Florida Healed My Daughter's Eczema

It sounds crazy, but the environment in Florida has greatly improved my daughter's skin. Thank God Florida has helped my daughter.

tldr: If you/your child live in a cooler climate and struggle with eczema, take a trip to a more humid place. See how you/your child's skin reacts.

We took a family trip to the Sunshine State last Spring. My wife, who was responsible for skin ointment application, noticed drastic improvements in the two weeks we were there. Showers didn't hurt, less complaining, less itching. Her skin health was noticeably improving. My wife claimed the ocean and swimming pools helped as well. We decided we were going to try and move there.

After a Summer of applying to jobs, finding one in Tampa, and relocating to Florida, our family is feeling beyond blessed to be here.

We've been here almost two months. This is the best her skin has been in years. We have not used any steroids. My wife has put on vaseline gel semi-regularly. The twenty minute daily routine of ointment application, and painful showers is gone. 

Backstory:

My daughter has struggled with Eczema(Atopic Dermatitis) for years. It first arrived when she was two years old. From 2-4, it was more seasonal. Her skin would be flare up in the dryer Minnesota winters, and clear up a bit in the Summers. Sadly, when she turned 5, the condition worsened. We saw several pediatricians, dermatologists, and an allergist to try and get to the root of the problem. We used prescription steroids, tons of lotions/ointments, and tried many things to help her skin. The prescription steroids were the most effective, but the rash would return after stopping use. 

This is the first time her skin has improved naturally in two years.  

Things we tried to help:

• Many Lotions (Eucerin, CeraVue, Aveeno, Cortizone, Cetaphil,Aquaphor, Egyptian Magic Cream (cheaper purchased at Costco), Zinc Oxide
• Steroids (tiramcinolone, hydroxyzine,hyrdocortisone,tacrolimus)
• Oils (coconut, rosehip)
• Humidifier in the bedroom
• Air Cleaner in the bedroom
• Free and Clear (dye/allergen free) Laundry Detergent
• Read 'The Eczema Diet' book and changed her diet heavily (did not have much impact, and two derms said diet should not impact it (though reddit threads seem to disagree))
• Bleach Baths, Oat baths
• Wet Wraps 
• No Soaps  

Final Words:

Eczema sucks. I'm so sorry for you and/or your child and the suffering it has caused. Some good news is the large majority of kids with eczema grow out of in their teen years. I wish you the best in your battle.