My daughter has been waking up the last three nights between 3-4 am with skin irritation. I put lotion on after her bath. She wants more when she wakes up in the middle of the night. I don't want this to continue as I return to work Tuesday and she starts her second year in Preschool Wednesday. She does have Sensory Integration issues, but we can't say everything leads to that. We have been very busy with my preparing for teaching Preschool my second year and she is going to be at our local preschool under an IEP. She met the staff earlier this week during a home visit, then the next day she went to see her classroom. She just started gymnastics on Wed. and we do Occupational Therapy on Fridays. She has been constantly washing her hands also. Almost like obsessively. Between the itching and washing it is getting out of hand. She also tries washing her toys . We do see a Psychologist regularly to help with different issues.
Any good advice.
J. R.
Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for my daughter's skin issues. I was able to connect with one person in Columbus who knows other people with similiar issues I work with on a daily basis. I have also been using an oatmeal type soap by equate and Lubriderm for sensitive skin versus baby lotion. She has not woke up in the middle of the night since we have been using both products.
J. R.
Maybe she is having a reaction to the lotion you are putting on her. Try some hydrocortisone creme to help stop the itching. Hopefully this helps.
Hi J. ~
It's possible your daughter is having an allergic reaction to something she is eating (dairy? wheat?) or to something else in her environment like the soap, lotion or laundry detergent she is exposed to.
I would try to go as green and unfragranced as possible with the lotions and detergents to see if that helps. It's also a good idea to go green with the products you use to clean the house. Recent studies are showing that children are exposed to alarming levels of chemicals that are used around the house. Seventh Generation household cleaners are wonderful, and we've had tremendous success with the Melaleuca products (membership required).
I hope you find a solution to your daughter's discomfort soon, and that she can live a happy, comfortable life from here on out.
Hi J.! I have a daughter who has the same skin issues! I recently found a wonderful company who that carries a skin lotion that is better than Eucerin lotion! I am just in love with the products and they have changed our skin issues and allergies completely! If you interested in some information contact me!
H. H.
I am sorry I am not able to help with you request regarding you daughter.
PLease do not think I am rude for taking this oppurtunity to help myself, but I saw that you said you teach pre-school for 2-2 1/2 year olds. Is this a day care or an actually pre-school because my son is 2 and I feel is completely ready for some socializing and learning. Could you provide some information please, but of course only when you have time and good luck to you and your duaghter sorry I am of no help.
Could it be her clothing? An allergy to material can cause these issues too - but since she has sensory concerns, ask your pediatrician. Could silk PJ's decrease any stimulation to her skin? My pediatrician recommends Aveeno products and they have an excellent cream lotion. I work with kids who have sensory issues and OCD. Her hand washing and toy washing could be a way for her to cope with or distract herself from her skin itching. (busy work) It may decrease some when she starts school - and I hope for both of you that it does. But give her doctor a call because there are more options out there that can be combined with OT. Hope this helps - and understand that if it isn't just for attention, she is being brought out of her sleep by something she can't control and is truly irritating her. (and would'nt that be annoying!!) Good luck and God bless you.
J.,
Put to rest the idea that she is trying to get your attention, this is not how 2 1/2 year olds do that! You should know that it is very possible that a child with one developmental issue (sensory integration disorder) has other issues too, like OCD, or maybe there is a diagnosis that will come out later as she develops that will encompase all the symptoms that she develops. She will change and grow and things will change along the way, pay attention to each issue and don't dismiss them, now that you have one "diagnosis" you should be looking for other issues with great care. If you have not yet been to a developmental pediatrican, make an appointment now, if you have missed something that could explain everything you have going on, they will catch it and will give you a blue print of what to do. Most kids don't just have one issue, so you are not alone, and the earlier you intervene, the better.
M.
J. -
If your daughter is having some sort of an eczema problem, the lotion you are using may just be feeding the eczema or skin irritation. We use Arbonne cleansing gels and lotions because they do not contain harmful ingredients, such as mineral oil or animal byproducts. Let me know if you want more information or want to try a sample. These products should also help her hands from drying out from washing so often. Good luck!
L. L.
I have a child with sensory issues among other things and he is compulsive on some things.I would talk to your doctor. You may need to work with a psychologist who specializes in these issues. The important thing is make sure you know how to handle these issues when they come up and aren't punishing them which could make things worse. I would talk to an expert.
Hi J.,
As an adult with sensory integration issues and as a therapist working with other who have them I would say this one points to asking your OT about. I'm sure it will help!
Blessings,
S.
J., since it's only just started I'd look into things that have changed recently. Have you changed any detergents, soaps, etc., or added anything new into her diet? You mentioned that gymnastics just started...did the waking up coincide with that? My daughter is a competitive gymnast and spends more time at the gym than at home...the chalk is everywhere even if your daughter is just doing it recreationally. Make sure she bathes well afterwards and then apply lotion before her skin is completely dry. My son has sensory processing disorder as well, and his favorite lotion is a lavender one...it's very soothing and has anti-inflammatory properties. It's also very calming to him emotionally, so we use it every night. Our favorite one is from L'Occitane, but Bath and Body Works sells a pretty good one too.
I find it interesting that you minimize your daughter's malady to a rouse of getting attention. I don't think waking in the middle of the night, combined with a potential OCD in a four year old is just for attention,small children don't know how to think around that corner quite yet. Have you had her tested for allergies? What does her pediatrician say? There is apparently something soothing about the lotion or is she soothed by the touch? Children are very sensory and need affectionate touch. I am not a psychiatrist but you might want to get professional help to figure out whether it's physical or emotional.
