Natural Alternative to Hydrocortizone?

Updated on June 30, 2010
A.D. asks from Vancouver, WA
8 answers

Hey all. My lovely 2 years of age daughter seems to be struggling with eczema. The doc prescribed her 2% or 2.5% hydrocortizone cream. I would prefer to leave this as a last result, tho.

Does anyone know of an all-natural/organic alternative to cortizone creams? If so, where can I get it?

Thank you so much!

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

I've found a safe (for ages 2 and up), homeopathic cream called Florasone to be almost magically healing. I put it on an itch, the itch is gone in 10 minutes or less. I don't have eczema, but the cream lists that as one of its intended uses. Some reviewers claim it's very effective for this problem.

Here's an Amazon link that gives reviews by many users, most of them rating it 5 out of 5 stars: http://www.amazon.com/Boericke-Tafel-Florasone-Cream-crea...

2 moms found this helpful

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A.P.

answers from Portland on

Having dealt with eczema myself most of last year, there wasn't any cream or lotion that helped. Coconut oil or olive oil is soothing to the skin, but of all things, an ice cube gave me the most relief. In the end, large doses of vitamin b complex cleared things up. This is the stress vitamin and is water soluble so you cannot overdose as with fat soluble vitamins and minerals.

It is best to address the underlying cause of the eczema though. When the liver is overworked, it sends toxins out the skin. It could be the major allergy culprits like wheat, dairy, soy, or nuts. Or it could be food additives like msg, food dyes, preservatives, etc. It could also be a gut imbalance, especially if she was recently on antibiotics. Reactions will usually occur anywhere from 2-18 hours after consumption. Start keeping a food journal now. Hindsight is always 20/20, so eventually you'll see a pattern that may surprise you.
Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

J.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

You may want to check in with her nutrition first, she could be wheat (or dairy, or something else) sensitive and this could be causing the eczema. You could try a naturopath, chiropractor, herbalist, or nutritionist. Often any of these holistic professionals specialize in finding these sensitivities, so you would just want to ask first.

Oh one more thing, calendula cream is a more holistic first aid cream, not sure if it is comparable to the hydrocortisone though.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi A.,

I agree with Jen about the nutrition. Ezcema is systemic and comes from the inside out. Hydrocortizone just comforts the outward symptoms. You're right about using it as a last resort. One week on steroids, even topically, does as much damage to bone mass as menopause does to an older woman. I can recommend a chewable vitamin for her that is guaranteed to absorb if you'd like to go this direction. I have seen the nutrition in this form heal eczema.

If you want something topical to heal, Renew lotion by Melaleuca will do it. It is a proprietary formula that has been double blind, clinically tested to work. I have seen it clear up eczema, rosacia, psoriasis, as well as help with other conditions within days. I can get you some information on it if you'd like to try it. I'd love to help.

M.

1 mom found this helpful

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

A.,
I highly recommend the Shakleebaby products, but the cleanser, lotion and supplements. they are organic. You can check them out at http://www.shaklee.net/healthforlife.
Good luck and God bless.
Victoria

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N.I.

answers from Portland on

Eczema, especially in little children, is usually due to toxic soaps you get on the market.

I had a girlfriend whose son had eczema so bad that he actually bled from them because he scratched them. Someone told her about Shaklee Fresh Laundry (because it was non-toxic) and within two weeks all her eczema was gone.

If you are interested in learning more go to http://nontoxiccleaners.myshaklee.com

N.

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K.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree with the posts about nutrition. A great resource for herbal remedies is www.gardensablaze.com but just like with conventional medecine it is important to consult with a local holistic practitioner especially when dealing with children. Just because it is " natural" or " herbal" does not make it safe, natural medecine is every bit as exact a science as traditional medicine.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.S.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with Florasone, it's natural and works! Try the coconut oil as well to soothe.

Hopefully you can find the cause of the eczema. That's really the cure.

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