Now that James is getting better and better control of his hands, it is more and more obvious that some days his rash itches him horribly. If gets out of the swaddle at night, sometimes we wake up to his forehead scratched to bits and blood smeared all over it and under his fingernails. I think he's the most likely to scratch when he's half asleep, so naptime is another time where he's apt to scratch himself silly.
I feel awful but I don't know what to do. It seems to be the most itchy about two days after it gets inflamed--I think during the healing phase. Over the last week James and I have experimented with biting, cutting, and filing his nails, but nothing seems to help when he is determined to itch. This morning was one in which I woke up to him having scratched himself all up.
It was so bad that I put a (clean and dry) cloth wipe on his forehead, and then wrapped it with this ace bandage sort of thing, and then put a hat over it. So he's been trying to scratch it all day but he can't . . . I can tell he is uncomfortable and aggravated, and he's not the only one!
I feel awful that I'm not certain of all the things he is allergic to--believe it or not, the rash itself is still a million times better than it was when I was eating wheat and more things he reacts to, but the itching seems to be worse now, possibly because he's healing and definitely because he can use his hands better.
I'm getting very frustrated, especially after I'm making such a big effort with my diet. I'm considering going on a strict elimination diet like this. I don't know what else I can do! Obviously he is still growing and healthy on breast milk, so if I don't find a total solution, I'll just have to be okay with that, but I feel bad that he's so itchy . . . :(
Expecting our Little Brother in November!
12 comments:
have you tried putting mittens over his hands? I know some people use socks instead of mittens.
He wants to chew on (and use) his hands all the time, now, though!
I think maybe mittens at nap time and bed time when you aren't watching him to stop him might help. I know you won't want to hear this but have you thought about switching to a special formula? I just hate to see you guys both suffering! :(
If you put Aquaphor (soothing), Neosporin (healing), and Hyrdocortisone(anti-itch) on his head, it might help with the itching. Mittens or socks on his hands at naps/bedtime is a really good idea.
Is he too young for an allergist? Isn't there some sort of test somebody can do on him so you know exactly what he's allergic to? I feel so bad that he's all itchy and scratchy!
I will try those things! He just uses his hands so much to soothe to sleep I'm afraid he'll be upset with mittens on!
But I'm noticing a REAL improvement today, I might have finally gotten his allergies under control.
And I wouldn't stop breastfeeding him unless he wasn't otherwise growing and happy. As much as the rash might be a PITA for both of us, the benefits of breastfeeding still outweigh his reactions!
Have you been to the doctor about the itching? There must be some creams which s/he could reccomend?? I think needing to itch something is the worst so I would definitely try whatever is out there. Also second seeing an allergist.
I am going to his 4 month appointment tomorrow so I will talk to the Doc then. I called about it once but he said they didn't test babies this young for allergies . . . we'll see what he says tomorrow!
I would highly recommend using teatree oil mixed with olive oil and coconut oil to help it heal.
Also, have you thought about taking him to a naturalpath to talk about the allergy issue? They might have a different approach than the pediatrician.
This sounds totally miserable for your poor little guy! I pray that you find a solution soon.
My baby has had some rash issues too. I used hydrocortisone cream for a few days to calm the rash down and now I use 100% shea butter to keep it away. I prefer to use natural products if possible and I love using the shea butter for myself too!
What soap are you using on him? Maybe its not something your eating and maybe it could be what your putting on his skin? My son had rashey type sores that looked similar to James's and we use dr. bronners natural soaps and spent some extra time out in the sun and it cleared everything up within a few days. just google dr. bronner soap and tons of stuff will come up incase you dont know about his soaps. I hope he gets better or is already getting better. Poor baby. That breaks my heart looking at his pics and knowing he must feel so itchy :(
I don't think it is soap or lotions. Until a few days ago we used exclusively olive oil and coconut oil to moisturize and used exclusively Dr. Bronner's and an all-natural baby shampoo on him, and usually no soap for most baths, just water--and we don't even bathe him more than about twice a week.
I'll do a new post updating about this though since so many people had comments, questions, and suggestions. Thanks everybody!
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