My 2 yr old daughter has VERY dry hair, I don’t know if it’s due to her having eczema (and yes it is on her scalp as well), and it had starting breaking/falling out in spots so instead of her having her go around with “patches of hair” I cut it off into a nice little afro, which actuallyl looks cute on her, but it doesnt retain any moisture… I have tried a lot of different products on her hair and the results are all the same… after a few hours, her hair is just as dry as it was before I put anything on it. What do you recommend?
Hola amiga,
I am so sorry it took so long to get back to you. I wanted to talk to a friend with experience about this situation.
I don’t have eczema, but I understand that it can range from mild to extremely severe and debilitating. Naturally, I was going to recommend moisturizing to try to prevent dryness, but that’s not going to suffice the itching, flaking and possible soreness that your baby may endure. I’m sure you’ve been told to eliminate any harsh products. Soaps, lotions, any skin product that may contain perfumes and additives, tend to be a trigger in children with eczema. Dreft was the number one recommendation for laundry, while Ivory soap (do they still make that?) was the recommendation for skin.
Because the skin, including the scalp, tends to be super dry, it’s critical that you moisturize after a lukewarm (not HOT) bath. Aquaphor and Vaseline were the number one choices. A pediatrician friend recommended putting a thin layer of hydrocortisone on the breakout area, followed by a heavier layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly. She said the cycle of itching-drying-flaking can be difficult to curtail unless a parent is diligent about cutting out lotions and regular soaps. She pointed out that while most of us prefer to use lighter oils and creams, particularly during the summer months, it’s important for a child with eczema to lather up to keep the skin moist.
It seems chamomile and witch hazel may also help reduce inflammation. Witch hazel is an incredible natural cleanser. I often take a cotton ball with witch hazel to clean my face. I would follow up a bath or shower with some witch hazel and the top it off with the thicker Aquaphor or Vaseline.
For the moment, I would concentrate on getting baby’s skin in better condition, before worrying about her hair. As long as her scalp and hair are clean, I would continue to do what is working until I could figure out what her triggers were. Also, it was recommended that you keep a journal of the products used on her skin and foods. It’s particularly important to document anything new that is used on her skin, as it may lead you to finding something that helps her, or triggers her eczema.
If anyone has anymore information, please feel free to share. And again…I’m sorry it took so long. I needed to ask a friend who I felt confident would give reliable information.
Best of luck!!
LaNegra
Hello, my daughter had scalp issues like this and I used A & D ointment always cleared it up. I also only washed her hair with shampoo(baby) twice a month, twice a week I washed it with Cetaphil. She also had the same issue with her hair just eating up anything I put in it. I finally worked out a mixture of coconut oil grapeseed oil, aloe vera gel( the fresh pure kind you have to put in the fridge), castor oil, and regular conditioner. I put this in her hair ever day AFTER spraying it with water.
My own scalp issues went away just by using an apple cider vinegar rinse after shampooing. It really stings if it gets in the eyes though so be careful if you try it.
Hola Denise,
Wow, I would have NEVER thought to use A & D! Thanks for sharing!
De Nada! My favorite thing about the internet is the generosity of everyday people(like LaNegra) who take the time to share info and help others with their hair, cooking, financial,chemistry like Melonie, anything really.
Not to take away from professionals but it’s hard to find an unbiased opinion. They have hair products, prescriptions, etc to sell. Although we’re all different and have to find what works for us, it’s sure helps to have personal experience suggestions. And picture tutorials (like your roller setting post)!
What a blessing you gave me today, a true blessing.
My 5 year old has severe eczema, and it was in her hair as well. Putting a steroid on the scalp is good when she has flare ups because the skin on the scalp is extremely thick. I also use vaseline on her hair after a shower and this helps alot. Try tying her hair up at night with a silk scarf. This will help keep the moisture and keep her from scratching her scalp directly.