Eczema

Since about 3 months of age, Kayden has been diagnosed with atopic eczema. Eczema is a very common dry skin condition here in Australia that affects 1 in every 3 Australians.  Unfortunately, Kayden is one of them.  The skin becomes red, dry and is extremely itchy. Eczema is not contagious, but when infected, it may weep, bleed and crust over, and so, as you can imagine, it is extremely uncomfortable. It can be caused by many factors including allergens, (eg.washing detergent, dust mites, pollen, foods, pets, soaps, cosmetics) and clothing such as wool, fleece - 100% cotton is preferred); irritants ( changes in weather hot/cold , dry/wet;, cigarette smoke, airconditioning and overheating) and even stress. Particularly so if there is a family history of eczema itself, hayfever and asthma. There is currently no cure for eczema.

Keeping the skin well moisturized is crucial here. I apply moisturizer on his face at every single nappy change! And I try to apply them on his body as well whenever possible. It is important that he uses something that is non fragranced and natural. His skin is pretty dry, and to keep it looking the way it is (soft and baby smooth like its supposed to be!) we've tried so many brands of moisturizers! Some keeps him sufficiently moisturized for a week or so then stops working the next week! It has been A LOT of trial and errors for months now!

Ointments are better than creams and lotions, they seal in the moisture much better. 

At the moment, dermeze is working for him

Kayden recently had a flare of the condition, it got so bad we had to bring him to a specialist. He was so frustrated and was constantly grumpy. He didn't know where to put his hands! He was sooo itchy! He gorges holes into his scalp with his fingernails when he scratches, it was a sore sight.

And what you see below is his daily 'facial' routine' now. The treatment to ease it, is a regular application of steroid creams on the affected areas. He uses more products than I do!

He is currently on a eczema treatment plan as instructed by his allergist. We apply the lot about 3 times daily and I also moisturize him at every nappy change.. We first put on the Elocon ointment (sometimes Sigmacort) on the affected areas on his face, then Elocon cream for his body, Elocon Lotion on his scalp, moisturize his whole body and face with dermeze and then put his nappy barrier cream on before we dress him up. Bonjella is also applied to soothe his gums if necessary. 

He is also on oral antibiotics twice a day and has been instructed to take bleach baths. Yes, you read me right - BLEACH. A quarter cup of household bleach goes into his bath instead of his soap free bath gels. It is a bit like taking a swim in the pool, the bleach helps kill off the bacteria that causes the infection.

So as u can imagine, it takes some skill and more than a few minutes to do all of that on methodically  every single time on a wriggly baby! After dinner, he goes for his bath, and it is a 2 man mission  every time! It is getting very cold here at night even with the heater on, so quick hands are crucial! 

After all that frantic application of his ointments, creams and lotions,  strapping his nappy on, and then twisting his arms and legs into his jumpsuit, the poor baby's all tired out  And when put into his cot, he's out like a light, snoozing away usually within a minute or two.

Most children grow out of their eczema by around 5 years of age, but a small percentage continues into adulthood. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the best!

Kayden's eczema is now totally under control, YAY!

Good skin

= less grumpy Kayden

= Happy better rested Mommy!