My two and half year old has been itching since he was a baby. I have tried tons of different creams, I wash all his clothes in non fragrant natural products, I have changed his soaps to all natural products as well, and it only seems to get worse. I know I should probably take him to an allergist, but my ped explained the process and said it is not fun. She suggested benadryl, but I dont want to keep him on meds all the time. I think that his itching has increased a bit due to the winter weather, so I am looking for any advice on types of natural creams/remedies to help soothe him. I have heard of using olive oil or sunflower oil?? does this work-and does it stain clothes? I feel so bad for him, he itches till he bleeds sometimes! There are no indications of bumps, bites or rashes, just constant itching! When his clothes are on he itches at any exposed area he can reach, and when I change his diaper he immediatly starts scratching his legs and newly exposed skin areas. Also, has anyone taken such a young one to an allergist? Did it help? Any advice is welcome! Although I prefer the most holistic route to a solution if possible. Thanks!!
UPDATE: I have made an appointment with a pediatric allergist for tomorrow. I am still interested in hearing about any holistic remedies or natural moisturizers that people have had success with. Thanks for all the advice so far!
My daughter was about 5 when she had allergy testing done. They use a device on the back that has 10- 12 little needles that prick the skin. They do it all at one time. They press it on the back, and it is done. It is not a fun experience, but it is quick.
You may not even need allergy testing done, so at least go to the dermatologist and see what they say.
My one year old went to the allergist last week for the same thing. The visit was not bad at all, and it turns out he has a dairy allergy. Now that we're eliminating dairy from his diet, he is feeling so much better, and is so much happier! It may not be a food allergy or environmental allergy, but it is good to find out. I would bring along some toys or books for the wait, because you do have to wait a few minutes to see if there's a reaction, but the poking itself was no big deal-nothing like immunizations! Good luck!
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Hi Jen! I would absolutely go to an allergist. If you find it's just dry skin, I recommend getting him a child's fish oil supplement.
My son has SUCH dry skin and used to itch constantly until we got him a omega 3 fatty acid supplement from Nordic Naturals (Carlson's is also a great brand and both come in a kids formula). Now, I only have to apply lotion to his skin periodically, not constantly! :)
There are many places online that you can buy the brands I listed but I prefer www.vitacost.com
You can also try putting olive oil in bathwater and if he has particularly itchy spots you can apply extra virgin coconut oil. It's the best moisturizer I have ever found!
Which natural products are you using? Some that claim to be natural are actually not. You can check out your products using www.cosmeticdatabase.com . It will tell you how harmful the product is based on a scale of 1-10.
I know you're looking for home remedies, but I'd personally want to know what the cause of the problem is. There are a lot of conditions (some serious, some not) that can cause itching. I'd think a visit to a dermatologist would be a good place.
Itching is usually an allergic reaction (if it's that consistent). I don't know of any home remedies for itching. I wish your pediatrician hadn't scared you from the allergist. I would think it would be better to know what the cause is in the event it's an easy fix to diet/environment that would prevent a lot of medical intervention down the road.
Good luck.
i had this with my oldest daughter she would scratch till she bled i cut all tags out etc
the lotion that worked for us was adult aveeno the navy blue one
skin relief moisturizing lotion with cooling menthol
my second choice is called SARNA
My son has the same condition did you find a remedy for your child, my son is 5 and summer is ok but winter he is constantly itching
any advice would be appreciative.
.
thanks
Dad
When my son came down with pneumonia when he was 1 yr old, our pediatrician referred us to a pediatric allergist to have him patch tested when he turned 1 1/2. They laid him on his tummy and did his back, then looked for reactions. He didn't like it, but his tests came out normal and he wasn't allergic to anything. I'd see an allergist and have your son tested, because until you know what the cause of the itching is, you can't effectively soothe it or prevent it. Could be eczema, or a yeast or fungal infection. Dry air from heating systems in winter can make skin dry out and be itchy. Try a humidifier and see if it make a difference. Make sure his bathes are not too warm, and do not use bubble bath. Hot water can remove skin oils, and bubble bath can be irritating. Have you tried a colloidal oatmeal bath? They are very soothing on the skin. I had a touch of poison ivy last summer and a salve of jewel weed helped me a lot. You've probably looked at the detergent and or softener you use to wash his clothes in. Use smaller amounts of detergent and double rinse his clothes (my wash machine has a cycle for this) before drying. Make sure he's not dressed so hot that he's sweating a lot - that can cause some itching. What are his clothes made of wool, cotton? The allergist should have lots of suggestions for you to try. If he's scratching himself to bleeding all the time, you might have to tape mittens on him to prevent him harming himself and causing scarring. Please take him to an allergist as soon as you can.
Get him to a pediatric dermatologist and get the eczema and allergies under control. Sarah Chamlin at Children's Memorial is great. It takes a bit to get an appointment, but follow what they say and it will get better. If your doctor is okay with it I would be giving him the benedryl every night so he doesn't scratch himself raw. It is not going to hurt him. Scratching and leaving his skin open to infection is worse. Make sure you keep his nails very short and filed. Most of those "natural" products are the worst for me. (I have severe eczema as does my daughter). They usual contain natural fragrances like lavender or other and make me want to rip my skin off. I have tried a million of them and they all give no relief to me. Switch to Aquaphor or Vanicream for lotion. Hydrocortizone over the counter on the red patches til you see the dcotor. He will probably need a steroid to clear up the worst of it and get it under control, then you can just use it to maintain. Ask your doc first, but bleach baths a couple times a week help. 1/4 cup of bleach in a half bath of lukewarm water. Let him soak for 10-15 minutes and apply the lotions while he is still wet. Try cetaphil to wash with. I wish you and your son the best.
Why not give an allergist or at least a dermatologist's office a call and find out what would be involved before you make up your mind? It could be that it's something very simple that you can eliminate.
My mom and I both get that nonspecific itching in the winter, especially mom. It doesn't seem to be related to a rash - I think it's from dry skin because it's only in winter. Make sure your home air is not too dry (if you live in a house with forced-air heat, make sure your humidifier is working well; ours was broken for at least a year before we realized it.) I swear by Eucerin Calming Cream, especially after bath. If there are specific areas that always seem to get itchy (backs of knees or inside of elbows for example), cortisone cream (OTC or prescription) should help.
Other stuff you can do - check out the insides of shirts and sweaters to make sure they don't have scratchy seams. Try to use natural fabrics next to the skin. Remove plastic type tags. Stay away from products with iron-on type transfers (my kids both react to those with a rash, not itching, but I guess you never know.) Notice if any specific dyes seem to cause issues - I have sometimes had an outbreak of itching after buying new blue jeans so now I wash them at least twice before wearing.
I hope you find an answer!
