Mustela: Rash, Rash Go Away!

When Dawn was about 4 to 5 months old, we noticed that her tummy had dry red patches below the navel area. We thought she was allergic to her disposable diapers so we switched to the conventional cloth diaper during the day.  It did not get better. After a few days, we noticed red patches on the creases of her elbows. It started with little red bumps/blisters then soon became flat and red.

After some research and consultation with our pedia, this is what we found:

Source: www.babycenter.com

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis), a skin rash that often appears in the first year of life. Eczema usually shows up on a baby's forehead, cheeks, and scalp, but it can spread to the arms, legs, chest, or other parts of the body.  Your baby's rash might look like dry, thickened, scaly skin, or it might be made up of tiny red bumps that can blister, ooze, or become infected if scratched. 
 

I've heard some stories of friends with babies who experienced severe eczema and it's really very concerning.  This is why it's best to begin treatment at the first sign of atopic tendencies.

Here are skin-care tips from Babycenter:

• Try to keep your baby's skin from becoming too dry. Talk with the doctor about how often to bathe her. Many experts now believe that daily bathing can be helpful for babies with eczema. Just don't make the water too warm, because very warm water dries out the skin faster than lukewarm water.
• Use a mild soap, and wash and shampoo your baby at the end of her bath so she isn't sitting in soapy water. As soon as you get your baby out of the tub, pat skin dry (don't rub). Then promptly apply a liberal amount of moisturizer or emollient — an ointment, cream, or lotion that "seals in" the body's own moisture.
• Allow skin to breathe (and not become overheated) by dressing your baby in smooth natural fabrics, like cotton. Avoid wool and other scratchy materials, which can irritate very sensitive skin.
• Switch to mild, fragrance-free soaps and shampoos, or those made for sensitive skin. Use mild, fragrance-free detergent for washing clothes and bedding. Avoid fabric softeners.
• Rapid changes in temperature can make eczema worse, so try not to let your baby get too hot and then cool quickly, or vice versa.
• Help your baby avoid scratching. She may try to get relief by scratching with her hands or by rubbing her face against the sheet when she sleeps. But scratching and rubbing can further irritate or inflame her skin and make matters much worse.
• Use the softest sheets possible in her crib, and keep your baby's nails short. Put her to bed with cotton mittens or socks on her hands, if she'll tolerate them.
• During a flare-up, you can try applying cool compresses to the area several times a day, followed by a moisturizer.

With Dawn, we tried using Mustela Stelatopia Emolient Cream. After less than a week, i noticed that her rashes have all cleared up! I was amazed at how fast the product worked.  I specifically chose this product over other brands because it is free of artificial colourings, fragrances, parabens, and alcohol.  I used it on Dawn's whole body and not just on areas with red patches.  

Dawn does not have rashes anymore but i still use the cream everyday to make sure it doesn't come back. If i am feeling a little brave, i might try to switch to the regular Mustela lotion once the Stelatopia cream runs out. Mustela is now available in the Philippines so no need to order online and send through your friendly courier. Just visit their outlets in Trinoma (1st Level) and Robinson’s Manila (1st Level Midtown Wing). It's also available in all Rustans Department stores and Pure Beauty in Serendra.

For inquiries, you may contact:
0917-8959988
Email: mustelaphilippines@yahoo.com
Website: www.mustela.com