I started using Trader Joe's virgin coconut oil on my baby's eczema and it seems to have really dried out her skin! I was reading that you need to use unrefined coconut oil. Does anyone know if the one at TJ's is unrefined? It just says virgin on it. Am I putting the wrong thing on her?
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I did some research and read that it IS unrefined.. maybe try a different brand on her?
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@chopsuey119: it seems like it is but now I am scared to use it. Her skin is so bad!
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@Andrea: I'd switch from coconut, then. There may be antigens that are making her react. Even though they say certain oils are mostly non allergenic, some people still react. I'm allergic to aquafor, for example!
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Coconut oil works well on me but makes my LO's skin look red and scaly!
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@Mrs. Jacks: what would you suggest? I have tried Cetaphil which didn't seem to do anything. Aveeno made it worse. So then I switched to coconut.
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@autumnlove: yes, that exactly! What are you using on her now?
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@Andrea: two things. Aquafor is really good for most folks. It's nice and thick, which you need. It does have some lanolin (which is what I reacted to, but works well for most). We've had heat success with weleda calendula cream. It cleared up M's persistent eczema.
Have you been to the doc about this? LO may need a mild steroid cream to calm the inflammatory process?
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Aw, sorry to hear this! TJ's brand and Nutiva (from Whole Foods) coconut oil both worked very well with my DD's eczema but she only had a mild case. If they hadn't worked, our ped recommended over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream before trying prescription, but again, we had just a mild case of it. Hope it clears up soon.
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@Mrs. Jacks: ok I was going to try Aquaphor next since I have some. I went a week and a half ago and the doc told me to use Aveeno. It has just gotten worse so I will probably take her back this week. She is also on Nutramigen. The doc said that there is no way it could be causing her skin issues when I asked. Would you agree with that?
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@Andrea: I don't know why they would recommend aveeno. Cosmetic database doesn't rate it too highly. Though I know it works for some... Nutramigen has some soy oils, so if your baby reacts to soy it is possible (though alimentum is so much yuckier and Elecare is super expensive). Check it out with your doc, for sure!
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@SAHM0811: the doc said not to use too much of the hydrocortisone. And definitely not to use it all over. However, she has it everywhere so that is why I tried the coconut oil after seeing many bees say that it worked.
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@Mrs. Jacks: I know, I have always been weary of Aveeno but it did work for DD1 after I finally tried it. So those other formulas do not contain soy?
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@Andrea: Cetaphil cream in the tub or Mustela Stelatopia Balm!
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@Andrea: oh no! sounds like she's reacting to it.
alot of other lotions stung my DD's face (like aveeno and ca baby) so I would try just a little bit in her face first and see how she reacts. I tried putting ca baby calendula cream on her face once and she screamed! Vaseline worked better than aquaphor for us. i think it's just trial and error. -
@banana: yeah it is trial and error. I feel so bad about the coconut oil! She screamed the last time I used Aveeno so I think it was hurting her. Ugh. I just gave her a bath to clean off the coconut oil and I put the Aquaphor on.
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@Andrea: I haven't looked at the actual contents in a while, but I know there are two tiers of elemental. Nutramigen and alimentum are one and then the elecares and neocates are more elemental and free of allergens.
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@Mrs. Jacks: ok, thanks so much for all the info! Very helpful for when I go back to the doc.
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@Andrea: Maybe also try Vaseline? our ped recommende Vaseline over aquaphor. not sure why but maybe because of the lanolin? Vaseline doesnt sting at all so it's worth a shot. I'm still dealing with eczema so let me know if something works! I'll do the same!
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@banana: yeah as Mrs. Jacks said some people are allergic to Aquaphor. I have read that before. Ok, will buy some Vaseline today! I will let you know, thanks!
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@Andrea: my LO's eczema has been responding really well to curel itch defense lotion. I think it really is trial and error regarding what will work for your particular LO's skin. I've tried Aquaphor, cetaphil, Vaseline, aveeno, and even hydrocortisone, and nothing has worked as well as the curel. His skin has looks almost normal again. It has definitely lost the red inflamed look.
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@NerdBee: thanks! I will put it on the list to try. Glad your LO is doing better!
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@Andrea: Here is a link from Neocate that might help explain the different types of formuals: http://www.neocate.com/about-neocate/breastfeeding-and-formulas/amino-acid-based-formulas/.
Nutramigen and alimentum fall under the under the hydrolysate umbrella where the proteins are only partially broken down into smaller chains, to make them easier to digest, but some children still react. Neocate and Elecare are amino-acid based elemental formulas where the proteins are completely broken down into individual AA's which makes in theory makes them hypoallergenic (although I know some kids have trouble with the elementals).
Elecare and Neocate do contain things like corn syrup solids and soy oil (some Neocate has fractionated coconut oil, not sure about Elecare) BUT they contain no protein, which is the part that causes the allergic response and therefore it should be tolerated.
I'm not sure how old your DD is but if she is over 1 you could ask about EO28 Splash which is by Neocate and does not contain soy oil or corn syrup solids like the powders, but does have maltodextrin which could be from a variety of sources and also has fractionated coconut oil. This is what my LO drinks and he is allergic to coconut, corn, soy etc etc etc and has done well on it overall.
We went with Splash because it did not contain aspartame which I was not comfortable with giving him. The elementals are very expensive so if you have to go on one try to see if your insurance will cover it.
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