Daughter Scratching

Updated on May 12, 2008
C.B. asks from Greenfield, IN
8 answers

Hi there moms. I have a beautiful, healty, happy, 3 year old daughter. I had noticed this past winter that she would scratch at her feet or hands while she would sit and play. We'd be doing a puzzle together or she would be looking at books and every time she turned a page she would scratch or "fiddle" with her fingers or between puzzle pieces she would scratch or fiddle or scratch at her feet or toes (unless she had slippers on). Now that she's been wearing short sleeves or shorts or capris since the weather has been nicer, she is also scratching her arms or legs or ankles. At first I noticed it when I would watch her do something while sitting...puzzle, books, game, etc. Then tonight we (my parents, husband, her, and myself) were all hitting a beach ball back and forth to each other in the living room and she was scratching at her arms or fingers or ankles the whole time between hitting or catching the ball. She had on her PJ's (short sleeved shirt and pants). I've asked her why she does this and she says that she itches. Tonight she said she "itched all over everywhere." I've tried to tell her to stop doing it while we are playing together and she will stop for a while, but only with me reminding her. It makes me wonder if it is a habit that we just need to break. Them my mind gets the best of me and I think...OCD or something. She has no rash, no allergies that we know of, and acts fine otherwise so I don't think she's "sick" with something related. I have not talked to our doctor about it just because I was trying to see if it would go away. Also, until recently when she's been in short sleeves, I didn't think much of it because it started with just fingers or feet. I used to be a teacher so I know all about behavior plans and reducing an unwanted behavior so I've considered going that route. I also don't want to over-react about this and make it more than it is. Please let me know if anyone has experienced this or has any thoughts about what my husband and I should try. Thanks a bunch!

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C.H.

answers from Evansville on

Well to make you happy aleast she don't do what mind does is pull at a bug bite or anything that is scrached at. But my dr. didn't do anything about my child but gave me some meds for at night if i see her picking so she would fall asleep but i don't really give meds so pretty much i am left with bandades all over my baby to keep her from messing with them. but to the point i would ask the dr. but to say much to your child. pretty much to what you are doing and ask to dr. and then maybe who knows. i hope this does help

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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I get that same exact thing. I feel like my whole body itches all the way down to the bone. I think I could scratch my feet, hands, ankles, etc till I bleed and still not have scratched the itch. I've never spoken to a dr about it. I just use lotion all over when I start itching like that. A cool washcloth or shower seems to help too. If you mention it to her doctor, let me know what they say! I'd be interested to know if it's more than just dry skin.

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K.S.

answers from Toledo on

My sons have eczema. Try using Cetaphil soap in the bath to wash. The dermatologist told us to stay away from scented soaps and use Cetaphil. Follow up with Cetaphil cream afterwards, and don't try her fully off, leave a little of the moisture on her body, and this helps hydrate the skin. We use Purex free laundry soap to eliminate the scents on the clothing. Good luck!

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S.Z.

answers from Cleveland on

Try the aveeno lotion to see if perhaps its just dry skin. I would mention it to her doc just to see what they say. I would think its just dry skin as there is no rash or bug bites.
Good luck
SZ

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T.M.

answers from Terre Haute on

I just wonder if the heat (and in winter furnace) is drying to her skin. It may not look like it but it could be that she is more sensitive to these things than most. Put some lotion on her and tell her that it should take care of her itching. That way if it is psychosymatic, it should still take care of it since you have planted "a cure" in her mind. Good luck! Let us know what happens. Shannon
PS. Using a very mild cleanser may help too. Like cetaphil or aveeno. Don't dismiss her to soon. Make sure you eliminate any problems first.

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D.R.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I cannot tolerate any facric softener--I used to have to bring my own towels to my moms as I would itch all over--thankfully she finally quit using it and has some dryer balls instead. I also cannot stand any scented detergents or synthetic fabrics. Allergies do not necessarily leave a rash--I am not sure where you heard that there has to be a rash for it to be an allergy but NOT true at all. Also look at an earlier post about scabies--the mites tend to burrow in thin skinned areas around the hands and feet. This was many years ago but my daughter itched for 2 weeks before her itching caused a rash and by then everyone it the family had it! What a nightmare--not to scare you but it is better to find out early than later as I did so you can all get treated. Bottom line see your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist or allergist if changing laundry care does not change anything.

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W.B.

answers from Cleveland on

My son has really bad eczema. What your daughter is experiencing is similar to his symptoms. Poor lil things! I hate to see him scratch!

1. Try a warm mist humidifier. There is an awesome one made by "Vicks", I bought it at Target for about $20.00. The great thing about this one is that you do not need a filter. They can get nasty and you have to change them frequently.

2. Believe it or not, try giving her a bath every day and follow up with Eucerin lotion from head to toe. Most people do not think you should bathe everyday if you have eczema but in fact, it is the opposite. Sometimes if he is really bad, we bathe him twice a day. You really do not even have to use soap. If you do use soap, try the Aveeno one that is for babies - light blue cap and label. It is specially designed for sensitive skin.

3. You can even use a low % hydrocortizone cream on the areas. Put a very thin layer on her skin.

4. All detergent with nothing added. You do not have to use Dreft, use the free and clear products.

5. Aquaphor is great if the skin is actually cracked. It really helps heal the skin and keeps it moist.

Everything I am telling you came directly from his Dermatologist and Allergist/Immunologist. He is 2 and has had skin problems since day one. He has good days and bad days. Usually his skin improves in the summer. I know this sounds like alot but every little bit seems to help. Good luck!!!!

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A.

answers from Indianapolis on

I don't know what type of fabric softner you use but, I have been tolf by my children's ped. that dryer sheets can leave clothes a little too abrasive for children's skin. My daughter used to itch all the time but when I switched to liquid softner she stopped. Just an idea.

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