Almost all of the information below was acquired via the internet through extensive "searches" and from correspondence with others dealing with eczema and allergies themselves or as parents. After more than a year of fighting my 18-month-old daughter’s eczema with conventional medical treatments to no lasting relief, I have decided to fully explore homeopathic alternatives. My purpose for creating this list is solely to share what I have learned with others who also seek to heal eczema naturally, i.e., with as little use of cortisone and steroid creams as possible due to their possible effects on skin after long term use. I originally intended this list to be used primarily by parents of babies and children with what I term "unyielding" or "relentless" eczema. So for some this may be more than enough information. Yet those who have been dealing with this problem for a long time may find nothing new here. Please bear in mind that homeopathic treatments work in the body very differently than conventional medicines. Essential oils rarely make a difference in eczema's appearance "overnight" as is sometimes the case with steroid creams. Though improvement can begin to show in as early as a week, most treatments should be followed for at least eight weeks before evaluating its effect. In dealing with Gemma's eczema I have come to understand homeopathy as a long-term commitment, and steroid creams as a brief fling.

Anyway, here is the information I have to offer. It's a lot to read, I apologize:

~ Primrose oil and Borage oil. Having had several recommendations for their use in eczema treatment, we tried these oils. We put them on her topically, as opposed to the flaxseed oil which we put in her cereal and fruit in the morning. Primrose, Borage, and Black Current oils all contain Omega-6 fatty acids, so it's only necessary to choose one of these to add to the diet. We may begin to give her Black Current oil orally because of Dr. Weil's recommendation (see below).

~ Calendula Cream. A natural, protective baby cream we found at the healthfood store. We use this as a general moisturizer because it really seems to help smooth out her skin. And, it smells great. However, if your child is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts do not use this cream because its first ingredient is peanut oil, and though peanuts are actually legumes (and not nuts) people with allergies to nuts are advised to avoid peanuts as well because of possible cross contamination in their production.

~ Chamomile Oil. Frightfully expensive. $28 for a very small bottle at our healthfood store. But if you can get your mind (and budget) around that, use this as a soothing oil on dry patches. But use just a drop in a larger base of apricot kernel oil (perhaps 1 drop of chamomile to 15 drops of apricot kernel oil) because too much chamomile oil can sting or burn on irritated skin.

~ Eucalyptus Oil. A drop or two in your baby's laundry helps clear away allergens and dust mites lurking in the fabric. Also, washing baby's things in the hottest water you can use without ruining the clothes helps remove allergens as well.

~ Tea Tree Oil. This is a natural antiseptic. Put a drop or two in a base of about 10 - 15 drops of apricot kernel oil and use to clean vulnerable areas. Avoid the eyes and genitals because it may sting.

Message Boards

Because eczema misery can never get enough company.

There are so many parent-and-expert boards out there. Here is just a small sample. If you know of a really good baby eczema, homeopathic, or pediatrician board that’s not listed here please let me know. I’ll add it to my collection.

~ Dr. Elizabeth Burch. She is a naturopathic pediatrician who specializes in alternative therapies. She has been very helpful to me and has a very warm manner. Her chat meets at iVillage.com on Tuesdays at 10pm. I try to be there as often as possible.

~ Downy Free Fabric Softener. This product has no perfumes or dyes and makes clothes as wonderfully soft as the regular one does. Soft clothing helps keep irritated skin more comfortable. This Downy only comes in 40oz bottles, though because Proctor and Gamble say there isn’t enough demand for it for them to make it available in bigger bottles. There is an e-mailing campaign afoot to P & G’s web site asking for larger bottles.

~ Oatmeal baths. The world of Aveeno (or your store’s generic equivalent). Oatmeal powder, oils, and cleansing creams and bars. Some don’t bathe without it. Some say it is ineffectual. I say, it can’t hurt (unless, of course, your child is allergic to oatmeal). Every case of eczema is different. Their are recipes on the message boards for making your own oatmeal bath powder from regular oats which can be more economical if you wind up going through a lot of this stuff.

~ Epsom Salts. Yes, salt is drying. But this works like a dip in the ocean. Salt water can be very healing to the skin. Give it a try. Epsom salts are cheap enough to warrant an experiment with it anyway. I put a ½ cup in Gemma’s bath on nights when I’m not using oatmeal. Add it to the water and let it dissolve completely. It is very soothing for Gemma and helps clear up the oozier parts. After the bath I coat her with Aquaphor or Vaseline (any clear gel-like moisturizer without active ingredients will do) while she is still damp to seal in the moisture.

So there you are. I've left out stuff that I'm sure you've heard dozens of times while dealing with this, i.e., removing milk products and other suspected allergens from the diet, only cotton clothing, etc., etc. And I hope there was something here that maybe you weren't aware of that can really help. Please let me know if this does help you, and if you have anything else you want to say or ask please do not hesitate to e-mail me anytime. People dealing with eczema really need to support each other as much as possible to stay sane. Hope to hear from you.

Good luck! Gabi

Eukiah@msn.com