IAM: Ichthyosis Mommy Tips

This week I thought I'd share some "tips" for Ichthyosis parents, children or adults. Most of my tips obviously pertain to kids but I plan on posting tips from adults, living with ichthyosis, later on this month. If you have any tips pertaining to caring for Ichthyosis, PLEASE SHARE!! I am always looking for new and better ways to take care of my young warrior. With only three years of experience, this is all still very new and any tips would be appreciated!

Skin Care Tips: 
(Although I say "skin tips" this section is more of what I do for skin care. Be sure to CHECK WITH YOUR DERM before trying something new or something you are unsure of!)

-Baking Soda in the bath
     We have always used baking soda in the tub water. Our dermatologist told us that the higher the PH of the water the better it is for your skin. He related it to sea water as many of his patients have told him that their skin feels so much better after being at the beach. Typical tap water is around a PH of 5 and sea water is around a PH of 8. We use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water and I notice a big difference in Evan's skin when we do not use it (dries out/is flakier much faster).

-Aquaphor
     Ok, I know this is a no brainer but I have found Aquaphor to be the best emollient for Evan. I know different products work differently for everyone but it seems to last the longest. Lotions are not effective for Evan's skin so we literally need "straight up" petroleum. But Aquaphor has more than just petroleum to moisten the skin. Regular vaseline will work but it does not seem to last as long and find myself reapplying often. Also, we receive a free case of Aquaphor 4 times a year which covers almost half of what he needs right now. When Evan is older he will be able to decide what works best for him and what product feels best on his skin. I look forward to the future when Evan can incorporate some natural products to his regimen if possible. As much as Aqauphor is literally saving Evan's life I can't help but wonder how the use and exposure to the toxins of petroleum will affect him over time.

-Exfoliating
     This is something that everyone with Ichthyosis has to do. But what works for us, which may not for all, is the use of "cheap washcloths" (18 pack- Walmart $4) for exfoliation. We have tried many different exfoliating products (gloves, pumice stones, loof etc) but they all seem too sharp for Evan's skin. High quality wash clothes are too soft and do not work well for us. Skin to skin rubbing is also a gentle way to exfoliate especially when scrubbing with washcloths becomes intolerable.

-Picking/Peeling
     This is something that is absolutely NOT advised by our doctor. But it is something that we can't help and does help exfoliate Evan's skin. After coming to know Evan's skin better than the back of my hand, I know what I can or cannot pick. One of Evan's biggest problems is that his skin is growing so fast his body can't keep up with the shedding process. So anything I can help remove, that is not going to hurt him, will only help him. My husband is much more brave and does push the boundaries sometimes. But if we don't keep up with scale removal it will only get thicker and thicker and thicker...

-Hibiclens (antimicrobial soap)
     This is a must in our home and I'm sure in many homes. I only use this soap when I see something sucpicous on Evan's skin where a possible infection might be brewing. I will also use this soap on a fissured area or a cut to make sure harmful bacteria is killed and washed away. I try not to over use it as I want it to be most beneficial when appropriate.

-Cut hair short
     I know this is tough for girls but for Evan it is the easiest way to get the scales off of his head. Even though he does not have much hair at all, we shave what he does have so we don't pull on his hair as we try to remove scales.

-Avoid retinoids
     I know this is very hard to do especially with very scaly forms of Ichthyosis. Since I have been very fortunate to stay home with Evan, I have been able to do some intense skin care. I am the type of person that likes to avoid harmful prescriptions that have very harmful side effects. Luckily, Evan did not take oral retinoids at birth (when many HI babies do) because it make him very sick. We have Tazorac, a topical retinoid, which we rarely use. We try very hard with A LOT of 'elbow grease' to remove scales so perscriptions do not need to be used. But I am very glad they are available for when we might need them. I know it is very helpful for some but Evan will have to make that decision on his own when he is old enough.

-Itching
     I still do not have a good grasp on this "tip" but usually, I will apply lots of Aquaphor to the area Evan is scratching. Any time he is caught doing this I immediately stop him but also check for a hair or fuzz which is usually the culprit 50% of the time.

-Cool down options
    This is something I still don't have a strong grasp on but I try to work it out.
    -Spray bottles are a necessity in the summer. I do not go anywhere without it.
    -Wet socks and a wet hat seem to help keep the body cool especially when outside.
    -Wet washcloths work well and help cool down.
    -I will freeze wet washcloths and let Ev play with it when he gets hot.
    -Old (clean) frozen teething rings to play with or rest on his body when in the car seat or stroller.
    -Ice packs are helpful in the car seat (covered in a blanket). Ev always heats up on a normal day by sitting in his seat so keeping his back cool is helpful.
    -Portable/handheld soft blade fans are great since they are not harmful when touched and can be held by young children without the worry of getting a cut. 
    -Baby pools or baby water tables are great cool down activities.
    -Cooling vests are used for many affected by Ichthyosis and we have yet to purchase one as I was hoping to get a size that would last the longest.
    -Cold Aquaphor- I still need to try this!
    -Obviously air conditioned rooms are a necessity rather than luxury for us in the summer.

***It is most important to avoid the summer heat between the hours of 10 am- 4 pm. Stay out of the sun, make sure you have the proper cool down procedures in place and stay hydrated.***


Laundry Tips:

-Bleach
     I use bleach on just about everything that goes in the wash for Evan. With infection at such a high risk it just eases my mind, KILL BACTERIA. I try to be as "green" as I can but when it comes to keeping things clean to keep my child healthy, bleach is the first chemical on my list. As it destroys colors, I tend to save one load for those favorite outfits. I do not use much, just enough to help clean.; about a tablespoon or two per load.

-Detergents free of dyes or perfumes
     Ok a little contradiction going on with bleach 1st on the list. I use these types of detergents for a few reasons. Many people are sensitive to smells, I know I am. So having very smelly perfumed cleaners can be nauseating especially on little baby lungs. Dyes don't really makes sense anyway. Why would you wash your clothes with dye? Isn't the point to get them clean? I avoid both in Evan's laundry but always add a splash of bleach to ease my mind.

-Use the HOTTEST water setting on your washer
     As Aqauphor is made up of grease, hot water will "melt" it away. I have a sanitizing cycle on my machine which uses very hot water. Our water heater is set at a very high temp to begin with (as it heats our house) so even out of the faucet, it is too hot to touch. This does help with the laundry as well as cleaning up Aquaphor around the house.

-Keep you machine clean
     On a regular basis you should run a few empty loads to clean out the machine. Aquaphor will build up in places you can't even see and will keep building up with the more loads you do. My machine has the added Bruli hair combined with Aquaphor which creates a yucky mess. I usually get the Tide washing machine cleaner. It's fragrance is very strong so I run 1 or 2 HOT empty cycles to flush it out. I throw something like dish towels in for the first load as the fragrance might still be sticking around. I wont put Evan's clothes in until the 3rd load or so. Front loaders can be tough to work with but no matter the type of machine you have keeping it clean and "aqauphor free" will lengthen its lifetime.

-Spray & Wash w/ Resolve
     I found this to be quite helpful for your own clothes. Aqauphor stains everything! And this product seems to work the best. It may take more than one wash and all fabrics are different but there hasn't been an Aquaphor smear I couldn't get out. Though Aquaphor stains don't bother me much, this product works great for that really special shirt or outfit.



Other tips:

-Keep an "emergency" kit in your car
     You never know when you might get a flat tire, get into a fender bender or forget the diaper bag. Always make sure your phone is charged up and keep a small container of necessities in the car if the need arises. Items I include are : a few diapers, tube of Aquaphor, baby wipes, bacitracin, mini first-aid kit,  unopened bottle of water, snack, a change of clothes, small blanket, hat, hand sanitizer, clorox to-go wipes (NOT for skin), spray bottle and emergency ice packs. This kit changes with the season and will include a winter blanket, warm packs or a sweater. You don't need to go overboard (though I tend to!) but you can never be too prepared, especially for children like ours.

-Keep some necessitates in your purse
     This is the purpose of a purse right? I always keep a small tube of Aqauphor, hand sanitizer, paci wipes and a snack in my bag. Half of this list would be in my purse anyways just for me! I usually don't bring the diaper bag into the store if it's a quick trip but may end up needing something while we shop.

-Car starter
    Who doesn't want a car starter??? I do not have one but would absolutely love one! Not to use it as a luxury item but as a lifesaver. One of the most frightening tasks is being out in the summer heat. I do my best to avoid the "hottest hours" but sometimes it is inevitable. And even on a cool summer morning the car still heats up quick. Ideally, if I had a starter, I can start the car form the store's window and have it cool down before we head out into the heat. As overheating is one of Evan's most dangerous risks, a car starter can be very beneficial especially in the summer.

-Car seat cover
     Aquaphor gets everywhere. And one of the hardest things to clean is the car seat. Though most car seats upholstery can be taken off and washed, it is a hassle and has to be planned out perfectly. Some car seats are "spot clean only" which is a nightmare when dealing with Aqauphor stains. Lucky most baby product companies have created covers which can easily be wiped down. In the winter, cleaning Aquapor is not as much of a concern as Evan is bundled up. But in the summer, in short sleeves and shorts, those legs and arms smearing Aquaphor everywhere creating breeding grounds for bacteria, Yuck!

- Lots of clean stuffed animals
     Stuffed animals are breeding grounds for bacteria. After one swipe of an Aquaphored face or hand leaves a reservoir of germs to cling to. Having an abundance of clean bears, dogs and bunnies to cuddle is a necessity for us. Luckily, Evan is not attached to one specific animal which makes it easier. If that is the case with your child, stock up on that special stuffed animal to have clean ones on hand!

-Baby wipes
     I use the all natural wipes as anything with alcohol can be drying or painful to Evan. The natural wipes are great because not only do I use it when changing him but they can be used to wipes his hands and face after a snack or meal. I keep a package in my car, obviously the diaper bag, and at my fingertips at home.

-Cloroxwipes 
     These are perfect for those public outings when you need a quick sanitizing. When I travel with Evan I used these on the plane to wipe down the arm rests, windows and tray as I knew he would be touching it (and I can't imagine the amount of bacteria that can collect up on these surfaces). I try to avoid changing Evan in public but when I have no choice I use lots of wipes to clean the baby station and anything he may possibly touch (then put down the diaper pad and blanket). The Clorox-to-go packs are convenient and small enough to fit in your purse.

 PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR TIPS TOO!

Happy Spring!!!