What can I do to help a child with eczema?

Question

My 8 year old step son just came to stay with us for 3 weeks. He has really bad eczema. He mom will not give us his prescrition cream (or his medical card so he can't go to a doctor). Is there anything over the counter? Or maybe a herbal remedey. It is driving him crazy and I really feel bad for him. If you know anything that will help please let me know. Thanks.

Answer 1

Right now the season is hot. And it makes it worse. Try cortizone and softer soaps. I know that 8 year old get very dirty, but water is the number one thing to dry out your sons skin. So if swimming a lot and stuff, i would applie lotion or baby oil when still a little wet, it will keep in a lot of the moisture instead of drying out his skin more. The same for baths or showers. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have eczema, and my 3 year old daughter does too. I have found that Cetaphil works well. Also, Aquaphor (but it's very thick, like vaseline - might work best at bedtime). If he's scratching a lot at night, give him some antihistamine (the body starts to overproduce histamines as a reaction to whatever is making him scratch). The main thing: moisturize! Unscented moisturizers of any brand can help.
At least his stepmother is much smarter, and cares more about him than is mother! Good 4 u.

Answer 3

Our baby has eczema. We use 1% hydrocortizone cream (there's also a 2% formula if you feel you need something stronger). Our doctor has us apply it to any affected areas 2-3 times per day for about 14 days to calm the rash. And then on top of that apply lots of unscented lotion (we use Aveeno). There's also an Aveeno colloital oatmeal bath (next to the hydrocortizone cream) that he can use for relief from itching.

Answer 4

I think the previous posters have all given you some good suggestions.I would also ask the pharmacist if they could suggest something.Maybe you could consult your family doctor for some ideas.Mom should be reminded that you should have your stepson's health card and medical information when he stays with you in the event of a medical emergancy.This mother sounds like she is more worried about control than about her son's health.It is a shame when parents let their disdain for their ex overide their love for their child. Continue to do your best. Take care.

Answer 5

My daughter has eczema and here's what I do for her:
Bathe in tepid water with mild soap (dove)
Moisturize immediately after bath with Eucerin
Cotton clothing to help skin breathe
For flare ups I use either hydrocortisone or tacrolimus ointment (protopic) which is available by prescription.
Hope this helps, and good luck.
(By the way, my sister also has eczema and she told me that she uses a cream called freederm (sp?) that she found on the internet and it works well for her.)

Answer 6

He needs essential fatty acids (EFAS), such as those found in cold water fish and cold pressed oils (olive, flax, evening primrose, borage). The best quality ones can be expensive, but are highly reputable. Oil is a volatile substance, and therefore the oils found in most processed food that are children eat may do more harm than good.
Make sure he gets fresh foods, pure water, and awhole lot less sugar. Good luck, I know it is difficult to see your child hurt.
Also, colloidal oatmeal bath in the short term.

Answer 7

Cortizone cream helps with the itching. I would report his mother for neglect for not sending a prescription card or his medication that he needs. Legally, she is bound to send at least a medical card. His father should be able to legally take him to a doctor with or without that insurance card is he has insurance on the child.

Answer 8

My daughter is 9 and our doctor recommended using Purpose brand cream for her eczema. You can get it at Wal-mart. She also recommending using a mild lotion after bathing that had no perfumes or dies. It has helped alot. What's up with that mom? Does she enjoy seeing her child suffer???

Answer 9

If there is any way that you can afford to take him to the doctor -please do so. I have mild eczema on my right hand. It drove me up the wall - the more I itched - the worse it got.
Perhaps you can persuade the child's father to talk to his ex-wife about the problem. Perhaps if he explains that it would be really helpful if he had extra medicine he could keep at your house - it would really be great. You need to persuade her (mother) that her child is suffering and hopefully she will hate to see her son suffering.
Good luck.

Answer 10

Both my boys have it. If it's bothering him have him take a bath in Aveenos oatmeal bath (found at wal-mart) In a pinch your can use a cortizone cream. Also wear lose clothing and keep those areas dry.