Hello doctor, I have a 5-year-old girl that gets severe itching. She has been diagnosed with eczema and scratches until relief. Her skin looks inflammed 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. We are concerned about using steroid creams. My other son, 18 months, 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 years old was blood tested for allergies and she is negative for dairy, wheat, and rice.
Hi. The kid has atopic dermatitis. It is a type of eczema that usually starts early in life after three months of age, starts over face in babies, then involves forearms, legs in toddlers. It is very itchy, the erosions from scratching can get infected easily. Most children grow out of by the age of 10. The skin becomes very sensitive, they react to minor triggers like woolen clothes, animal dander, a dye in the cloth. IgE 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 skin needs a break from the steroid. Moisturizer is the key to break the itch-scratch cycle. Some moisturizers have ceramide in them, they help to protect the skin barrier. Discuss with your dermatologist regarding Eucrisa (Crisaborole) and Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus. These are a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicine that can be used once the rash is under control after using Triamcinolone (steroid).