Does your child struggle with eczema? The itching, the discomfort and the frustration—it's tough to see them go through it. But fear not, parents! We've got your back with some practical tips compiled from our tribe to make life with eczema a bit easier for your little one. From moisturizing magic to trigger avoidance, here are some simple strategies we hope will bring relief:
1. Keep Skin Moisturized:
Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing. This helps lock in moisture and prevents the skin from drying out.
Choose fragrance-free and dye-free moisturizers to reduce the risk of irritation. Creams and ointments are often more effective than lotions.
2. Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products:
Opt for mild, fragrance-free soaps and detergents. Harsh chemicals and fragrances can aggravate eczema symptoms.
When washing your child's clothes, choose a detergent specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Rinse laundry thoroughly to remove any detergent residue.
3. Avoid Triggers:
Identify and avoid triggers that worsen eczema symptoms. Common triggers include certain fabrics, pet dander, dust mites, and certain foods. Some children’s eczema may also be further irritated by their own sweat.
Keep the child's environment cool, as heat and sweating can exacerbate eczema. Use breathable fabrics like cotton for bedding.
4. Establish a Skincare Routine:
Create a consistent skincare routine to help manage eczema symptoms. This may include bathing or rinsing the affected parts with lukewarm water for a short duration and using gentle cleansers.
Trim your child's nails regularly to minimize the risk of scratching and breaking the skin, which can lead to infections.
Keep shower time short and use lukewarm water to cleanse the skin without stripping away essential oils. Avoid hot water as it can increase itching and cause scratching which will further damage the skin.
Let skin air dry after showers or only dry with gentle dabbing (no rubbing or rough contact!).
5. Reduce Scratching:
Scratching worsens sensitive and inflamed eczema skin, increasing irritation and infection risk. Continuous scratching weakens the skin barrier, letting in bacteria and causing more issues. Also, scratching makes the itch-scratch cycle worse, creating a distressing loop for the child. Prolonged scratching can lead to thickened, leathery skin, hindering the healing process. Additionally, this may cause skin damage, leaving lasting scars.
Using soft and breathable scratch mittens or gloves, especially during bed time, can help the recovery process immensely. Older toddlers may be able to understand and accept having to wear gloves to sleep, but younger ones may need the gloves to be secured. Our go-to is to use masking tape on both wrists after wearing gloves before they go to bed, otherwise it just comes off really quickly.
During the day, try to keep the child’s hands busy with toys or other activities. Try to dress the child in loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from soft and natural fabrics like cotton. Avoid rough textures or wool that may irritate the skin and trigger itching. It’s also helpful to teach alternative coping techniques to scratching, such as gently patting or tapping the skin.
6. Provide Comfortable Environment:
As heat can exacerbate itching, try to ensure that the child is in a cool and comfortable environment, at least during the crucial days of healing broken skin.
7. Explore dietary adjustments:
Firstly, ensure the child is well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. As a general rule, eating a well balanced diet filled with natural foods prepared with healthy cooking methods will contribute to overall skin health. Limiting foods with added sugars and introducing foods with probiotics such as unflavoured yogurt may help to manage symptoms too. Pay attention and keep a food diary to see if certain foods coincide with eczema flare-ups. If food allergies are identified, work with healthcare professionals to manage them.
8. Consult a Healthcare Professional:
Work closely with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or dermatologist, to develop an effective treatment plan for your child's eczema.
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Eczema varies from person to person, and what works for one child may not work for another. Do observe how your child's skin responds to different treatments and make adjustments as needed. It can be a long journey to recovery for some children, and we wish you all the best.
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