Be patient Laura. This can take a month to clear up from start to finish, and the itching is most intense until the blisters start to dry up. If he got a steroid shot, you may see some clearing of the rash only to get a rebound rash just when you think it is healing. The reason is the steroid suppresses the immune system and that is why we break out in the first place--it is our immune system responding to the oil irritant.
It still may not be too late to try Zanfel for him to wash with. It is proven to release the bond of the oils from the skin cells. However it does not work for everyone. If his rash is severe it may be worth your time.
I don't know how old your son is, and if he is old enough to bathe and take care of himself, so these suggestions are for either of you depending on his age. The best ways to keep him comfortable and itching at bay is using very cold wet (not dripping wet but wet) washcloths on the rashes. If you need more coverage use a clean handtowel or kitchen towel. This really eases the itch. Tepid to cool baths using oatmeal (grind up a couple of cups in your blender first) and baking soda in the water helps too especially when the rash is in the genital area. Hot water should never be used as it opens the pores and allows the oil to sink deeper down into skin layers. Noxzema is great because it contains menthol which cools the skin, and tricks the itching nerve endings to feel like they have been scratched. You can keep it in the fridge to feel even better on the rash. Noxzema was originally created for sunburns and it is very safe for all areas of his skin except the eyes. If his skin is open or raw, skip the Noxzema and just use the wet cold compresses. You can use it once the skin starts to heal (after the oozing stops). Stay away from any hydrocortisone creams. Caladryl does help once the oozing starts to dry it up, but is not great for long itch relief. Keeping the areas cold works best of all remedies, and believe me this will help if he cannot sleep because of the itching. At night, you can put ice water in baggies (double bag it in case the seal leaks) and place them on the rashes and it will allow him to fall asleep without getting the bedding wet.
The main thing is to keep him from overheating or sweating as this makes itching feel worse. Tell him that the blisters can get infected if he scratches them raw. If he must scratch, tell him to scratch the skin GENTLY AROUND the rash. This works well to quell the itch without actually touching the rash/blisters.
If you have any more questions post back, and good luck :) |
