Hi Ling
TCM is good, but must be patient. Cos can see effect after long run. I tried too but I wasnt patient.
Firstly, ascertain which type of ezcema your child have. Does he have small spots all over his body? Or patches which are wet and ozzing and coin like? Or Scaly and dry like snake skin?
In any event, I must clarify that my kids do not have eczema, but me since about 5 years ago.
If your child is young, and tend to scratch in the night, try to wear silk mittens for him. Anithistamines helps if the itch is bad. But not recommended for long term usage.
For diff products, do not mix them to use. Use them consecutively for at least 1 week to see if there are improvements and always use one product at a time so you know which is helping.
I used to refrain from steroids creams and stuff. But, I ended up staining the sheets, my clothes, the office chair, carseat, everything cos the patches were all over the back of my legs. I saw a GP, she gave me an anti bacterial cream (non steroid), and a steroid cream. after 3 days, all the wet patches were gone. So now I maintain with moisturiser and if necessary, then apply steroids. So you might wish to ask your doc for anti bacterial creams.
Things to note:-
1) There are many types of ezcema. Treatments will depend on which type.
2) Using hot water to bathe will worsen the situation. Use lukewarm water, if not cold.
3) Pat dry, instead of rub dry.
4) Use non-fragrance, non soap products like QV, Cetaphil, Omillent etc. Even Johnson and johnson will make me itch.
5) Trial and error on the best moisturiser that works for your child. What works for others might not be for your child, so try and try and try. Always moisturise after bathe.
6) Wear cooling cotton clothes.
7) Avoid humidity.
8) Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin.
