Dealing with children's eczema..do's and don'ts
Children with eczema develop dry, itchy red patches that can be annoying and make them feel uncomfortable and unable to sleep. In addition, itching and scratching can lead to infection of the rash.
Things to do in dealing with baby eczema
Maintain hydration
Dry skin can trigger flare-ups of eczema, so you should apply a moisturizing cream or ointment to your baby's skin.
Hydration is especially important right after you shower and during cold months.
Choosing the right clothes
Itchy clothes can scratch and irritate your baby's skin, so soft, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton are best.
Take a good shower
Never use hot water in your baby's bath and make sure the bath water is lukewarm.
Things that can also help soothe and heal your child from eczema include:
bath oils
the salt
baking soda
oatmeal
Try a steroid cream
Sometimes your child's eczema needs more than just showering and moisturizing to stay under control, so ointments called topical corticosteroids can be used, and your doctor can help you choose the right ointment and tell you how to use it safely.
Teach your child to take care of himself
Once your child is old enough, help him learn his skin care habits so that he can take an active role in staving off flare-ups of eczema. Even very young children can be taught basic tips such as not scratching.
Relieve your child's stress
When children are exposed to stress and stress, this reflects on their skin, so help your child avoid stress, and also make sure that they get what they need to deal with their daily lives such as:
Get enough hours of sleep.
healthy food.
Playing sports.
It can also help relaxation such as breathing deeply.
Drink enough water
Creams can provide the skin with a lot of hydration, but to make sure that the skin does not dry out, you must also moisturize it from the inside; So make sure that your child drinks 6-8 glasses of water every day; This will give their skin some moisture.
Things to avoid when dealing with baby eczema
Do not use any lotion
The greasy the moisturizer the better; As it retains water on your baby's skin, apply an ointment or "cream" that contains a high percentage of oil and make sure to apply a thick layer.
Avoid using scents
Stay away from scented lotions, soaps or cleaners, as mild products that are free of dye and perfume are less likely to cause an allergic reaction on your baby's skin.
Do not let your child scratch the affected area
Eczema causes itching, and your child's little hand does not stop fiddling with it, but playing with it can make it worse and cause infection, so teach your child not to scratch his skin and keep his nails trimmed in case he forgets.
Avoid allergens
More than 35% of children with eczema have a food allergy, and you need to know what is causing your child's eczema to get worse and worse.
Dust, pollen or pet dander can be allergens for your child.
Don't ignore the infection
Skin affected by eczema is at risk of developing a bacterial or viral infection, so watch for signs of infection so you can treat it quickly. These can include:
crying.
Pus-filled bumps.
Scaly patches that look different from the rest of your child's eczema.
Don't let his skin sweat or get hot:
Hot, sweaty skin leads to eczema flare-ups, avoid hot baths, keep him from getting too active when he has a bad eczema flare-up, and make sure his room is cool enough to sleep.
Do not use hand sanitizer for your child
Water-free and antibacterial cleansers are harsh on the skin; So make sure to always wash your child's hands with water that the water is cold, and dry the hands well without rubbing them and moisturize them immediately after finishing.
Stay away from smoking
Being around cigarette smoke is bad for children and adults in general as it causes eczema, so make sure your child is not exposed to secondhand smoke.