We’ve been live for 7 days now and I have had a wonderful response. Thank you everyone for all the encouragement.
Last week I went to my first ALLSA (Allergy Society) which was very interesting and I am proud to say that I understood most of what was discussed. That I’ll however save for another blog 😉
I did however meet a pharmaceutical rep whose daughter has eczema so we obviously got chatting. Jess had a bit of eczema on her back and behind her knees as a baby. Thankfully her eczema is environmental which means that it’s not going to be aggravated by food but rather by things she comes into contact with. I was relieved and stressed all at the same time! Relieved, because at that stage I was still hoping that she was not allergic to any foods as we could only test her at a year old and stressed because when he confirmed that it was actually eczema, I thought about my brother, who suffered terribly as a child with eczema and still does as an adult. I have first hand experience of everything he couldn’t eat or use because of it and how my Mom had to make mittens for him to wear so he didn’t scratch till he bled at night. My heart broke for my little girl because I thought it meant no fun bubble baths or anything like that as well.
My Paeds first bit of genius advice was to stop using Stasoft on her clothes. The reason being that Fabric softeners work by coating the surface of the cloth fibers with a thin layer of chemicals, thus making the fibers feel smoother etc. (This compliments of Wikipedia 😉 Obviously chemicals are not good for anyone never mind a tiny tot with eczema. Long story short, since we have stopped the Stasoft, we have not seen any eczema on her body. So simple yet so effective.
If you are looking for a natural alternative to soften your clothes, I found this recipe. I have to confess that I haven’t tried it yet but I think I just might and apparently the vinegar smell doesn’t stay on your clothes.
Homemade Fabric Softener
Ingredients and Equipment
- 1 cup baking soda
- 6 cups distilled white vinegar
- 8 cups water
- Essential oils (optional)
- Large clean bucket (preferably one with a spout for easy pouring, or you can use a funnel)
- Clean bottle(s) for storing
Method
- Put the baking soda in the bottom of the clean bucket. Add one cup of water and stir to combine.
- Slowly add the vinegar – this is the fun fizzy part.
- Complete with the rest of the water.
- Once the fizz has died down, pour your fabric softener into conveniently sized bottles. I use 1-1/2 liter water bottles, but you could also use well-rinsed milk bottles, or even an empty bottle of store bought fabric softener.
- You can add a few drops of essential oil to scent your fabric softener as you wish.
Use 1 cup in the rinse cycle of your washing machine and ENJOY
So after pulling myself towards myself and clearing Jess’s eczema with my new paeds, bit of genius advice, I remembered that I had once become an agent of Acornkids bath products. The reason I started selling them was because they looked like such fun for my big girls and they so enjoyed experimenting with changing the colour of the bath and playing with the bubble bath etc. They have also a soap free range for kids with sensitive skins.
Time passed by and Jess started bathing with the girls so I started experimenting with some of the products in the bath and I’m very pleased to say that none of it has irritated her skin at all. Now she opens the cupboard herself and says “Mommy Bubbles” at the tiny age of 1.5 years old….too precious. Not only do the kids have a ball in the bath for ages, it means that I get to have at least 20 – 25 mins of peace and quiet (well most of the time) while they bake imaginary cakes with the foam and angel dust.
They really are the most fun bath products and there is also a baby range as well which I could also use on Jess.
Jess unfortunately still gets a bit of eczema on her face as well as chemical burn from things like strawberries or if we give her the odd slice of normal bread (like Abiara – that is what she calls both her big sisters who are Abigail and Kiara) as it contains Soy which she is intolerant to. For this I use a cream called SBR Repair which works wonders and you can get it at most pharmacies.
I am back on the Acornkids Selling wagon….so if anyone is looking for fab pressies for the kids or just so that you can have a few minutes of peace and quiet while they have fun in the bath, then drop me a mail and I’ll send you the catalogue.
Obviously depending on your child’s skin allergies, I would suggest that you do patch tests with the products to ensure that they don’t react to any of the products or consult your doctor. I am also happy to answer any questions you may have on the products.
Have a fab day !!
Chat soon
Bon
About Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
It is good to read your article with regards to eczema. My son has not been diagnosed with eczema but when he was 2 months he did show signs of eczema. I was advised by the Wellness Clinic we go to that I should also stop using sta soft and use a tablespoon of white vinegar as the soap aggrevates the skin. I also had to start using non fragranced products on him and his milk had to change to a soy formula. Was a bit sceptic about the vinegar because I also thought that his clothes would smell of the vinegar but it really didn’t and as a result of doing all these things, his skin cleared up rather nicely and there and almost 6 months later, he has to date not had any other skin problems. It is really so nice having a site like this and to gain insight from other parents.
Hi. I accidentally came across this site on google. I have a 14 month old daughter with what is “acute” eczema. She was in the hospital for a week about two weeks ago for secondary infection in the eczema. She is allergic to eggs and what seems like dust, grass, pool water, dogs, cats etc. She may not go outside to play. She may NEVER go on grass. Not allowed to swim. Its really tough because she really wants to be outside. At the moment she is looking good. Only a liitle on the arms, tummy and back. Her hands get it the worst. We put her hands in socks at night with creams so they stay healed. I am glad that I have found other people who are having the same problems.
Hi there
Wow, I can’t even begin to imagine how you cope with your little angel’s allergies. Are you seeing an Allergy Specialist for her? Let me know if I can help in any way possible. Warm regards Bonnie