Eczema mamas - how often does your DC see an allergist?

[eastkygal]

DD1 has severe to moderate eczema and is being treated with Locoid Lipocream and Atarax when she has flare ups. She was allergy tested 1 year ago and it was found that dogs were the main allergen (7/7 exposures resulting in reaction) and dairy the second (1/7 exposures resulting in reaction). We've put our dog outdoors and cut out all dairy. She still plays with the dog sometimes, and we can't get rid of him. We raised him from 2 months old and he just turned 10. He's been outdoors for only a year. We are very careful that she isn't exposed to dairy. Other minor culprits are dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and ragweed. She still has flare ups that last for extended periods. Our family is pushing for us to have her re-tested with another allergist now that we have moved. Her prescriptions for the medicines to control flare ups have expired.

How often do you see your allergist? What should I look for in an allergist?

[Therese's Mommy]

My dd's eczema isn't too bad. She has flares from time to time, but nothing like some of the kids around here suffer. Our original allergist wanted to see us once a year. This was not acceptable to me considering she had done very little testing at that time and alot had come up positive. Went to a new allergist and she sees her patients every 6 months unless there is reason to see more often. I feel comfortable enough with her to call for an appt sooner if I deem necessary. If your child still has eczema even though you have eliminated the known culprits, then there are things that you don't yet know about that are triggers. Testing could help you get to the bottom of that. In the situation that you are in, with your child so medicated but still having issues I would say another trip to the allergist would be good. Ultimately it would be great to have your child symptom free without being on any meds

Beth

[Chinese Pistache]

We saw one when dd was 15 mths and again at 3.5 yrs. I was happier with him the first time we saw him; this last time he was much less open. We plan to do blood allergy testing again in a year (we had blood and skin the first time and just skin this time), but I may just ask my ped for it.

I'm not sure how often to see them. Given that your meds have expired, it's probably a good idea to get a new prescription at least. Can you ask around for recommendations in your area?

[kjbrown92]

Remember that eczema can be caused by food or seasonal IgE allergies OR food intolerances, and the allergist won't pick up the intolerances. You could start keeping a food journal and see if you can figure out what's causing the major flares if it doesn't coincide with one of her IgE allergies.

I wouldn't let her play with the dog at all, if you have to keep it. And keep in mind that for all the other people in the family that touch and play with it, you're bringing in the dander to the house every time and continously exposing her. Not to make you feel guilty or anything, just letting you know. My DD1 has a cat allergy. If we go to a house with a cat, she won't sit down on anything, won't touch the cat or any furniture, and everyone strips their clothes off as soon as we get home and throw them all in the washer.