Evan has eczema. Actually, all of my kids do (and so does Mommy) but the baby has a horrid case right now. I'm blaming global warming. You see, last week it was in the 40's and this Easter, April 4, 2010, it will be almost 90 degrees. Yep, a 50 degree change in temperature. Anyways... he has eczema and I pretty much can't use any of the normal baby skin products on him without resulting in a screaming baby covered in dry, patchy scales. And no, I'm not exaggerating. It's truly that bad.
Here's the problem (aside from the eczema). It's going to be 90 and we're going to be egg hunting. We. Need. Sunscreen. Not just any sunscreen, but, a sunscreen suitable for an almost 4 month old. Not just any 4 month old but a 4 month old with eczema.
Help a kid out. Any suggestions? What type of sunscreen do you use on your children?
Disclaimer: This is not health advice. Our pediatrician advises us to use sunscreen from 4 months and up. Just not on the hands. Not all pediatricians agree. Talk with your child's provider.
12 comments:
I've heard that sunscreen and sunblock is fine as long as it's Paba free. I think Aveeno or possibly Earth's Best Baby might make a sunblock, but I don't have any personal experience! I'm so sorry E is having issues!!!! I pray it clears up fast!
You could also try SPF clothing! I have not tried any myself, but am looking for the best brands for our 4 month old. I hope that you can find some sunscreen that is good. Have you checked out Burts Bees?
Those are all great suggestions! Keep 'em coming.
Kellye, we can't use Aveeno products because it causes flare ups (weird right?). According the docs. he's too young for any real allergies but I swear there's something in lotions, etc. that he can't deal with.
ThreadBeaur, I have not tried Burt's sunscreen. I haven't been able to find any baby sunscreen around here. I'll look into that though. Great suggestion! (by the way, cute bag in your picture!)
i use eucerin(sp) cream on isa. it is really thick but it worked like a charm.
Blue Lizard Australian Baby Sunscreen is great for sensitive skin! On a side note - have you tried a Hazelwood Teething Necklace for eczema? I've read great things about them for skin problems, but my kids don't have sensitive skin. If you'd like to try one out for your little guy, feel free to contact me. I sell them through my store. Maybe I could host a review/giveaway kind of thing? :)
California Baby has sunscreen. Never used it but their lotion and wash are AMAZING!! And there is a $1 coupon in a Target mailer :)
Aveeno is alright. It dries out Payton's skin though :(
Megan, Thanks. We've also used Eucerin in the winter on the older boys with good results! And that is such a sweet picture of you & the sweet babe.
BethR., I've never heard of a teething necklace for skin problems! You've got my curiousity peaked! I'd love to do a review/giveaway. Incoming email! :)
Tiffany H., Excellent tip! Totally forgot about Cali Baby's sunscreen.
Thanks everyone! Anyone else have a tried and true method? Or sunscreen they love?
I posted some of this on your fb page, but some at the end is new...
We use Sunny Days sunscreen by Tru Kid. It's hard to find, though. Not even listed on diapers.com right now... Hmmm...Guess we might have to find something else to use when we need our next bottle! I'm not sure how it is with eczema really... Aiden has eczema, but his trouble spots are in areas that are covered when we're out and need sunscreen.
What about California Baby?? I would think that would be a good one to go with. Good score on the cosmetic database, as well. And you can get it at Target! It's not cheap, but none of the ones that score well seem to be. The Sunny Days was a bit cheaper (and came with a bit more product), which is why we chose it over Cali Baby. But if you need something NOW...I would probably go with the Cali Baby. It's known for being good with babes with eczema/sensitive skin, too - at least the products in general are. Not sure about the sunscreen. We use the body wash and are very happy with it.
http://www.diapers.com/Product/SearchResults.aspx?FreeText=California%20Baby%20sunscreen&QueryFrom=Search There is one for Sensitive Skin...but not sure what the selection would be at a local store.
We tried Burt's Bees sunscreen once and didn't care for it...I think it was how it felt going on or something - too oily or sticky? Can't recall, but we never finished the bottle, I think, we liked it so little. (Or maybe one of us adults used it instead?)
Also...not a good choice for the baby, I'm sure. But I keep hearing that coconut oil is a natural sunscreen...pretty low SPF, though (which is why it wouldn't be a good one for the baby/kids). And it's pretty good with eczema - so maybe something for you when you don't need much sunscreen.
The teething necklace for skin problems does sound very interesting!! Aiden has all sorts of issues that keep popping up.... I might have to get more info on that! :)
we've started using kiss my face products. while my family doesn't have eczema, i am very sensitive to the sun. i've heard a lot of bad things about green sunblocks not working, but kiss my face does a fantastic job. i order mine from drugstore.com (it's hard to find products like that where i am). i would guess most green sunscreens should not have things that make your baby flare up, drugstore does an excellent job of listing ingredients also, so that should help.
Awesome advice! Thanks Jenessa! I always forget about drugstore.com.
A reader sent me the following in an email! EXCELLENT holistic tips for eczema.
Dare,
I and all my children suffer with eczema. I have found solutions. For the baby you can immediately help by taking flour and water and making a dough ball. Then take this and roll it into a shape of a rolling pin and dip it into almond oil. You can get a big bottle for about $6-8 at an Indian grocery store. Give baby a full body massage using the dough on back, tummy, face and everywhere. The dough works as a natural exfoliator, we do this to all new babies in India as this helps remove all the dead skin they seem to shed. The almond oil begins to heal the skin immediately. You can also use glycerin (in the first aid section of Wal-Mart, by the Band-Aids) which generally runs about $2. Use this as an after-bath skin conditioner. Make the baby nice and sticky, smooth. Put 100% cotton only PJ’s on the baby and make sure the baby sleeps with a light 100% cotton sheet when sleeping. You will see a huge difference; the oil massage always before bath, the glycerin after bath.
After 5 days you should see a tremendous difference. I do not use sun screen on the kids at all as I do not believe in those toxic lotions. I would however use fresh aloe on the baby on all skin that is exposed to protect the skin from any chance of burning. Wash the baby off as soon as you come in out of the sun and re-apply every time you go out. American docs say not to bathe kids with eczema which I find so painful myself, as I also suffer from it, that I would never do that to the babies. I use Ayurvedic soap, again found at all Indian grocery stores, which heals the skin and is medicinal and gentle enough for babies. Wash that baby every night before bed and do the massage, bath and glycerin bit until the baby is nice and cozy in skin and then only use the process on the weekends. Never let these babies with eczema go without a bath and follow up with the almond oil (lightly applied as you may apply lotion to the arms, legs and torso) as an after bath treatment on a regular basis. Try to keep their arms and legs covered with the glycerin generously put on the skin for 5 nights.
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