web analytics

Hold It! Don’t Use That Stuff on the Baby’s Skin!

Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M

October 12th, 2014  |  35 Comments

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

 

The Connors' third child, Michael, is chubby, robust and with clear skin except for one little problem. He has a history of convulsions nearly every time he falls asleep. No one on either side of the family had neurological issues or seizure disorders. The parents were understandably distraught.

Mother Caroline was doing everything she could to be a good mother. She provided nutrient-dense meals including raw milk and homemade fermented vegetables. She had been studying homeopathy and using it wherever she could since her first baby was born. For the Connors family, it was a no-brainer to integrate the best of both modalities. But this problem was beyond her abilities.

So, Caroline set up an appointment with the family homeopath, and their first step was to compile a timeline to reconstruct what had happened in Michael’s short life, including procedures and drugs that might have been used.

Hint: Assemble a timeline for each member of your family’s health history. You’ll be astonished by what it reveals.

This process jarred her memory and helped her recall that not long ago, Michael had suffered an unpleasant diaper rash while the family was visiting his grandparents in Florida over Christmas. Caroline confessed that the baby, in fact, the whole family, had eaten more than their share of Christmas cookies, cakes and breads … all store-bought.

As a result, the baby’s bottom became so affected that the skin was crimson, taunt and shiny. And although Caroline traveled with her homeopathy kit and book, this time her usual methods were inadvertently preempted by Michael’s adoring grandmother.

Grandma had “just the thing” for diaper rash … a zinc oxide cream that was right there in the bathroom. “It’s just this one time, and it will probably offer the baby some quick relief,” Caroline rationalized. She was partially right.

The skin was less angry, and the baby didn’t fuss as much when she wiped the area at the next diaper change. But a few days later, the eruption returned, and the Connors family began to count on the diaper rash ointment for the remaining days of their stay.

Had Caroline known a bit more about zinc oxide, she might have made a different choice.

Although zinc is a fundamental prerequisite for human health, large quantities of it can cause zinc toxicity. Most plants, animals and minerals have an injurious side to them. So, when used on the skin to address eruptions, zinc can suppress the body’s efforts to drive out impurities through the skin eruptions and drive the illness deeper into the body.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, Father of Homeopathy, wrote, “Removal of local symptoms results in a heightening of the whole disease.” What are local symptoms? In this case, it is the diaper rash.

Homeopathic zinc, Zincum metallicum, is a premier remedy for rashes, skin eruptions and, interestingly, seizures. Dr. Roger Morrison’s rendition of Zincum metallicum in Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmation Symptoms lists the symptoms that it addresses this way: “twitches, convulsions, jerks, fasciculation, eruptions, easily suppressed, chronic complaints from suppressed exanthema.”

James Kent, MD, in Lectures on Homeopathic Materia Medica, says, “There is a tendency to convulsions, drawing in the extremities … and an inability to throw eruptions to the surface.”

In short, Zincum metallicum is a remedy associated with a reaction to suppressed eruptions. That is, eruptions that are “treated” with ointments that hold back the true pathology and, in turn, drive the illness to a deeper state.

In Michael’s case, it became evident that the ointment treatment was what unleashed the latent disease lurking below the surface. Most folks don’t make the connection between suppressed skin eruptions and deeper pathologies that follow because they fail to understand this vital principle:

When localized symptoms disappear, the internal disease’s defending outlet is potentially blocked forever. The disease is rerouted to more vital organs and systems.

In essence, a lesser illness (diaper rash) is traded for a more serious problem (convulsions). If the Connors had taken Michael to a neurologist, invasive, frightening and expensive tests would have “revealed” that drugs were required.

Once Caroline and her homeopath recognized that the ointment likely suppressed the skin eruption and drove it into the central nervous system, the remedy choice was evident, not only because the ointment was made from zinc but more importantly because the convulsions were part of the keynotes for Zincum metallicum.

Michael was given Zincum metallicum 30 orally three times per day, and within a week, the seizures were gone. Not just slightly abated or improved. Gone.

But then the diaper rash reappeared many weeks later in a milder version. One more week of treatment with Zincum metallicum 30, and that disappeared as well. The remedy inspired the body’s natural healing ability to drive the entire disease from the body.

Like all stories, a satisfying end must be played out. This one has a dramatic epilogue. Eight months later Michael’s seizures mysteriously reappeared. It turns out that while Grandma was visiting, she had applied the ointment again!

Once again, Zincum metallicum 30 was employed, and the child was returned to health.

Caroline threw out the ointment. From here on out, she trusts homeopathy to do the job right the first time!

How the skin is treated is more critical to internal organs than we, and particularly our dermatologist, know. The skin is the representation of subterranean conditions that should be comforted only with stuff found in your kitchen made of saturated fats, such as lard, tallow, unsalted butter and coconut oil.

Why do you need to know this? Because Michael or someone you love would have been subjected to invasive, scary and expensive tests to “determine” if he was a “candidate” for anti-seizure meds for who knows how long. Indeed, what kind of ramifications are we willing to endure for the sake of a quick fix?

Should this be of interest to you, go to my short video where I explain a little further the problem of skin suppressions and the homeopathic method that helps even if you’ve unknowingly been using ointments, steroids and other suppressive applications for years.

Paola's video screen capture

 

I am a homeopath with a worldwide practice working with families and individuals via Zoom. I'm also a teacher and most importantly, a mom who raised my now-adult children depending on homeopathy over the last 31 years. I lived decades of my life with food intolerances, allergies, and chemical sensitivities until I was cured with homeopathy, so I understand pain, anxiety, and suffering. You may feel that your issues are more severe or different than anyone else’s, but I have seen it all in my practice and in my work in India. My opinion is that nothing has come close to the reproducible, safe and effective results that my clients, students and I have achieved with homeopathy.

Call today and learn how homeopathy might just be the missing piece in your health strategy.


Joette is not a physician and the relationship between Joette and her clients is not of prescriber and patient, but as educator and client. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Joette presents. Homeopathy doesn't "treat" an illness; it addresses the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. Joette believes that the advice and diagnosis of a physician is often in order.


We've provided links for your convenience but we do not receive any remuneration nor affiliation in payment from your purchase.


The Author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.



 

35 thoughts on “Hold It! Don’t Use That Stuff on the Baby’s Skin!”

  1. Melissa says:

    Hi Joette, I downloaded the skinderella graph. Thank you! Wondering which Arsenicum you would use for fungus. Is it arsenicum album? Thanks!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      yes, aresnicum album

  2. Eileen says:

    Such a timely post. I have just recently started using homeopathy. It seems that you have covered most of my family’s ailments in you blog. I am excited to try these remedies. But there has been one major medical problem in my family that I don’t know if homeopathy can help. That is my husbands seizures. I cannot avoid my husband’s anti-seizure meds. I don’t know where to turn. I know that the meds are hurting his body, especially since he has been taking them for the past eighteen years, but it is better than having him in seizures.

    Here is my question, I can’t afford to take him off his meds, but can he take homeopathy pills, (under a practitioner’s care of course). Can Homeopathy help with seizures. I know his seizures didn’t start until he was 17.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Homeopathy has a history of being able to root out or at least lighten the burden of a vast number of human sufferings, including such neurological conditions.

  3. Courtney says:

    I have been using Zinc sunscreen on our children in the summer for years. Is this another form of zinc that we should for-go?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I am not comfortable with any sunscreen. I find all of the ingredients including zinc to be questionable.

      1. Kelley says:

        Does this include non-nanopartical zinc? TIA!

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          I don’t have information on nor experience with specific types of zinc.

  4. megan says:

    wow I used organic shaklee zinc ox.. on my kid. she is potty trained but still breaks out once in awhile. now I wonder if that is way.I wipe her if poo but let her do pee. so don’t think its lack of clean. I have switched to coconut oil and neem leaf oil in that. the neem leaf oil is eatable. I usually give her belladonna cus she is so red. she stops crying with in minutes of the belladonna. last time she had it was over 2 months now so may have it solve. but I am copying and noting this info. thanks!

  5. Heather says:

    Could homeopathic zinc be used to help a child grow? I know that “regular” zinc sometimes helps with this, but I didn’t know if the homeopathic remedy would work the same way. I’ve tried researching this on the internet but can’t turn anything up.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I know of no ability of Zincum in potency to necessarily work in that way. However, there are other remedies that are intended to do that, depending on the reason for the lack of growth. Except for here at my site, you’ll likely not find chronic conditions and their homeopathic medicines readily discussed on the internet.

  6. Rachael says:

    So which remedy would have been best for treating the initial diaper rash? My son has a pretty terrible rash right now and I need to figure something out. Cantharis? Graphites? Is there a Banerji Protocol for this one?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Hyland’s Homeopathics and Boiron have diaper rash creams that are pretty effective. I suggest this because there’s a little more to it than just offering a diaper rash remedy. If you find that there is no relief from combination products such as these, consider my course “Skin: The Ugly Truth” where I go into more detail as to how to choose the most appropriate remedy.

  7. Shelly says:

    Are there concerns with the lanolin and petroleum in the Hyland’s and Boiron ointments for diaper rash?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I don’t worry about lanolin unless the person is highly allergic to animal dander, etc. Petrolatum is petroleum jelly. It’s not my 1st choice for skin conditions, but when a pharmacy makes a skin product they can’t easily use coconut oil, almond oil, etc. And the disadvantages of using a product with petroleum jelly are outweighed by using a homeopathic that has the ability to uproot the condition.

  8. Aly says:

    Do you have any recommendations for safe, pH balanced soap to use for washing babies (that have many allergies & severe itching/eczema)? Our baby tested allergic to coconut oil unfortunately, so we have been avoiding that for now.

    On another note, how does one determine the cause of diaper rash so as to know the best remedy to select? I was not aware zinc oxide in more natural diaper creams was a toxic ingredient and it seems to be the only thing that helps get rid of the sores and red rash.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      The source of diaper rash is not necessarily needed, but its often related to food.

      I believe soap is unnecessary for a baby. I used warm water and a cloth to clean my babies for years.
      Should you be interested, I cover diaper rash in my online course, Skin, The Ugly Truth.

    2. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I should also add that eczema is also covered fully in the course I sited.

  9. Aly says:

    Okay thanks! Our baby also has cradle cap & after starting a banerji protocol for eczema her head started to smell yeasty & she started to sweat on the side touching the bed at night. Her hair/head still smells after wiping well with water & cloth & even not long after using Shea moisture eczema bar soap so not sure what is going on with that. Are you saying that if a diaper rash is caused by a food allergy (in my breastmilk) then the remedy should be one for food allergies, such as calc carb or bovista?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      For all that present: 1) eczema 2) cradle cap 3) food intol 4) odor of the condition.

  10. Aly says:

    Okay. We have been following a banerji protocol for just about 4 weeks now but the strong smell & sweating didn’t start until soon after we began. Is this a sign of proving or an aggravation? How long do aggravation a typically last? We’re doing ars alb 200 alternating with calc phos 3x three times daily, hepar sulph 200 EOD & coffea 200 at night when needed. Would you recommend adding something else in for cradle cap, head odor & intolerances/allergies to food & other things? Or do we continue following the same protocol for 6-8 weeks before deciding? Both her eczema & itching are severe and cover her whole body but the color has lightened a bit on her face & legs & there’s a little less redness on her stomach.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Aly, These are the kinds of questions that are delved into in homeopathy courses. Eczema of this degree should not be tinkered with without a good deal of study. I urge you to meet with a seasoned homeopath or other medical professional.

  11. Aly says:

    Okay, so you don’t recommend following that Dr. Banerji recommendation anymore? The chiropractor who does AAT is perplexed with her body’s response as the AAT & adjustments repeatedly don’t “hold” like they usually do on people & the ND we have seen that uses homeopathy suggested trying silica 30 & also doesn’t have any other recommendations because she’s such a hard case but silica is obviously not one of the protocols. We’re not getting much improvement or help from the four different medical professionals we have seen so it’s quite discouraging & we’re at a loss on what to do.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      From nearly the onset of our communications, I have recommended that you not attempt to do this yourself depending only on a blog offering basic information. THis is not a forum for figuring out how to treat complex cases.

      The Banerji Protocols have tiers with a specific plan to move from the 1st tier to the 2nd and onward, should the results not be satisfactory as the case unfolds.

      I’ve also communicated that I will not advise you other than to seek good, professional medical help.

  12. Aly says:

    Yes, we do have the Banerji protocols book, thanks for your help.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Their book is only a tiny aspect of how to treat a chronic condition. Please take the time to take courses and read, read, read classical and practical homeopathy.

  13. Sly says:

    I am trying to read as much as I can online. We don’t have the money to pay for a course at this time although I would love to take some. Do you have any recommendations on good books to have on hand for treating ones family?

  14. Aly says:

    Do you have a recommended reading list for books on practical ways to treat ones family using homeopathy and natural cures?

  15. Kathy says:

    Can using zinc oxide actually cause eczema?

  16. Kathleen Shibler says:

    I have a similar question. Is it possible that treating a baby’s diaper rashes with a zinc oxide cream could have triggered seizures?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Don’t take my word for it. Google it.

  17. Raquel says:

    Recently found your IG page and I’ve been learning a lot. My 4YO had his first seizure in august 17.2021. How can I learned more about healing seizures with homeopathy? What kind to give and what dose?
    I would really appreciate your help. Do I need a zoom appt? How do I contact you directly? Thank you!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      Treating such a condition (particularly if it’s chronic) takes a good deal of experience. I am presently not taking new clients but you might want to look into 1st joining one of my online Gateway to Homeopathy study groups. As you move along in your studies, consider the course “Mindful Homeopathy”.
      As an aside, if it was an isolated event, consider if he/she had recently been given shots or ANY medications. They are often the cause of such. And don’t expect the doctor to admit that it was a result of their decision. IF it was a febrile seizure, there’s usually little to be concerned with.

  18. Hanna says:

    In a moment of desperation, I used a zinc oxide diaper rash paste on my baby. Do I wait for the neurological symptoms to show or do I give Zincum metallicum as a precaution? I know homeopathy usually waits for symptoms

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, PHom M says:

      I wouldn’t assume that there will be any problem. Indeed, there’s no need to treat something that doesn’t exist.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Joette


Categories

Books & CDs

Joette’s Materia Medica

I designed it especially to provide a framework to guide you through your remedy choices. It is perfect for busy mothers and others who love curing their families themselves.

Protect Yourself from the Flu

Deal with the flu without drugs and expensive commercial products.

Combo Pack: Top 7 Products

Go from clueless to clued-in…in the fastest way possible.

Cell Salts: Learn Homeopathy at Home

The easiest, safest and most inexpensive way to treat your whole family.

Homeopathy in First Aid

Learn to choose the correct homeopathic remedy to give on the way to the emergency room or better yet,
avoid the trip altogether.

Cure Yourself and Your Family with Homeopathy

Homeopathy is inexpensive, non-invasive and profoundly curative.

Secret Spoonfuls: Confessions of a Sneaky Mom with Kid Pleasing Recipes – CD & Booklet

Boost and maintain optimum health with simple foods, instead of vitamin pills.

See More Products