My little Pitter Pat has suffered with eczema since she was a baby. And listen, folks, I don’t use the term “suffer” lightly. It has been the biggest source of physical pain and misery she has had in her five years. Her case is especially bad in the summer, though it can flare up in any season. Though the dry air in winter does make it flare, she also has a HUGE reaction to the sunscreen, bug spray, and pool water of summer. Even the sand and salt water of the beach bring on tears of pain, itching, and burning. We have had our fair share of screaming and inconsolability over her eczema, and until now, we haven’t had much of anything with which to treat it. Lotion is okay, but any kind of fragrance only makes it worse. Hydrocortisone clears it up for the moment, but it thins the skin, only making it easier to break out the next time. We’ve tried castor oil, baby oil, Vasoline, Aquaphor, and even Aveeno’s Eczema Therapy cream. They each work in varying degrees to provide a little comfort, but nothing works log-term. As you might imagine, I have done hours of research on the internet, talking to our pediatrician, taking to other parents, and tried each of the many ideas I have gotten from them. Still no real solution.

Until the other day.

I came across the archives of an old chat board for skin issues. It was a LONG archives, but I was desperate after yet another round of tears over burning legs. One entry caught my attention because it was something I’d never tried before.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema

The commenter was singing the praises of diluted apple cider vinegar for her child’s eczema. Her story sounded familiar to us, as she’d been through the same battles we have, but she vowed that apple cider vinegar not only treated her child’s eczema, but actually CURED it. Now, I can’t say yet whether it will cure eczema completely, but after trying it, I am also singing the praises of this treatment.

Here’s the deal: Dilute about 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with about 3 cups of water. Saturate a cotton ball with the mixture, and apply it to the affected areas. If it is a fresh spot, it’s going to BURN LIKE CRAZY, so be ready to blow on it. However, patches that are a few days old shouldn’t be so bad. Apply it in the morning and again at night. Sure, you’ll smell like vinegar for a while (not too badly), but if you’ve ever dealt with eczema, you won’t care.

Please understand that I am not a medical professional, and this little blog certainly does not give out medical advise. However, I am a mom that has had a miserable child, and I would LOVE to pass on what what worked for us to any other mom out there who has lived with the effects of eczema in their kiddos. If you’ve dealt with this problem and my remedy works for you, I sure would love to hear about it. Just leave a comment or shoot me an email to let me know.

Want to see my treatment for the stomach virus? Check it out here.

Santa brought us a great big surprise this year–a trip to Disney World! Needless to say, the girls were quite excited, and their parents were equally as much so. On New Year’s Eve we set out on a nine hour drive to Orlando. The trip went remarkably well, as both girls entertained themselves and each other.

About three hours into the trip, we stopped in Dothan, where I grew up, and had lunch with a high school friend and her two daughters. (Hi Tamara, Lydia, and Evelyn!) Hunt’s Seafood was just as good as I remembered, and the company was even better than the food. It was a fun break before getting back on the road to finish the remainder of our driving.

We got to Orlando just in time to spend New Year’s Eve with another high school friend and her two boys. (Hi Joy, Stig, Taylor, and Toby!) Joy has the gift of hospitality like none other, so she had a fabulous spread of appetizers, delicious chocolate fondue, and enough fireworks to light up Orlando. I was so thankful to be able to spend a little time with both of my friends and let our families get better acquainted. What a treasure to have twenty-five-year friends!

We spent three days in the parks, two at Magic Kingdom and one park hopping to Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend trying to do three parks in one day, but we really wanted to hit Hollywood Studios at the end of the day to see the Osborne Family Christmas Lights. If you are ever at Disney in December, don’t miss it. There are over 5,000,000 lights, and we got some great family photos there. It’s very magical.

Of course, my girls’ favorite part of the trip was meeting the characters, but the rides were also a big hit. My girls are 11 and 5, so they are just beginning to ride some of the bigger rides. I was particularly surprised when they both rode and LOVED Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Who knew I had two little daredevils on my hands?

I’m happy to report that the teacups are just as fast and fun as ever!

One thing that has definitely improved since the last time I was at Disney is the food. We ate breakfast at the hotel and packed our lunches most days, but the snacks we purchased during our time at Disney were some of the best food we’ve ever eaten on a vacation. One particular favorite was Boardwalk Bakery at the Boardwalk.

We also enjoyed one of the best meals we’ve ever eaten at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at Downtown Disney. Jonathan had the bacon wrapped meatloaf topped with a port wine sauce, and served on a bed of mashed potatoes. I chose the pumpkin ravioli, filled with butternut squash and mascarpone cheese, topped with browned butter, candied pecans, arugula, and shaved fresh parmesan. Even the girls’ kids’ meals were fantastic. It’s definitely a must-do next time we go to Disney, as is our friend Joy’s husband’s restaurant The Flying Fish. We didn’t get to try it this trip, but it is definitely on our list for next time.

I can’t tell you what a blessing it was for our family ‘o four to hang out together for five days in the happiest place on earth. We stay so busy with work, homeschooling, the kids’ activities, and church that we sometimes seem like ships passing in the night. This trip was a great reminder that we need to infuse a little more fun into our regular schedule. I mean, I really do like these people I get to hang out with everyday.

Have you been do Disney lately? What was your favorite part?

We are taking a little family time this week. I’ll be back next week ready to begin the blogging year. Unless, of course, we decide to just live here…