About

I’m Jennifer.  My friends call me the social planner. I’m very eco minded and I’m usually an optimist. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to dance and I adore the sun and being near water (so obviously a pisces).

I am also a mompreneur and founder of The Eczema Company – your online store for natural eczema treatments like scratch protective clothing and natural, non-toxic skincare. I also have launched my own skincare brand, YoRo Naturals which features clean, pure ingredients.

I have two wonderful children. My daughter is as healthy as can be, despite the minor eczema patches that tend to flare during the warm, summer months. My son, Tristan, on the other hand, has eczema, allergies and asthma. Managing Tristan’s health and helping him thrive is what has made me an everyday expert. His eczema was severe up three years of age when, at its worst, his poor body was 90% covered in what looked like burn wounds. The itching was intense and kept the whole family awake at night.

You can read more about our journey with eczema in these posts: Part 1 and Part 2.

I’m beyond thrilled that Tristan’s body has made such a recovery. Don’t get me wrong, he still has eczema, but it’s a fraction of what it once was. The allergies are under control, but the asthma still likes to rear its ugly head now and then. We tried every possible treatment from doctor’s prescriptions to homeopathy to acupuncture and lots of natural supplements and allergy testing. What finally ended up working? Well, it’s not really one thing, but a combination of a few things that brought us to where we are today, sleeping well and very happy.

To read about what worked for us, check out this post, Natural Eczema Relief: What Worked For My Son.

This blog will share our family’s stories on battling eczema, allergies and asthma using integrative methods (alternative therapies and conventional medicine). We’ll also feature related news and stories from guest bloggers and physicians. Please note, this blog does NOT share medical advice. Please always speak with your physician before making any diet or lifestyle changes, especially when it comes to babies and children. Please read our full disclosure for more information.

I hope you’ll enjoy all the content we have to share with you. Our posts have caught the attention of many publications and I’m thrilled to say that Its an Itchy Little World has been recognized by Healthline since 2012 as a top Food Allergy blog and Skin Disorders blog! My story has also been featured on CBC news and with Allerject/Auvi-Q. You can browse all our Awards and Mentions.

Follow-us on our journey to itch-free, sneeze-free, wheeze-free days! Thanks for your interest in our family!

Please contact me. I’d love to hear from you!

Jennifer

58 Comments

  1. rawkinmom on October 26, 2011 at 7:06 am

    I am not sure how I stumbled onto your blog but I swear as I am reading “about” you and your boy it is like reading my own written words!!!! My son is 5 now and has multiple allergies including food, eczema, and asthma…my son was so bad at one point that he looked like a burn victim or like he was contagious and I would have people stop me and ask what was wrong with him…..it would break my heart! One boy at a playground even told him he was ugly because of his skin….:( Mama Bear came out that day! Can’t wait to peek around you site some more!!!

    • Jennifer on October 26, 2011 at 12:56 pm

      You just gave me chills – our son’s stories do sound so similar. Well, it’s very nice to meet you and I’m happy you stumbled across my blog. I just went to view your blog – it’s fantastic. Raw food is one avenue we have not traveled, but would love to. So, I’ll keep an eye on your site for inspiration!

      • rawkinmom on October 27, 2011 at 3:44 pm

        Thanks-it’s not really a raw food site -that kind of scares people off so I started focusing on more vegetarian fare….:)
        It is working much better…people are more open to it!!! 🙂

        • Jennifer on October 27, 2011 at 3:47 pm

          Well, regardless – it looks great. I’ll definitely try out some of your recipes. I’ve got you added to GoogleReader.

  2. breannapetersonphotography on November 2, 2011 at 3:25 am

    Hi Jennifer-
    just wanted to stop by your blog & say hi! It’s always a sense of relief to know you’re not alone is this journey, although you don’t want anyone else to experience what you’ve been through…I’m so glad for you that Tristan is doing better, it’s amazing how different it can be to manage all this stuff with a good night’s rest vs. none! I am pretty sure we didn’t sleep for two years & now it’s rare to wake up at night!! I think this will actually show up as my photo blog 😉 ~Breanna @ Allergic Adventures

    • Jennifer on November 2, 2011 at 10:17 am

      Hi Breanna –

      It’s so nice to come across other mom’s in the same situation or that have been through the same things in the past. I’m very happy for you that you guys are in the clean now – it must feel so good! We’re really happy, but there is still a bit of eczema, but it’s totally manageable, so yeah!

      Oh yes, it’s lovely to sleep at night again! How did we live for so long without it???

      I love your blog and have linked to it. I hope some other parents can benefit from your posts too!

      Jennifer

  3. Tessa@TessaDomesticDiva on November 3, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    I’ve never felt so frustrated as when I took my infant son with severe eczema into the doctor and he said: “Well, that’s eczema. It’s really dry skin.” I knew there was something causing it, I knew his little immune system was overreacting to something. Thus started my journey last January. We finally have his eczema under control by erasing all corn, gluten, and dairy from his diet. He sleeps better now too….sweet bliss! The connection between food and allergies/eczema/asthma is very real, it’s nice to know you are not alone on this challenging path.

    • Jennifer on November 4, 2011 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Tessa –

      I know what you mean! I was so frustrated when our first pediatric dermatologist said she could tell by looking at Tristan’s severe eczema that food allergies had nothing to do with it. She told me not to bother with allergy testing. Believe me, I’m seriously considering going back to her office to let her know that we found most of his eczema triggers were indeed caused by allergies thanks to the elimination diet. Doctors are wonderful – they save lives. But I find they often have a really one tract mind related to their field. Derms, usually, but not always, treat the symptom, not the cause. If you find a great one, they can be very helpful. If not, you get caught slathering on steroid creams and not looking for the underlying triggers that are aggravating the condition.

      Congrats to you for finding the triggers for your children. It’s so difficult, but it’s possible!

      I found some yummy recipes from your blog that I plan on trying. Thanks! Do you want to join the blog hop I’m starting? If so, I’ll add your link.

      Jennifer

      • Tessa@TessaDomesticDiva on November 4, 2011 at 3:44 pm

        That would be great Jennifer! Finding a good MD to support you is TOO challenging, I hope one day that will change. I know they are out there now, but they are often SO great that they can;t take new clients or are a longs ways away. I am going to one such doctor in February…3 hours away! Naturopaths are wonderful and seem more versed in the food as triggers and what to do about it, but my insurance does not cover them, and $150/visit is cost prohibitive over the long term. At least though online support, we can all share our grains of learned wisdom in our adventures!

        • Jennifer on November 7, 2011 at 11:08 am

          Good luck with the new doctor! I just added you to the blog hop – please add me as well or add a page for a blog hop so we can link all these great allergy, eczema, and asthma blogs together.

  4. Susan H. on November 5, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    I am so excited to have stumbled upon your blog. Your description of your son’s eczema is exactly how I would describe it…like he had third degree burns over his body. I remember when I took my eldest son, 15 years old now, to the pediatric dermatologist and telling her that I felt that dairy was causing his eczema and my second son’s eczema, (would have a smidgen of milk in my tea that would produce eczema across his forehead after breastfeeding), she totally dismissed it. Would not hear that food could cause eczema. Years later, my pediatrician let me know when there were finally studies proving that dairy caused eczema…I also felt like calling up that dermatologist! Our pediatric dermatologist now has let us know that the only study linking a food to acne is …you guessed it …dairy! Go figure! It certainly has been quite the battle trying to figure out the causes of my son’s eczema…there are just so many variables to contend with. Sometimes I would feel like a ‘mad scientist’! I wish I had the information I have now back then…not only that but the internet would have been a great help…I felt so alone. Great to have found you. susan H @ the food allergy chronicles

    • Jennifer on November 7, 2011 at 11:37 am

      Yes, it’s all so frustrating! But a lot of goes back to mother’s intuition – we can tell when something just isn’t right with our children. We didn’t give up and we found the triggers…and thank goodness we did. I don’t want to begin to think about the state of my son’s skin, or his mental state, if his condition kept worsening.

  5. Dr Christopher Bridgett on November 19, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    From Uppsala, Sweden & Dermatologist Dr Peter Norén: The Combined Approach to atopic eczema gets great results by combining optimal topical treatment with habit reversal for habitual scratching: Chapter Five of online ebook “Atopic Skin Disease” gives details for younger children and their parents – Live Without Eczema : Patient Handbook for Younger Children and Their Parents is also available. Join free now – the online community for practitioners and patients: combine the expertise of practitioners with the experience of patients – lets improve the treatment of atopic eczema for everyone everywhere – DrB

    • Jennifer on November 20, 2011 at 8:30 pm

      Thanks for the info, Dr. Bridgett. I’d love to get my little guy to stop scratching – it really has become a horrible habit that started when he was itchy from the eczema. Now, that he’s better his scratching is less, but it definitely still occurs.

  6. Jen on December 10, 2011 at 1:21 am

    Hi Jennifer,
    Great site, and interesting posts. I would be happy to join your blog roll if you don’t mind (www.theallergicmom.blogspot.com)

    • Jennifer on December 12, 2011 at 3:08 pm

      Hi – of course! I’ve just added you. Welcome!

  7. Lorna d'Entremont on December 20, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    Thanks for inviting me to check out your site. Congrats on a job well done! Lots going on and great posts. The best to you and yours! If your children ever need a chewy/fidget because they MUST chew, bite and/or fidget, check Kid Companions Chewelry http://www.kidcompanions.com

    • Jennifer on December 20, 2011 at 9:09 pm

      Hi Lorna – Thanks for the feedback on my blog. Really great products you have! I can imagine they are really critical for many families. I have a store as well, but for children with eczema. The Eczema Company. Some of the clothing has also been really helpful for autistic children with habitual scratching.

  8. Nancy @Real Food Allergy Free on January 24, 2012 at 11:09 am

    Hey Jennifer, I can’t find your e-mail address so I’ll leave a note here. First of all, I’d like for you to do a guest post for me about how you helped your child’s eczema by eliminating food allergens. Send me an email and let me know if you are interested. My e-mail is in this comment. Also, I want to invite you to share some of your recipes and articles at our new blog hop starting tomorrow. Here’s the info: https://www.realfoodallergyfree.com/2012/01/a-big-announcement/ Hope to see you there!

    • Jennifer on January 24, 2012 at 3:23 pm

      Nancy – I’d love to participate in this blog hop and I’d be thrilled to write a guest post for you. Thanks for asking! I’ll be in touch.

  9. Lisa J Faith on August 28, 2012 at 1:38 am

    Hi Jennifer, I wonder if I can reference your very informative blog in a book I am writing about treating eczema with nutrition? I would love to include a link so eczema mums can find it.

    • Jennifer on August 28, 2012 at 10:48 am

      Hi Lisa – Wow, I’m honored. Sure, of course! Let me know what I can do to help! Jennifer

  10. Tiffany Taft on October 9, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    Hi Jennifer

    I really enjoy your blog and all you’re doing for parents of kids with allergies. I wanted to offer up a guest blog post if you’re interested. I’m a clinical psychologist and my specialty is working with families affected by chronic physical illnesses. Most of my experience that’s related to your blog readers is with the Eosinophilic GI diseases, and I did the first (and only) study with parents of kids with these conditions and the stress that comes with it. If you have any need for a post about this or mental health and living with these conditions, I’d be happy to help. You can email me at ttaft@opbmed.com.

    Best,
    Tiffany

    • Jennifer on October 12, 2012 at 9:15 am

      Hi Tiffany- I’d be honored. Just emailed you. Thanks for the offer! Jennifer

  11. FreshGreenKim on November 11, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    Hello! I write a blog about green, healthy, holistic living. I’ve written a lot about allergies, and possible natural solutions as well as ways to clean without irritating chemicals which often can irritate allergic skin further. I would love to add each other to our blogrolls.

    • Jennifer on November 13, 2012 at 9:43 am

      Hi – Great to have you! Love idea behind your blog – we are very much on the same wave length 🙂 Jennifer

  12. Celiac and Allergy Adventures on November 16, 2012 at 11:44 am

    That’s so sad 🙁 I know how it feels. A lot of people don’t understand how severe eczema can really be. I’ve had eczema my entire life but there was a few year period where it covered most of my body and it did look like severe burns. 🙁 Ugh, the memories. I’m glad it has improved.

    And just to give you some hope: my eczema is now limited only to my feet, my asthma is well-controlled (in spite of a respiratory arrest when I was 21 that required intubation and an almost week-long ICU visit) and I outgrew a couple food allergies! It’s not always easy but it hopefully will get better 🙂

    • Jennifer on November 16, 2012 at 1:03 pm

      Hi Amanda – That’s so good to hear that you grew out of the eczema mostly and yes, it does give me hope! Thank you! Jennifer

  13. LyndaMichele on February 22, 2013 at 6:55 am

    Hi Jennifer! Just came across your blog via FB. I also have Allergy/Asthma/Eczema kids. My middle son was also covered when he was little. They also have severe Tree/nut Peanut allergies among others. Good Luck with your lIttle Tristan. My Patrick is now 18, and we rarely see a flare up with the eczema anymore. We will have to deal with the food allergies/asthma forever, though. I look forward to your blog 🙂

    • Jennifer on February 22, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      HI Lynda – so happy you found me! It’s great to connect with another parent you “gets it.” Dealing with an atopic child is so stressful and puzzling. Great to hear from you and hope to continue to connect with you! Jennifer

  14. Shama Alam on March 15, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    Hi! I would love to follow your blog – my 7 month old has eczema on his cheeks and I am hesitant about continuing with topical steroids. I just purchased the calendula cream from your site! Thanks!

    • Jennifer on March 15, 2013 at 7:25 pm

      Hi Shama – I saw your order – I hope it works as well for you as it has us and many others! I’m so happy you found us. Please stay in touch and keep us posted on your son’s progress. Jennifer

  15. shannonseczema on August 3, 2013 at 8:38 am

    Hi Jennifer 🙂
    I just came across you’re blog and I think its great! I suffered from severe eczema as a child, I haven’t grown out of it however it has gotten much better. I also have asthma and love those wheeze free days! Luckily I don’t suffer from a food allergy but my niece (who also has eczema) is allergic to egg, lentils, beans and shell fish. My sister has been great at controlling/treating her eczema and your right, its a combenation of a few thing. I look forward to reading more of you’re posts 🙂

    Shannon x

    • Jennifer on August 5, 2013 at 3:35 pm

      Hi Shannon – Thank you so much for reaching out! That’s great your eczema has improved. Isn’t is amazing how much food can affect our bodies? It sounds like your niece is lucky to be aware of the foods than can harm her. We found a lot of food sensitivities, not just allergies, were to blame for our son’s eczema. And mine too! I get very minor eczema flare ups from certain foods. It’s great to hear from you – please stay in touch! Jennifer

  16. lorena on February 4, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    Hi Jennifer, I am writting from Spain. I have two children, both with eczema and food allergy. Bruno is 5 years old and his eczema is under control. Maria is 2 years old and has a severe eczema. Nights are really difficult. With Bruno I tried everything, nothing helped. I am trying the wet wraps with Maria, it is the first time I heard about it. I did first time last night, she did not understand why I was dressing her with wet clothes…I think it worked a little, seems she slept better. I will do it again today, I am excited! I will let you know… ! Thanks for this great blog!
    Lorena

    • Jennifer on February 4, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      HI Lorena – That’s great news! I sure hope you continue to see progress with Maria. Wishing you the best of luck! Jennifer

    • ckbridgett on February 5, 2014 at 10:53 am

      Lorena
      What caught my eye was “nights are really difficult”: and “I tried everything”: with difficult to treat, longstanding or chronic eczema it can be important to account for the damage habit scratching does to the skin, at all ages. The simple technique habit reversal, with optimal conventional topical treatment, can give everyone good nights sleep from then on – read how Iman used The Combined Approach and let me know what you think: https://www.atopicskindisease.com/articles/Iman
      DrB

  17. michelle on March 4, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    Hi Jennifer, where can I find the Calendulis Cream? The link to purchase is no longer working. My 4 month old has been dealing with pretty bad eczema for the past 2 months & my food eliminations aren’t working yet. Hoping this will give him some temporary relief until the food eliminations hopefully begin to work. Thanks!

  18. Cheryl Lee Eberting, M.D. on March 31, 2014 at 2:51 am

    Hi Jennifer—I came across your blog and store when reading about Dr. Lio. I am a dermatologist in Utah and have recently filed a few patents on some skin care products that basically work WITH the skin in making an environment in and on the skin that the skin needs to heal itself. I would love to send you some samples if you would be willing to blog about them. https://www.CherylLeeMD.com
    Warm Regards,
    Cheryl Lee Eberting, M.D.
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology
    Fellow, National Cancer Institute, NIH
    https://www.alpineskin.com
    https://www.CherylLeeMD.com
    Cell: (801)472-5929
    Office: (801)763-7107

    • Jennifer on April 4, 2014 at 6:03 pm

      What a kind offer – thank you. But we only try natural products without alcohol.

  19. Kristin on April 7, 2014 at 7:51 pm

    My son has a nut allergy and eczema. We have used all the creams and prescriptions recommended along with allergy shots. He is very active and the change in temps (with or without clothing) make his legs itch alot. He also has spider veins on his cheeks that are starting to become more visible. The dermatologist said all we can do for that is lazer. What creams do you recommend? We have used vasoline, cera ve and vanicream. They do ok.

    • Jennifer on April 15, 2014 at 10:26 am

      Hi Kristin –

      Very interesting about the spider veins – this is the first time I’ve heard about this. Does he get the veins where you use the cortisone cream? I’m wondering if that is a side effect of the cortisone or another prescription. I just don’t know. Have you spoken with your doctor about the cause? Not just the treatment, which he recommended the laser for? For the eczema, I have a lot of recommendations, but I would tell you to take a look at these three products and decide which one or combination of these you’d like to try based on the type of eczema your son has. They all have great results both with my family and many others as well. Emily Skin Soothers, Manuka Honey Skin Cream, or the EczeHerbal line.

  20. anne on April 11, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    Hi Jennifer. So glad to have found your blog and website! My 7 year old daughter has eczema and food allergies. We have been on the Body Ecology diet for 3 weeks this Saturday. It is very similar to GAPS, nearly the same but allows more raw veggies which my daughter can handle well. She is doing better. Skin looks good although I think we’ve had some die-off. I was looking at your products at the Eczema Store. Interested in the chinese herb creams. Do you use these on your son? She has never reacted well to natural skin creams unfortunately. I still have her on a petroleum based ointment and would really like to find something else that works. Thanks!

    • Jennifer on April 15, 2014 at 10:16 am

      Hi Anne –

      Thank you so much for your comment. The Body Ecology diet sounds interesting and isn’t one that I’m very familiar with, but if it allows raw veggies, that’s great! I wish you the best of luck with it and I hope you get the results you’re looking for. We do like the EczeHerbal, which works really well for many people, but for my son, he reacts better to the Manuka Honey Skin Cream actually. Everyone is different though, so either could work great for your child. If you’re looking for a true petroleum substitute, we have the Greener Than Petroleum Jelly that you may be interested in as well. I hope this helps!

      Jennifer

  21. Tara on July 4, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    Hello Jennifer! I have a question. My son has the type of eczema that has little itchy spots. The spots look more like poison iVy and then typical eczema . Are you familiar with this type of eczema? If so what would you recommend we try? Of course the steroids cream quickly but I don’t want to use those. We have never used scented laundry detergent and actually currently use the clean king laundry ball. He has been tested for the top eight allergy triggers and had no reaction. Thanks for your help!

    • Jennifer on July 11, 2014 at 11:02 am

      Hi Tara- you should try the Eczeherbal #2 and the Emily’s diaper skin soother. Ha d you looked at food sensitivities not just allergies?

  22. Lisa Kane on July 15, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    Hi Jennifer,

    My 2.5 year old son is allergic to dairy. I was shocked to learn that the Affordable Care Act does not cover epinephrine injectors, life-saving medication for people with food allergies. I wrote a petition on change.org asking the US Government to mandate that all insurance plans cover epinephrine injectors. Please take a look and consider sharing this petition with your followers.

    Thanks!
    Lisa Kane

    Here’s the link:
    https://www.change.org/petitions/president-of-the-united-states-include-epinephrine-injectors-as-covered-medication-in-the-affordable-care-act?share_id=KtaGaXRmzV&utm_campaign=share_button_action_box&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition

    • Jennifer on July 16, 2014 at 12:14 pm

      Hi Lisa – Shared this last night on personal FB, FB page and a local allergy support group. I hope it helps. No one should have to think twice about buying epinephrine due to cost! Jennifer

  23. Jennifer Roberge on October 1, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Hi there – I’m sorry to hear you suffer with allergies and asthma. I hope we can help! So happy you found us! Jennifer

  24. Zahra on October 29, 2014 at 9:37 am

    I think we need some sleeping tips!!! We’re still up at night…it’s like we have a new born! Thanks for sharing you life! I look forward to staying connected with you more in the future!

    • Jennifer Roberge on October 31, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      Same here! So happy we connected. I hear you on the sleep. Thankfully we’re in a good sleeping place right now. Fingers crossed it stays that way! Jennifer

  25. tingkai37 on November 22, 2014 at 10:19 pm

    Hi Itchy Little World,

    I created a website (https://www.asthmanatural.com/) to help people with asthma so they can deal with it better.
    I know it’s tough as i have seen how bad it can be. Therefore, i want to help them as much as i can.

    If you like to help the asthma community and participate in a link exchange, I would be happy to do so!
    Please check my website out:https://www.asthmanatural.com/
    I hope it helps. Thank you so much.

    Cheers,
    Xing Tingkai

    • Jennifer Roberge on November 26, 2014 at 12:17 pm

      Happy to add you to the blog hop! Love what you’re doing for asthma!

  26. Christy on December 16, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    So glad to have found your site. I have an 18 month old, and we began his battle with eczema about this time last year. We just finished a round of oral steroid after a visit to the ER due to severe inflammation and rash from head to toe! After just a few days of stopping the steroid, we’re right back to square one. His eczema has never been this bad! I feel like I’m finding your site just in time to possibly save my sanity. 🙂

  27. Patrean on February 8, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    where do I get the soap nuts to buy

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