Eczema

Little Josephine has had eczema for a while now. It was pretty bad several months ago that she scratched her skin so hard that she got an infection and had to be put on antibiotics. Now her skin is manageable but still dry. The really bad patches are her knees and hands. Her back and sides are also dry. Her fat knees get so red and blotchy from her scratching. If her skin is covered, then she can forget about the itching, but she's a tricky girl and knows how to lift her pant legs up so she can scratch. I'm so tired of putting steroids on her even though they work really quickly. The problem is the eczema comes back once I stop using the steroids. So I really don't want to be putting steroids on my baby's skin for months and months or however long. And the stupid dermatologist told me to continue putting on Aquaphor at least twice a day. It doesn't work! Josephine's skin does not absorb any of it. It is truly a skin barrier and that's why it works great for the butt. And it's good as a lip balm. But to moisturize, it's not really that great.

Well, thank goodness for the internet. I've been able to do research on natural remedies. I've found a lot of good reviews on coconut oil and decided to try it. I went to the local health food store called Heath 4 U and got a bottle of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. I've been applying it morning and night, and my little girl smells so yummy yummy that I just want to eat her up. Her new nickname is Miss Coconut. Another reason why I needed to find a natural solution is because Jo Jo keeps sticking her fingers in her mouth. She is teething and seems to find relief in chewing her fingers. I needed something that could be ingested. Coconut oil can be used in cooking and baking! Some people take it as a supplement or apply topically. I also read that I could take flax oil (which is very high in omega fats) and Josephine will reap the benefits from my breastmilk. Dr. Sear's fish oil is better so my husband is going to get me the fish oil. By the way, taking oil is disgusting. I have texture problems and drinking a tablespoon of oil falls into that category for me. It would be okay if it was oil and steak or oil and fried chicken. But just oil by itself!? Blech! I took fish oil when I was pregnant. I think my baby has great vision. Maybe it's from the fish oil I took.

Throughout the day I also put calendula cream and borage cream on her hands, knees and back. It seems like a lot of work but I love massaging my little girl's chunky arms and pudgy legs. She seems to enjoy it (sometimes).

I am so tired. Yesterday I made 2 trips to Union Square. Once to Babies R Us and the second time to the Farmer's Market. Both times I came back with some heavy items. I bought plants and spent some time pulling up all my weeds and planting the new flowers. I'm sore and exhausted. Night night!

Picture below was taken when Josephine was about 7 months. She still wears mittens to sleep! We don't want any more infections!