Eczema is a chronic medical condition that affects many adults and up to 20% of babies and young children. There are many ways to treat eczema, ranging from medications and creams to natural remedies. Here are seven proven tips to help prevent eczema for your child.
1. Avoid harsh irritants and itchy fabrics. Fabrics, such as wool and polyester, and harsh chemicals found in detergents can be irritating to your baby’s skin. Use gentle detergents made for sensitive skin and stick to dressing your baby in lightweight cotton fabrics.
2. Keep your baby clean and moisturized. Heat and sweat are known to exacerbate the symptoms of eczema. After your child has been bathed, take the time to pat them dry and then apply an emollient or moisturizer. The emollient will help to protect your baby’s skin, as well as seal in the body’s natural moisture. Try to avoid over-dressing your baby and cooling their body temperature too quickly. Rapid changes can aggravate your child’s skin.
3. Bathe your child in lukewarm water. Lukewarm water does not irritate the skin and often provides relief for those with eczema. A bath containing small amounts of bleach, vinegar, salt, oatmeal or baking soda can provide relief of specific eczema symptoms. Studies have shown a diluted bath containing bleach is five times more effective at treating eczema than a bath with plain water.
4. Recognize stressful situations and events. Stress is a known trigger of eczema. Stress can flush the skin and lead to itchy, irritated skin. Try to minimize stress in the life of your child and help your child deal with their stress. For infants, stress can come from their environment, so make sure they are comfortable, feel safe, and are healthy.
5. Prevent scratching. People with eczema often find relief from scratching, which can lead to spreading or worsening symptoms. It is best to wash clothing and bedding with gentle detergents. It also helps to use soft sheets for bedding, to place cotton socks or mittens on infants’ hands while they sleep, and to keep nails clean and trimmed.
6. Steer clear of known triggers. Triggers such as smoke, environmental allergens, and rapid changes in temperature have been known to induce an eczema flare-up or worsen current symptoms. Avoid all smoke and air pollutants, as this can worsen your child’s eczema. While eczema is not caused by environmental or food allergies, it can be worsened by these triggers. Consult your child’s physician about treating eczema and any allergies that your child may have.
7. Use topical creams and medications for flare-ups and temporary relief. There are many over-the-counter creams that target itching and inflammation. Many of these creams and ointments can provide temporary relief of itching and inflammation. Hope’s Relief is the number one trusted therapeutic brand for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis relief.
If any infections or new symptoms appear, or your baby’s symptoms worsen, contact your physician.
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