Eczema, it is

Remember Sera's peanut butter allergy that was not? Well, since that last incident or rather post, her skin rash on her back turned into a patchy white pigmentation that doctors (a total of three) have diagnosed as eczema, and then the immediate prescription of a steroid cream which we have refused to use. Yes, Johan and I can be pretty particular about some things and this is one of them. Instead we have been applying a very moisturising emolient on her skin. It seemed to have worked, just that the white pigmentation has stubbornly refused to tan like the rest of her body. Hmm, strange?

Anyway, since Sera and I have been in Singapore. The hot topic has been her skin problem. Sigh. A different diagnosis from this side of the world. Ha ha. Roughly translated, my family and even a Chinese physician, it has been diagnosed as 'white spots'. Basically, it is a kind of fungal infection caused by sweat on the skin. Even I was convinced it was 'white spots' and watched with much hope as my mom rubbed blue ginger onto Sera's back. This went on for a few days until the Chinese physician said that it wouldn't work and prescribed some herbal concoction for her to drink. Apparently, the herbal brew was meant to detoxify her little body. But alas, Sera refused to drink the herbal brew despite the sugar added. I think other than the slightly bitter taste, the smell was a major turn off. So anyway, just a few days ago, we were back to square one - no proper treatment and actually, still unsure what was the problem???

This morning, we had a little emergency with a nappy rash that went terribly wrong.So off to the doctor's. The paediatrician prescribed an antibiotic cream for her nappy rash and then she noticed the rash on her skin.

Doctor:"She has ECZEMA." (Oh no, here we go AGAIN!)

Me:"So, it's not white spots?" (I had to counter ALL speculations)

Doctor:"No, it's not a fungal infection."

Me:"Ok, but I don't want to use any steroid cream."

Doctor:"No I won't advise steroid cream but a good moisturiser." (Great, another super-duper moisturiser)

Me:"Oh cool ... "

Doctor:"Does she go into the pool a lot." (Err ... this crazy mama takes her to the pool everyday!)

Me:"Yah ... quite often."

Doctor:"Avoid the pool, and she can dip for only 15 minutes."

Gulp. You call that swimming? Sera would think I was teasing her by dipping her and taking her out. Of course, I kept my mouth shout. But I was finally at peace to this nagging skin problem of hers. I mean, I actually believed and accepted this doctor's diagnosis only because she seem to have read my mind and answered the doubts I had.

So now, I have added yet another so-called wonder moisturising cream to the exisiting collection. I hope this one will work. But to more important matters. No swimming for Sera? That is seriously a tragedy because that is one of her great loves. I can't possibly take that away from her! After the doctor's visit, I quickly messaged Johan to discuss this pressing issue. No problem. It has been decided and agreed. We'll be heading to the non-chlorinated but salty beaches when we're back home!

This afternoon, we attended Izzac's first birthday party

Sera was more than eager to help Izzac open his presents ...

She took over the 'whole operation' and Izzac decided to leave her to her own devices