Eczema and MSPI

bigbootyjudi

DS developed some on his arm today. Apparently its a sign of a milk allergy. I drop off his sample at the lab tomorrow and we'll know for sure Tuesday what the verdict is. I've been pretty depressed about it. Maybe it's selfish, but I don't want to give up dairy. I eat so much of it and always have. I know being a mom is all about sacrificing, but I feel like I'm sacrificing so much. I'm not who I used to be, can't do the things I used to do, and now I can't even eat what I used to. It just feels like I've lost complete control over my life and handed it over to this beautiful little baby of mine. I love him, but I miss loving myself too...does that make sense?

Anyways, we tried Aveeno for Eczema and it sucked. Any suggestions on what to use? I'm not sure if its related but I just had it show up on my finger two weeks ago as well for the first time in my life.

Neener73

I've been using the Walmart version of Eucerin for DS, and it has helped quite a bit.  I've been applying it twice a day.

merricksmom

That is bizarre. I have eczema and psoriasis, Merrick has eczema and the baby has a milk protein allergy. We are currently putting Merrick on a milk protein free diet per his gastroenterologist to see if it helps with his digestion and bathroom issues. All I can say between having to use hypoallergenic formula for the baby....and making my 8 year old avoid the foods he loves.....it sucks. A lot. I really hope your little guy gets better. I never knew ecxema and milk protein allergy were related. And FWIW, if I didn't have such a horrible milk supply, I would have had an awful time avoiding dairy and I don't know that I would have had the discipline to do it. Good luck.

ks3pink

I really think all the signs are pointing to you FF.  I know you don't want to and have worked really hard EP but if you feel like this is your breaking point then let it be.  I really don't think anyone here or irl is going to fault you for it, except for maybe yourself but that is always the case isn't it?  GL!

Mzbr

Still trying to figure out if DD has an allergy or not. But in the mean time ped recommended Eucerin cream in a tub not a squeeze or pump daily. We do it after nightly bath only use soap twice weekly. Just pat skin a little but don't rub or dry completely and apply. What test are you dropping off? Is it the fecal occult blood test? We are dropping those off today. What symptoms is you LO having?

Jnmac83

I don't know anything about the eczema issue, but I think you should move to FF. Honestly, if you don't feel happy with everything and it's just creating stress for you to EP or BF, moving to FF is going to be the BEST thing for you and your baby. Hopefully that could give you back your sense of self too. You won't be tied to the pump and you can have a happy relationship with yourself and your baby. Truly, I think you've done amazing to this point and you should give yourself a big ol' hug for all of your efforts. It's okay to say enough is enough. No one is going to look twice at you. And if they do, give me their name and I'll kick their face in.

JAWMIN

My EBF son has an issue with dairy and looks like maybe soy also. I was under an impression that allergy testing at this age wasn't accurate. I did an elimination diet, and it made a huge difference with my son's colic. I also noticed his skin got clearer. 

I'm a huge milk drinker, so I thought it would be difficult. It hasn't been too hard.I gagged on the milk alternatives at first, but there are some yummy ice cream alternatives. I've now gotten use to coconut milk. 

I think he does okay with a little hidden dairy, but I'm currently on a no dairy at all because he had another reaction over the weekend. I think his reaction was due to soy or the d vitamins because he did good the week I was avoiding just major dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, ect)

LoveLo2010

Im sorry hun. I know how hard it can be, but honestly its just the first few weeks...after that you get into a rhythm and its much easier. I would suggest looking at the go dairy free website and mspi mama blog. There are so many good substitutions now days that it makes it a little easier. I also found that I eat much healthier now which is a plus. As for the ezcema the only thing that helped dd was cetaphil. I wanted to use something more natural but nothing worked. Now that she's better I am back to using coconut oil and California baby calendula cream. 

latnprincess

From what I hear its not that hard to substitue dairy in your food.  That being said, I couldn't do it! lol... I'd be like I love you baby, but sorry! 

terri_doula2010

It can be a milk allergy. It can also be environmental allergy or just winter dryness wreaking havoc. 

When it is bad I use aquafor right after a bath. When it is really bad I use hydrocortisone AND aquafor. (My 2yr old has it and has since he was a baby....in his case it is partially triggered by milk allergy but also just by winter). Only bathe every other day and immediately put on alcohol-free lotion (or coconut oil...something hydrating) after bathing and lightly patting dry. No rubbing. 

Cutting foods out of your diet for your LO does suck. I had to do a lot of that. It's not forever, though, and you get used to it. Also, it won't always be like that. With DS, I BF'd him for 25 months but he outgrew his egg, fish, and pineapple issues by 1 yr and I was able to start eating dairy without it affecting him at 18 months (even though he still can't eat dairy directly). 

sdlaura

Saltylove:

I'm so sorry Anbeck. DD has MSPI and it is no fun. She hasn't had eczema as a symptom, so I have no suggestions there. She is on formula right now and I'm pumping to keep my supply up so she can hopefully bf again, but I've definitely considered just keeping her on the formula. Pumping is hard workprops to you for EP ing this whole time! The diet can be tough, especially at this time of year, but it is doable. Keep in mind the formula can be really expensive. DD reacted really badly to the first level of hypoallergenic stuff like nutramigen and alimentum so she is on neocate, which costs a LOT of money, although it may be covered by your insurance. Anyways, just wanted to say I'm sorry, and feel free to pm me if you have questions or want to vent.

All of this for us, too.  If you do go with formula, ask your pediatrician if there are samples - ours gave us a ton of Alimentum.

joi717

Our DS has ridiculous eczema. I am so sad about this. They keep claiming MPI, I had stopped EP when he began bc I wanted to know that it wasn't something I was doing to him and elimination diet seemed impossible. We switched to Nutramigen w enflora, a week later dr. gave us free sample of nutramigen w Lipil and he had a terrible reaction, swelling up around the eyes and screaming and throwing up.We have switched to Natures One, Baby's Only, with no DHA/ARA. I truly think this is his issue. My problem is, I want instant results. LOL

We have tried cortisone, over the counter and perscription with steroids. All it does is make it pop out in other places. We tried, aveeno, j&j, aquaphor, cetaphil, vaseline, burts bees, and calendula. fabulous. nothing touches it.