Is this eczema?

**oleander** · 21-12-2006 23:36

My DD has rough, scaly/flaky skin. It's very obvious on her forehead, arms and legs. It's not soft and smooth like other babies skin. I have taken her to the doctor and they said it was heat rash but I don't know if they are correct. Behind her knees, in the folds of skin, it's all red and moist. I've used Canesten(anti-fungal) mixed with Sudocrem(nappy cream) as suggested by the chemist for the past couple of days and it dosen't seem to be working. It hasn't gotten any worse but not better either. I am BFing and am thinking I should cut out nuts and eggs from my diet which I will do from now on in case she has an allergy to these.

Does it sound like eczema or heat rash or allergy?

**oleander** · 21-12-2006 23:47

I thought I'd add that I've tried olive oil and vitamin E oil on the rough areas. I don't use any soaps or other creams on her, just water to bathe. I have some Paw Paw ointment and am thinking of trying this next. My mum suggested Almond Oil but I'm worried to use it in case she has a nut allergy.

**Ana Gram** · 21-12-2006 23:53

Don't use nappy rash cream - they are really bad for eczema. It probably is just to do with the heat but paw paw ointment is good, so definitely give that a go. Also try to keep your baby's skin as moist as you can. See if your chemist has Dermeze, which is a grease that goes over any creams you put on which will keep the skin moist.

**oleander** · 22-12-2006 13:13

Thanks chelle. I've made an appointment today with a different doctor to get a second opinion. It's gotten worse overnight and it was a very hot night so I'm guessing it's heat rash.

**oleander** · 22-12-2006 16:01

Chelle, you were right! I took her to the doc's and he said to put Dermeze

**Ana Gram** · 22-12-2006 16:10

Dermeze is great. It was developed by the Children's Hospital in Melbourne. Be careful though, as it makes you really slippery!

**MissieK** · 22-12-2006 16:55

It does sound like heat rash. I use Nutrimetics Nutririch oil on my boys & it's fantastic.

Melissa

**youngones** · 04-01-2007 14:24

Could also just be what they call 'milk rash' which starts around 3wks and sorts itself out by around 7/8wks in BF babies. The suggestion is that it is both a reaction of the skin to being exposed to air and also a reaction to the mothers hormones from pregnancy.

My bub is six weeks and still has a rash. I'm also using Dermeze - its great and makes me feel better to be doing something.