Need Great Dermatologist for 5 Y/o W/ Eczema. and Products That Really Work.

Updated on October 29, 2009
S.L. asks from Garland, TX
14 answers

My son has thick dry patches on his thighs, calves and back of knees. I know there isn't a cure for eczema yet, but I need some products that will alleviate his suffering. I've even reduced his intake of sweets in hope of reducing the dryness. He eats well. He loves salads and most fruits. So, his diet is pretty good. Also, I use detergents and all natural bath soaps w/o dye and perfumes. I've tried everything over the counter including expensive natural products from Whole Foods & Central Market. I have prescriptions for steroid creams that his PCP prescribed that don't work. I'm thinking maybe he need to see a really good dermatologist, however, I get so tired of doctors wanting to prescribe a cream that doesn't work. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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K.M.

answers from Dallas on

My nephew used to have eczema pretty bad until they got a good water softener installed. It was one that would not only soften the water, but it would take out all of the chlorine from the water. After that his skin cleared up fairly quickly.

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S.C.

answers from Dallas on

We use Cortaid (over the counter) that works for us for the occasional breakout. Has the pediatrician suggested food allergies or having him tested for those? After my son broke out with the eczema rash when he was just turning one, he was tested for food allergies and we found out that he is allergic to peanut and eggs. Once those were eliminated from his diet, we havent had the rashes.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.C.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter has eczema; so I will be curious about the response. However, I use Aquafor for babies and that helps a lot! We also have the steroid cream but I don't really notice a difference b/w the aquafor and steroid cream. I usually pack on the aquafor at night and it is gone in the morning.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.H.

answers from Dallas on

i didn't read other responses, just wanted to quickly offer that we cut out all possible dairy sources (even the sneaky ones like most lunch meats and medicine/vitamin tablets) for several weeks. after that, we noticed a huge difference in my son's g.i., behavioral, mood, and skin issues. maybe it can help your son?
also, we like calendula ointment. boiron makes a good one; my son called it the "soft medicine" because it felt so good on his skin w/ no stinging.

hth!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

I have suffered with dry patchy skin and horrible itching for a while. My kids also have the luck of inheriting the dry bumpy skin. We've tried everything - the ONLY thing that works is Lush Olive Branch shower gel. Its Vegan. It also is loaded with natural oils and moisturizes the skin wonderfully. While using this - the itching has completely gone away. If you are skeptical (which I can understand) try the small bottle and make sure you shake it up before you use it. Lush is online & in Northpark Mall. I haven't had much luck with dermatologists as we have a sensitivity to Vitamin A.

Good luck!

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L.S.

answers from Dallas on

I have a friend who had similar issues. He uses a liquid body bar, which uses a blend of humectants to moisturize his skin. It's a soap-free formula which cleans the skin. He also uses a skin cream designed to help w/ red, scaly, itchy or rashy skin. It has yarrow & jewelweed, and also Quadrinone, a naturally occurring compound clinically proven to diminish the redness, itching, stinging and burning associated w/ problematic skin. It is often recommended by dermatologists, but is not a prescription. I don't know if it would work for your son, but it could be an answer to his problems. If you want more information, let me know and we can connect.

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

We go to Dr. Allen Menter located at Baylor downtown Dallas.

HE IS WORTH THE DRIVE. He is one of the best around. His PA's are great as well.

www.texasderm.com

My daughter had excema really bad when she was little. We were told she may grow out of it. She has. At 14, she occasionally has irritation on her toes and that is it. It used to be on her legs.

I can't say that Dr. Menter had any magic cremes, we chose not to use steriod cremes.

We continue to see him yearly. Since we were aware of his popularity and good work, we see him for regular checks and as a proactive approach for my daughter since she is now a teen and avoiding acne. Her skin is flawless.

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Menter and his staff. ALSO...a biggie for me.....they don't try to sell you stuff. They have things available but I have never been asked to try anything. NO pressure or anything. You do have to pay about $2 to park in the garage.

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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

Dr. Robin Carder near Central and Walnut Hill is great! She is a specialized Pediatric Dermatologist. We love the Alba products that are sold at Sprouts, Whole Foods, etc. Today, I just found the cream at Walmart! The coconut milk cream works great. They have soaps and shampoos as well. This was from trial and error after trying about 20 different creams, natural products, etc. California Baby has a good product line too. Try Cetaphil soaps or pure glycerin-no sodium laurel sulfates. We've also put dechlorinating filters on our shower and use dechlorinating tablets in the bath water because chlorine really dries out skin! Baths only every other day. My daughter has to use special sunscreens too because others break her out. Use Baby Lizard (CVS) or JASON products (Central Market). Look at the website- www.eczema.net - lots of helpful info.

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K.D.

answers from Dallas on

It looks like you have quite a few responses. I did not read them all, but wanted to tell you that I have a 3.5 yr old who has had the worst skin issues of anyone I know. He has had them from day one. I finally found a dermatologist and the right combination of steroids and over the counter lotions that work. I know it seems strange, but Cetaphil soap for bathing and Cetaphil cream lotion (in the tub, not tube) daily, especially after a warm bath, with Locoid cream and his skin has completely cleared up. It has taken me 3.5 years to get to this point, but I am finally there. Locoid is expensive, but the derm has been able to give me a $35 coupon (good for 3 refills) to use each time I needed a refill. I use the Locoid immediately after a bath and Cetaphil over it.

It took about 2-3 weeks, but I was able to see improvement within a week.

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F.D.

answers from Dallas on

S.,

If you are in the Plano area, I was very impressed with Dr. Jennifer Stalkup ###-###-####

I know you said you tried other holistic approaches so I want to offer one more that I've found, a spray that works great and wonder if it would help your little guy.

Isamune by Isagenix has a multitude of health benefits. My son and I take 3 sprays each morning for an immune system boost. Then another person suggested spraying Isamune into my cat's water bowl (which I do almost every morning) and his skin irritations are considerably improved.

Here's the website on Dr Keech who created the product http://www.drkeech.com/

I'm not trying to pull a "sales pitch" on you BUT I do sell Isagenix. Just call me ###-###-#### if you're interested in trying the product.

Here's my website for more information as well.
http://francine0270.isagenix.com/us/en/isamune.dhtml

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L.G.

answers from Dallas on

My son has eczema also, in conjunction with food allergies. We use Vanicream nightly. It is OTC, but you have to have the pharmacist order it for you. It's pricey - $13 for a jar, but it lasts us about 1 1/2 months, he's only 2 though,so smaller than your son. We will use the steroid cream when he breaks out followed about 20 minutes later by the Vanicream and usually that works after 1 or 2 applications. We use Licoid Lipocream steroid. I don't much like using it either, but he has had some pretty bad breakouts and I don't want a secondary infection. If his skin is particularly dry, like in winter we'll put the Vanicream on am and pm. Good Luck.

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J.G.

answers from Dallas on

Dr. Lynn Roberts is great. My son had some spots on his scalp and she took the extra steps to find out what is was. She was at Children's Medical. and I think Presby.

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M.E.

answers from Dallas on

Go to Freederm.com website. This is a wonderful product. I have used it for about 3 years and I also use it on my 6 year old. I have a testimonial on their website, probably longest one on there! It is the one with the picture of the blonde haired little girl with the golf club. This product saved my skin and my daughter's. I also use Cetaphil products and I used to use Dr. Beth Dolan as a dermatologist. She is in Garland and is a great doctor. I haven't had to see her though since using Freederm. Good luck!

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K.N.

answers from Dallas on

Hi my 2yr old son has mild eczema on his ankles and behind the knees. The prescriptions never worked alone and I found a lotion that if I use twice a day directly on his flare ups and use it even when they are not flared up it keeps it under control. It's Avon's moisture therapy intense hand cream. It works great!

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