How to Treat Eczema in Children
Trying to maintain or reduce your child’s eczema can easily turn into a daunting task. The inflamed skin, red with blisters and bumps, is a tell-tale sign of an eczema outburst. This rash usually covers the neck, wrist, ankles, the inner elbows, knee, and other areas that bend. The intense need to scratch these sensitive areas only exacerbates the symptoms, sometimes resulting in broken skin, blood, and an even more intense urge to scratch. As parents, it is often the intent to not just reduce/prevent these rashes but also to stop the itching cycle once it begins. Listed below are a few suggestions to help treat your child’s eczema and reduce their discomfort.
Identify Triggers
The best way to be prepared to treat your child’s eczema is by understanding what triggers their skin rashes. For instance, certain brands of body wash, deodorant, or body spray can cause an inflamed reaction to areas on the child’s body. Pay attention to what your child is using and the way their skin reacts to such products. This will allow you to be one step ahead of their eczema and can significantly reduce their outbreaks.
Common Sites of Eczema Children and Adults
Prevent Skin from Becoming Too Dry
Another factor that contributes to the reoccurrence of these rashes is dry skin. Remember: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! People with eczema have a hard time retaining moisture in their skin and consistently experience patches of brittle and scaly skin. This texture and tightness not only is uncomfortable but also increases the need to itch. When the skin is in this state it is that much easier for children to break skin and bleed when they scratch, ultimately worsening the situation.
Find a moisturizer that works for you and your child. For children with moderate or light eczema, start with a lotion that is free of fragrance or perfumes and apply to agitated areas and dry patches. For those who have already tried this route or whose children suffer from a more severe degree of eczema, try medicated topical creams such as Elidel. This cream works to reduce the symptoms and targets the chemical substances in the immune system that causes the rashes and inflammation in the skin.
Be Mindful of Sweat
Heat and sweat are other triggers that can make eczema symptoms worse. Most people with eczema notice that when they get hot, their rashes are ten times worse and itch. Make sure to put your child in light clothes that can breathe during the summer. Also, after playing and running around, have your child take a bath to wash off the sweat and salt to help prevent a reaction.
Steer Clear of Stressors
Last but not least, stress is another common trigger for eczema. Many people with eczema, especially children, have physical reactions to emotional stress. During these times, skin can become reddened and irritated. The trick here is to notice the signs and try and reduce the stressor all together.
Having a child who struggles with eczema can be tough. It is a hard disease to gain control over and causes great discomfort for those who suffer from it. However, there are usually patterns and reasons to these skin outbursts, and being able to detect the triggers will allow you and your child to be that much more prepared to fight this skin disease.
