The Eczema Tribe - Page 26

[bostonmummy]

My 3 1/2 month old daughter started developing eczema on her cheeks about a month ago, so I quickly came here to find out what could be causing it and realized it was food allergies. I was already following a very strict diet free from gluten, dairy, soy and corn, but I realized I should try taking out eggs and peanuts. I've seen a significant improvement, especially when I started using shea butter all throughout the day to moisturize her cheeks. But it's not completely better, and I'm thinking I should try taking out all nuts (I was still eating almonds for snacks). 

Here's my question: if the eczema is minimal but it seems like she's mildly allergic to additional foods aside from those I've already taken out, is this a reason to continue my efforts for perfectly clear skin? In other words, is eczema evidence that there's some deeper health issue going on that I would be exacerbating if I continue to eat foods that produce a little redness?

My diet is already limited because I have colitis (I can't eat anything raw or eat sweet potatoes or bananas or tomatoes, for example), and I'm concerned about getting adequate nutrition if I continue to take out foods. But having my daughter healthy is the most important thing!

[JRoberge]

I would suggest you try to add some of the foods back in that you removed and watch for a reaction. If there is no reaction for a few days, then keep feeding that same food and no longer restrict it. Like you said, no need to restrict too much since you're already limited. It's not healthy for you or her. Then you can try some of the nuts - don't lump them all together, but try each nut. My son can tolerate some tree nuts and not others. Nuts are healthy and it's best to keep them in the diet.

Have you started her on a good dairy and soy free probiotic and fish oil supplement. I'd strongly suggest that as eczema is often linked with either a yeast overgrowth in the body or a leaky gut, which can both be helped with these supplements. So, yes. Usually eczema is an indication that the body is overly inflammed. Healing from within is crucial. But don't forget that external triggers can further irritate flared eczema. Moving to a natural laundry product like soap nuts may be a good idea.
 

[dmariev]

Hi all!
My DD (almost 4yo) has had eczema since she was just a few weeks old. While I was nursing, I found (through an elimination diet) that her main trigger was eggs. Now, over time that has changed. She can now eat eggs without a flare-up, but too much fruit & she is an itchy, miserable girl. We found that coconut oil on her skin helps a lot, especially RIGHT after a shower. We only use soap when she really needs it, and usually use soap-free cleanser. She only gets a bath every 3-4 days (as per her doctor), and that seems to help. She has only had fruit juice less than a dozen times, as it seemed to cause a flare-up. Sometimes it gets to the point where the coconut oil isn't enough, and at that point we will use an OTC cream. 100% cotton for clothing is a big help.
The hardest part is that she LOVES water. She wants to 'swim' in the bath, run in the sprinklers, play with the water in the sink. We just try to keep it to short water play times, and it isn't too bad. She still wants more, but at least she doesn't feel like she can't have any fun!

Oh! we used to do oat baths too, but those seemed to help more when she was younger.

Sorry if that was a ramble, hahaha, it's getting late & I'm sleepy

So sorry for all dealing with eczema, but glad their are others to trade tips with!