Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can be a challenging condition for parents to manage, especially when it affects babies and young children. The itchy, inflamed skin can cause discomfort and disrupt their daily lives.
In this blog post, we will provide practical tips and strategies to help parents effectively manage eczema in their little ones.
Understanding Eczema in Babies and Children
Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is commonly found in babies and young children, often appearing on their cheeks, scalp, and joints.
Understanding the triggers and underlying factors of eczema can help parents better manage their child’s condition.
1. Identify Triggers and Allergens
Every child’s eczema triggers can be different. By observing your child’s symptoms, you can identify specific triggers or allergens that worsen their eczema.
Common triggers include certain foods, environmental factors (like pollen or pet dander), irritants (such as certain soaps or fabrics), and even emotional stress.
By avoiding or minimizing exposure to these triggers, you can help prevent flare-ups and reduce the severity of symptoms.
2. Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine
Establishing a consistent skincare routine is essential for managing eczema in babies and children. Here are some key steps to incorporate:
Bathing
Use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers designed for sensitive skin – Child’s Farm and MooGoo sell my favourite fragrance-free bubble bath products, and MooGoo do a lovely gentle shampoo.
Avoid hot water and harsh soaps, as they can further dry out and irritate the skin. Keep baths short (around 10 minutes) and pat your child’s skin dry with a soft towel afterward.
Moisturizing
Immediately after bathing, apply a generous amount of moisturizer to lock in moisture. Look for creams or ointments that are fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin. Apply moisturizer multiple times throughout the day, especially after washing hands or face.
My personal favourite and suggestion for little ones with sensitive skin is any moisturizer by MooGoo. They really are brilliant and ever so gentle on young skin, and they even do a nut-oil free moiusturizer. If MooGoo is out of your price-range, Weleda also do great products for children with sensitive skin.
Clothing
Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, washed linen, and jersey material that allow the skin to breathe. Avoid rough or scratchy materials that can further irritate the skin. Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove any potential irritants or chemicals.
Nail Care
Keep your child’s nails short to prevent scratching, which can worsen eczema symptoms and lead to skin infections. Consider using mittens or lightweight cotton gloves at night to minimize scratching during sleep.
3. Protect and Hydrate the Skin
Keeping your child’s skin protected and hydrated is crucial for managing eczema.
- Apply a gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (like this Green People one) to protect your child’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Choose a sunscreen specifically formulated for sensitive skin and free of potential irritants – the Green People one linked above is ideal.
- Additionally, dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothing that covers their skin when they are in the sun.
- Ensure your child stays well-hydrated by offering them water regularly. Hydrated skin is less prone to dryness and irritation.
4. Avoid Overheating and Excessive Sweating
Heat and excessive sweating can exacerbate eczema symptoms. To prevent this:
- Dress your child in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing suitable for the weather to prevent overheating.
- Keep the room temperature cool and use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable environment. Avoid exposing your child to excessive heat or sudden temperature changes.
5. Seek Medical Advice and Support
If your child’s eczema does not improve or becomes more severe despite your best efforts, it’s essential to seek medical advice and support.
A pediatrician or dermatologist can provide specific guidance, prescribe suitable medications if necessary, and help develop an effective management plan for your child’s eczema.
6. Identify and Address Food Triggers
Certain foods can trigger eczema flare-ups in some children. Common culprits include dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat, and nuts. Consider keeping a food diary to track your child’s diet and any noticeable reactions.
If you suspect a food trigger, consult with a pediatrician or allergist for allergy testing or guidance on elimination diets. Identifying and addressing food triggers can significantly help manage your child’s eczema.
7. Emphasize the Importance of Emotional Support
Living with eczema can take an emotional toll on children. They may feel self-conscious, frustrated, or even embarrassed about their skin condition. Providing emotional support is crucial for their well-being.
Encourage open conversations about their feelings, assure them that eczema is not their fault, and teach them positive coping mechanisms like deep breathing exercises or engaging in activities they enjoy.
8. Explore Alternative Therapies
In addition to conventional treatments, some parents find that alternative therapies can complement eczema management. Examples include natural remedies like oatmeal baths, coconut oil applications, or herbal creams with ingredients like chamomile or calendula.
While these options may not work for everyone, consulting with a healthcare professional knowledgeable in alternative medicine can provide insights into potential options.
9. Addressing Sleep Issues
Eczema can disrupt your child’s sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability. Establishing a bedtime routine can help promote better sleep. Ensure the bedroom environment is cool, quiet, and free from potential irritants like dust mites – wool bedding can help considerably to reduce dust mites, and because it naturally regulates temperature it’s actually a lot cooler than polyester or feather bedding.
Applying moisturizer before bedtime and using breathable cotton or wool bedding can help reduce itching and discomfort during the night. If necessary, consult with a pediatrician for additional strategies or sleep aids that are safe for your child.
10. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support overall well-being and potentially reduce eczema symptoms. Encourage regular physical activity suitable for your child’s age and capabilities.
Choose activities that minimize sweating and provide alternatives to high-impact exercises that may irritate the skin. Additionally, promote a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support healthy skin and immune function.
11. Watch what brands you use on little ones’ skin
When it comes to caring for children with eczema, it’s crucial to be cautious about the skincare brands you choose. Not all products are suitable for sensitive skin, and some may contain ingredients that can worsen eczema symptoms. Opt for skincare brands specifically formulated for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
I personally would only recommend MooGoo, Child’s Farm, Weleda, and Balmonds.
Skincare brands to avoid on children with eczema: Aveeno, E45, and Johnsons.
Look for labels that indicate the products are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and free from harsh chemicals or irritants. Additionally, read ingredient lists carefully and avoid products that contain known triggers such as sulfates, parabens, dyes, or fragrances. Be aware that a lot of brands ‘greenwash’, i.e. they market their products as being ‘natural’ or gentle, when they actually contain harmful ingredients. Aveeno and Johnson’s are terrible for this.
Managing eczema in children requires patience & consistency
Managing eczema in babies and children requires patience, consistency, and understanding.
By identifying triggers, establishing a skincare routine, protecting and hydrating the skin, and seeking medical advice when needed, parents can effectively manage their child’s eczema and help provide relief from discomfort.
Remember, each child’s eczema is unique, so it may take time to find the best strategies that work for your little one. With the right approach and support, you can help your child live comfortably with eczema and enjoy a happier, healthier childhood.
