Erin Schiff, wife of Dr. Schiff: “I have always had dry, sensitive skin, but never experienced eczema. When my son, Andrew, was born with extremely dry hands and feet, my husband Dr. Schiff, immediately had me cut down his washing and baby soap use to just lukewarm water.
It helped, then it was much worse and the dry itchy patches started appearing on his hands and feet. We covered him in Aquaphor and Vaniply ointment at night time and covered his hands and feet with socks. It has helped a lot!
Unfortunately, the eczema gets really bad in summer time from continual exposure to the sun, salt water and chlorine in swimming pools.
So we are now using prescription Protopic and a topical prescription steroid cream. His cracks are now gone and we are keeping his hands and feet moist with the Aquaphor and Vaniply ointment.
So sad when your child cries from washing his hands. Unscented Softsoap, Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes and Dove are the only soaps that do not irritate his little cracked hands. We have switched to Free & Clear detergent and keep bath soap to a minimum.
Hope this helps anyone who may have a child with eczema.” -Erin