My question is that how do you deal with a kids dry flaky skin all over the body? How do you know it’s eczema or something else? What are some lotions, soaps one should use? Any other treatments?
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
bath and Body works has a great sale going on....stock up on their shea butter creams etc. I keep the creams almost everywhere ...like in the car...in the kitchen, on side tables etc.
For my kids I avoid using the perscription creams a lot.
For Soap I use: Dove
Dont give them baths everyday...dries ou t the skin...doctor said that
As soon as they are done with the bath..within 3 mins apply ample abmount of cream...Nivea one is the best...(but it is pretty thick). Currently I am using Cetafil for ids.
Apply creams as much as possible...if it is really dry skin ...spray water on skin and then apply cream
I forgot to mention ..always check ith your doctor first to make sure its eczema and nothing else:)
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
I don't know if you can get these creams in America, but my sister suffered from eczema and used the following creams
*aveeno cream
* e45 cream
They are over the counter creams and can be used by anyone who has dry skin.
The doctor said not to use soap as it would dry out the skin further and make it flake even more.
If you decide to go to the doctors and they find that it is eczema they will probably also prescribe a steroid cream of some sort. The doctor prescribed a substitute for soap, but I can't remember what it is called as my sister has stopped using it.
Alhamdulilah my sister's eczema has gone now and very rarely does it flare up in cold weather. The doctor also told my mum to be stricter with my sister's diet and to control how much diary products she ate especially cheese. I don't know what correlation it has with eczema though.
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
My husband's doctor told him to use Head & Shoulders shampoo as a body wash for super dry skin. It helped him alot. I also have really dry skin so I use Jergens with Shea butter. It did wonders for my skin when it got burned, was dry and peeling off. I suppose any kind of body wash and lotion with shea butter in it should help alot.
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
I've been using Eucerin which I use for my dry skin, but the poor kids is sooooo much more dry that I need to reapply every few hours. I guess I'll have to get the shea butter. And Dove soap. Her doctor told me Eucerin/Aquaphor. But they don't seem to be working as of now.
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
Have you tried baby oil? Especially after bath time. It should help retain the skin's moisture for longer.
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
Dildi, no baby oil didn't work either. I've used the oil gel as well from Johnsons. It looks and feels good and did great when she was a toddler but now I need something more heavy duty.
If you think it is eczema or you are in doubt, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your doctor to have a prescribed lotion. Because they are the best for eczema.
My sis has eczema. She had it since she was a lil baby, but when she was around 8 yrs, it went away - unfortunalty when she reached her teens she got it again on her hands and arms. At that moment she used a lotion from Avene and stuff, because she was told that it would stop flaking. But it only got worse to the point that she had scratches deep inside her handpalms and a lil water would do hurt a lot. Then she got a prescribed lotion (cannot remember the name - but it was hormone based) and it helped a lot. The eczema is now all gonne. :)
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
Nik, my mom and my cousin both have had bouts of eczema. Its a funny thing but dry-skin creams and lotions never made it better...the only thing that helped was prescription cream that they got from a dermatologist.
Poor thing! Hope she's better soon!
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
for really dry skin or mild eczema baby oils and lotions do not work. you need to apply thick creams such a Eucerin/Aquafor. Apply immediately after bath on moist skin. Use daily morning and night. After 4-6 weeks you should notice a difference.
There must be something in the food kids eat nowadays or perhaps the air quality…so many kids have mild eczema these days.
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
AE, of course it has to do with genes also, but heat running in homes and schools could be a factor as well. It's recommended to use a humidifier during winter months.
Last night I got Eucerin's calming cream lotion for extra dry skin and itchiness. It's amazing. Her skin drank it up and when she woke up in the morning, she was still fine, no flakiness! I think I may have found the answer.
I still have to get her a good soap/body wash.
Her doctor had noticed her skin condition at her annual exam in November. At that time she said it was just very dry skin and some patches of eczema and recommended Eucerin or Aquaphor.
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
try to avoid hormone or steroid based creams....especially for the young ones.
see a homeopath if you are unable to control the symptoms.
my brother has helped many with eczema and psorriasis (sp?).
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
Another thing that works well.....
I keep a spray bottle of 1 part baby oil and 2 parts water in the shower/bath.
Just spritzing some of this on before we get out of the shower keeps us hydrated in the winter.
Makes for a lot of towels to wash.....but keeps the skin healthy.
Re: Eczema, dry skin, flaky skin in kids
Thanks Muzna. I like the spray idea.
Hey, is your brother a homeopath? I need some help. I'll PM you.