First eczema flare-ups at 6 years old...anyone had it show up after 5 years of age?

My daughter started showing signs of eczema behind her knees earlier in the year, but it wasn't bad. Seemed to be caused from rubbing of nylon school shorts and went away on school hols.

For the last 8 weeks she has been having fairly bad flare-ups that have become infected at times. At one stage most of her body was covered except her underwear area and feet and her face was mostly clear. She felt like a lizard and her skin was coming off like sandpaper in my hands when I rubbed cream in. She missed nearly 2 weeks of prep.

I'm wondering if things will calm down over the next few months or will it continually flare like it has and if she has developed it later, will she still grow out of it?

Everything I search is about kids who have had it since they were babies, but she has never had a rash in her life.

Nylon and heat seems to flare it up.

Anyone know anyone who has developed it later and if it improved over time?

It seems so overwhelming and such a lifestyle change. Can she have a normal life at school or will she miss out on things?

I was well to 10 before I got it. My brother was from about 3, was hospitalised twice before about 8. As adults we do still have occasional flare ups but nothing compared to as children. My worst was over by about 14/15, my brother by about the same age except his flare ups are worse than mine now, probably due to his work environment being different.

Both my children were babies when they started, DD2 was worse and took weeks to get hers under control.

It does mean some lifestyle changes, but we never missed out on much. My brothers first hospital trip was caused by holiday near the beach where we spent alot of time, the salty water dried his skin out and it became etopic and infected.

You may find her clothes will need to be changed to cotton, nylon is one of the nastiest cause it doesn't breath and rubs badly, it can also draw moisture away from the skin. Even bed sheets, towells, underwater, anything that regularly comes in contact with the skin. Even carpet can cause a reaction. Washing powders, bath washes, shampoos, conditioners, can all make a difference. Heat makes it appear worse because it reddens and raises the areas, so after a bath, playing in the sun it will be more visible.

Unfortunately it can be ongoing management, and getting on top of each flareup quickly, moisturizing sometimes as much as 3 times a day, and using prescription medication whenever needed. Eczema is such a funny condition, one thing that effects one person doesn't another, treatments help one, not another, it can have a mind of its own. I doubt you will be able to predict what is going to happen.

Just PMed you a link to a product that should help! Hoping it clears!

We find washing with conditioner rather than soap to keep the moisture in helps, and totally natural chewable probiotics, which you can get at chemist warehouse. Deemeeze works well too.
CL can you pm me too? I'll give anything a go

sorry to hijack but can i also get the link?
Ive tried most products but nothing works that well on DD.

She had severe eczema since a few months but now it has started to settle down, except on her hands which are always bleeding, her back and the back of her legs.

Its hard to watch your kids itch and itch and itch not knowing how else to soothe them.

I even remember once as DD's hands are always bloody and scabby, a girl didnt want to hold DD's hand and said to her mum "DD's hand is very sore" that really broke my heart.

Hoping your DD's eczema goes away and for good too!

Actually, sometimes if ds can't stop scratching I give him some surtax drops. Makes a huge difference

Thanks everyone :)

It's really helpful to talk to others about it all.

Thanks for the pm crazy lady :) I've just ordered somthing similar from the Graham's product range, along with shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and bath oil, but will hang on to that info and might try that one too.

Mum2one, It's heartbreaking isn't it? I have been wondering myself if it will affect how others see her at school. I have already noticed an older child pull another child away from my daughter, because they thought she had something contagious. :( Hopefully your girl will grow out of the condition very soon. xoxo

Littlelara, thanks for the tips :) We find Dermeeze works well too. I will check out these surtax drops, thanks!

On a positive note.. My daughter managed to sleep the whole night through in her own bed last night and I am so greatfull! Fingers crossed there will be more nights like that.