Ideal for soothing itchy skin
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition in children and infants, believed to affect around 10% of US children. Its symptoms include patches of inflamed, dry, and itchy skin. Skin lesions in children can occur as early as when the child is six months old, but the condition commonly occurs before the child turns five years.
Eczema usually flares up when the child is exposed to a trigger that irritates their skin. The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can interrupt the child’s sleep, cause discomfort, pain, and scratching, leading to the child developing lesions that can result in infections—many cases of this condition clear during childhood but some persist into adulthood.
In some cases, those who experience eczema when young develop environmental or food allergies in adulthood. It is, however, essential to note that this condition is not contagious.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of eczema often appear as a raw, dry, and scaly rash on the cheeks in infants. Sometimes it appears on the knees and elbows. Atopic dermatitis rarely develops in the diaper area because the skin is always moist. Children between two years and puberty develop scaly and itchy patches on the knees and elbows, too.
Symptoms may also occur on the ankles, wrists, neck, and crease between the legs and buttocks. Over time, the skin changes in appearance, becoming thicker, discoloured, and bumpy, resulting in a persistent itch.
COMMON TRIGGERS OF ECZEMA
Though sometimes eczema can flare up without apparent cause, there are several common triggers that sufferers tend to share:
• Irritants such as detergents and soaps, including bubble bath, washing-up liquid, and shampoo.
• Allergens or environmental factors include dampness, dry and cold weather, molds, pollen, pet dander, and house dust mites.
• Certain fabrics, such as synthetic fabric and wool.
• Food allergies. Some children are allergic to wheat, soya, eggs, or cow’s milk which aggravate eczema symptoms.
• Skin infections
• Heat and sweating
TREATMENT
The skin of a child experiencing this condition doesn’t respond to extended periods in water (such as showering, bathing and swimming) as it should. This results in dry and cracked skin, making it more prone to infection. Dry skin also becomes very itchy, which is uncomfortable and distracting for a little one. Therefore, it is essential to adopt some gentle skin care practices to improve the skin barrier, managing the condition. Here are some gentle skin care practices to improve eczema in your child.
Bathe Your Child Every Day
Bathe your child daily in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes each day. Instead of using soap, use a gentle non-soap cleanser on the groin, neck, armpits, hands, and feet. The cleanser should be hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Do not use bubble bath, and avoid scrubbing the child’s skin with rough material.
Pat Their Skin Dry
After their shower or bath:
• Pat your child’s skin dry.
• If your doctor has given you topical medicine, apply it to the areas experiencing the rash before using any moisturiser.
• Do not be too firm or abrasive when drying your child’s skin, as this will cause more harm.
Moisturise
Moisturise your child’s skin immediately after a bath every day to help lock in water moisture. Try and use a creamy moisturiser as it works best. You can also use fragrance-free, natural moisturising creams or petroleum jelly.
Avoid using lotion because they are thinner, hence less effective. The most important thing is to use a moisturizer that is effective on your child’s skin. Apply moisturiser once or twice a day, even when there is no rash.
Dress Your Child In Soft Fabrics
Always dress a child experiencing atopic dermatitis with soft natural fabric, such as 100% cotton. When cleaning your child’s clothes, do not use fabric sheets or fabric softeners in the dryer.
In addition, avoid exposing the child to known irritants and allergens. These may be a fragrance in products used in the home, such as soaps and perfumes, detergents, synthetic materials, and animal fur such as wool.
Read: Are eco-friendly washing products effective?
Apply Topical Medication
Use topical corticosteroids, also known as steroid creams or cortisone. The medication eases skin inflammation; the steroids are different from those used by athletes. Do not use a topical steroid that was prescribed for another person. The ointment and creams vary in strength, and the inappropriate use of medication on a child’s sensitive area can further damage the skin.
Always consult your child’s GP or a professional dermatologist before using any new creams, prescribed, medicated or otherwise.
*This article is not intended to replace medical or skin care advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP or dermatologist first*