Eczema and what to wash clothes in?

morganb

Hi
The only one I can use with DSs is Bold 2 in 1; and I do use soap nuts for not very stained things.

Our holiday in Lancashire proved to me that the eczema is also worsened by hard-water; much softer up north and all three of us had beautiful skin and hair for a week.

morganb

sarmia wrote: »

The docs has given me various creams and lotions

Ref creams and lotions, I have found that the only ones that DS1 can use which don't sting him are Body Shop Shea Butter, Lush Honey I washed the Kids soap and Lush shampoo bar. All the stuff the doctors gave me - Cetraban / E45 / Aveeno / etc., etc., etc., stung, and the Lush shampoo bar, with the exception of the prescription shampoo, Nizoral (?) or something similiar, is the only shampoo that doesn't give him cradle cap. And the advantage of it all, of course, is that they are all made from natural products and he's not having to use hydrocortisones, etc. Disadvantage being that I have to fork out for it all!!!

Js_Other_Half

Lush dream cream got rids of DS eczema in about a week used twice a day. I tried cutting down how often i use it, but then it flares up, so twice a day it is.

I use this occasionally on coloured clothing: http://www.lakeland.co.uk/wash-it-laundry-ball/F/C/washing-laundry/product/5718

Gingernutmeg

I don't know if it's still working but there's a link for a free sample of filetti washing powder here. It's not the cheapest but I keep some in for bedding and the like as most washing powders have me itching like crazy. For day to day stuff I use Ecover too.

sarmia

Thanks for the further replies.

Also (I don't want to teach my granny how to suck eggs, but...) How much do you dose your wash-load with

TBH I usually put half the recommended dose in each wash - never a the full dosage.

I think I was using the Fairy before but then it could of been Persil (I have a terrible message). I think I will try the ecover and see how we got on with that. Where can I buy the Lush soap from?

foreversomeday

From Lush (There is supposed to be a smilie face here but it keeps disappearing! Sorry!)

They have a website where you can order online too if there are no shops near you.

Regarding soap etc, it might be Sodium Laureth Sulfate - an ingredient of most soaps, shampoos and bubble baths - which is irritating the skin and causing the eczma to flare up. Just google it and you will find lots of information. Lush have started using Sodium Coco Sulfate instead now in a lot of their products which is less irritating to skin. Also their stuff is gorgeous and some of it lasts for ages, like the shampoo bars!

It's annoying isn't it when something is marketed as being gentle or for sensitive skin, and then you find out it isn't at all. I have been told that Johnsons' baby wipes are the worst for causing nappy rash and stinging and I always thought Johnsons' were supposed to be extra sensitive.

ironed_out

My middle son had severe eczema, and I wish we'd known about soap nuts then, although in saying that, the creams he was prescribed were very greasy and stained skin/clothing a lovely shade of yellow :rolleyes: so maybe they wouldn't have been any good.

I have some soap nuts here I can send you some if you'd like to give them a try? PM me with your address and I'll post some to you.

3under3

My 16 months twins have eczema, when my washing machine gave up a few months back I bought one with an allergy care option which rinses with more water. Apparently some machines aren't great at removing the soap powder residue which can irritate eczema sufferers. I only use it really on their sheets/sleeping bags and vests and try not to overload the machine so everything is thoroughly rinsed. I'm not sure how much it helps but it can't do any harm!! I use Fairy and no conditioner.

aligerdie

dd1 suffered terribly with eczema until she was around 3, but it still flares up now when she's tired.
I used to have to bath her daily with oil in the bath (dermol was the best) and then put the cream on straight away while the skin is very soft (i found it absorbed it better then)

a small amount of persil non bio seemed to do the trick with our clothes, no fabric conditioner, and line dried, but if you iron the clothes after it makes them soft again.

Good luck, eczema is hard to treat, but once its under control its alot easier then. The hardest bit is finding things to get it under control!

Savvy_Sue

If you haven't yet found the National Eczema Society, do have a look at their website! They may have a local support group as well.

And

MOVING THREADS FOR BETTER RESPONSES

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to the Health board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Also a reminder: the OP didn't ask for medical advice, and we'll all keep in mind ...

MEDICAL ADVICE

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this: Sorry, giving or asking for medical advice is not permitted on this forum as it’s not what this site is about. While discussing medical insurance policies, cheaper ways to see consultants, cashback for alternative health treatments and how to get specific medication cheaper (legally) are all perfectly acceptable we ask you specifically not to discuss what to do in the event of certain medical problems (please see this rule on the Health Board). If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

I'll just add that it is often a case of trial and error: keeping the skin moisturised is key, and finding the 'right' moisturiser - alongside anything prescribed for flare-ups - is often an interesting journey!