Best Lotion for Dry Skin

Updated on February 19, 2010
A.L. asks from Cuyahoga Falls, OH
67 answers

Does anyone know of a really good lotion for dry skin for kids? Both my daughter and son are experiencing the effects of "winter skin"; I've tried bathing them in oatmeal baths, using baby oil after their baths and whenever they need it and it seems like they are still scratching like crazy!!!!!!

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much for all of the suggestions!!!!! I went to the store last night and pick up Eucerin so we'll see how that works. I have had, since they were babies, given them baths ever other day because of the eczema thing and for some odd reason, especially with my son, its gotten really bad lately. I'll give you another update in the future to tell everyone how they are doing. Again, thank you so much ladies for the awesome advice!!!!

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J.R.

answers from Dayton on

My 23 month old daughter has extremely dry and itchy skin. I use Eucerin calming creme all over which is not cheap, but works great. And I also use 1/2% Hydrocortoson on the really dry patches that she always scratches the worst. Hope this helps!

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G.V.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hello A.,
It looks like you have received numerous advice on this but I was shocked to not see one mention of Evaly Baby products. I am a chiropractor and my 2 year old daughter developed eczema. I tried everything and it started to advance to other areas of her body. Her skin was so dry and cracking that I didn't know what else to use. I know use this product and it is completely gone. I highly recommend it since the mother who developed it, her own daughter suffered from eczema. Good luck.

For information or to place an order please call:
Ph: ###-###-####

or e-mail:
____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
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K.S.

answers from Bloomington on

I have used my Lansinoh for every kind of rash. It soothes, heals, and protects dry and chapped skin. It is a little expensive but you only use a small amount on the affected area. I have had my tube for over 7 years (since breastfeeding).

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L.B.

answers from Boston on

Both of my kids suffered from eczema...When my daughter was a baby (15 yrs ago) they used steroid creams and told me not to bathe her too often, as the condition is the bodies inability to hold moisture and an aversion to moisture on the skin. Eucerin has lanolin which really burned her skin. Aveeno is nice, but expensive and also has alcohols in it. You can make your own oatmeal bath by putting raw oats in the blender and making a powder of it, it does soothe.
The creams really damaged her skin and left scars. When my boy came along I listened to the advice of an allergist and started bathing my son everyday and I slathered him in this stuff called HYDROLATED PETROLATRUM, while he was still wet. You get it at the pharmacy counter, it is OTC, but you ask for it. It is a bit like vaseline, but better by far. It comes in a huge tub.
I kid you not, with this regimin his skin was 100% better within a few weeks, and the baths could be cut down.
I really thought the doctor was nuts and resisted it at first, but it really really worked. The stuff creates a barrier that traps the moisture, but also lets the skin breathe. I tried even the tar bath stuff that you get by prescription.
HP was the only thing that worked 100%.
good luck!

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J.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I use this really great lotion called Renew, and it works wonders! In independent clinical trials it has proven to moisturize better than Eucerin Cream. It was developed to treat eczema and psoriasis but can be used (as I do on me and my son) everyday. You can only get it through a catalog company called Melaleuca. Their products are all non-toxin and environmentally friendly, not to mention are in general just great. I love everything that I've used from them. If you want more information email me at ____@____.com

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L.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi A., I just saw your post and I know you've had numerous replies, but I can tell you from experience that Renew is far better than Eucerin and it's not greasy like Eucerin. Yes, I'm a Melaleuca customer, too, and it's because of Renew. I have suffered from severe psoriasis for 24 years and have seen a dermatologist constantly and I have tried EVERYTHING! I used to use Eucerin every day, but I never liked the greasy feeling, and it never helped me like Renew has. Renew has made such a difference in my life! The itching used to wake me up in the middle of the night and I don't itch anymore. I don't have painful cracking skin and bleeding and my skin doesn't flake. I don't care who you contact to get Renew, (me, Danielle, Bridgette, Jessica or Heather)just get it!!! I know what it's like to suffer and if I can help your kids avoid that, it's worth it even if you don't contact Melaleuca through me. www.get-your-green-on.com

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K.L.

answers from Cleveland on

I am unsure of their ages, I didnot check.........but sounds like you could use some Eucerin, Aquaphor, Cetaphil.........any of those to try to treat their dry itchy skin. You may have some dermatitis involved and may want to think about using a detergent without dyes or fragrances, and then using Neutrogena soaps for their baths as well. I am a long time sufferer of dermatitis and these things have all been prescribed in the past, and the winter does take a toll on your sensitive skin!
Also, keeping them in pants and shirts long enough to cover most of the skin can also help, as long as they are not a grating material to the skin.......cotton is best!

Good luck.

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L.H.

answers from Hickory on

I love Aquaphor. It does a great job on my kids. I also like Baby Excema Cream, I think it is made by Nature's Wonder. One other thing that might help is, if you use dryer sheets. Stop. The sheets leave a film on clothes that can irritate dry skin. Hope something works for your little one.
L.

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C.M.

answers from Cedar Rapids on

A.,
You should avoid baby oils as they have mineral oil and it dries out skin. Do not use any scented or frangranced products as it will also worsen their condition. If putting on the lotion recommended to you by others (Eucerin) you must apply 3 times a day and after giving short baths do not dry the children all the way off, the lotion is absorbed easier and retained longer if the skin is slightly damp. My daughter has severe Eczema and after 3 months of age lost all of her hair, it is all back now and going much better.

C.

1 mom found this helpful

H.P.

answers from Lexington on

Yes, it's called RENEW. It's ALL NATURAL! My son used to have dry skin and bad exema until I started using this lotion. You can order it from www.melaleuca.com. If you are interested in other all natural products without harsh chemicals please contact me and I'll set you up a wholesale account with them so you don't have to pay full price!

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F.R.

answers from Columbus on

Hi A.! I am in your boat! My son is very sensitive to many things for his skin. He also has suffered with "winter skin" so bad he leaves his skin bloody. After trying the oatmeal baths and various KID remedies and lotions, washes etc. I have found that the Oil of Olay - for sensitive skin works the best! We use the body wash to cleanse and then Olay "quench" lotion after his tubby. They are more expensive, but I can use them too! Good luck with your litle ones!

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J.L.

answers from Columbus on

I have sensitive skin and dries and itches easily. I've found that vaseline intensive care lotion or cornhuskers lotion. Also, have you had them checked for eczema? If thats what they have the doc can either suggest OTC or prescribe something.

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E.S.

answers from Louisville on

The Body Balms in either Aloe or Vitamin E from The Body Shop. They are the consistency of Crisco, but they hold in moisture like nothing else I've tried. They are also extremely gentle -- without perfumes or dyes that can irritate delicate skin. Hope this helps.

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M.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

poor babys, i know how you feel me and my brother and my mom and now my baby are cursed with that skin. for one if possible don't take a bath every day. we use eucerin . (any smell good lotions do not work at all on me)it don't smell the greatest but i works great and you have to put it on after your bath and again at night. also make sure there baths are luke warm. even after all that i still itch sometimes and i do notice sometime it flaires when i am upset. my baby has excema really bad on his legs and i feel so sorry for him. but he does not seem to itch it. Hope this helps

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T.H.

answers from Cleveland on

Try any of the Eucerin skin lotions....they work GREAT!!!

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L.H.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi A.,
My daughter experiences the same thing. She has since she was an infant. She was diagnosed with eczema. The best way that I know to treat her dry, itchy skin is after a bath don't dry them completely. Apply Euceran cream on them. Then put on their clothes. If they are still having problems do as I suggested but also add a cortizone cream. It has really helped my daughter. Hers would get so bad that she would actually welt up and sometimes bleed. I hope that this helps. L.

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C.M.

answers from Miami on

Here are a few things my daughter's dermatologist told us.

1) Use Cetaphil cream (the thick stuff that comes in the tub, not the lotion in the pump bottle). The cream is thicker and moisturizes better than lotion.

2) Moisturize them at least 2 times per day.

3) Use hypoallergenic and fragrance free everything - shampoo, soap, lotions, sunscreen, laundry detergent. Hypoallergenic alone is not enough, they may react to some of the fragrances, too.

Just doing these 3 things has made a huge difference in my daughter's eczema.

Good Luck.

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K.M.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi A.
Like the other Melaleuca customers on the board I would recommend Renew Skin Therapy by Melaleuca. It was tested up against the most doctor recommended lotion ( Eucerin)for exzema. The Renew Skin Therapy out performed Eucerin in all aspects.

K.
www.livetotalwellness.com/karla04

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K.H.

answers from Toledo on

I have excezma bad. My dermatologist told me to take warm not hot baths and showers in winter. Limit scent soap. He suggested ivory soap. If i take a bath I put baby oil or vitamin e oil in the tub. Caution your tub will be extremely slipper if not clear off good. But that helps. I also put on the same oil when i get out. I use baby oil in the winter with vitamin e oil. Don;t scrub off when toweling pat dry and not all the way the water is moisture and is good. Also if the feet are dry also use same oils or vaseline and put on white cotton socks overnight. I used that when in the desert(overseas) because of the sand works wonders. Vaseline can also be use on skin same as you would lotion.

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I've heard that Arbonne diaper rash cream is the best for that. Arbonne products are natural, no fragrances or dyes, and absolutely no mineral oil. Please do not use vaseline or baby oil as they are gasoline by products. Check anything you use to make sure it doesn't have mineral oil in it.
If they have really bad eczema, my accupuncturist has a whole book of photos with people who have gone in and had amazing results. I'm not exactly sure what they do for it - accupuncture, lotions, or herbal teas, but the results are amazing. I whole heartedly trust them and will only go to them because they have doctorates from China (not the US) in accupuncture and herbal medicines. Dr. Tsao at Dragon Accupuncture off Soledad Canyon. I go to her for any chronic problem I have.

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A.L.

answers from Indianapolis on

Lots of these suggestions are great for helping your kids stay comfortable, but I would really look into what might be causing the problem.

Allergies can cause itchiness as well as yeast. Try getting a prescription of Nystatin Cream(a natural antifungal) from your doc. My kids (now 18yo and 12yo) were prescribed it for their diaper rash during the hot sticky summer months. You can't rub it all over but you can put it on the really red irritated spots like the bend of the elbow, behind their knees and their armpits. Read and do some research on kids and yeast overgrowth. William(?) Crook. Has written quite a lot about the topic. Dianne Craft deals mainly with learning disabilities but she also talks a lot about how nutrition affects health and she recommends some dietary changes to control yeast overgrowth.

Her website is: http://www.diannecraft.org/

Look to the left side of the screen and click on the "Articles by Dianne" link. Read "The Biology of Learning and Behavior". You may find what you need there.

Hope that helps! Itchy kids are no fun.
A.

A litte about me- I am a homeschooling mom of two - a boy(12) and a girl (18).

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K.R.

answers from Youngstown on

Someone already mentioned it but I wanted to second Aquaphor- my kids have eczama and it works wonders- another very good one is Mary Kay's extra emmollient night cream. A little goes a long way with both- and if they have really dry patches a little hydrocortisone mixed in really helps. One thing my dr told me that is important is to look at the ingredients - if water is the first thing listed don't use it- as the water evaporates it can make very dry skin even worse- its ok for normal skin but for extrememly dry it doesn't help- good luck - winter is a hard time for dry skin!

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K.S.

answers from Cleveland on

We use Cetaphil, lotion for me and cream for my daughter. I've lived in Michigan for over 30 years, and now here in Ohio and have found that Cetaphil has worked the best for me.
A piece of advice for any lotion/cream/oil, apply it immediately after a bath, after a light towel drying. The moisture of the bath will be 'trapped' in the skin. And maybe have a bottle next to the sink to be used after hand washing.
Good Luck!

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K.P.

answers from Dayton on

Eucerin Original Creme. The thick stuff. My dr recommended this for my daughters minor case of eczema and dry skin.

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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

Try Eucerin or Aquaphor. We've used both of these on our son with great success.

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W.M.

answers from Toledo on

Arbonne lotion is the best search arbonne to find a rep it is worth it!!!!

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H.P.

answers from Cleveland on

We like the Eucerin calming cream. I put it on the kids in the mornign and I use mineral oil after their baths in the evening. This has helped big time. I have very dry skin and two out of my three have minor eczema. This method seems to work. You can use baby oil too but I prefer to keep the baby oil out of my house since it isn't very child safe. Good luck.

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B.T.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi A.,
Believe it or not, baby oil is the worst thing you can use.
I think Eucerin would be your best bet. Although, I am more into natural products. There is also a lotion that has been tested to be even better than Eucerin called Renew Lotion. You can not buy it in stores but it is an excellent lotion for dry skin, eczema.... I would love to give you more information. Foods that we eat can be a trigger for dry skin as well as not drinking enough water.
Also, does your children suffer from eczema? If so the baby oil is really not a good route to take. Hope this helps!

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L.R.

answers from Boca Raton on

i would suggest either Burt's Bees all natural lotion, or if that still doesnt work use vaseline or olive oil. if your chilrens skin is very bad i would go straight for the olive oil. put it on their skin as soon as they come out of the tub when the skin is still damp. hope it helps.

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M.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

When my son was just a couple months old he had terrbile excema on his face and head. I used Eucerin cream which helped a little. Then the pediatrician said to use hydrocortisone cream. I had considered this on my own but decided against it since I didn't know whether it was safe for a newborn. She assured me that it was ok as long as I kept it away from his eyes and mouth. It cleared it up instantly.

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S.D.

answers from Lansing on

How is your search going?

If "not well" is your response, try Arbonne. It's a botanically based product line that is Swiss formulated. It does not contain mineral oil, is chemical dye and chemical fragrance free. The ABC Baby Care line is what I would recommend. My 10 year old son still uses it to keep his eczema away.

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D.

answers from Toledo on

Hi A.,

Aquaphor is excellent, it is an ointment though. It can be used on the lips, face, anywhere. You can add a little Cetaphil to make it easier to use all over the body. It does feel a bit greasy, but I just wipe the palms of the hand with a dry washcloth. Hope this helps.

D.

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S.H.

answers from Louisville on

My son is 5 months old and has really dry skin and his doctor told me it was eczema. She told me to use Eucerin lotion after his baths and since I've been doing that he has cleared up and doesn't itch anymore that I can tell. I use Eucerin too since it's for extremely dry skin and it makes my legs feel so much better.

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A.W.

answers from Louisville on

Cetaphil or Aquaphor. I am a pharmacy technician and that is what the pharmacists at work recommend.

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A.C.

answers from Cleveland on

Aveeno (green cap) with the colloidal oatmeal. The only thing that would heal my sons dry patches.

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J.L.

answers from Dallas on

Hi A.,

I just read your request. If Eucerin doesn't help your children, try Arbonne's products. They really helped both of my children overcome eczema--I was amazed! Arbonne's products are botanically-based, so there's no mineral oil and no dyes or chemical fragrances. Plus, they're Vegan-certified. If you'd like to try some, let me know. I'll send you some free samples.

Good luck & Happy Thanksgiving!

Jacqueline

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A.P.

answers from Cincinnati on

I use Curel for all of us, and it works great. It's not expensive, and there are many different choices.

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C.M.

answers from New York on

Hi!
I know you've already purchased Eucerin. But I feel like I should give you my 2 cents as well.
I have dry skin and excema and have tried absolutely EVERYTHING. The ONLY over the counter lotion that actually works for me is...believe it or not...Jergens ULTRA HEALING lotion (which comes in a pump so easy to use). I use it everyday in winter...and once a week during summer. If Eucerin doesn't work for you, try this one. The other Jergens products do not work....just the ULTRA HEALING one.

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T.P.

answers from Canton on

I like to use baby oil IN the bath tub then use a baby oil LOTION on the kids afterwards.

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L.M.

answers from Columbus on

My daughter suffers from exzema and her doctor recommends Eucerin. The Wal-Mart brand is also very good. There is also a lotion called No-Crack that I order from Vermont Country Store on line which is excellent. Both come in a jar so the lotion is a little thicker but work great.

L.

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A. - I noticed that someone recommended Arbonne. I second that. I so wish more mothers would trust that it works and that it's not just a sales pitch. You wash with the ABC body wash, follow with the ABC essential oil, and finish with the ABC lotion. It typically works very fast to get rid of the exzema patches. Also, after having three boys and using all daiper rash products on the market, the ABC daiper rash cream typically gets rid of daiper rash over night! My kids even ask for it every time they have a rash anywhere, or even a bug bite. I used to be a rep, but I'm not actively selling anymore. I just recommend the products because they're so effective. You can find it on www.arbonne.com. If you are interested in signing up for the 35% discount, feel free to check my personal site at www.4betterhealth.myarbonne.com, or find another rep that can help you with that. Good luck!!

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S.M.

answers from Indianapolis on

A., I am a consultant for Kara Vita.(www.karavita.com) We have a product called Everyday Skin Penetrating Lotion which has been proven to treat the toughest of dry skin conditions as well as the leading prescribed drug! IT WAS INVENTED FOR USE ON BURN VICTIMS! The company owns a patent on the technology that makes our products' benefits time-release for 8 hours! Our pharmaceutical-grade skincare (the only direct sales co. to offer this) is guaranteed to work for most users to see results in two weeks or less & we do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. I offer free samples of these products and promise to offer you the best customer service you have ever had! Call S. ###-###-#### or ____@____.com

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J.R.

answers from Miami on

With my son we use the Aveeno and we changed the laundry soap to All Free and Clear. Since the change with both his "patches" of dry skin have not come back.

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S.T.

answers from Cleveland on

My 3 year old son has exzema due to food allergies. We use aveeno on him and it works good.

Hth

S.

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K.C.

answers from Peoria on

I know I am late responding, but I didnt see anyone recommend this. I use Vana cream on my son. Just go to the pharmacy and ask for it. It works the best. I have tried everyting everyone has mentioned. Vana Cream has done it for my son. I also will use hydrocortisone as well. Just thought I would let you know incase what you try doesnt work.

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B.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

You have gotten alot of replies, but I'll add my 2cents in here too. My 5 year old has severe eczema, the kind that breaks open and oozes and bleeds. Its horrible. We've tried everythign on the market, every prscrip, 3 different dermatologists, we know its a dairy protien allergy and we know to limit his dairy intake, but he just has it now, and hoefully he'll outgrow it, but for now we have to deal with it.

My suggestion, you are going ot have to find something that works for you. What works for one person might not for your kids. Like I said we've tried everything under teh sun for my child eczema, and nothing has worked. so onto my suggestion, find homemade soap. www.realsimplesoap.com is where I get ours, we use the honey, oatmeal, and milk for our sons and since we switched to this homemade soap for them, it has made a world of difference. I never have to put lotion on my youngest (who does not suffer from eczema) and only every couple days I have to apply cream (Equate Dry Skin Cream worked wonders for his skin).

Regular soap is drying, if you go tothe website listed above you can read alot of info about soaps. They are about $4/bar, but ours lasts for a good 2-3 months in bathing every night for our boys. Youll notice a difference immediatly after use.

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M.G.

answers from Des Moines on

I purchase most of my everyday & household products from Melaleuca too. I know this is after the fact but I read some of your responses and just wanted to let you know that someone said "arbonne is all natural" and that actually isn't true. I just received an email from a friend who has used arbonne in the past (no longer does) which stated all of the products they sell that contain formeldahyde...and believe me, there were several. It's just my household opinion that Melaleuca is the way to go. I am pregnant now and can't even think of using anything else for my family. If you have questions, check out www.melaleuca.com and look at the products. And if you ever have any questions, I can answer them through email if you like (____@____.com).
M.

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J.M.

answers from Milwaukee on

Keep in mind that our skin reacts to harsh chemicals and allergens in food. My daughter had eczema as a baby and I researched it alot. Normal soaps and shampoos, lotions and laundry detergent, etc. can cause already dry skin to become itchy and irritated. Check out fragrance free options or a health food store for natural products- also Melaleuca.com. Sounds funny but olive oil is a great natural moisturizer. Also using more natural clothing with cotton verses acrylic helped my daughter. We also cut out dairy, wheat and eggs for a while to see if she was internally reacting, it was the eggs. She is now 2 years old and eczema-free. Good luck! J.

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J.R.

answers from Dayton on

My 3 year-old suffered from extremely dry skin since birth, and the only solution that has made a difference is one that I made: Pure Shea Butter (www.nasaab.com)and Cococare's 100% Coconut Oil. I blended them together to form the "perfect" moisturizer for my daughter (now the whole family uses it).
I used to buy both at the stores, but, since moving to the Dayton area, I now can only get them online, but it's worth it. They're both inexpensive, and one hundred percent natural. Hope this helps.

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K.M.

answers from Columbus on

If the lotion doesn't work, pick up a small bottle of Vitamin E oil at CVS. My daughters have the same issues and the oil worked wonderfuly!

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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.: As you have seen from the numerous responses, there are various ways of "treating the symptoms" and I will give you my ways as well. HOWEVER, I want you and all those that responded to know that there is now a way to CURE allergies which cause manifestations like eczema, asthma, etc. PLEASE visit NAET.com and read the book "Say Good-bye to Illness" and/or "Say Good-bye to Children's Allergies."

There are now approximately 9,000 practitioners world wide who are certified in this procedure, and the website has a doctor locator. I go to Dr. David Karaba in Fullerton ###-###-####. The pioneer of this procedure is Dr. Devi Nambudripad, and she is located in Buena Park.

On working on the symptoms, I recommend your family taking borage oil supplements (can be added to food or drink), or Neem tree dietary capsules. That will work from the inside out. Then for washing, I recommend a cleansing bar that contains Neem tree oil. You can buy some at Henry's Market.

Best wishes for good health to all.

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A.A.

answers from Tampa on

Stop using soap, baby bath gels, fragrance in oils or lotions and bathe every other day. Washing powders/ liquids contain many irritating trace ingredients that might leave clothes smelling nice ,but are toxic to your childs skin.
Try bathing in warm water and sweet almond oil instead of soap as a cleanser.it will leave a coating of oil on the skin and build up the proyective lipid barrier. Cornstarch is a natural anti itching powder and can ease the itchies. Tell your peadiatrition to prescibe a cortizone cream.
Ecxzema is related to asthma and allergy. Some research has suggested suffers may lack essential omega oils. Perhaps an omega supplement will help. Also you may want to try an acidophylis supplement.
Filtering your household water may help also as town treated water is very alkaline and the skin ph is slightly acid.you can buy ph testing kits from a pharmacy or home depot.

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S.S.

answers from Lexington on

They make an Aveeno lotion for babies and children. I know that they carry it at Wal-Mart and Kroger. That's what I use on my son and it seems to work better than regular baby lotion.

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D.N.

answers from Providence on

A.
I got your request late, but I wanted to respond. I am a physical therapist and I use to reccomend eucerin to my patients with psoriasis, and dry skin. They continued to complain of the dry skin after using eucerin. I have found a new store that I shop with and they have a naturally based lotion that its main ingredient is tea tree oil and a double blind study was done with their lotion and eucerin and it blew past eucerin. It actually helps the skin to replenish moisture so even if you skip a few days of using it, the skin will not dry out. My daughter had severe excema to the point of bleeding. I used this lotion and it is gone. Call me and I can give you the information on how to purchase it.
Have a wonderful day
D. ###-###-####

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K.D.

answers from Cleveland on

I have excema.. which is super dry skin and gets itchy.. all year. lol Mine has been healed with Arbonnes products. If you want I could send you a sample just to try. I will send you a message with my site and email. That way you can tell me what you might want to try..
Also Arbonne won't sit on top of the skin, so doesn't wash off. I have used the products 17 yrs and truely they are the best I have found!

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L.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I know this suggestion is a little late. I have eczema and what works really good for me is Keri Shower and Bath moisture rich oil. I was told by my skin doctor to put that on after a bath while your still wet. Then pat dry, and it does work. Since you were using baby oil it might work in the same way if applied on while they are wet, and then pat dry. I do know the other works, and I have a good case of eczema.

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G.R.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi A.,
I know you've already received quite a few great suggestions, but I wanted to add one more. My year & a half year old daughter has extremely sensitive skin & there's a bath soap we use from Gentle Naturals for Eczema. She's never been diagnosed with it, but she is like me & can't handle too much of the regular soaps. We also use the lotion that goes with it. She gets a bath every day & we haven't had any rashes or dry skin on her since we started using it over a year ago. Eucerin is what I use on my skin & it also is a wonderful product. That just might to the trick. Good luck!

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L.D.

answers from Columbus on

Aquaphor is super, it's pretty much vaseline but if the skin is that dry it should soak in and not be too greasy!

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A.

answers from Chicago on

Wow! You have received a lot of good advice. I absolutely agree with those who suggested Cetaphil. It used to be available by prescription only and is now OTC. I have extremely dry skin year round and this provides a great deal of relief without getting too greasy. Also, someone mentioned Omega supplements - omega 3 fatty acids are very important for skin health and many products are now adding omega 3 so it is an easy dietary addition. My family uses the Horizon Organic milk with DHEA, which is available at Jewel. Another tip is be sure they are hydrating from the inside out - they need to drink LOTS of water. Finally, a cool mist humidifier offers more help for the extra dry winter months, especially if you have electric heat in your home.

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T.F.

answers from Lincoln on

Water softeners, like Culligan, a whole house one fixes everything from sluggish water pipes drains, laundry etc. Every one should have one unless your well is 200 feet deep and you are NOT on city water. A water softener will keep your laundry white, help your drains from clogging, help your skin, make your coffee and tea taste better and save a ton of money on soap, detergent, dish washer detergent, shampoo, bath soap. I've always had one. When my son started kindergarten he started getting exema on his hands. I had him stop washing his hands at school. Then when the water softener wasn't working I knew it immediately just by looking at his hands. They would get puffy and red and feel hard.
You can get a good water softener at the hardware store. I recommend one called Water Boss. It doesn't use much salt and it doesn't take up much space. It'll pay for itself just in soap savings. With a water softener it takes less than half shampoo to dish soap. I use 1/4 cup or less of laundry soap and even the oldest of my husband's underwear and sox are white and smell great, and my skin is a lot less irritated by the soap left in the clothes when not using a softener.
Having a water softener will make your water appliances last longer, saving even more money.

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B.B.

answers from Fargo on

Try 'California Baby." I use the baby lotion with aloe for my son who has really dry skin and it clears up all the dry spots! They have some of the products at Target, but the lotion I use I have to order online..it's the only stuff that I have found to work. It's all natural and wonderful!

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C.

answers from Cleveland on

My son has eczema and we use baby Aveno. We use it after every bath (every 3 days). The only place he scratches is his cheeks, and that is only when the eczema gets bad. We use hydrocortizone for that.

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D.R.

answers from Louisville on

Maybe it's not just dry skin. I had eczema when I was young and
I would scratch like crazy, till it bled sometimes. The cold months were the worst! The doctor prescribed some kind of cream that helped a lot. It doesn't bother me much anymore; but I use Meijer's Hydrocortisone Cream when it does. Aquafore is a really good lotion. My sister in law is a Dr. and uses it every night. Good Luck!

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M.R.

answers from Lima on

Hi A.,
My little boy gets dry skin too. It's not as bad as what your dealing with. I use the new Johnsons Shea and Cocoa Butter lotion and they also make a babywash too. Hope you can get your little ones feeling better. GOOD LUCK!!!

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E.S.

answers from New York on

I have used Eucerine and found it helpful. When my eldest child had excema as a uoung child I took her off chocolate!!!! and it cleared up The Dr. was going to use something I did not feel was good for a young child. Her's was probably an allergic reaction. E. the 87 year old grandmother

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C.D.

answers from Lexington on

A., I am so excited to get to share this with you. I have 4 children and we have had our rounds of dry skin until now. I got involved with a company called Arbonne about 2 years ago. I fell in love with their products, especially the baby and anti-aging lines. My pediatrician now only recommends Arbonne to all mothers. The line consist of a Wash, lotion, oil, and diaper rash cream. I can promise you will say goodbye to dry skin and forever with your children. Put a little of the oil in the bath water, wash and lotion them and the difference in the smooth soft skin is awesome! The best part is Arbonne's products are all pure, safe, and beneficial so no worries about harmful chemicals! Just let me know if you would like try some. I became a consultant after falling in love with the products! My email address is ____@____.com, Christie

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K.R.

answers from Chicago on

Help your child manage dry skin or rough patches associated with Keratosis Pilaris. This is a great website to teach them. Visit www.littleredbumps.com.

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