Itchy Face, Can't Sleep

[Spectra]

Well my son has always had the eczema on his cheeks and has gotten rid of his cradle cap months ago, but starting when he was able to move his hands with purpose he scratches his face and scalp like crazy when he's tired and trying to fall asleep.  Since he was a couple months old I've had to sew the arms of his sleepers down to his sides, it's the only way he'll actually fall asleep, if he doesn't have this he'll keep scratching himself and bleeds.  He is now 11 months and still does this, even though his cradle cap is gone and the eczema on his cheeks has diminished a lot. 

Any of you experience this?  And if so how old were they when they got over this?

[momtoandrewandthomas]

I know that the allergist told me with my older son (now 5 1/2) that even though the patches are not visible on their skin, if they have eczema, it is there, under the skin and is still very itchy.  He also said that once it is actually red, it is a small infeciton under the skin.  We were using steroids and a triple antibiotic cream in combo with him and it worked well.  He also told me that kids with eczema tend to have very dry skin and they have to moisturize continually.  My son resisted this for a while, but I thought the Cetaphil wash and lotion really did the best job.  It is gentle enough for the face and really kept his skin nice.  He still fights it today and has scars around his joints where old patches used to be.  These are not noticible until summer when he tans.  I feel badly because he looks like he has some gross skin condition, but he does well.  I am starting to wonder if he is sensitive to a food as well as my little one.  My allergist swears that he is, and I never noticed the connection befoe.  Now that I have Thomas, I am beginning to think that there may be a chance.

Hope the suggestions help.
Jen

[Spectra]

That makes a lot of sense actually.  When I was pregnant with both my kids I developed PUPP, the pregnancy rash.  I have never experienced anything so itchy in my life!!  The day after I delivered the rash went away on my legs, and belly, but the itch lasted for 2-3 months after.  I never thought it was going to go away.  I don't know why I never thought of it that way before.  I haven't tried the Cetaphil, I should, I do use the steroid cream though too. 

Are you going to get your older son allergy tested?

[Mydreamcametrue]

Hi Melanie:

Sorry, I don't have much experience with treating eczema.

Jen gave you some great suggestions. 

BTW, Is the dairy free diet helping any?

Could you try an anti-itch cream?  How about those baby hand mitts they make.  You could put socks on his hand maybe?  I think my 10 mo. old would bite them off. 

You could put really long socks (like yours or DH's) all the way up to his elbows.  This would prevent him from scratching at it so hard. 

Hope my weird suggestions helped.  Sounds crazy, but the long socks could work.. Then you could put him pajama's over them.

Wendy

[Spectra]

I could definitely try the socks, hopefully he won't try to pull them off.

So it's been 1.5 weeks that he's been on the Rice Milk and within a few days his face really cleared up.  The eczema on his arms have disappeared, but there is still some on his hands, but not like it was at all.  I still see it on his legs and feet though, but I know I am suppose to give it more time.  I'm not saying it's definitely working yet because his face has cleared up in the past, but only for a few days before it got worse again, and I don't want to jinx it!  But his arms clearing up is new, and I really really hope his face stays clear, it was always the worst.  I'm crossing my fingers that we finally found something that works after almost a year of suffering!  Here's to hoping!

[momtoandrewandthomas]

I am taking my older one to the allergist on Thursday.  he has actually been tested 3 times since he was about 1 year or so.  All negative.  My little one is MSPI and tested  2 times and both negative.  Andrew (5) has also had an IgE screen, which was also negative.  He does take singulair daily and it helps with seasonal stuff.  I am so starting to wonder about milk allergy for him.  i have never made the connection before now, but he is also constipated not diarrhea.  THis has been since whole milk began.  On milk-based formula he seemed OK, but demo. signs of what I thought were seasonal allergies early on like 3-4 months.  Weird girls, but I am really feeling like I missed the boat here.  It is all this craziness with my THomas (2) that is making me think about it.  I am weaning the 5 year old off milk and dairy now and beginning to supplement with vitamins and such.  I will then remove the hidden to see what transpires.  I will keep you posted.