Dairy no more

At the beginning of December, Owen was dealing with a rash that was all over his entire body. He didn't have a fever or any other symptoms. It was just red, very inflamed, getting worse by the day, and so so dry. I could not get it under control. Whatever cream I put on him, his skin would drink it up and then look the same. In desperation, I called my aunt, who is my godmother, and a pediatrician. She is so knowledgeable and has seen a lot. Before I actually connected with her on the phone, I had sent her a picture text and she right away said in a voicemail she left me that she thought it looked like eczema. When we did connect on the phone later that night and she heard about what it looked like more in detail, we agreed it was eczema and she gave me a list of things to do to treat it.

-1% hydrocortizone cream

-Aveeno Baby Cream, Eczema Therapy

-no Dreft, use a free and clear laundry detergent

-no soap in his bath, just water

I was at the store first thing the next morning, picking this stuff up. Poor baby, when I first applied the hydrocortizone cream, he was in SO much pain. I just about cried with him as I gently rubbed it all over his body. I felt so bad for him. But the result the next morning was amazing. About two more applications after that, in addition to the Aveeno cream each time as well (she told me to do both at once), his skin looked brand new. I couldn't stop rubbing his soft little legs as he nursed. It was so wonderful to see him doing better. 

However, his battle with eczema is not over. My aunt also told me that something in my diet could be triggering this response. I had no idea eczema could be related to a food allergy. So in addition to the lotion and taking other possible irritants away, I did two weeks of no dairy, eggs or nuts. I know this probably helped his skin clear up so quickly and so well too. Then one by one, I reintroduced these foods. And the culprit was.....dairy. At first, I thought, ok, sure, no milk. no big deal. I like almond milk. Then about 2 seconds later, I realized, oh wait, that means no DAIRY!! No...

-cheese

-cream cheese

-blue cheese dressing

-ranch dressing

-butter

-sour cream
-yogurt`

And that's just naming a few of the most obvious. But let's just focus on no CHEESE!! Do you know how many foods we put cheese in!?!?! There's Cheddar, Parmasean, Mozzerella, American, Colby, Pepperjack, Feta....and they are all on salads, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, our family's beloved chicken wing dip, pizza!! ::::moan::::

And no butter! Well, I felt like I was saying goodbye to baking for the next year. I can't run through a list of items....its just too painful. And I just can't, can't even think about milk chocolate.

But slowly, slowly, I am learning how to substitute! And find recipes that are yummy and dairy free. It's not easy, and it's expensive, but I can once again eat chocolate chip cookies. And pancakes.  

Obviously, it's all worth it for my little man. He appears to be very sensitive too. I can't cheat or slip up at all. Even if a label says, "may contain traces of milk" he will break out. We are very curious to see if this is something he will outgrown or if this will become a way of life for him. In the meantime, I will continue to learn the ways of vegan butter, tofu sour cream, coconut milk and goat cheese. And if you know of any good recipes or websites, send them my way!