Disclosure: I am totally not a medical doctor, but I have been helping my daughter for 10 years that has severe eczema. Always consult a doctor first. (PS Post contains affiliate links)
So, they told you your child has eczema. Sometimes people thinks it’s no big deal, others are a little scare what that mean. One thing for sure for your child it means itchy, uncomfortable skin! Eczema in children is like having a mild case of poison ivy on your skin 24/7. Yep, that is the world of eczema!
My daughter, Bayla, was diagnosed with eczema at a very young age. If I remember right, it was about six months old. Pretty much since birth, she had splotches and scaly patches on her skin. In our daughter’s case, we noticed that when I would eat certain things (I was nursing her at the time) her skin would get red and flared. It took me a YEAR fighting with doctors for them to finally agree to test her. Her test results concluded she had a LOT of allergies as well. (Which tends to be true with kids with eczema)
When we were going through all this with our daughter, there wasn’t a whole lot of resources about eczema in children let alone what to do about it. That’s why I am gracing you with my knowledge. If you are reading this post for some help, maybe you might just find some answers that make your child more comfortable.
All of these tips are tried and true by my family. You might find that these are amazing helpers to soothe your child, or you might find somethings work better. (Which we would love for you to share by the way)
Tip to Soothe Eczema In Children
Disclosure: Yep, still not a doctor. Consult a doctor before taking my advice
1. Get your child tested for allergies: If you haven’t already, ask to get your child checked for allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 37% of children with eczema also have food allergies.
2. Avoid hot water: When your child showers or bathes, avoid using hot warm. Hot water dries the skin out, and that is the last thing anyone with eczema needs. Make sure to bathe in warm water.
3. Moisturize: The best time to moisturize is within three minutes of bathing. That helps lock the water in the skin. We use thick moisturizers, like Vanicream, to do this when my daughter’s eczema is only slightly flared.
4. Stay free and clear: Most kids with eczema can’t handle a lot of perfumes in their lives. So stay free and clear and use sensitive skin laundry detergent. Some of our favorites is All Free and Clear, Dreft, and Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent.
5. 100% cotton is the way to go: As far as sleep wear, 100% cotton pajamas is the way to go. Most pajamas have a flame retardant chemical added to them which can irritate kids with eczema. My favorite place to grab our 100% cotton pajamas is Amazon. They always have some really great designs and deals! Just look at these pairs. Aren’t they cute?
6. Beware of heat: When it’s really hot out, it can be a bit much for little ones. It makes them super itchy. So if you can keep them inside when their skin is flared. If you have to be out and about pack a ziploc baggie with moistened wash cloths in there. It will help keep their skin cooler when you are out in the heat.
What is your experience with eczema in children?
Crystal Causey says
I have three daughters that have eczema. I found that yes, moisturize right after the bath. However, I only use Gold Bonds non scented lotion at least three times a day. More if possible. It has been a miracle for me and my family. When it’s cold their skin is dryer so I apply as often as possible. I recommend this to everyone I meet for children with eczema.
Jennifer says
I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter’s rough journey, but what a relief you must feel to finally be seeing some improvement in her skin and her overall lifestyle. My son was head to toe covered in eczema around three years of age – it was awful and heart breaking, so I understand your story. Thankfully not long after we hit rock bottom, we started to understand his triggers and eliminated them – we also started wet wrapping for a short period of time and underwent a complete diet change, added dietary supplements, some homeopathy, and a got our hands on some great scratch protective clothing (ScratchMeNot) and natural skin care items (Calendulis Cream and Manuka Honey Skin Cream). Now he’s 98% free of eczema. It still flares up a little here and there, but the creams help and his skin improves quickly now.
Anyway, just wanted to send you a virtual hug and let you know that there are so many parents going through this and together we get through it. I’m so happy for you things have already improved so much for your family!
Jennifer
Ashley Sears says
Jennifer,
Thanks for the note. Yeah it can be a long journey. Figuring out triggers is definitely one of the hardest things to do/figure out. We put socks on her hands lol, and 100% cotton jammies work wonders! I can’t wait to check out your stuff. So glad to hear your son is doing so much better 🙂 Ash
Jennifer says
Oh yes – cotton does wonders and socks are a great solution, if you can get them to stay on. Believe it or not, I’ve heard of people duct taping them to their children’s hands. So happy to connect!
Jennifer
Ashley Sears says
Jennifer,
We use masking tape. It’s not so tight on the skin, but it keeps them secure. Otherwise you are right, they don’t stay on very easy especially with a really itchy child.