A Mother’s Battle: Winning Against Eczema with Steroid-Free Alternatives
Eczema is a challenging condition, particularly for parents managing their child's symptoms. This is the heartfelt story of Lauren M., a mother who navigated the complexities of steroid use for treating her son's eczema and found a path to a steroid-free solution.
Initial Lack of Knowledge
"Before using steroids, I knew nothing about them. I associated steroids with bodybuilders, and that was the extent of my knowledge. It might sound naïve, but when the doctor recommended them, I didn’t think twice.
Learning About Topical Steroids
I've learned a lot about topical steroids:
- Steroid Withdrawal: This can be quite scary, causing skin redness in areas where steroids weren’t even applied.
- Skin Redness: This can occur later in life and in different places from where the steroids were used.
- Skin Thinning and Stretch Marks: Overuse of steroids can thin the skin and cause stretch marks.
- Age Restrictions: Steroid boxes often state they are not recommended for children under the age of two.
Importance of Dosage
One of the main things I wish I knew before applying steroids to my son was the correct dosage. No one told me about the "fingertip to hand" measurement. I was slathering it on without any guidelines, starting when my son was just five months old and began showing signs of eczema.
The Search for Alternatives
I tried many different eczema creams, but they often made the condition worse. So I started understanding eczema more deeply—it was a bit of trial and error and word of mouth. Then I began doing my own research into ingredients, and castor oil was one that sounded promising.
I noticed it was a hero ingredient in Curezma,
and that's one of the main reasons why we tried it. I haven't found another product with that ingredient.
Family Concerns and Dermatologist Visits
My husband was so worried while I was researching and using steroids. It was quite a traumatic time. He actually said to me,
"I'm losing you to eczema,"
because I was non-stop researching. We eventually got referred to a dermatologist.
The Dermatologist’s Advice
Our dermatologist ordered compounding tacrolimus as an alternative to steroids. I remember calling her to ask if it was safe for the nappy area since it’s sensitive like the face. She casually mentioned a debunked cancer link, which made me very anxious. This comment spurred me to research even more. I started questioning everything and researching every ingredient I was using on my son.
Finding a Steroid-Free Solution
When we discovered Curezma, a steroid-free solution for eczema, it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. My son looks amazing now, and we no longer need steroids. This change has been incredible for us.
Empathy for Other Mums
If I were to advise another mum, the first thing I would say is, "I'm really sorry." This journey is incredibly hard, and I completely empathise. It's a struggle that makes me want to cry, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Grateful for a Better Solution
Truly, I am so grateful for Curezma's hard work in producing such a wonderful and cost-friendly product. It has been such a long, sleepless, itchy, and hard journey, and I now feel like we have a steroid-free solution. I feel like I am coming back to life and can finally think of other things than just eczema! This is easing so much anxiety on my end, as every time I applied steroids, I felt sick to my stomach. Plus, it was only ever a band-aid fix. So thank you again. The world needs to know about Curezma!"
Conclusion
Navigating eczema treatment, especially with the use of steroids, is a complex and emotional journey. Trust your instincts, seek second opinions, and educate yourself about the treatments. Finding a steroid-free solution was a significant turning point for us, bringing immense relief and better health for my son. I hope my story helps other parents feel less alone and more empowered in managing their child's eczema.
Testimonies like Lauren's show that we are not alone in this journey and there is hope for managing eczema effectively.
We are here to help. Drop us a message if you are struggling with managing your child's eczema!