For the love of this little girl, I've been on a mission to find ways to help rid her of the eczema that has kept her an itchy, grumpy mess since May. Yes, she's as spunky as she looks, and this little personality with eczema is a force to reckoned with! Not fun for anyone...really :)
Along this six-month journey, we've tried LOTS of things. I was going to list them all, but figured I'd save us all some time and fill you in on what has finally started to work for US!
We tried everything topical under the sun, and where they would provide temporary relief, her skin never completely cleared up.
We actually started noticing the most significant change when we cut gluten, dairy and egg from her diet. We're three-weeks into our "food-allergy" experiment, but after giving her a little dairy last week (when it was finally a little chilly outside and everyone wanted hot chocolate)...boy, did I regret giving her that mug!
Her arms that were almost completely clear before that silly cup reached her lips, and by nightfall, she was grumpy and itchy all over again. So needless to say, no more dairy for my little girl!
I will say, that dealing with a "food" issue was FAR from where I wanted go in my efforts of helping her find relief. We tried so many things before I finally broke down and agreed to release my will to keep our food "routine" simple and similar for all my munchkins. God is so faithful to meet us when we finally agree to put down the reins and let Him drive, isn't He??? Her skin hasn't looked better in six months. It only took a few weeks of me allowing God to steer us a new way.
I'll keep you posted on how the experiment goes in the next few weeks, but I also wanted to share with you the topical routine we've adopted that seems to be working to keep her sensitive skin at peace.
One wonderful DIY recipe I found was for this Homemade Eczema Body Wash on good ole' Pinterest.
1/2 gallon distilled water
2 cups grated soap ( I used Tom's Sensitive Soap)
2 Tbsp Vegetable Glycerin oil
Bring the water to a boil.
Melt two cups of grated soap in the water.
Add Vegetable Glycerin.
Mix well, and then pour it into whatever you want to store it in.
We re-used an empty shampoo container that had a pump top, for easy use at bath time.
At first, it will seem very watery, but after it cools, it will get thick, white and creamy. Pouring into storage containers right away is a good idea! Then, shake it up before using it each time, and the consistency works great.
Though I'm starting to believe the root of her eczema lies in a food allergy, here are the other routines we've begun that have brought relief as her skin heals...
- After every short, warm (not too hot bath) with this body wash, we apply Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Organic Raw African Shea Butter all over her and they have helped her sleep well!
- Every day, she drinks (seriously...she's amazing) one Tbls of Twinlab Norwegian Cod Liver Oil (cherry flavored to help out a bit!) with some water to wash it down. She actually asks for it every night now...I guess getting healthy feels good!
- I had a friend mention this last one we've done for a while now, but I forgot it's also said to help eczema...Probiotics! I give the kids children's chewables that I keep in the fridge and John and I take adult sized capsules too (also refrigerated). These help keep us all healthy!
I'll keep you posted on our food allergy journey, but until then, I pray you any of you who are struggling with eczema or have a child who is, will find relief soon!
Lord, Thank you for saying in your Word that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. You've never made a mistake in the way you created each one of us unique. I pray that as we struggle through physical ailments, they would only draw us nearer to you. We want to know you more intimately as we seek to understand how you made us. Bring clarity where they is confusion. I pray you bring healing in the process of us releasing our will to yours. You are worthy to be praised!
Amen.
I pray that your journey leads to healing...if you find your Maker in the process, healing will come to you far deeper than skin-level. And that, my friends, is TRUE healing.
***
UPDATE: 10-16-13
Since this post was written, we have been SO grateful to find that Young Living Essential Oils have been an amazing addition to our routine with Cora. Theraputic-Grade Lavender (only available from Young Living) has been the best thing by FAR to take care of the scarring from her eczema...incredible, really. It's made a night and day difference in our sweet girl's skin. See THIS post for more info!
I will definitely be trying this!! I have eczema on my hands and it can get quite painful. I mayhave try goingto dairy free as well.So glad your munchkin is feeling better!!
Quick question - where do you find vegetable glycerin oil? I'm assuming I can't use glycerin anhydrous USP.
I found my vegetable glycerin oil at Sprouts.
Thank you for sharing the body wash idea. I will definitely try. Stay Blessed!!!