Later...

Ashwin's skin has been looking pretty miserable of late that we decided not to send him to school till he looks a bit better. Instead we took him, after I dropped Mira at school, to Dr. Patrick Yesudian in the morning. His secretary usually gives appointments for the week on Mondays - it is easier done in person at the clinic than over the phone (044-26411254).
She told us the earliest appointment was for tomorrow, but told us she would squeeze us in through today's appointments. So in the lull between two appointments, we found our way into the great doctor's room. He told us that we keep his moisturised at all times and the moment it went dry. The bathing could be once a day (well, us Malayalis like to bathe at least twice a day even if it is in water-starved Chennai) and we could just wet him at other times before applying the cream.
The emollient cream he had prescribed in the last visit was Cetraben. We were advised to alternate with Fudic acid ointment mixed in liquid paraffin and and Topgraf 0.03% mixed in the same at night. Fudic acid apparently has v. mild cortisone content while Topgraf/Tacrolimus ointment has nil and the latter is recommended for long-term use. The antihistamine to induce sleep was Phenergan and the antibiotic to help heal oozing sores was Roxithromycin/Roxic liquid. For the scalp, any mild shampoo and for bathing Oilatum soap. He merely increased the dosage of a couple of medicines, added an ointment for a week's use only and advised Vaseline Intensive lotion, if we manage to find it in the foreign goods shops. The doctor advised we send him to school since he would itch less if he is kept active and engaged.
We then went to Ash's school hoping to meet his teacher, which apparently is not allowed during class hours. So we met the Principal, who said that Ash take rest for a week since he would sweat in class or during play and itch more. She told us he would outgrow it in a few years - it is good we have put him in a school where the staff is understanding about the problem. They apparently have a pupil in the senior school who has grown out of his eczema.
As we talked, Ash walked from the Principal's side to the window and watched his peers play in the play area. He entreated us to take him there as we left the room. We told him he could a few days later when his itching is gone.
Later is one of the oft-used words in his vocabulary. Like when we went fireworks shopping pre-Diwali two days back. As V went in to pay, Ash examined the chocolates and stuff on display. When V tried to drag him away, he said: "Appa, lemme just see them. I dont want to buy them now."