There are many studies that support the fact that a skin disease like eczema is controlled by the state of your gut. The gut is connected with the skin through the immune system. Therefore, if the gut is compromised, it can affect the body in many adverse ways. To overcome eczema, some experts recommend to repair and restore the gut flora by following the GAPS Diet (Gut and Psychological Syndrome). The diet basically consists in fermented foods, good fats, bone broths and Probiotics. Today is our first day. I'll keep you posted.

Catherine looked so calm with her pacifier in the carseat that my husband forgot to put on her the scratch sleeves. Suddenly, while he was driving, she got fussy and started scratching like crazy. My husband couldn't stop, so he decided to drive faster. He was singing and tossing her toys, but she was out of control. When he arrived home, her face was bleeding. After we bathed her, she calmed down and then, she immediately fell asleep. 

Catherine's eczema is improving, the flare up is going away. The skin has started getting dry and had formed scabs. Today, she was very happy singing and playing. The weather is not so extreme, it is 62 degrees Fahrenheit, so we believe this weather is helping her. I have been very strict with food. We have been drinking fresh juices and eating homemade food. At snack time, I offer her fruit and if she refuses I give her vegetables or a small portion of chicken with rice.

Struggling with Catherine's worst flare up ever. Tough days because she hasn't slept for more than two hours for three days. My husband has been helping me a lot during the night. She has been very clingy and I barely have time to go to the bathroom. My three year old son is staying home to help me distract her during the day.

Three months ago, when I was considering doing the steroid withdrawal, I remember reading a blog from a mom that went through the same process summarizing the first 3 months like living hell. Now, I know what she meant. 

After getting the 15 month old vaccine, Catherine had a lot of discomfort. She had the worst flare-up so far on her face and body. This month was a roller coaster, dealing with a lot of ups and downs. We only used primrose oil, aloe vera and Cerave as a moisturizer. We did wet wraps on her, twice a day, for just over a week straight.

Catherine is growing emotional and physical, now she refuses to wear mittens and socks.

Catherine's eczema has been affected for the drastic weather. Yesterday afternoon, the temperature reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit and then, early in the morning, it dropped to 55.  I also started weaning off the breast, so, it has been a tough day with a lot of crying. It is said that stress doesn't cause eczema, but it can make symptoms worse. 

In the morning, Catherine's face looked like she was healing. Unfortunately, later while I was driving, she rubbed her face for about 20 minutes and she made her red patches ooze again. 

Our main problem so far is that she manifests her frustration and desperation  by scratching her face, arms, body and legs.

After an intense week, the  flare up is going away. To make it happened, we went back to the basics, wet wraps, eating homemade food, stay home, and drinking fresh juices. 

This week, Catherine's eczema was very time consuming, I was about to give up and I was tempted to used the "magic cream", but then I thought about all the drawbacks in the long term. I think it's better to sacrifice her first years than living with this condition the rest of her life.

I've been trying to wean Catherine off the breast, but it has been unsuccessful. It is not because she cries, but the fact that she starts scratching herself like crazy.  

Catherine's eczema worsened on our last trip to El Salvador. However, she enjoyed until the last minute. The flare up was very intense, we were very worried because the red patches on her face were oozing a lot. A famous dermatologist in El Salvador prescribed her an antibiotic to prevent a secondary infection, a very mild steroid cream, antihistamine, moisturizer and  copper sulfate baths. He also took time to answer many questions we had. 

She didn't improve much with the treatment; however, we felt more tranquil preventing any secondary infection that she could have developed.  

I pray everyday for Catherine's recovery. I remember all the people staring at her at the airport making her feel uncomfortable. Thanks God she is only 16 months...