Sadly, these myths about eczema come from my child's own doctors, whom we trusted. There's a very closed-minded attitude regarding this condition. I want you to know that it's crucial to be open to solutions beyond medications, which often seem like the 'easy' route.

Eczema, although sometimes it appears to be just a rash, is often much more, indicating internal problems or specific reactions. Seeing eczema as a symptom of something deeper is essential for effectively treating it and achieving long-term healing. 

Here are the 4 misconceptions I had to unlearn after being told they were true:

• Steroids: Not Always the Solution: Steroids seemed like a solution, but they only offered temporary relief. The rebound effect and side effects were not worth it - Every time we visited doctors for my son, they prescribed steroid creams, assuring us they were essential. When we sought alternatives, they offered none. Using them provided temporary relief, but when we stopped, the flare-ups worsened. Finally, we discontinued their use, leading to dependence and Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) syndrome. Now, my son manages his eczema without topical steroids. There are ways to handle it without these.

• Diet Matters:  Contrary to what we were told, diet did influence my son's eczema. Eliminating certain foods made a big difference - Although my son's doctors did not emphasize diet, we discovered its significant influence on his flare-ups. We observed that foods high in sugar or those he was sensitive to exacerbated his itching. Despite the doctors dismissing the connection, stating he had no food allergies and it wasn't necessary to eliminate anything, we noticed a significant improvement when reducing or eliminating those foods. His itching decreased drastically or disappeared. It became clear that diet does have an impact.

• Topical Steroid Withdrawal: We were told it didn't exist, but TSW is real. After excessive use of topical steroids, my son experienced it - After intermittent use of 'low potency' topical steroids on my son, his skin developed a dependency. When we stopped using them, his flare-ups worsened significantly. Upon definitively discontinuing their use, his skin suffered greatly: it became inflamed, oozed, and he experienced severe pain and shedded skin from scratching. These intense symptoms only improved over time and without steroids. Despite our concerns, the doctors continued to recommend steroids, disregarding the symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a syndrome that is beginning to be recognized by the medical community.

• Alternatives for Itching: They insisted on using only medication, but there are more ways to relieve itching. Identifying triggers was key. - When I sought medical help for my son's intense itching, the answer was always medication. I was surprised when my son's dermatologist criticized the drugs prescribed by his pediatrician, pointing out their side effects, especially the risk of long-term memory problems. This seemed insane to me: we were treating one problem while potentially causing another. Researching on my own, I discovered botanical oils that helped with the itching and developed my own oil, "Gold Up". Additionally, I learned that oatmeal baths, cold compresses, and above all, identifying and avoiding the triggers of his itching, that is, the root of the problem, were fundamental to reducing or eliminating his itching.

In conclusion, navigating my son's journey with eczema has been both challenging and enlightening. While traditional medical advice leaned heavily towards medication, our experience has shown that there are effective, alternative methods to manage and alleviate symptoms. The realization that dietary changes, identification and avoidance of itch triggers, and the use of natural remedies like "Gold Up" oil, oatmeal baths, and cold compresses can significantly impact the quality of life for those suffering from eczema.

This journey underscores the importance of looking beyond conventional treatments, being open to holistic approaches, and advocating for comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying causes of this condition. Our story is a testament to the power of perseverance, informed choices, and the pursuit of personalized solutions in the face of complex health challenges.