Unfortunately more and more children are starting to have allergenic responses to this ingredient, which ranges from poor concentration to digestive issues to learning disabilities to outbreaks (such as eczema).

There are people who believe many of this it is due to the hybridization of the wheat which is increasing the gluten content thus causing the immune system to react against the products listed above. Other believe it is due to an overload of wheat on the body.

No one truly knows the real cause because we all have unique bodies and can have various factors that can lead to the immune response of products containing wheat.

Many parents like myself have sought out alternatives to this reaction in our children. It is not an easy task as the experimentation process takes time, money, and lots of patients to perfect just one recipe.

Companies such as Tinkyada, Bob’s Red Mill, Pamela’s Products, Sammy’s Bakery, and others have put some great gluten free products out on the market to help us parents still allow our families to enjoy their favorite foods without sacrificing taste and texture.

There are also many parents who took the time and money to find the right combination of ingredients to perfect their recipes so that even those who eat wheat cannot tell the difference plus the food tastes great and keeps family members and guests coming back for more.

I was fortunate to met Sandra Kaiser of Gluten Free for Life recently. She is a wife and mom, whose daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease. Mrs Kaiser tried the commercial brands of gluten free products and disliked the flavor and texture. She then went on to created some very tasty gluten free meals for her family and discovered that other people who ate wheat/gluten enjoyed them also. Mrs. Kaiser captured her recipe in her first cookbook which you can order from her website.

Note: Many of the recipes in the book use dairy (milk, butter, and yogurt) and also eggs. You maybe able to substitute some of these ingredients with ones your child can tolerate and still maintain the great taste and texture.

Another great recipe book with great recipe ideas for those the most common food allergies (wheat, dairy, eggs) is “Special Diet Celebrations” by Carol Fenster

Also one of the main issues many families face today is time. We all only have 24 hours in a day and it is usually filled with activities; therefore, finding additional time to make your own breads and meals can be challenging. So here are a few tips:

1) There are many people (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members, etc) who would be grateful for the opportunity to assist you if you only ask. You can then pay them or work out some arrangement with them in return.

2) You can also host a party with other families who are facing similar issues so you have support.

The only way we will stop the eczema is to work together so I am doing my part in sharing what I know with you. If you would like more information sign up for my free newsletter at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Sandra Hurd, CNC
Mother, Health Educator and Nutrition Coach
http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Many parents have reported that their child’s eczema got better after their family visited the beach as long as the child was open to swimming in the ocean water. Just sitting on the beach did not help as much as swimming in the ocean water. The improvement was so distinct that the parents were able to notice the difference not only on the child’s skin but the how often their child scratched.

The ocean water contains many minerals that interacts with our body which allows the skin to heal literally overnight.

The first time my son and I visited the beach he was very intimidated to get into the water. The second time we were among other families with children his age and when he saw how much fun all the other kids were having in the water he became like a fish who discovered water. The next day not only did he have the most beautiful color, from being in the sun, but he had the most beautiful itch free skin.

If you have not tried the beach as part of your child’s eczema treatment you might give it a try. Planned just right you and your child will definitely enjoy this treatment.

By the way, if you need a safe option for sunscreen try Kabana Skin Care. The ingredients in their sunscreen is safe and effective in protecting your child’s sensitive skin as well as made from products you can find in your local grocery store. My only caution is this product is tinted for light skinned people. If your child is darker skinned and don’t mind the pink look then I would say it is one of the most safest product I have come across.

Enjoy the summer,
Sandra Hurd, CNC
Health Educator and Nutrition Coach

To sign up for my free eczema treatment newsletter at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Here are some guidelines to help you make better decisions for whatever treatment you want for your child:

1. Decide what you are looking for in a treatment option? products, explanation, answers, a physician, etc.

2. Write down as many details as you can think of that associate with the treatment. Who can you ask for help? Where can you find the product? What additional information you need to locate the product? Etc.

3. Figure out the amount of money you can afford to spend on this treatment. This will prevent you from over spending or wildly spending money on treatments.

4. Decide on the length of time you plan on devoting to the treatment. . You must decide on the length of time you will implement a treatment and see some sign of healing in your child. Specify this time.

5. Ask others about the treatment you are considering before you make a decision. Use the internet, ask other parents or physicians, read books, join eczema support groups, etc. The more you know about a treatment option the better prepared you are to recognize if it is working or not.

Sign up for my free eczema treatment newsletter at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com
The newsletter is dedicated to introducing you to treatments that you have never thought of or heard of and can stop your child’s eczema.

Sandra Hurd, CNC
Health Educator and Nutrition Coach
http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

The first myth is children outgrow eczema. We are made up of energy and one thing I know for sure is that energy cannot be destroyed it can only change form. So when someone says to me their child just outgrew the eczema I then ask if their child have seasonal allergies. Most often they say hayfever or severe allergies to the environment. Some even say that their child went from eczema to asthma. Makes you wonder if the parents did nothing to help their child’s eczema and their child outgrew the eczema then maybe the energy form changed from eczema into something worst (i.e. hayfever, severe allergies, asthma). Maybe you should do something more about it before it does. Your child does not have to suffer in this way.

The second myth is if your child still have eczema beyond age 2 then he/she will have it all his/her life. My son had eczema until he was 4 years of age. He is currently eczema free. When  you understand what eczema is and what your child’s body is communicating via his/her skin you can stop the eczema no matter what age your child is.

The third myth is focusing only on the skin can stop the eczema. This is probably the biggest myth I have come across. Our skin is a double sided organ that reflects what our body is experiencing from the inside. It makes sense to figure out what is going on inside the body to stop the eczema yet support the damaged skin with the proper skin care products.

As a parent you are the sole care giver of your child and the only person that knows your child better then you is your child him/herself. Find support from those who truly wants to team up with you to stop your child’s eczema.

Sign up for my free newsletter at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Sandra Hurd, CNC
Health Educator and Nutrition Coach

Disclosure: The advice in this blog is to give you advice on ways to stop your child’s eczema it not intended to be used in place of advice or recommendation by your child’s professional physician.

Keep in mind: The higher quality essential oil the better the results.

If the eczema is weeping, oozing, or crusting this treatment helps to soothe and cleanse the affected areas, drain any infected sites, and aid in the healing.This is due to the ingredients in this recipe which softens and conditions the skin.

Ocean Potion

1 cup (250 ml) sea salt
5 drops carrot seed essential oil
5 drops calendula essential oil
2 teaspoons (10 ml) almond oil
1 tablespoon (15 ml) vodka, rum, or gin

To make: Dissolve the sea salt in a bath tub of warm water, never hot as hot water will dehydrate the skin more.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and blend well.

To Use: Soak your child in the tub for about 5 minutes to allow his/her skin to absorb moisture, then add the essential oil mixture to “the water” swishing it around with your hands. Allow your child to soak for another 5 to 10 minutes longer. When the time is up, “Pat” the skin dry and apply either the lotion/cream or oil moisturizer to seal in vital moisture.

Yields: 1 treatment

Skin healing treatment to use throughout the day:

2 teaspoon (20 ml) dried licorice root
2 cups (375 ml) water
1 spritzer bottle
100% cotton cloth

To make: Place the licorice and water in a sauce pan, cover and bring to a slow boil, reduce the heat and gently simmer, still covered, for 30 minutes, strain.

Add the liquid to a spritzer bottle and spray the area then dab it with a clean 100% cotton cloth, then moisturize. This treatment can also be added to bath water soaking for at least 10 minutes.

Place the spritzer bottle in the refrigerator or keep it cool if traveling.

Resource: Naturally Healthy Skin by Stephanie Tourless

Sandra Hurd, CNC
Health Educator and Nutrition Coach

Sign up for my free eczema newsletter at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Disclosure: The advice in this blog is not intended to diagnose or cure eczema nor is it intended to be used in place of advice or recommendation by your child’s professional physician.

The difference between the two is exactly what it says. The water softening system softens the hard water with salt. Some has the capability of filtering out some of the chlorine and other chemicals but they still allow enough by to affect a young child skin that can dectect it. The water filtration system filters out the chemicals. The water is still considered to be hard water but I prefer that over a screaming child.

Your living arrangements may not allow you to purchase a full whole house filtration system but there are filters that can be placed on the shower or used in a bath tub to neutralize the chlorine and some of the other chemicals.

The whole house filtration I use is sold by a company based in Houston, Texas called AMAC Water. They sell the best whole house filtration system I have found. The pros of their system is there is 4 filters so nothing enters the house. I change the filters myself and it is much more affordable when it comes maintainence. The con is the water pressure is affected by the amount of water being requested by multiple sources at the same time. The reason is the last filter is so smaller than the other filters so it slows down the flow of the water entering the house when multiple water sources are turned on. However, I prefer this system over all the others I researched. http://www.amacwater.com/Filtration.htm

This filter sold by Mercola.com is a shower version of one I have on my home. http://products.mercola.com/shower-filter-pure-clear/?source=nl
I would guess that some technical person can figure out a way to redesign this current model to fit the laundry washer hose to filter out the water used to wash clothes….Hmmm I wonder if there are people looking for a product like that?

There are also bath balls to filter out the water in the bath tub. Just swirled it around the water for about 2 to 3 minutes and it neutralized the chlorine which is most of the chemical that affects the skin and hair the most. I purchased one made by Rainshower and used it when I traveled with my son. It was especially helpful to keep his skin from being affected that the water in the hotel room.

I Hope this helps you find a product that fits your budget, lifestyle, and stops your child’s eczema. As always my newsletter does assist you with determining the best eczema treatment options to stop your child’s eczema. You can sign up at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Sandra Hurd, CNC
Health Educator and Nutrition Coach

Disclosure: The advice in this blog is not intended to diagnose or cure eczema nor is it intended to be used in place of advice or recommendation by your child’s professional physician.

Today I wanted to go back to an topic I brought up when I first started blogging about how to stop your child’s eczema.

You may have heard the adage “What you resist persist.” Well I learned that it was not until I decided to change my focus on my son’s eczema condition that I started attracting the treatments that stopped his eczema. See we live in a country, USA, where our medical system is based on a cure. You know when someone gets sick just take that person to the doctor and get a cure. Our entire medical system is based on that model. Therefore, we are conditioned to believe that creams and medication the doctors are prescribing for our child’s eczema will “cure” it.

Well here is how the story goes: One morning I was laying in bed just exhausted and fed up with the scratching and isolation my son and I felt due to his eczema condition. As my son laid asleep, I turned to look at him I saw a beautiful, peaceful child who relied up me to help him deal with his uncomfortable, itchy skin. I then started brainstorming on what I must do to meet his expectations, and it was in that moment I realized that eczema was not a disease but a way of communicating to me what my son’s body did not like about our current environment and food I was feeding him. I needed to translate this communication to my understanding in order to stop his eczema. I soon was educated on dehydration, food allergies, household chemicals, laundry detergent, and materials that my son contacted often that triggered his body to react the way it did. Once I got those under control I was introduced to two amazing alternative health care practitioners who used their respective treatments to rebalance my son’s body to stop the scratching and thus stopping the eczema.

You have the same options as I have. Regardless of where you live in the world. You can either choose to look at your child’s eczema as a incurable disease and continue searching for a cure, or you can decide to translate what your child’s body is telling you and finally put a stop to the eczema. Trust your parental instincts and it will guide you.

My newsletter was created to give you guidance in translating your child’s eczema. It is up to you to choose which options works for your child. It is not intended that you implement every treatment. Sign up for the newsletter at my website.
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You can sign up at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Sandra Hurd, CNC
Health Educator and Nutrition Coach
http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Disclosure: The advice in this blog is not intended to diagnose or cure eczema nor is it intended to be used in place of advice or recommendation by your child’s professional physician.

I read other parent’s post in several different forums that ocean water stops their child’s eczema itch immediately. Well many of us live inland and not near the ocean so here is an optional remedy to help your child during an itch cycle.

Get some high quality natural salt, Himalayan salt, or celtic sea salt. You want to make sure it sea salt that was gently prepared to retain all it’s minerals from the ocean. Then make a solution with warm water so you can soak a compress to apply to the areas that is itching.

When your child is away from home you can either pack some of the sea salt in a small first aid kit or if you are traveling get some from the local grocery store along with some bottled water and a small towel to make the compress.

Remember to moisturize the area with an oil or lotion moisturizer depending on the type of eczema. Dry eczema is best to use an oil based moisturizer, wet eczema is best with a lotion based moisturizer.

If you would like additional eczema treatments that can help you stop your child’s eczema sign up for my free newsletter at http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Sandra Hurd, CNC
Health Educator and Nutrition Coach

Disclosure: The advice given in this blog post is not intended to diagnose or cure eczema and therefore not to be used in place of eczema treatment recommended by your child’s doctor.

When I tackled the environmental causes of my son’s eczema it was massive. I had to already made many changes years before my son was even conceived yet I still had a lot to learn about how our environment affects his eczema outbreaks. I have no carpet in my home and the tiles/wood floors are cleaned with vinegar and water. Our clothes was washed using Seventh Generation, Ecover, and many other naturally safe and gentle detergents. The remainder of our home was cleaned with eco friendly products that are safe and gentle for the most sensitive people. Yet that still was not enough. I even had a water treatment system on my home. I soon learned that with all the changes I had made years earlier my son would still react to our environment. Here are some areas I found that affected him.

1) Candles - my husband loves to burn candles and the pollution and scent from the candles still affect my son today. My son’s teacher is a Party Lite representative and she said that the candles they sell would not have a negative impact on my son as regular candles. Since it is helpful to manage a condition in peace we are considering it as an alternative to my husband’s need to burn candles.

2) Chlorine - I had to switch from a water treatment system to a water filteration system to get all the chlorine out of our home that was entering via the water. I soon learned that my son was also reacting to the chlorine in toilet paper and white paper he used to doodle on. I had to purchase toilet paper whitened without chlorine such as Seventh Generation and Whole Foods brand and acid free paper for my son to doodle on.

3) Toys - there were several toys my son could not go near or even touch as they immediately triggered an itch/scratch episode. I found this out by just observing my son while he played and watched how he responded to they toys in question and then I removed them only witness his improvement.

4) My clothes - I had to change my wardrobe as my son was reacting to the material when he sat or laid on me or when he helped me with the laundry. After the change I saw improvement with his outbreaks.

5) Air freshener - My husband not only loved candles but during the times when he did not burn candles he would spray the house with either lysol or some other type of scented spray, but it affected my son to the point where it was completely off limits.

6) Electro-magnetic pollutant - this is a pollutant that is caused by cell phones, antennas, electronic devices (refrigerator, television, computers, video games, etc). Yes we live with many electronic devices but I found it to be one of my son’s triggers. I tested several protectors for our home but the one I found to work the best are personal protectors as they go with the person everywhere.

7) Dust - Clutter produces a lot of dust and that often affected my son. I found after I got our home organized and clutter free from toys and such his condition improved.

These are just a few ideas where you can find environmental pollutants that could be affecting your child’s eczema outbreaks. Keep in mind that soaps, shampoo, car care products, lawn care products, makeup, perfume, deodorant, shaving products, body sprays, hair care products, and such can all trigger an outbreak. The best weapon you have is observation and your instincts. If you can pinpoint a product or item remove it from your child’s presence and observe how your child responds.

Sandra Hurd, CNC
Health Educator and Nutrition Coach

To sign up for this free newsletter go to http://www.stopmychildseczema.com

Disclosure: The information on this blog site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or cure eczema. It is also not intended to replace your child’s professional doctor’s advice or treatments.