Jean in Newcastle Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Now, don't jump all over me! I realize she's only 6. But we've been on this elimination diet for 1 1/2 weeks now and it is hard, hard, hard on me. It is 10 pm and I am still cooking tonight (I have to pack dh's breakfast and lunch). We've been treading water for 2 days now while dd6's eczema has gotten really bad and has not been getting better no matter how "hypoallergenic" I make the diet (I mean foods that no one reacted to before). Imagine my frustration when I discover today signs that my dd6 has gone on a candy/chocolate binge.:mad: I didn't discipline her. Her anguish when I didn't believe her because she's shown herself lately to be a chronic liar was a big wake-up call for her. She came crying to me to confess. :( I've gone through out all the cupboards and have thrown out every ounce of chocolate/candy/cookies/crackers in the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMindy Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 (((Hugs))) I'm so sorry! This emoticon is for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I'm sorry, too. I can't imagine dealing with a specialized diet like that. It must be really difficult. I would die without chocolate in the house. You're a better woman than I... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 I would die without chocolate in the house. That's the worst of it - I want to binge on chocolate and I can't!!!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Aw, I'm sorry. I know it's very tough going through that. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though. Hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 That's the worst of it - I want to binge on chocolate and I can't!!!:D Being without chocolate gets easier with time- when you can narrow the allergies down, and add stuff back in, there are lots of good flavors you can experiment with- I discovered how much I love caramel (homemade with coconut milk and sugar, not corn syrup and cow milk), and real vanilla from the beans. It will get easier. And about your dd- my big Boy is the one who hides and binges on sugar- I still have to lock my sugar away, sigh. You handled it well- I know from experience that you being disappointed in them works far better than punishment in this area. And as you said, she is only 6. THis is a huge adjustment for her, but doing it at this age will be easier on her. Being 35 and discovering the allergies was far harder than for my dd at 5. Hugs, and call if you need it! I am home all day tomorrow (Fri.). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volty Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Uh... there's tons of possible causes for eczema, has a doctor already narrowed it down to a food alergy towards chocolate as the cause? Or are you still okking at possible caused. It can be really hard to diagnose the cause of eczema, may not even be a food. dust mold pollen. In winter if the air is dry with little moisture, it could be that too. You say she had a bad breakout in the last couple of days, was that after she gourged on the chocolate or while the breakout was going on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelissaM Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Well, here's the good part. She 'fessed up rather than being found out. If she's been lying a lot lately then this was a huge step for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volty Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Hey, how did you get that emoticon in here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda in TX Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Uh... there's tons of possible causes for eczema, has a doctor already narrowed it down to a food alergy towards chocolate as the cause? Or are you still okking at possible caused. It can be really hard to diagnose the cause of eczema, may not even be a food. dust mold pollen. In winter if the air is dry with little moisture, it could be that too. You say she had a bad breakout in the last couple of days, was that after she gourged on the chocolate or while the breakout was going on? I'm curious about this, too. When my DD was not-quite-6 she had a terrible outbreak with eczema. It got so bad the skin was peeling off her hands and feet in sheets! It was this time of year, too. We went through all kinds of prescription creams to get it under control. I also switched detergents and took away all scented lotions, bath soaps, etc. She has not had any problems since then (and she had always had slight eczema) until this winter. I found out she is using a scented body wash and I think that's the culprit. I'm very curious about the food allergy link and how you discovered it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrianne Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I am sorry Jean. It is sooo hard to show mercy and compassion in these situations. Hang in there! (((hugs)))) Adrianne :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Is there any kind of treat she can have on her elimination diet? I think it's important to include some kind of treat in the daily diet so she doesn't feel deprived. My son also has multiple food allergies and horrible eczema. That said, I do have some candies that he can have. Why not try a simple hard candy with no dyes or anything from the health food store? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in the Kootenays Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Hugs to you both. As an adult who feels awful today because of a similar binge of forbidden food by me and a mom who has seen strict diets do wonders for kids, I empathize with you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Well, here's the good part. She 'fessed up rather than being found out. If she's been lying a lot lately then this was a huge step for her. Yes! This is absolutely so. Focus on that when you talk to her about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 Uh... there's tons of possible causes for eczema, has a doctor already narrowed it down to a food alergy towards chocolate as the cause? Or are you still okking at possible caused. It can be really hard to diagnose the cause of eczema, may not even be a food. dust mold pollen. In winter if the air is dry with little moisture, it could be that too. You say she had a bad breakout in the last couple of days, was that after she gourged on the chocolate or while the breakout was going on? The eczema (in her case) is caused by food. The first week of our elimination diet (when we ate only "safe" foods) her eczema totally disappeared for the first time in her life! (well, at least the first time since she was 1 years old). I know the bad breakout wasn't caused by chocolate - not initially. On Wed. she had a really bad reaction to eggplant. As soon as she put it in her mouth her tongue started to itch (she didn't tell me this until after she had eaten all the eggplant on her plate (about three little "cubes"). Within an hour, her skin was all inflamed, itchy and hurt to the touch. What I don't know is if the chocolate or something in the candy (she ate about five different kinds and they have all sorts of things in them) has made the reaction go on for two days even though we immediately went back to the diet we had for the first week. As soon as she is "clear" we will go back to testing "more allergic" foods to see if we can get a list of the bad ones. Chocolate is on the list! And I am really hoping that it gets a green light! BTW the whole family is on this diet so she is not singled out here (many of us have food allergy issues). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andie Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Oh, I can't imagine how frustrating that must be. I'm trying to eat healthier, without a lot of restrictions and any change is just plain hard. What you're undertaking is HUGE! I'd be encouraged that she did 'fess up, though. And she's six. It's so little, still, really. ((()))s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Jean, do you think the problem is the chocolate itself, or the dairy in the chocolate? There are vegan chocolates you can buy; maybe you could try those as a treat for her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mx5 Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Just wondering if you've had her to an allergist. My oldest has eczema - we had him go through a battery of allergy testing. I could have bet the farm that he was allergic to tomatoes and milk. Allergy testing for those was negative. It ended up that he's allergic to dogs, dust, and outdoor mold. He's 17 and has not outgrown this, but his was a relatively mild case, apparently. It looks awful on occasion, and bothers him a lot. I would hate to see a bad case of it. It's possible that your dd will have other factors in her flare ups. I know how hard it is to be searching for answers. No cure though, only controlling symptoms :( We have added evening primrose oil, flax oil, vitamin C and B complex to son's diet when he's in a big flare up. Believe it or not, we use this diaper rash product called "Butt Paste" on severe areas, and it helps tremendously. Your little girl is a little girl. Even big girls have an awful time staying away from chocolate. I hope you find the answers to getting her some relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I'll send you both hugs. She must be learning a lot to have confessed. And to be honest food cravings can topple the strongest of wills. I'd be teary eyed without my little Dove Chocolates. You both deserve a medal, and I hope the elimination leads to smooth skin and happy feelings over all. My little guy had and still occasionally has eczema, so I know where you are coming from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyable Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 (((((Jean))))) As a mom going through our fifth bout of elimination diets for a reactive breastfed baby, I totally sympathize! 3/5 kids have various allergies that remain. It is so difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedbel Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 My ds4 developed eczema behind his knees and doc only prescribed cream. She said it was probably due to the cold weather. I am wondering how you were able to find out your dd's was food allergy related. TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 What a loving, kind, helpful and empathetic thread. We don't have exzema but my DH had psoriasis. Pain, social issues, embarassment and other stuff comes with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 I am wondering how you were able to find out your dd's was food allergy related. TIA! I have taken her to the pediatrician - he only prescribed cream too. We suspected it was a food allergy because dh had eczema so badly as a child (on the soles of his feet) that he had to learn how to walk again at age 4. In his case it was a food allergy (he still has them) and so that gave us a place to start. BTW - his food allergies do NOT show up on allergy tests - so maybe it is not a true allergy but if it goes away when you don't eat certain foods and gets worse when you don't, I'm going to still treat it as an allergy!!:D My mama's gut feeling for dd6 was confirmed when we were on the elimination diet for one week and her eczema got totally better (it didn't with the cream or anything else for that matter). The elimination phase of the diet was a bit tricky because it turns out that she is allergic to one of the foods on the "safe hypoallergenic" list - bananas in her case. But I noticed that the rash came back the one day we had bananas and went away the next day and so the next time we had bananas I was glad to confirm that her rash came back. So no more bananas for my Monkey girl!!!:p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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