California Baby Calendula Cream

I am very blessed to have found a calendula cream that works well for our daughter only a few (long!) months into our battle with infant eczema. After trying prescriptions, changing my diet (Kate's dermatitis was worsened by allergies to elements in my breastmilk), nixing clothing detergents and opting for baking soda, and purchasing special baby shampoos for cradle cap and eczema, we still hadn't found a consistent  way to keep her skin from flaring up that didn't involve immuno-suppressants.

I keep one in my diaper bag and one on the changing table at all times!

Like many moms on the hunt for home remedies for eczema, I scoured the internet and Googled my heart out late into the night looking for anything that might bring some relief to my baby. Eczema forums, message board threads, blogs - you name it, I was there. I can't remember where I first heard of California Baby Calendula Cream, but I'm surprised I didn't find it sooner. I had been given their Calendula Lotion, Shampoo, and Conditioner as a baby shower gift from my grandmother! I drove to Target and picked up a 2 ounce jar - After all the money we've spent on other over the counter treatments for eczema, what's one more? I thought. Besides, it was natural - containing calendula, aloe and coconut as its main ingredients. Calendula is a flower, and the extract used in first-aid creams has been shown to work as an anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agent. It was certainly worth a try!

Kate's rash was on both sides of her face - eczema often does this to young infants. I spread a thin layer of cream on her left cheek (the worse of the two) and put nothing on her right. Two hours later, the red patch on her left was much lighter - it had to be a fluke! I applied another dab to the spot and looked again a few hours later. A definite improvement! I began to apply the cream to the red spots all over her body, and within days several of the breakouts has vanished entirely. After a week, her skin was 95% clear!

Now I apply the Calendula Cream from California Baby 2-3 times per day all over her whole body to prevent inflammation, paying special attention to little flare-ups on her legs and face, and whatever little scratches her nails managed to leave behind after a fierce case of itchies. I purchase the four ounce jars for convenience - they're not any cheaper. While it seems a bit pricey, I feel I should point out that a little goes a LONG way and the stuff lasts for quite a while. Even with multiple coats a day, a 4 ounce jar can last me anywhere from 3-4 weeks. Besides, to me it's worth a few extra dollars to know that what I'm putting on my daughter's skin (and therefore into her bloodstream) isn't harmful.

While there is no fail-proof cure for eczema, treatment is possible. What works for us may not work for everyone, but if you have an itchy little one, I cannot recommend this cream enough!

**I was in no way compensated by California Baby for this post - I'm just a fan!**