Here you will find a compilation of photos from Catherine's TSW Journey and excerpts from this blog since the beginning of the process. Please Click Here to Continue

After our experience with many pediatricians, allergists and dermatologists, we were afraid to go to a new doctor. All of them prescribed steroids with different names and they didn't care about our opinion. Last August, we needed to go to a new one because Catherine seemed to be infected. Thanks God, this time our experienced was different [READ MORE]

I have never been a fan of any Disney princess in my life. In fact, I have always believed that they are not a good reference for little girls, only an example of an excellent marketing campaign. However, since last year, I changed my mind. Catherine's self esteem improved since she watched the movie Cinderella. 

The process of TSW is hard, not only for the withdrawal symptoms, but the low self esteem. Before watching the movie, she was very shy, she looked down every time people were staring at her or tried to hide her face from them. It was frustrating as a mother to see that scene every time we were in the park or in the supermarket. 

After watching the movie, she started dreaming. She believed she was a princess, and she became more confident. Coincidentally, during this time she got better from her skin.

Last week, Catherine met Cinderella at Disneyland, she was so excited to meet her in person that she hugged her for a long time.   

For that reason, I'm not a princess hater anymore. I'm truly thankful with Cinderella for making my daughter believe that dreams come true. 

Recalling Cinderella's song:

"Have faith in your dreams and someday, your rainbow will come smiling thru. No matter how your heart is grieving, If you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true"


Hang in there TSW warriors! One day the nightmare will be over
                                      

Catherine had a very mild flare up after my last post, but a week later her skin was almost perfect. I said "almost" because her arms have been very dry and scaly like always.

Regarding food, we didn't introduce anything new; I only made different recipes with the same options. For example, zucchini boats filled with ground turkey with vegetables, corn tortillas with homemade refried beans and chicken, egg & gluten free pretzels, and chicken nuggets with tapioca flour. 

At night, I can't complain because she sleeps better and therefore, we do too. 

Our life has changed, we are doing projects that we postponed a year ago and going out every weekend like any other family.
 

Today, I cried tears of joy. I feel very happy because Catherine's face has cleared up. Finally, after 16 months! READ MORE 16 Months TSW

Great improvements! Every day, Catherine is getting better and better. Now, she doesn't use gauzes anymore!. However, she is still very itchy, her skin is dry and scaly, and mild flare-ups occur every now and then. 

The good thing is that now, flare-ups only affect areas that she hasn't improved. 

Regarding her daily routine, we bath her twice a week, her diet is based on the results of the allergy tests (IGG, IGE, skin prick test), and we applied a homemade cream and vaseline twice a day.

We give her Zyrtec or Benadryl at night because she always has problems to sleep. At least, It helps her for a couple of hours.

We are going to continue with this routine until she clears up completely. 

Catherine's skin is slowly healing. Finally, her face is on its way to clearing up. She has been on a restricted diet for about 8 weeks based on the IGG food intolerance test results. It is a long list of restricted foods, but the elimination is for a limited time only. 

Regarding moisturizers, we have been applying a homemade cream made with zinc and mupiricin when needed.

Challenges
Even though Catherine is improving, she is still very itchy. At night, she wakes up 3-4 times. We have tried antihistamines, cold rags, and chamomile tea to relieve the itching, but nothing seems to work. On the other hand, we are trying to expand and diversify her diet because her menu is almost limited to soups. 

We feel happy for the great improvement, Catherine looks happier than ever. Her torso looks wonderful like if she were eczema free. 

Despite the fact, I'm a great supporter of the Moisturizer Withdrawal approach, I have to admit that the method is harsh, especially for our little girl who is constantly itchy. So, we decided to moisturize her twice a day with a homemade infused cream. The infusion is really simple, it has Shea butter, Coconut oil, Manuka honey, Primrose oil, Neem oil and Calendula oil. See Homemade Skin Moisturizer Recipe Here

Last week, we went to a new doctor. We chose him because he has integrated homeopathy into his pediatric medical practice and he has been acknowledged for being one of the top pediatricians here in Miami.  However, despite the fact we told him about all the steroid addiction and our bad experience, he prescribed her cortisone and a topical antibiotic for 7 days. 

We agreed to apply the antibiotic cream, Mupiricin, because we were worried about any serious infection, but we were against the corticosteroid for all the side effects. Thank goodness, he was open minded and said that we could replace it with something natural like coconut oil.

So, we applied the antibiotic cream in the affected areas with a homemade infusion (shea butter, coconut oil, primrose oil, neem oil, manuka honey) and she responded very well.

We are now waiting for the results of her IGG test to know her food intolerances. 

Another stressful month. In summary, Catherine didn't recover from last month's flare up, my husband and I went out of control, we started moisturizing again and I had an infection under the root canal.

Moisturizer cream alternative
We applied twice a day organic raw honey to treat the oozing areas. According to literature, honey has been used successfully to treat skin problems. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties makes it suitable for eczema sufferers.

Caregivers S.O.S
Since we started TSW, I have prioritized my daughter's needs over mine. I didn't take care of my teeth as I used to and the result was a root canal infection. Nothing compares to the pain associated with infected dental pulp. Thanks God is over. 

After 11 months, I can resume this process as the worst nightmare ever. I knew this process would be challenging, but I never imagined that my faith and patience would be tested daily. Lack of sleep, emotional ups and downs, stares from rude strangers, intense itching all the time. My husband, who is a gentle person with a lot of patience, was out of control during this month. It also happened to me while I was driving. We have to cheer each other up to don't give up.

Finally, we believe Catherine might be infected, so, we made an appointment with a new doctor. I'll keep you posted.

 It was a very tough month. I haven't been able to write up a post because Catherine has been itchy most of the time. I knew that a flare up was coming, but I didn't think it would be so bad. Now, she has big red patches in her cheeks, armpits and chin again.

I had so high expectations regarding Catherine's recovery on this month that going through another flare up really upset me. Our theory regarding this new flare up is that she might be experiencing teething symptoms. Teething can be stressful and this can triggers eczema.

Challenges
We have noticed that whenever she is tired, her skin starts to become itchy. This discomfort intensifies before every nap and while she is sleeping. Therefore, every night is a nightmare, Catherine's sleep is interrupted several times due to the itching. We try to make turns with my husband to avoid that she scratches so bad until she bleeds, but at this point we feel so sleep deprived that sometimes we fall asleep with her and we are not able to stop the itch fests.

Anti-scratch sleeves don't work for her anymore because now that she is bigger and stronger, she turns her body  against the pillow to rub her cheeks fiercely.

Diet
Since she stopped breastfeeding, she has been obsessed with food. She has been eating chicken and beef stock with vegetables, turkey patties, green lentils, white rice and quinoa. Garbanzo pancake and banana bread (dairy and egg free) for breakfast; also apples, pears and cantaloupe. Additionally, rice milk and homemade coconut milk. For snacks, roasted edamame, cauliflower, fruit popsicles and Enjoy Life Sugar Crisp cookies.

In summary, I can conclude that TSW progress is not linear.  Last month, I had the good feeling like we were near the end; this month, I feel like giving up. Definitely, I will need an extra dose of patience for the upcoming month.

After months of tranquility, yesterday was a really bad day. Another bloody episode that undermined Catherine's progress. I left her unattended for 5 minutes, while I was washing the dishes, and when I found her, she was sitting in the floor silently clawing her nails all over her face. She was bleeding so bad that I could barely see her eyes. Instead of getting mad, my reaction was to cry, cry so loud like a baby; she was in shock, I picked her and I took her to the bathroom; while I was cleaning her face, she said: "I'm sorry". I felt devastated, like the worst caregiver ever. Hopefully, she can heal faster from this. 

It was a good month. Finally, our first road trip since we started the withdrawal process. A couple of months ago, it was impossible to drive for more than 30 minutes because she felt constantly itchy. Therefore, driving for four hours without complaining was a big milestone. 

Catherine had a blast in Sarasota despite the bad weather conditions: hot and humid with tons of mosquitoes. She only complained of being itchy when we were on our way to the hotel and before getting to sleep. 

Challenges
Catherine has red patches in both arms, torso, armpits and at the top of her feet. She wakes up constantly at night rubbing her face. Now, she hates to use the anti-scratch sleeves, so we have to wait until she is sleeping to put them on, but sometimes, we are so tired that we forget; so, she scratches so bad that makes her sensitive areas bleed. 

In the last months, we have seen a link between Catherine's behavior and scratching. Every time she is sleepy, asleep, hungry or bored she feels really itchy. For that reason, we are looking for alternatives to break the itch-scratch habit. 

Diet
Since she stopped nursing, her appetite increased. Her diet is limited to chicken stock with vegetables, turkey patties and snacks like oven roasted cauliflower, kale and soybeans. She eats a popsicle made from fresh apples and carrots almost every day. She also eats white rice or quinoa in every meal.

In summary, it was a great month! We are now able to do so many things that we previously couldn't do. Going for vacations was a good way to revitalize us. We enjoyed as a family like we used to.

Another great month for Catherine. Finally, I stopped breastfeeding. We didn't see any significant change after weaning, so, I can conclude that my breast milk was not the culprit for her skin condition like many people believed. 

In this month, Catherine's development has been outstanding, she is always in good mood, playing, laughing, and exploring. Her appetite has increased dramatically. We are going out more frequently and she is definitely enjoying it. Now that she feels more secure, she is more independent. She is climbing everywhere and testing her limits. She counts from 1 to 10 in Spanish, English and Cantonese. Clearly, she is another girl.

Challenges
Catherine's skin is very dry and scaly. Therefore, continuing the moisturizer withdrawal approach will be a difficult task. Additionally, she still wakes up in the middle of the night rubbing her face; sometimes, she rubs her face so bad that make her skin oozes. 

Despite her skin is improving, she still has to use gauzes in her arms, legs and body, because when she is wrapped, she feels more comfortable and she is less itchy. Definitely, It must be something psychological. 

Diet
Bone broths, white rice, and vegetables. For snacks, roasted edamame, kale, cantaloupe, fruit popsicles, and once in a while, sugar cookies (dairy-egg free). 

Conclusion
Overall, it was a good month. Catherine is discovering new things and she is enjoying every new experience. We  are truly grateful for her skin progress!

After 21 months exclusively breastfeeding, I decided to wean off last week. It was the perfect time since she was showing signs of improvement in her skin. I feel relief after having a very strict diet for almost two years due to her food allergies. Nursing her was the best soothing aid during the first months of TSW. [READ MORE]

Finally a turn for the better. Catherine has made a lot of progress in healing this month. The oozing from her left cheek stopped. Her face looks like it wants to clear up. There are a lot of challenges ahead, but we are very grateful for every little bit of improvement we see.

Challenges
Her torso is still covered with red spots. Her legs are very dry and scaly and her left wrist is still swollen. At night, she rubs her face constantly and she doesn't get back to sleep until she nurses. I have noticed a pattern that she feels itchy when she feels bored, hungry or sleepy.

Diet
She has been doing a modified GAPS Diet. She consumes broth every day, probiotic once a week, and cod liver oil as well. She eats cantaloupe, oven-roasted cauliflower, edamame, kale and chickpeas as snacks. According to the GAPS Diet, she should avoid most fruits and legumes from her diet. However, Catherine seems to tolerate well these foods. Additionally, in this month, we eliminated red meat and rice.

Moisturizer Withdrawal
Catherine has benefited from MW. Her skin is getting stronger. Now, she is not using any cream, oil or soap in her body. I encourage other parents to try this method and see the difference.

I feel relief. Finally we are getting results! She is no longer taking antihistamine, antibiotics or applying any kind of topical steroid cream.

Since my daughter got eczema the standard advice has been to use moisturizer deliberately on her skin. We have tried all kind of oils, creams, emollients, salves, and poultices. She seems to tolerate some, but at some point, she becomes allergic to them. Based on literature, we decide to stop moisturizers two moths ago. [READ MORE]

Another tough month. She caught a cold and had a severe flare up. Her left cheek was oozing for several days. I thought this would be a good month because we had family at home, but it resulted the opposite.

Stress played a big role. Since Catherine developed her skin condition and we started this process, we haven't been so strict in daily routines and discipline. Now that we have family with us, it has been difficult to keep rules. We have been dealing with meltdowns and temper tantrums from my eldest son that makes Catherine feel scared and uncomfortable.

Breastfeeding issue. I've been so stressed out lately that I'm sure my breast milk has affected my daughter's eczema. I've been trying to wean off the breast several times, but every time I do it, she gets distressed. Every time she feels anxious, she scratches her body, face and legs. Now, instead of putting off feeds, she is asking more often. Unfortunately, nursing is the only thing that calms her down. 

Changing habits. Making small changes in routine also affect Catherine's eczema big time. In this month, we did a lot of things differently. For example, we used household cleaning products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, I changed part of my diet and we didn't separate Catherine's dishes, utensils and pots to avoid cross-contamination of foods. 

Weakened immune system. Illness, such as cold, always makes Catherine's eczema worse. Every time she gets a cold, there is a severe flare up that lasts up to two weeks. Thankfully, this time we didn't have to use the nebulizer, the cold went away on its own. 

Even though it was a tough month, we had a really good time with family. Another positive thing is that she is not taking any medication. No Bactroban, no antibiotics, no antihistamines. We haven't been in a doctor's office since last October when we started the TSW process. We are only giving her supplements (Probiotic, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamin D). Since we stopped using moisturizer her legs improved a lot, now she can stay naked without scratching her legs. 

A week ago, a clear yellow liquid was oozing out on Catherine's left cheek. This time, I was afraid to assumed that it was just part of the withdrawal process because of the yellowish color. I posted my concern on a TSW forum, and many of the responses were to let it dry. Someone said that I should be worried only if the discharge was opaque yellow. Others recommended me to err in the side of caution and take her to the doctor. 

Since she didn't have fever or any other symptom we didn't take her to the doctor and we didn't put anything on it. Three days later, the oozing dried up by itself.

Catherine is now more aware about her skin condition. Yesterday, while we were at the playground, someone stared at her for a really long time. She immediately turned her face down and hid it in the swing. I was so mad that I said loudly, 'Catherine, lift your face. You are beautiful and you dont have anything to be ashamed of. It is only an allergy.' She changed her expression and smiled me back. 

I won't let this skin condition affects my daughter's self esteem. For that reason, every time I have the opportunity, I tell her that she is beautiful.

Catherine passed the 5th month milestone and now she is officially in the 6th month.  So far, we have seen slow and steady progress with some drawbacks. Her legs, arms and torso are showing improvements. Right now the major problem area is her face. In this month, we noticed that flare ups now occur weeks apart and some red spots are finally fading. We are no longer using antihistamine and we are tapering off moisturizers. Recent evidence shows that moisturizer withdrawal is essential for TSW recovery [1]. Time flies! I hope we can see the light at the end of the tunnel soon.
[1] http://skinofrose.blogspot.com/2012/07/to-moisturise-or-not-to-moisturise.html