Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have a 5-year-old girl who gets severe itching. She has been diagnosed with eczema and scratches until relief. Her skin looks inflamed, and pelvic lymph nodes are palpable. Doctors have suggested using the steroid Triamcinolone 0.1 % ointment for two weeks with antibiotic ointment to heal the cuts from scratches, along with Aquaphor petrolatum base.
The onset was at around 18 months of age. Her skin feels dry despite applying ointments several times a day. Some bumps look like pimples, but she scratches them until they break. We used petrolatum ointment, calendula, aloe vera gel, and occasionally Hydrocortisone 1% ointment. IgE level is high, but tests for food allergies have come back negative.
We are concerned about using steroid creams. My other son, 18 months old, is also getting the same problem. The itching has disturbed sleep habits. It is more pronounced when the kids are not busy. How do we break this itch cycle, and what treatments can you suggest, both internal and external? My 5-year-old was blood tested for allergies, and she is negative for dairy, wheat, and rice.
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
The kid has atopic dermatitis. It is a type of eczema that usually starts early in life, after three months of age, and starts on the face in babies, then involves the forearms and legs in toddlers. It is very itchy, and the erosions from scratching can get infected easily. Most children grow out of it by the age of 10. The skin becomes very sensitive, and they react to minor triggers like woolen clothes, animal dander, or a dye in the cloth. IgE (immunoglobulin E) levels indicate the intensity of allergy.
It is safe to use Triamcinolone as it is a mid-potent steroid; it can be used safely up to two weeks, then the skin needs a break from the steroid. Moisturizer is the key to breaking the itch-scratch cycle. Some moisturizers have ceramide in them, which helps to protect the skin barrier. Discuss with your dermatologist regarding Crisaborole, Tacrolimus, and Pimecrolimus. These are non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicines that can be used once the rash is under control after using Triamcinolone (a steroid).
I hope this information will help you.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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