Are you tired of seeing your child constantly scratching their skin due to eczema? Don't worry, we've got some great tips and tricks for helping to soothe the itchiness and irritation caused by this pesky condition. So put down the scratch mittens and let's get started!
What is Eczema?
First things first, let's talk about what actually causes eczema. Without getting too scientific on you, eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry, itchy patches on various parts of the body. It's like having an army of tiny ants crawling all over your skin non-stop.
There are a few different types of eczema (also known as dermatitis), but generally speaking it occurs when there is something in the environment or diet that triggers an immune response in people who are genetically predisposed to developing it.
Why Do Children Get Eczema?
Eczema can affect anyone at any age, but around 2 out of every 10 children will develop it before they turn five years old. So if your little one has been scratching away at their skin lately, don't fret - they're definitely not alone!
Some common triggers for childhood eczema include:
- Dry Skin
- Irritants such as soap or laundry detergent
- Allergies (such as food allergies)
- Stress
The Jekyll and Hyde Effect
One thing to keep in mind with kids' bodies: sometimes a solution can also be part of the problem...
For example: baths help moisturize dry skin irritated by eczemas -- however too many baths will lead them back into Jabba-the-Hutt level greasiness therefore leading back more problematic itching sessions --- causing parents immense annoyance while trying up cope with work deadlines/#parentingfail
The Do's and Don'ts of Eczema Care
Now that you know a little bit more about eczema, let's talk about how to take care of it. There are some basic guidelines that can make a big difference in terms of reducing irritation and soothing the itch:
DO: Moisturize Frequently
Keeping your child's skin well-hydrated is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to managing eczema. It helps prevent dryness which leads to itching which leads back to annoying parents.
Make sure to apply moisturizer throughout the day - aim for at least three times per day if possible. Some great options include:
- Petroleum jelly
- Aquaphor
- Vanicream
DON'T: Bathe Too Often or Use Hot Water
As we mentioned earlier, baths can be helpful for hydrating the skin but too much water exposure can actually worsen eczema symptoms by drying out their skin even more.
Also keep in mind that hot water can be particularly irritating so try using lukewarm water instead. No bubbling jacuzzis!
DO: Consider Medication If Necessary
If your child's eczema is particularly severe or not responding to other treatments, there are various medications available that may help including:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Calcineurin inhibitors (such as Tacrolimus)
Talk to your doctor before starting any new medication -- avoiding long term dependency on prescribed drugs with potential side effects should always stay high on priority lists regardless of dire situations./#GetWellSoonBabyList
Natural Remedies For Itchy Skin Relief
If you're looking for natural ways to soothe irritated skin and reduce itching without relying solely on medication,we've got some great ideas!
Oatmeal Baths
Oats contain avenanthramides: - Cool right? This is a fancy word for a super special antioxidant that helps soothe itchy skin.
So why not give your child an oatmeal bath to help calm their irritated skin? Here's how:
- Put a cup of regular oats in some cloth and tie the bundle tightly
- Fill up the bathtub with warm (not hot) water
- Let the oats soak in the water for at least 10 minutes before getting into the tub
Honey
Your child might love honey on their toast, but have you ever thought about using it to help relieve eczema symptoms too?
Honey has natural antibacterial properties which can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
Here's what you need to do:
- Apply raw honey directly onto affected areas once or twice per day.
WARNING: It's possible this will make your little one smell like Winnie The Pooh -- that might cause other issues / #GetTheAirFreshenersReady
Diet And Supplements To Decrease Eczema Symptoms
Did you know there are certain foods that may trigger eczema flareups? Alternatively, there are also foods/supplements people swear by as natural remedies.
Foods That Can Worsen Eczema Symptoms
Certain common allergenic culprits like cow’s milk, eggs, gluten, soy and peanuts can worsen the already irritating symptoms of eczemas by inducing allergic reactions when ingested.
However every body responds differently so regularly monitoring food consumption regarding your own unique case is advised.
Food Supplements People Swear By
Some supplements/herbs reputedly decrease inflammation associated with various inflammatory conditions including psioriasis or atopic dermatitis(compared with NSAIDs medication use side effect concerns):
- Royal Jelly
made via worker bees secretions...yeah be thankful they don't ask us humans to produce this anytime soon - Evening Primrose Oil
looks good on salads and popcorn/can I get an amen?/ - Vitamin D yes Mr. Sunshine / Milk are great sources but don't overdue it like a lost rebel teenager.
Itch Free Smiles for Kids
Although eczema can be uncomfortable and annoying, the good news is that there are many ways to manage symptoms both naturally and with medication. Remember - what works for one person may not work for another so stay encouraged whilst finding your personalized itch-free routine. But most importantly, keep aiming nonstop or even shortterm sets of goals because eventually #OneDayYou'llScratchIt--overlapping hugs et cetera possible rub-ins will outweigh these struggles!