Pediatric naturopathic care in Erie, CO
Eczema and chronic skin concerns in children
Steroid cream clears it, then it comes back. If that sounds familiar, you already know the skin is not where the problem starts.
What I hear from parents
Red, itchy patches behind the knees and inside the elbows. Cheeks that flare after certain foods. A baby who scratches in her sleep. Cradle cap that never quite left. Parents usually arrive with a drawer of creams, a list of things they've cut out of the diet, and a child who is uncomfortable.
The creams have their place, especially when a child's skin is raw. They are not a plan.
Where I look
Skin is often the first place a child's body shows that something else is off. I start with digestion, because a large share of the children I see with eczema also have constipation, reflux or a very limited diet, and those are connected. I look at diet and possible food triggers, at the home environment, at bathing and skin-care habits, and at nutrient status, since low levels of a few specific nutrients show up on the skin.
Testing is chosen for the child in front of me. For some children that means a food sensitivity panel or a stool test. For others the history is clear enough that we start with changes and see how the skin responds.
What a plan looks like
Calming the skin from the outside so the child is comfortable, while working on the inside: supporting digestion, removing a trigger food if one is identified, adding the fats and nutrients healthy skin depends on, and cleaning up the things touching the skin every day. I keep plans as simple as they can be. A family that can follow the plan gets better results than one handed a list of twenty changes.
What I will not do
I won't tell you to stop a medication your dermatologist or pediatrician prescribed. I won't put a growing child on a restrictive diet without a reason. And I won't promise you a cure. Eczema in children often improves a great deal with the right approach, and I'll be honest with you about what we're seeing along the way.
If your child's skin trouble comes with digestive symptoms, start with the digestive concerns page as well, because that is often where the answer lives. Children with stubborn eczema are also often the ones catching every cold at daycare, and the same underlying work helps both.
Questions parents ask
Is eczema caused by food?
Sometimes a specific food makes eczema worse, and sometimes it does not. I look at the history carefully before recommending any food be removed, because unnecessary restriction has real costs for a child.
Can we keep using the steroid cream?
Yes, if it was prescribed for your child and it is keeping them comfortable. My goal is to work on the underlying picture so you need it less over time, and to coordinate with whoever prescribed it.
What about bath products and laundry?
They matter more than most people expect. Part of the first visit is going through what touches your child's skin every day and simplifying it.
Do you see babies with eczema or cradle cap?
Yes. Infant skin has its own considerations, and feeding is a big part of that conversation.
From parents
We love Dr. Lyle! My daughter has been going to Dr. Lyle since she was 6 months & it was truly the best decision i could’ve made for her! Dr. Lyle has been an absolute blessing for us, she is super supportive & understanding. My daughter has been having skin issues since birth and she has been determined to help us every step of the way. Whenever my daughter is sick, Dr. Lyle is very responsive and helpful. She really is the best & has your kiddos best interests at heart!
Dr. Lyle is just fantastic! In home or in office visits?! She spends so much time, is so caring and knowledgeable. We needed a blood draw for my child, and she was beyond patient, helpful with explaining, and respectful of my daughters fears surrounding the procedure. So nice to have a doctor who can help you make the best choices for your family, and meet children where they are. Super thorough! Looking forward to future appointments, strongly recommend.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Lyle!! She is kind, welcoming, professional, and extremely knowledgable. As a new mom of a 6 month old I was nervous about finding the best care for my little one, but I can say for certain we will be seeing Dr. Lyle for life. She understood my holistic preferences and provided us with wonderful advice in various areas of development. It is easy to tell she loves her work and is passionate about providing the highest level of care. I will send everyone I know her way!
Other things I help with
Constipation and digestive concerns
Chronic constipation, tummy aches, reflux, picky eating that started with a sore belly. Finding out why, not just softening stool.
Read about constipation and digestive concernsImmune support and frequent illness
The child who catches everything. Back-to-back colds, ear infections, lingering coughs. Support for a body that is working too hard.
Read about immune support and frequent illnessDevelopmental concerns
Autism, ADHD, speech and sensory concerns. A whole-child look at nutrition, digestion and sleep alongside the care team you already have.
Read about developmental concernsNutrition and nutrient deficiencies
Low iron, low vitamin D, growth worries, selective eaters. Testing that tells you what is actually low and a plan a real family can follow.
Read about nutrition and nutrient deficienciesLet's talk about your child
A free 15-minute meet and greet, by phone. No charge, and you'll leave knowing whether I can help.
By appointment, Monday through Friday. Weekend visits available.