Yes, I am covered in Vaseline, but that is just fine with me since it is indicative of the fight I have waged (and am winning!!!!! Eczema sufferers read on!) against my son’s eczema since seeing his sweet, pale skin turn wretched shades of red….
Can you see what happened to his baby white skin? Do you see the angry red strip across the back of his neck? It looks like I put a piece of duct tape on him and then ripped it off. After the doctor told us this week it was eczema, I have to admit I was bewildered. This was a first for us, but I was blessed to get advice from so many people who had struggled.
We started using the steroid cream as recommended by our pediatrician…but Coop would scream in pain as I tried to apply it (note: when I called to inquire about this….I was told it may burn some since the skin is open…hence the screams of agony). I can’t say I would recommend this. As a mom, it was awful to be inflicting that kind of pain on your baby.
But then….On Friday, I received an email from a friend, Chaney (if you think I loved her before….just you wait!!) She sweetly reminded me that she is a nurse and does have some first hand experience with this condition. Boy, does she ever! Her daughter was 6 months old when the eczema first appeared…and it was more than 4 months ( plus a pediatrician and 3 dermatologists) until her daughter’s condition was under control. But since then (over a year) little Paige has been great.
THIS ADVICE WORKED FOR COOP IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS…just look:
Forgive the slightly blurry picture, but Coop is excited…he keeps yelling, “my boo-boos are gone!” And he is right. Just look at his beautiful skin (the red on the right side of his tummy is his birthmark).
Now…here’s what I did….this advice came from a pediatric dermatologist. It was given to Chaney for her daughter, but I was desperate to help Coop (and avoid using the painful steroid cream if at all possible) The dermatologist prefers a ‘holistic’ approach.
1) Give your eczmea suffering child a bath 3-4 times a day for about 5 minutes at a time. Fill the tub with water and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar or household bleach (admittedly the bleach freaked me out, but apparently the Dr. said when it is diluted with that much water – the whole tub- it is like swimming in a pool) Still…I chose the vinegar. Use Cetaphil soap to wash them. Don’t use anything with fragrance.
2) As soon as you get them out…quickly pat them dry and slather them with Vaseline petroleum jelly. Yep, cover their little bodies….layer it on, lube them up…it will trap the moisture in. Then get them dressed.
I gave Coop 4 baths yesterday. By the time his final one rolled around before bed, the eczema was all but GONE.
I also switched to ALL Free and Clear laundry detergent and Bounce Free and Clear Dryer Sheets. I washed Coop’s sheets and ours and am working on everything else.
I didn’t even get to all the additional suggestions, but here they are:
3) Purchase old-school mineral oil. Use small cotton squares to apply mineral oil to the affected areas throughout the day
4) If the face or genitals are affected, use zinc oxide (not a product with zinc, but actual 100% Zinc oxide)
5) Use the steroid cream once a day if necessary. Apply only to raised, red areas. Don’t use for more than two weeks at a time. Take a maximum of a 2 week holiday from the cream and start again if needed.
Good Heavens…I think that is it.
I’m clearly not a doctor and can’t offer bonafide medical advice, but I’m here to share what worked for us and I certainly do love my sweet friend Chaney for helping my baby boy. Not only has this remarkable girl helped to deliver both my babies…she has now saved me the agony of MONTHS of trial and error.
Thank you, my friend!
I’ll try it out- eczema sucks! Ron Roads
Hope it works – my buddy actually hasn’t had an issue since.
I’ve tried all the expensive meds given by useless dermatologists and every natural Rx I could find. Out of disgust I
recently reached for an old jar of Vaseline with cocoa butter and the itching stopped almost immediately. All the patches of my eczema are clearing. At one time I had it on my face and couldn’t even go out of the house. What worked best was Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil. It took almost 2 weeks but it cleared up and never returned. The amt of stress these rashes cause is unreal and I’m so happy I found something that works. I hope it continues. Both are inexpensive Rx’s which make them even sweeter.
So happy you found something that works!!
After spending thousands trying to help my son, I noticed my hands were also getting rashes out of no where. Dr said i had excema at 36? It didn’t sit well and thought maybe creams were making it worse. Stoped all creams and used aloe Vera gel/ then the Vaseline in a few days I started to see hope, he is finally healing.
I actually just started using Vaseline today on my Eczema. I’ve had severe Eczema for almost 20 years. I’ve tried steroids and all kinds of moisturizers. Some work a little, but the other day I thought, the only products that really work for me have a Vaseline texture. So why not just try Vaseline? My face is covered with Vaseline today and it feels so good. My skin isn’t inflamed and it’s not dry. I’m hoping this works! I also use fragrance free everything!
This makes me so happy – hoping you find the relief you need.