Re: Follow-up to your questions...I forgot to mention

In reading over my last posting, I see that I wasn't as thorough or clear on certain questions that I should have been.

In regards to the question concerning citrus, the reason that the girls didn't have a problem with the orange juice is due to the age that we introduced the citrus juice into their systems. This was one of the last juices introduced into their systems (at about two years of age/24 months). I should have stressed more that the introduction of juices into the system is a gradual process (not all at once and not too soon). The apple juice has been the best start for all of the girls, providing the vitamin C and fiber needed for healthy immune function. Since the youngest niece provides the best recollection as far as introduction of juices, nine months old is the age we started with the apple juice for her.

In regards to the question concerning bathing, there are several factors that contribute to eczema flare up and discomfort. I mentioned the chlorine in the water; however I failed to mention that harsh soaps or cleansers and the failure to moisturize the skin immediately after bathing as an issue of eczema flareup or discomfort as well. Doctors prescribe bathing once or twice a week for these reasons. Because we knew the importance of clean skin in ridding the bacteria from the skin and the importance of cleaning the skin in applying the moisturizer, we chose to bathe the girls daily with a soap/cleanser (natural, vitamin enriched soap) that wasn't harsh to the skin and moisturized the skin with the same brand of natural vitamin enriched moisturizer. I beleive that this played a major factor as well into the speed at which the skin was restored (began to heal). Keep in mind, that our water is not treated with chemicals.

I also forgot to commend you on cleaning the child's surroundings. Dust mites and the confined air in a home is also a big contributing factor to eczema flareup. My nieces lived in my parents home for the first part of their lives, until my brother moved into his own house. The good part about the house is that it has wood floors. The bad part about the house are its windows and the dust and mold that build so quickly around them; also and because half of them are inoperable (don't open), the air quality and circulation is horrible. We had to do thorough cleanings as well.

I think that was everything,

Aunty Tweet