Kathryn M Przywara <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
[...]
> The main attack on eczema should be hydration of the skin.  It's OK to
> use the cortizone creams on bad spots and for short periods of time, but
> they shouldn't be the only treatment especially if the eczema is
> persistant.  Don't use corticosteriod on the face - it thins the skin out
> and can cause problems.  This is also the reason that long term use is
> not good all over either.  Usually, the OTC cortisone works just as well
> as any of the prescription ones.  They key is consistancy in putting it
> on.

Some docs try tar coal shampoos and emolients, but the stuff smells vile.
OTC cortisone works as well as the _weak_ prescription creams, which
is probably all you'll be using on an infant.  2% hydrocortisone is
pretty weak.  I've got a 0.1% triamcinolone acetate cream that's many
times more powerful, but I do _not_ use it continously, only on new
lesions (I have lupus, which can cause fragile, dry, peeling skin as
well as other nasty problems).

I was also told that hydration is the key.  Apply moisturizers when
the skin is damp.  Not only does it help the gloopy problem, but it
helps seal moisture into the skin.

> Avoid hot water.  Baths should be in warm water which is less drying.
> Don't stay in there too long either.  Fresh and chlorinated water are
> very drying.  Salt water does not seem to cause problems.  Blot dry
> instead of rubbing also helps.

Hard water tends to help soaps strip the skin more efficiently.  Softened
water tends to be gentler.

> Don't use soaps.  Use moisturing cleansing bars such as Dove or Ivory
> makes one too.  What we use is Eucerin Bath Bar.  It's expensive, but the
> only thing that doesn't leave my skin feeling like sandpaper.  I find
> that even Dove leaves my skin dry and flakey.  The Eucerin doesn't lather
> like soap does, but a bar last a long time because it doesn't melt away
> either.

Eucerin also makes a liquid soap, which has oil in it.  I used this stuff
when my skin was the absolute raw worst.  Keep in mind that fragrances
can make things worse, so make sure you're getting the _unscented_ Dove.

> Use moisturizing creams that are oil based.  Some of these can be pretty
> heavy and goopy and leave you feeling slimy.  Lubriderm and Keri are good
> ones.  I tried LacHydren (sp?) once and the stuff burned so bad I could
> hardly stand it.  The allergist thought I was nuts and couldn't imagine

Because it's got a slightly acidic base.  Skin tends to be slightly acidic,
which helps it hold in moisture.  Lotions with lactic acid, various fruit
acids (sold now as "alpha hydroxy" acids), and urea are often used for
severely dry skin.  The only problem is that if your skin is _really_ raw,
it'll burn.  It also just depends on *which* particular lotion you use.
I remember that Lac-Hydren had something in that bothered my skin as well.
I'm currently using U-Lactin, a 10% urea cream.  This is the third urea
cream I've tried, one had an evil fragrance in it, and one had something
that bothered my skin.  I do _not_ use this on raw, irritated skin.

> why I reacted that way.  Eucerin is good also and they make a new Light
> version which is what we use.  I try to get it on Alyssa twice a day, but

Eucerin has lanolin in it, so be careful if you're also allergic to
lanolin.  My doctor suggests Moisturel for folks who can't tolerate
Eucerin.  It's got about the same consistancy (spackle), but no lanolin.
Definitely apply both while you're still damp from the shower or bath.
They're both expensive, but a little goes a _long_ ways with the thick
creams.

Lee M.Thompson-Herbert        KD6WUR                  [log in to unmask]
Member, Knights of Xenu (1995).  Chaos Monger and Jill of All Trades.
"There are some people who will argue whether the flames are blue
or green, when the real question is that their arse is on fire."