Is it possible that this eczema is caused by an allergy? You may want to ask your doctor for allergy tests - they're not very pleasant, though:( Hopefully, the worst of this will pass. I know how hard it is for you and the child.

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S.L.

answers from Omaha on

We have always used Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream. It is amazing for dry skin, dry lips, nursing moms, chapped cheeks, and we have used it on our granddaughter's eczema with good success.
It comes in a tube--we love it so much I became a Mary Kay consultant after using it for 15 years!

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J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Try some allergy lotions; I can't think of the name of the lotion my brother used on his little boy, but if you google "allergy eczema lotion" you might find it. Not too expensive (no more than Eucerin!!). Good luck...

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A.H.

answers from Provo on

I have a son who has eczema and I had another mom recommend coconut oil, apparently you can get it at any herbal store, and unfortunately,I don't think there is a cure, just a possibility that as he grows older it will get better, it has for my son! Good luck

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S.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

This might sound weird, but it has worked WONDERS for my mom and my daughter.....Miracle Foot Repair Cream by Miracle of Aloe. It doesn't smell very pleasant, but it really works! You can get it at Wal-Mart, so I'm sure if you can get it there you can get it anywhere. This product contains 60% pure Aloe Vera gel. The directions say you can use it on children 2 yrs. and older. If you are unsure about trying it, ask your doctor about using it. I don't know WHY it works, but it does!

Merry Christmas!

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S.F.

answers from Milwaukee on

I used Four Elements Look No X-E-Ma on my son (2 yrs old) last winter and it cleared it up in about 2 weeks. It's a natural product that I got at Whole Foods.

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R.M.

answers from Omaha on

Hi M.

I had is as a child and my baby also had it. My aunt is a dermatologist and this is what she told me to do..

Change detergent to ALL with everything. Change your lotions and soap to cetephil. Do not use any else on his skin except if it is really bad but check with your doctor it depends on the age hydrocortisone helps with the itch. I would check to see what percentage to use first though with your doctor on that one. We used the .5% which is hard to find. Aquaphor at night also will help. it is really greasy but it helps with the dry patches.

Good Luck!

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M.G.

answers from Des Moines on

I hear and see this all the time. I work for a company called Melaleuca. The products that they sell are so worth it. A personal friend of mine's son had eczema and since she has used our products and the lotion (Renew) he no longer has eczema. If you want further info on how to become a member, email me at ____@____.com.

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C.S.

answers from Kalamazoo on

My son had eczema for the past few winters and we've always had the best luck with hydrocortizone cream. You can get it at the drugstore or get a prescription for a stronger amount from your doctor. His seems to be clearing up though, this is the first winter we haven't had a problem with it. I think it's something they sometimes grow out of.

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C.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My daughter has that really bad. I went to Walmart and got her the Equate cream it is in a white and blue bottle. You but it on them right after they get out of the shower why they are still a little wet because you want to keep the moister in them. It really helps a lot!!!!!

Good luck.

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L.E.

answers from Pocatello on

Hello M.. I think I might be able to help. My husband works for a company called Melalueca Inc. It is a small company that competes with the likes of Johnson and Johnson etc. They have an amazing product called Renew. It is a lotion, but has been shown clinically to heal eczema. It is fantastic. I use it on everyone in my family and my children are 6,3,5months. For more info go to melaleuca.com and call the company. Another perk is it doesn't contain any steroids, and you don't need a prescription. Hope this helps.

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A.W.

answers from Milwaukee on

I have a 4 yr. old daughter and a 2 yr. old son both who have eczema. Their pediatrician suggested Eucerin Calming Cream and we also use a prescription for when they have break outs. Elidel is a prescription that does NOT contain a steroid so it is safe for young children. We also wash them with Cetaphil soap since fragrances can irritate their skin. And as far as a cure for this, unfortunately I was told by my doctor when I had eczema while I was pregnant with my first, there is no cure. It's apparently immune related and you are more prone to have break out rashes when you are stressed or sick since your immune system is not at it's best. Good Luck!

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M.V.

answers from Milwaukee on

Ask your doctor about elledel. I am not sure I spelled that right.

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T.F.

answers from Lincoln on

A water softner is needed. Most water has too much calcium and lime and lots of other stuff that's not good for skin, hair, pipes, dishwashers, etc, etc. A water softner will take out most of what hurts our skin and keeps our laundry from being white. A water softner will greatly reduce the soap scum in your tub.
The reason most hotels have them is because they have a huge investment in tubs, sinks, faucets, sheets and plumbing. Water softners protect that investment.
If your tub has soap scum, it only makes sense that your skin does too, and that is a problem!!

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J.M.

answers from Omaha on

M.- I am an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International. We are a botanically-based company providing safe and pure products for every member of the family-inlcuding a baby line. This line is incredible for treating eczema.
If you would like to try the product to see if it works for your son, I have a sample kit you can have for a few days- please let me know.
J. at ____@____.com

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T.A.

answers from Provo on

My son gets it on his legs from the way he crawls, and the doctor told me to give him warm, soap free baths every day, followed by a 1% hydrocortisone and then vaseline or something similar to help keep the moisture in. The only thing is you don't want to use the hydrocortisone for more than 2 wks at a time.

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J.D.

answers from Great Falls on

What is your son's age? Have you considered that he may have an allergy that is causing the eczema? I would think that even better than treating the eczema would be finding the imbalance that is causing it in the first place. I'm just a nurse, but I have some resources if you're interested. Email me back.
J.

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B.B.

answers from Fargo on

My Son had really bad eczema as well! We even tried prescription strength lotions and creams. Until I found "California Baby" Aloe Vera cream. I swear by this company! I use the shampoo and lotions. Within two days everything cleared up and has not returned. It's all natural and the only thing I will put on my son! It even cleared up his cradle cap. You can order it online or find a few products at Target. Good luck!!!

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H.

answers from Madison on

My daughter has Eczema too, it was especially bad when she was an infant up to about 3 years old. She's five now, and she seems to have grown out of most of it. Though during the winter it can really bloom depending on how dry and cold the air is. I've always used Baby Aveeno bath soap/shampoo along with Baby Aveeno oatmeal packets. More than one doctor has told me that the greasier the lotion the better. So I often use Gentle Naturals Eczema lotion. It's very thick and greasy, and seems to really help, I put it on her right after a bath.

I know it's frustrating, so good luck, I hope you find a solution that works!

-H.

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R.R.

answers from Detroit on

You can use a hydracordizone cream from the pharmacy. My daughter's is horrible on her stomach, and her doctor gave me a prescription for a very strong steroid cream that seems to be working. Other than that, I use cetaphil cream.

A.W.

answers from Kalamazoo on

On the worst areas you can use hydrocortizon cream. It relieves the itch and helps heal. Make sure baths aren't too hot because that irritates it and put lotion on right after the bath. Sometimes detergent like Tide can irritate it too. I don't think that there is a cure, but my son had it until about age 4 and now he is 5 and doesn't show it anymore.

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K.M.

answers from Milwaukee on

Both my daughters have eczema. The best thing that helped was taking them off of cow's milk. If you go to Dr. Greene's website and put in milk allergy you may see some other simmilarities. Hydrocordizone (sorry if I spelt it wrong) you can get over the counter and also helps alot. Other things is using laundry soap like All Free and Method (Target) dryer sheets or anything that's more organic and doesn't have perfumes ect. Same goes for soaps and shampoos and lotions. Good luck.

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S.D.

answers from Lansing on

Try Arbonne ABC Hair/Body wash and the lotion. My son had eczema too. It works great!

I'm an Independent Consultant with Arbonne. I can hook you up. Arbonne's products have no chemical dyes or fragrances, no mineral oil or petrolateum by-products. . . these ingredients could be part of the problem.

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K.D.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Here is a link to another request posted a few days ago:
http://www.mamasource.com/request/recent/84118/1198434506/18

I just purchased Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Baby Wash and Cream. It says it's good for eczema. I guess I'll have to see. I've been using Aquaphor which is wonderful, but I'd really prefer to find something preventive rather than just a way to make it feel better.

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K.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

There's no "cure". It is a genetic disease, which means it's in their genes. You can help the symptoms, though. Continue with the lotions. You might also try Aveeno, Neutrogena, etc. Everyones skin is different and also changes over time, so try a few. You can usually get samples from your dermatologist. Another thing is allergies. Their skin is extra sensitive so don't use soaps with dyes or scents. This includes laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Also, avoid wool and other harsh fabrics in clothes. Soft water can also help. If you can't afford a whole system, try buying Calgon and put it in their baths. I've dealt with this my whole life and now have kids dealing with it. Just love them and let them know it's ok.

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C.G.

answers from Grand Rapids on

I have tried Aveno Baby Cream for my son and it seems to help more than anything else and my dr said that when he has a bath to put it on within 5 min of him getting out to lock in more moisture.

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A.M.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My Dr. prescribed Elidel for my eczema, don't know if it can be used on children but worked for me.
A.

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R.B.

answers from Benton Harbor on

Yes M., there is relief.... Jordan Essentials, started by a stay at home mom in 2000, is a safe affordable natural skin care products that REALLY DO help our skin problems... I had dry skin so bad that Eucerin, Bag Balm, Steroids and pills did not help but, J.E. did.... I have been cleared up for almost 2 years now. The cure is in a safe, natural regimen,with NO harmful chemicals or petroleum byproducts. There are 3 choices for exfoliant and I usually recommend starting with the mildest for children, which is Oatmeal Milk and Honey soap(we also carry oatmeal unscented soap for scent alergies). This helps remove dry skin so moisture goes into good cells instead of just being absorbed in a dead layer.
Then add moisturizer. Again we have a few choices, the best being our thick rich shea butter. Most of the clients that have found relief from eczema so far say that the product we carry with aloe added help the most. The Kiwi fragranced shea has the addition of aloe. Lighter cases of eczema have found relief with just the spritzer with aloe. It also depends of course on individual skin types and preferences. Now Jordan Essentials is available online at www.jordanessentials.com/rep#8783 or of course you can call me direct for assistance & samples at ###-###-#### or email me personally at ____@____.com
R. B.

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L.K.

answers from Great Falls on

I have had eczema all my life and the only thing that works is cortisone cream. You can buy it over the counter or see your doctor for a perscription. It does sting a little but that is how it sems to work you can get the target brand 1% cream for about $3.00

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K.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Eladel works really well. I have used it for all of my kids. It's prescription strength. Another thing we used that is over the counter is aquaphor. That works really well, but it's a bit more greasy, unless you rub it in really, really well. (but the greasiness only last a little while, because the skin absorbs it pretty fast). It's an ointment that is for severely dry skin. It's pretty common for kids to have exzema here with our dry air. Have you tried bathing her with Cetaphil? That in combination wit something else might do the trick. Good luck.

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M.M.

answers from Lansing on

M.,

Sorry there is know cure for eczema you can only do things to help relieve the itching and dry skin. The number one thing is to cut back on bath and showers and make sure water is not to hot. Hot water inflames it more and water it self make the skin dry out. My three sons have problem with this so we only give them a bath 3 times a week. We also use Aveno lotion on it it seems to be soothing. They also have several anti itch lotion that work great. Ive also used a lotion in the past called DML forte. It works great but it is very expensive and hard to find you can order it online.. Ive also used eurcerin cream it comes in a jar it is really thick and works great. The only reason I do not use it now because it is made with lanlion and I'm allgeric to it and it was making me break out.

We also use a lotion called sarina for sentive skin you keep it in the fridge and apply to your skin when it is itching and it works great.

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K.A.

answers from Omaha on

My son used to have problems with eczema on his cheeks and on his inner thighs. I asked the doctor and she prescribed some Elidel. It worked almost instantly...I could see improvements in a matter of an hour.

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