Eczema, I Hate You

Eczema is red, dry, itchy patches and is often the result of an allergy, whether it be food or topical irritants (perfumes, dyes, and chemicals in common household products like soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and bubble baths). It can also flare up due to being overheated, so light layers are extremely important.


My battle with eczema began around the 3 month mark. It started off on his thighs, but I was able to get rid of it by using Tyrus' diaper rash balm because it contains Calendula. I was told by my public health nurse that eczema is common with babies and that anything containing calendula will heal it. It was never explained to me what eczema is and why it can occur. I never thought to google it, but wish that I had so I could have gotten it under control much sooner.

Anyways, the eczema flared back up within days. He had a patch on his belly, one on his right arm, all over his right cheek, and forehead. Both of his calves were covered, as well. I asked a local mom group for tips, but they were all telling me things that I can put on his skin. So, I tried it. I tried coconut oil, baby oil, olive oil, Penaten cream, you name it and I probably tried it. Everything made it worse, so bad that he ended up developing a terrible case of cradle cap, as well.  My poor baby was so uncomfortable and itchy and there wasn't anything that I could do for him. I was feeling absolutely helpless. So, I posted on the mom group again explaining the situation and that I'd tried everyone's recommendation. This time I included a photo of what his face/head looked like and that's when people realized just how serious his case of eczema and cradle cap really were.  A friend of mine, that also belongs to the group, messaged me and said that I should try breast milk for the cradle cap (I wrote a blog about that here). Thankfully it was a success, so now I only have the eczema to deal with.

Day 3 of strict diet

After talking to a nutritionist, it became quite clear that Tyrus is allergic to something that I'm eating. I've had to cut sugar, gluten, dairy, wheat, and fermented foods from my diet and it's helping! The eczema started to clear up within a three days of being on the diet and we were both SO relieved. However, it's a very hard diet for me to stick to. I was exclusively breast feeding, so it was important that I eat lots, but I was struggling to get enough food/calories into my body and my milk supply was beginning to suffer. Breast feeding is the absolute most important part of motherhood, for me, so I refuse to give it up. I have my good days and my bad days with the diet and his skin has definitely suffered, but it's healing slowly. I've been trying to pin-point the exact foods causing a reaction, but it's so hard. I know for sure that ice cream, milk, and peanut butter cause flare ups, but that's it so far. 



The best remedy that I've come across is La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume. It can be found at Shoppers in the dermatology section. Yes, it's a little pricey, but it's so worth it! I apply it immediately after a bath, while he's still damp. I also apply it numerous times throughout the day. I threw out the baby Vaseline and Aveeno Baby Eczema care after starting the Lipikar Baume, it's far better and not full of crazy chemicals. I also make my own laundry detergent that consists of borax, washing soda, and dove sensitive skin soap. In addition, my son's chiropractor recently told me to start giving him a probiotic. We tried Bio-K, but it tasted and smelled AWFUL! So, we decided to start Flora Super Toddler Probiotic, it's a powder that I mix into his food. It has honestly been the best cure. I stopped using all of the lotions and crap after starting a probiotic. We still lotion up when his skin gets dry, though.

The most important thing to understand about eczema is that you need to heal it from the inside out, so my diet change and the probiotic is going to prevent it from reoccurring. This has been a brutal, long battle for us and it can be very tiring. I'm sick of people making nasty comments and giving me "helpful" advice of what worked for their "not as bad" case of eczema, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel... somewhere. Hopefully I can help a few momma's out with this post. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me! 

3 weeks after initial post :)

8.5 months after initial post :)