Tips and Care on Managing Your Kid's Eczema
My little girl has suffered from Eczema since she was a baby. I'm constantly having to watch what I put on her skin, changing the laundry detergent, being in high heat they all irritate her skin so bad. The only thing I want to do is take away the pain for her. There are a few things that I can do to help relieve the itchiness and stop her from scratching so bad she bleeds.
Free and Clear Detergent
My oldest son Victor had a mild case of eczema when he was young and his pediatrician had recommended that we use a Free and Clear Detergent that is free of any dyes and perfumes that may irritate the skin even more. I have tried to change the detergent before and Victor had a breakout so I try to stick with the same brand even because it makes a difference.
Bathe Daily
As a mom sometimes there may be that day where we are so tired that we can't even function and bath time can wait until tomorrow morning. I've been there believe me! Taking my baby a bath with Senederm by Senegence Moisturizing Body Wash helps relieve her irritation before bed. It's a rich, foaming gel that gently cleanses without stripping her skin of essential oils. This body wash doesn't dry out her skin even more and it has aloe which helps soothe and condition while restoring pH balance.
Once a week I like to mix a little of the body wash and Smoothing Body Scrub to exfoliate away dry skin. It's so gentle and contains volcanic ash that allows for better moisture absorption.
Moisturize
There are several products I use to moisturize and treat eczema. They all serve their purpose and are necessary to keep her eczema under control.
Climate Control is basically hydration in the purest form. It's seriously a miracle in a bottle. I have tried so many different products from inexpensive to extremely costly and nothing seemed to reduced the redness, bumps, and dry irritated skin as fast as Climate Control. The key ingredients are SelPlex Complex which is a herbal oil extract and vitamins that increase moisture. Sodium Hyaluronate that restores cellular walls and Glucosamine HCL a natural anti-inflammatory that helps maintain more elasticity. I have a stock up of this product because it works amazing and tends to go out of stock! It's that good!
Nangai Oil intensely moisturizes and soothes dry skin. It has a nice smell and also provides the skin anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits. A key ingredient is Triglycerides which is an essential fatty acid that helps your skin retain moisture need to soothe eczema.
Scratching
Scratching is probably the one thing that is the hardest thing to watch. I try to keep Valentina's nails short and file them down to make sure that she doesn't tear her skin even more. Also at night if there is an area that is really bad I will cover up that area by using socks on her feet or a long sleeve top to cover the area and minimize more damage to the skin. Moisturize the skin real good before covering it. I like to use SeneDerm Advanced Hydration Body Lotion. It's a rich cream that intensely quenches the skin. This lotion contains French Plum Oil a natural, non-greasy hydrating oil.
Sun Exposure
There are many things that can trigger her itching episodes and if there was one that makes it worse it would be sun exposure and sweating. I definitely recommend applying sunscreen like SeneSun SPF 30 SunScreen. It's barely noticeable and doesn't leave a film on her skin. You mist it on and don't notice you're even wearing any. The Aloe Vera helps promote moisture and Homosalate an organic compound helps protect the skin from sun damage.
The Summer is obviously hard to keep her in doors with all the outside activities and higher temperatures. Keeping her hair out of her face and off the shoulders helps and wearing thin light clothing. Try bringing a spray bottle or portable mister to keep cool.
Although her eczema comes and goes utilizing all these tips help moisturize her skin. Valentina is only 5 and already has a complex about people asking what's wrong with her arms and hands and constantly having to explain that she has eczema. I've even had parents ask if it's contagious and make us both feel uncomfortable. Eczema can be really very painful especially for little ones. The skin becomes inflamed and irritated causing itchiness. Try some of these tips to help keep your child comfortable during flare ups. Do you or your child suffer from eczema? Anything working for you?