We received these pictures from mummy Nicole this morning and it totally made our day! We’re happy that she had the patience and faith in our Baby Miracle Balm. The keyword is definitely patience. A baby eczema natural treatment vs steroids, this is a topic that has been slightly bothering me lately.
I think when it comes to choices, everyone is entitled to their opinion. When I started out Jo Lauren, I knew I was targeting a very niche market. More importantly, I knew that educating people to make informed decisions is vital. As with all other parenting decisions, when it comes to treating a child with eczema, many parents differ in their approach. I respect that but if I have the opportunity to share information on baby eczema natural treatment, I will.
Many people wonder why I feel so strongly against using steroids on babies. My opinion is that, unless a baby is unable to eat, play and sleep due to eczema, steroids should be avoided. When I had my PUPPP rash, my gynae who is pro-natural birth and assisted me in my drug-free birth insisted I do not apply steroids. If I’m pregnant and topical steroids are contra-indicated, how is it alright to apply directly on babies?
Anyway, this is why I don’t think it’s a good idea to apply topical steroids on babies, taken from National Eczema Association website:
“Who Should Avoid Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hydrocortisone Products?
Topical hydrocortisone products should not be used on anyone under the age of 2 years. They should not be used in or near the eyes. Pregnant patients and those who are breast-feeding should not use it unless advised to do so by their physician.
…Babies and very young children are at risk of absorbing topically applied corticosteroids into the bloodstream, especially when these medications are very potent, applied in large quantities too frequently, or used inappropriately under a diaper or other covered (occluded) area. As such there may be a risk of slowing growth (height). Corticosteroids taken by mouth or used for prolonged periods of time are absorbed into the bloodstream. These can reduce the body’s production of natural corticosteroids, weaken immune responses and affect growth, but do not affect brain development.
Infants and young children have a higher ratio of body surface area compared to their weight, so they are more susceptible to corticosteroid absorption. If a child is given corticosteroids by mouth, in large doses or over a long term, prolonged adrenal suppression can be associated with growth suppression and weakened immune responses.”
Nonetheless, where eczema totally impairs a child’s ability to function normally, eat, play and sleep, it is perhaps the only solution that offers immediate relief. After all, it is safer to reduce the inflammation and prevent infections if no other solution works to calm down the rashes. In such cases, a good doctor will not simply push a steroid cream but carefully identify what are the diet/environmental triggers and prescribe a careful regime with specific usage instructions. More importantly, a responsible doctor will inform the caregiver when and how to reduce and stop the usage of the topical steroids.
“Topically applied corticosteroids used in the appropriate quantity and for the appropriate duration are unlikely to affect growth or the body’s ability to fight infections. It is important to follow the advice of your doctor when using topical corticosteroids in babies and young infants. When making a decision about the need for topical corticosteroid therapy, it is critical to weigh the potential risks of the treatment against the risks of the disease. Untreated severe eczema can have an enormously negative impact on overall well-being, restful sleep, ability to concentrate and learn, and family dynamics, which can, in turn, impair a child’s normal growth and development. When topical corticosteroids are applied correctly, the risks of the disease are far greater than the risks of treatment.”
When it comes to using steroids, there may be side effects that should be made known.
“What Side Effects Can Hydrocortisone Cause?
Most people immediately think of thinning of the skin (skin atrophy). This is a well-recognized possible side effect. It is true that potent and super potent topical corticosteroids can cause skin atrophy if applied too frequently and for a prolonged time without a break. Although early skin thinning can disappear if the topical corticosteroid is discontinued, prolonged use can cause permanent stretch marks (striae). Many patients with under-treated eczema have the opposite of skin thinning, and actually develop thickening, and sometimes darkening of the skin (changes known as lichenification). This is the skin’s response to rubbing and scratching.”
In conclusion, if I can heal Lauren’s eczema, free from flare-ups (yippie!), with a baby eczema natural treatment without the use of steroids, why not? It took 1 month for her weeping and bleeding eczema to dry up and 1 more month for the dry patch to become smooth. That is severe eczema, healed entirely by our Baby Miracle Balm. From the experience of other mummies, mild eczema cases will take just 1 week, moderate eczema up to 3 weeks and severe eczema 1 month for the rash to dry up completely. The phase where the rough patch turns smooth is the longest and can take up to 1 month! But patience will definitely pay off with a repaired skin barrier and healthy smooth baby skin to boot!
I really thank God for helping us through this journey and I hope to help more babies too!
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