If you or your toddler have eczema...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have tried them all, and the only thing that has worked is the Aquaphor that comes in the tub. I think it is called Advanced Healing. It is like Vaseline but it works and my toddler doesn't scream when I apply it, which I do at least 2x per day. I also mix in cortisone every few days.

I agree that Aquaphor is the only thing (short of petroleum jelly) that does not sting, once my son's skin gets outbreaks. I use it right after bathtub time, when he sits on potty I let him watch a Thomas video and I slather it on all over, rubbing especially into crevices (this is why the video helps; otherwise he's so squirmy and I never get the Aquaphor into the creases). Then I put him into PJs and hope that the moisture is sealed in tight.

It's been a terrible battle in my household, with outbreaks anytime we travel to Florida (where grandparents live), or anytime the seasons change. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Aquaphor, definitely, but only after an outbreak is under control. We use a prescription ointment for that (triamcinolone).

[Anonymous]

My DD has eczema and we apply Vaseline after her bath. You need to apply it within about 3 minutes after they get out of the water to keep the moisture in. Pat dry, no rubbing. And every time she gets her hands wet (i.e., washes her hands, plays with water), we try to put another layer of Vaseline on. We've tried the other creams etc (Vanicream, Cerave, Aquaphor) but Vaseline works and it's cheap (we use a LOT of it).

We also use prescription steroid ointments when she has a flare-up (not too often as they cause the skin to thin, and I don't think they're indicated for facial use), as well as prescription anti-histamine to help her sleep at night when she's too itchy. Check with your dr for these.

[Anonymous]

Also use a humidifier at night, esp. during winter.

[Anonymous]

If you son is screaming saying it hurts it is probably infected. Need to see a doctor who knows about the skin issues.

As an adult I use different stuff. Aquafer is a no go for me. It actually can help breed skin infections.

I do use eucerin cream. I also use gold bond soap. It works well. I have a break out now. Time to make an appointment for me.

[Anonymous]

Neosporin brand eczema car has been amazing. I had tried every other brand the pps mentioned with little to no success. I tried the Neosporin eczema care lotion and it cleared up in 2 days. Its also available everywhere so didn't have to order and wait

[Anonymous]

A humidifier helps a lot.

I use Aveeno's Eczema lotion during the day and Cetaphil at night. I like Cetaphil because it works well and isn't as thick/greasy as Aquaphor or Vaseline. Aquaphor also never worked for my eczema.

[Anonymous]

I have bad exzema and I add baby oil to my bath water, so the water is very oily. It soaks all into my skin and feels so soothing -- and most importantly, does not STING.

[Anonymous]

Aveeno Eczema Cream and Cetaphil.

Cetaphil is greasy, so we only use it at night before bed.

[Anonymous]

I have eczema and cannot use any moisturing lotions or creams except aquafor - everything else makes the itching worse. I use it after my shower every day while the skin is still retaining water; otherwise, it does no good.

Sorry your kid has to deal with this.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for the big tubs of Aquaphor, also the totally old-school and smelly but miracle worker A&D ointment (often used for diaper rash) also works on eczema.

For small bad spots, hydorcortisone 2.5% (prescription) and 1% (OTC), but OTC is less effective. The 2.5% is a miracle worker.

[Anonymous]

OP here. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who took the time to reply! I had some Aquaphor that I had gotten for diaper rashes but ended up not using as I liked something else more. I gave it to my son this morning. He looked doubtful when I said it shouldn't hurt and hesitantly dipped a finger in and rubbed it on his face. His face immediately lit up and HE ACTUALLY LAUGHED! He said it felt "soft"! Thank you! This is the first time he's ever had this reaction! To the poster who mentioned that they had it in their ears, etc. - my son does as well so it was good to hear from someone else that does. Getting anything on/in his ears is an even bigger struggle than his face. My son actually put the Aquaphor on this morning and then 2 MORE TIMES because he liked the way it felt! It's frustrating to see his face getting red, know what's coming and then have him resist using anything. We have a special RX cream for his face/ears but I prefer to avoid getting to that point when possible. I will give some of the other popular suggestions a try just to see if something less greasy works but my son actually went outside today and his cheeks, nose, chin, and ears didn't get red, dry, etc!! I am THRILLED and my 3yr old is too! Thank you all again!

[Anonymous]

Vanicream, and recently have liked neosporin. Our pediatrician and allergist kept suggesting aquaphor, but it got worse. he dermatogist said she does not recommend it due to the lanolin, which many are allergic to. We finally figured out that flushable wipes were a trigger, and have fewer outbreaks.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, word of caution on using tubs of aquqphor. Our six year old has suffered from eczema since age 2 and our allergist actually diagnosed hers as the type that flares up bc of too much staph bacteria on the skin. We were told not to dip and double dip into the aquqphor tub b/c that just turns into a breeding place for bacteria. We only use squeeze tubes now. Also, sometimes mineral oil after a bath helps, but occasionally even that stings. The only thing that doesn't is Aquaphor.

[Anonymous]

Aquaphor and california baby (the kind that comes in the little tub)