The ABCs of Treating Your Kid’s Eczema

If you have ever suffered from eczema, you know how must irritating and uncomfortable it truly can be. That dry, itchy rash that seems to either never leave your skin or, if it does, it just seems to come right on back when ever it chooses.

Children as young as 2 months of age can suffer from eczema. Unlike adults however, children do not understand what this itchy and sometimes painful skin is about, which may lead to endless tears and cries that can drive both parent and child crazy. To help treat and cure your child’s eczema, try the steps below:

Warm baths

The key here is “warm” baths, not “hot” baths. Lukewarm baths allow for the water to actually be absorbed into the skin and moisturize it. For washing your baby’s skin, try using a soap-free cleanser that will not leave a residue (most parents choose Cetaphil as a soap alternative).

Keep them moisturized

The best treatment for that dry skin is moisturizer. After your child’s warm bath, apply a natural moisturizing cream or lotion all over your child’s body, taking extra care to apply it to those areas that are affected by the eczema. Try to moisturize them up to 4 times a day.

Say “yes” to cotton

Synthetic fibers and wools are eczema’s worst nightmare, so try to dress your child in cotton clothing with little to no synthetic fibers. If possible, be sure that their bed sheets and linens are also made of cotton.

Say “no” to fragranced products

From lotions to shampoos to soaps and laundry detergents, the less fragrance there is in the product, the better. Scents and dyes will only exacerbate the problem.

Be aware of allergies

One of the primary reasons why children and adults suffer from eczema is allergies. Try to keep track of what your child has eaten or been around and see if after coming in contact with specific items they then suffer an eczema flair up. The foods that are most responsible for allergies are:

• Dairy products
• Soy
• Eggs
• Peanuts and tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Wheat products

Try removing certain foods from their diet to try and deduce if something in their diet is causing the problem.

For short term relief, first try to distract your child from the itch and try out an eczema lotion for children that you can find in most stores. As a natural alternative, try coconut oil and cold compresses. Should the problem become more severe, your doctor may advise you to try an antihistamine or a cortisone prescription cream on the affected area.

photo by Ton Toni