Afro-caribbean skin and eczema

[Guest Posts]

We are of a Caribbean background and our skin tends to be drier if not moisturised. Both my kids (under 4) have eczema my daughter however her skin is dry no matter what, even if no flare-up she literally attacks her skin once clothes are off to get into the bath once in bath ok and then as soon as out of bath she attacks scratching her skin until I have moisturised her and put her pjs on which obviously is a mission with an uncomfortable child. I find myself in tears constantly as don't know what to do. I moisturize her before the bath and barely makes a difference the scratching/itching is mainly on her legs never really on her torso...piriton daily works a little too but not much difference.

Belinda

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

Dear Belinda,

I am so sorry to hear about your children eczema! Yes Afro Caribbean skin dries much faster in the UK climate! I have an Afro Caribbean friend dermatologist, and she also thinks the same. The secret seems to moisturise with very greasy moisturisers constantly - at least twice the day and after a bath/shower. You need to use greasy moisturisers like Epaderm ointment and you also need to add bath oils like hydromol bath addictive. For older children and adults who takes shower use Epaderm ointment as a soap substitutes - do not use soap or shower gels.

I hope this is helpful.
With Best Wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff FRCP(UK) PhD CCT(Derm) FRSM FAAD
Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer
The British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
London, Cambridge, Leicester and Bedford

http://www.alexandroff.org.uk
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