Childhood Eczema?

Hi, everyone.

How're the school runs going?

I've been thinking of bringing up this topic on the club, as perhaps some nice Mum or the other here may have experience with childhood eczema, seeing that it's becoming so common. Have any of you mums out there have children/infants with eczema?

My 1 year old has atopic dermatitis (=atopic eczema) and I'm wondering when it'll get better :-(. I use the emollients and steroid creams. (And lots of prayers, which might indicate my desperation). In spite of these, there isn't much change in her condition at 1 year. It's about the same as it was at 5 months of age. I had an impression that it would improve as she got older..... but she's still as scratchy as ever. She can't live outside babygro's (full baby suits) because she literally mutilates herself. If my watchful eyes stray from her for longer than a few minutes, I return to a bloodied arm or leg (she scratches herself till she bleeds). The mitts/socks on her hands are useless now because she can pull anything off.

If any of you have experience with a child with eczema, would you share your experience(s) about it? What meds/preparations did you find most useful and not? When did the eczema start and when did it get better? Did anyone try dietary modifications or not? Any tips you can share? And most importantly, did steroid use leave the child with any side effects like discoloured/pigmented skin? I admit that it's the steroid ointment use which has me scared the most. I've been reassured by my dermatologist that at that small dose, she won't come to any harm, but I still worry.

I would appreciate it very much and look forward to hearing from you.

[Now if nobody here has dealt with eczema, you're one lucky bunch :-)]