my baby son has eczema and keeps scratching his head until it bleeds and weeps?

Question

my son is 8 months old and has had eczema for a couple of months now. my partner and i are able to manage the rash on his body using E45 cream and diprobase (and 1% hydrocortisone for flare ups) but the only thing the doctor has prescribed for his head is capasal shampoo which he gets every night in his bath (and olive oil applied 30 mins before each bath) as per doc's orders.
It does keep the skin from crusting but it it still very dry and flaky, he is constantly scratching his head to the point where he has deep cuts, scabs and raw patches which are weeping clear sticky fluid.
We always keep his nails trimmed and blunt and at night we put scratch mitts on under fold-over sleeve pyjamas but some nights he still manages to bite and pull them off.
He is going back to the doctor tomorrow, i can't stand to see my baby like this & he really needs something to stop the irritation (my hv suggested anti-histamines but i am sceptical about this).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated or if anyone is in the same situation

Answer 1

The antihistamines can and probably should be used for thier sedating properties, but they don't treat the actual eczema. Ask the doctor about the use of topical steroids for the scalp. If that is the active ingredient in the shampoo, it may be too short contact or the shampoo base may be too irritating. If there is little or no hair a cream would be fine and more moisturizing. There is an oil based steroid. It is a little strong for ongoing use to the scalp of an 8 month old, but short term use may be appropriate. Review all this with the doc and ask lots of questions. Dermatologist if you are not currently seeing one.



Also see the Eczema Association website.

Answer 2

Hi Lorna,



I understand what you're feeling right now :( I have a few tips for you on how to care for your baby's skin. I hope they will be able to help...



1. When giving your baby a bath, don't use warm water because this will only dry your baby's skin further. Bathe him in lukewarm water only.



2. Give your baby quick baths and avoid to bathe him every day as well to keep his skin from drying up.



3. When drying your baby after a bath, use a cotton towel and pat his skin dry. Do not rub his skin with the towel.



These are just some of the tips I can share to you. You can check the link I shared because it has all the tips that I wanted to tell you about caring for babies with eczema.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

my baby son has eczema and keeps scratching his head until it bleeds and weeps?

my son is 8 months old and has had eczema for a couple of months now. my partner and i are able to manage the rash on his body using E45 cream and diprobase (and 1% hydrocortisone for flare ups) but the only thing the doctor has prescribed for his head is capasal shampoo which he gets every night...

Answer 4

You could try applying some Aqueous cream to your babys head to see if that helps to relieve the itching. It is a water based product and completely safe to babies. You can buy it from any chemist for approximately £2. I used to suffer from bad eczema and dermatitis and the only thing that could stop the itch was aqueous. It should help with the dryness and therefore solve the flakiness. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Have you tried to change his soap and lotions?





I like homemade soaps that aren't mass-produced because they don't have extra detergents (to create bubbles) that are really harsh on the skin.







I prefer goat milk soap or glycerin soap more than anything, and I've recently started making some myself. It doesn't lather into a big bubbly lather like a lot of store-brand soaps with harsh detergents. It's more lotion-like instead, which is very moisturizing.





Goat milk soap is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties for skin irritations and itchiness, including eczema. Glycerin is also known for its extremely moisturizing abilities.





Handmade soap:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TobiasLuciaStarr

Get 10% off with coupon code: TweetersGet10

Answer 6

google, pure potions website, there was a full page article in the daily mail on monday this week,(you can read it online) about a mother who had the same problem with her baby and eczema a few years ago.

she started to experiment with natural herbs and remedies in her own kitchen and has developed a range of products that have become very popular because they actually work, they are now available in shops.

Answer 7

Please don't put rubbing alcohol on an open wound. If you want to see how this feels, pour some on a cut next time you get one. Burns like hell. He likely has an ear infection or mites. But, being that no one on this forum can see him or if they could are not a VET, we have no idea. Try a vet. That is why they are there.

Answer 8

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