Screaming on applying emollients

[melrose]

My 2and 1/2year old son has severe eczema affecting the whole body, frequently bleeds, weeps and is red. We have tried several creams with temporary improvement. Now my biggest challenge is that he screams endlessly and becomes very restless and distressed as soon as I start applying the creams, ranging from aveeno, double base, hydrous ointment, Dermol and Vaseline rescue cream. My heart breaks to see him in such distress but I just keep going as I know it has to be done. I have taken him to the GP, and he said that he has never seen/heard of this before hence did not know what to do but would refer to dermatologist, we are currently waiting to see the dermatologist. The problem however seems to be getting worse each day,he screams more and gets more distressed with each day that passes. Has anyone experienced this? Does anyone have any suggestions of how I can help relieve my son's distress? Please help!!!

[lucyconnor]

Hi there

I know it is hard but bare with it. You are doing all you can. I have a 4 year old who started screaming like that around the same age. He had Eczema from birth and was really good getting his creams on until about 2 1/2. Unfortunately I can't promise that it will get better because my son still cries now, although not as bad. I used to find myself holding him down with my legs over his, one hand holding his hands, and the other applying the cream. Now, he usually stands still but he does still cry.

It is absolutely heartbreaking but as long as you remember that you are doing it to help him, you will get through it. He is too young to understand that now, but as he gets a bit older you will be able to explain it to him. I have to tell my son that the more it stings, the better it is working to make him better.

I know it's not much help but at least you know you're not alone

[CinammonWaffleJ]

With the emollient, instead of applying it with your hands and rubbing it in... Use a spatula to smooth the cream over the skin and just let it soak in. It helps!

[AnnaB]

Hi
Totally share what your going through. Creams that are white like milk tend to sting more, be it emolient or steroids. Creams that are greasy and have the Pat the creams on rather than rub and only ever follow downward movements. Avoid tired or hungry times even if this means turning your day updide down. It is really tough but hang in there the dermatologist will help.

[lucyconnor]

One thing I do tend to find helps with the screaming is using ointments as oppposed to creams. My son named them "sticky creams" so it seems he thinks of them as a bit more fun. Every time I ask him to come and get his cream on, he asks for the "sticky cream". Strangely enough, he does not scream. I know the ointments are a pain as they get on everything so I use creams through the day and ointments on a night. That way, at least when he's tired and ready for bed it makes it a little easier, and they're only getting his pj's all oily and sticky.

I also get my son as involved as possible. If his torso is ok, I will give him cream to put on his tummy, whilst I rub it in his legs, so he's a little distracted.

One other thing, do you bandage at all? If so, have you tried putting the cream onto the bandage rather than directly onto the skin? Then when the bandage goes onto the skin you're not rubbing it in or anything.

[longterm]

hi im longterm im not a medic im 53 yrs old and just simply a longterm excema sufferer have you read about excema treatments on this page are you using aqueous creams the other thing i would like to say i have every sympathy with your child if i can be of any help get in contact

can i also mention that when ive applied aqueous creams ive experienced the stinging sensation and it just doesnt just last for a couple of minutes it lasts for quite a while so every sympathy again with your child

can i just say i only want to help im now trying natural remedies i will let you know my outcomes ive spoken to various GPs and saw a dermatologist at solihull hospital and are inclined to agree with me regarding aqueous creams

best wishes
very understanding
LONGTERM

[melrose]

Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement. We have really find your ideas and suggestions to be very useful and we would certainly try them out. It is good to hear from people in similar circumstances who can empathise with you more. It is gives us hope that our son will get better.

We are very grateful to everyone who has made effort to help us with useful ideas.

[kerrie106]

hi there i too am i longterm sufferer im 23 an mine seemed to disapear a few yrs back for around a year however it came an stronger this time to my horror. one thing that has helped me even as a child was a method called 'wet wraps' now most doctor have no idea about this at all as its a pretty old method but it wasnt until i was at my wits end with this that my mum reminded me that as a child i used 'wet wraps' i suggested it to my current doctor and she has absoulty no idea what they were i explained what she needed to give me to do it an she obliged, thank goodness, this is the only thing that helps me its quite a lengthy process to do and takes around an hour in total but when i stick to doing it my eczema can be cleared in 5days an im usually completely covered on about 80% of my body. you should ask your sons doctor about it and if hes even unsure ask me an ill explain the process and tell you what you need.

hope this helps

kerrie

[tomgood]

I controlled my son's eczema (nowhere near as bad as your son's) by cutting back on his intake of sugar and starch. I have successfully controlled mine in the same way.

The evidence seems to point to eczema being due to an overgrowth of yeast in the gut. By discouraging the yeast from growing (cutting right back on sugars and starches) and encouraging bacterial regrowth (probiotic yoghurt - not the sweet stuff) the gut flora can be rebalanced. The gut is strongly linked in to the immune system - and the immune system is what's causing this skin reaction.
It seems extra cruel to be cutting back on these "treats" during this time, but it really does help. So - cut right back on breads, potatoes and sweets - but make sure he gets enough fat. He still needs the energy from somewhere. Look up "paleo nutrition" or "primal living", for more information.

I found myself that the usual prescribed eczema creams (petroleum based) are all useless, and made my eczema sting like crazy. This just increases the inflammation and makes the whole thing worse.
The only one that I found I could stand was either to apply some kind of oil over the body after bathing/showering - like olive oil - or recently (post Christmas) goose fat! Seriously - it's an old remedy.
More conventionally, I've found that "Dream Cream" from Lush is very soothing.

Sounds terrible - it's awful to see your kids in pain. I hope that's of some help to you.

[itchyhippy]

Hey everyone
i feel so sorry for you parents of kids with eczema and it kills me to think that i will prob pass it on to my kids I have suffered from eczema for 21 years, and it shows no signs of getting any bettter.
I thought i'd just give a personal account to help you understand why your kids get so distressed. I am surprised that your doctor hasn't heard of this before because when you put emollients on very dry and cracked skin, it is extremely uncomfortable and i remember crying about it too when i was a kid. however, a few mins after putting the cream on, the cream starts to soak in and the skin starts to feel better again. I tend to just lie still until it has soaked in. perhaps try cuddling your children close to you during this time after putting the cream on - it will provide some comfort while the skin is sore.
Also have you tried Oilatum bath emollient? I always find that my skin feels softer after having an oilatum bath - it is important to apply moisturiser straight after the bath before the skin starts to dry out, otherwise, if you wait til the skin had dried out, it will be painful again. As has been suggester by other people, try different creams because some are softer than others. also don't rub it in fully - this only angers the skin more. just apply it and let it soak in on its own.
I don't have kids myself so apologies if this is sounding ridiculous, you've prob already tried all this anyway. I just thought i'd give a personal account to help you understand why your kids get so distressed.
Keep going. i know it must be hard, but even though they are screaming, the creams will help. Never give up looking for the right treatment - there are plenty out there and every case is different.
good luck to all of you. hope this helps x x