Natalie had a light case of eczema as an infant, which included her scalp (which was actually probably the worst part of it). As an infant with little to no hair, we just used lots of Vaseline and oil which helped but never got rid of it.

It all seemed to go away for a while, but for several months now it's back on her scalp and worse than ever. When her hair is in ponytails, the two spots are obvious and just gross. Really flaky with large pieces that don't always come off. We have been using Cetaphil on her scalp in the bath(it helped so much with her body). I think it's helping it to flake a bit, but is really not getting rid of it. Any suggestions? I almost think it's worse now that it's flaking more. She only itches it occasionally, but othersise doesn't really seem to even notice it.

The doctor told us once around a year old the name of the condition (a form of eczema he said but I can't remember it), but at that time it was not on her scalp. They recommended Cetaphil for her skin (backs of arms and calves) and it has worked wonders. They told me she will likely never outgrow it and have it all of her life. I may end up taking her in, but wanted to check with the people who know first!
Any suggestions on what else might help? TIA

By Jodes on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 08:36 pm:

My younger son has had a scalp condition since he was an infant also. It did seem to go away at a certain time, but it has been back for years now. It sounds like it is exactly what Natalie has, a build up of scaly flakes that do not come off easily at all. I discovered neutogena T-Sal shampoo, and it completely got rid of it within about 2 weeks of every day use. I bought it at Wal Mart and it is meant for severe scalp build up. It is fragrance-free, additive free, and safe for every day. Just massage it in her scalp before she washes, and then it can sit on her head for a few mins while she washes. I thougt at first that is wasn't going to work because it took over a week before we saw a difference (his scalp was really bad though) and then suddenly it was gone! He will probably always have to use this shampoo, but I am just thankful it worked. Good luck!

By Tripletmom on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 08:18 am:

I hope this site can give you more info

http://www.cetaphil.com.au/eczema-questions.asp

Sorry,I'm not sure how to make a link.It said toddlers with eczema can have break outs in the colder weather.Remember when Nats was having a red vagina and you were switching soaps, that is probably also eczema related.I hope you figure something out for her,and I'm glad she's not being bothered by it.

By Amecmom on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 09:55 am:

Hi Deanna,
Eczema is nasty. Randy had bouts with it. We used Protopic, which worked well. Also, just plain hydrocortisone and lots of moisturizer and limited baths. Randy had a bad case of cradle cap, which looked like eczema. I used an Almond Baby oil from Burts Bees to soften the crusty stuff and then I kind of massaged it off.
Your best bet is to take her to a dermatologist, though, not your ped. It's bee my experience that when it comes to skin conditions, the peds are reluctant to prescribe anything.
I hope she feels better.
Ame

By Tripletmom on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 10:25 am:

Ame-
I just read some reports at work the other day saying that Protopic and Elidel Cr may be related to cancer? I know they use these 2 types of cream as a last resort in children.Just thought I'd mention it.

By Jodes on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 11:31 am:

Just wanted to add, the interesting thing, is my older son has pretty severe eczema on his legs and arms, but his scalp is perfectly fine. My younger son, who has the scalp problem, has never had eczema. I read the bottle of neutrogena T/Sal shampoo and it mentions seborrheic dermatitis, and after reading about that condition online, it seems to match the scalp symptoms. The active ingredient in the shampoo is salicylic acid. It's never a bad idea to see a skin doctor, but it's worth trying the shampoo.

By Reds9298 on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 01:21 pm:

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I have thought of cradle cap, but since it was diagnosed as eczema as a baby and looks the same, I just assumed it was eczema. We used Elidel as an infant and it worked wonders, although Elidel hasn't helped with this new "strain" of skin problems. Then she outgrew the traditional eczema and went into this other form which for the life of me I couldn't tell you what they called it. I have also experienced the ped not wanting to do much about skin conditions, which is frustrating. Others have also suggested seeing a derm about it and skipping the ped, which I totally agree with based on my experience. Unfortunately though, I have to get a referral from my ped to see a derm, so we would have to go in anyway! Frustrating.

I'm willing to try the Neutrogena shampoo, but just wonder about using it on her at 2 1/2 if it contains salicylic acid. Is that okay? What about getting it in her eyes? That rarely happens, but we also use Johnson's so maybe we just didn't know. She's getting very good about covering her eyes with a rag and tilting her head back for rinsing.

Also will try the Burts Bees you mentioned Ame. Thanks for the ideas from everyone!

By Jodes on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 02:22 pm:

There is no age recommendation on the shampoo bottle, my son is 9 and he uses it by himself, he knows that when he rinses he has to keep his eyes closed until he doesn't feel anymore suds in his hair. I would just stress to her that it's important to keep her eyes closed until you tell her you are done rinsing. I hope it works for you.

By Jjb on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 04:17 pm:

Could it be psoriasis? I have it and once you get it it's there in some form for the long haul. Spots go away over time but I have always struggled with it. My scalp has been the worst- but did go into remission for years at a time when I was younger. Try using olive oil. It will make her hair greasy, but will help with the itching and is natural. Just put a little on a q-tip or on your finger and apply it separating the hair. Elidel doesn't work on psoriasis well- only if you have a patch on your face.

OTC shampoo with salicylic acid should be fine- I've used it on my kids as young as 2. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak into her skin then rinse it off. We have a shower head that detaches and that helped keep it out of his eyes. Coal tar shampoos, tea tree shampoos, and salicylic acid can also work and are all OTC. It will take a week or two for her scalp to improve.

Good luck!

By Kaye on Sunday, February 25, 2007 - 08:44 am:

Deanna, when I used to have referrals, most docs would let me call into them and just ask. You could call your ped, talk to the reception and ask if they will give you a referral for a derm dur to her eczema. It might save you a trip.

By Enchens on Sunday, February 25, 2007 - 11:29 pm:

Ditto on the T-Sal. That's good stuff.

By Saveymom on Sunday, March 4, 2007 - 11:13 am:

I know of some natural products that seem to help with eczema and other skin problems. My daughter had eczema and my son had mulescum and when I started using these products there skin irritations cleared up. My husband also has eczema and his problem clears up using these products when he has flare ups. Let me know if you want more information.