My seven-year-old has tiny pimply bumps on his cheeks. My dermatologist gave him cortisone for his face, but I don't want to use it. Is there anything else I can use?

A.

A good natural alternative to cortisone creams for mild dermatitis is chamomile cream. Look for one that has a chamomile extract, they are available in most health food stores. Apply to his face several times a day.

Also make sure he is getting the nutrients he needs for healthy skin. Besides a well balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, make sure he avoids hydrogenated fats and refined sugars. Plenty of water helps to insure healthy skin as well. Vitamins A, C & E and the mineral zinc are especially important for skin health. He should get the recommended daily allowance for his age of 3500 IU of vitamin A and 10 mg of zinc. Vitamins E and C can be used at doses of 100 IU and 125-250 mg per day respectively. A good children's multiple vitamin mineral supplement along with extra vitamin E and C will supply his needs. Look for chewable or liquid supplements. An essential fatty acid supplement like flaxseed oil is a good idea as well- try 1 teaspoon daily. Flaxseed oil can be mixed into cottage cheese or yogurt, added to cooked cereal or soup or mixed into nut butters or salad dressing.

For more on Dermatitis Click Here >>

To search The Eclectic Physician Catalog of Nutritional Supplements for keywords relating to Dermatitis - dermatitis, cortisone, vitamin a, vitamin c, vitamin e, zinc
Click Here >>

Return to Q&A index

* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate. It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.