Eczema in children is more than just dry skin. It’s itchy, uncomfortable, and can be extremely frustrating – for both the child and the parent. Whether it’s triggered by allergens, weather changes, or other causes, managing eczema is, needless to say, not easy.
Fortunately, a thoughtful and consistent approach can make it better. With the right habits, products, and parenting mindset, you can help reduce flare-ups and soothe your child’s sensitive skin.
Let’s talk practical parenting tips for dealing with eczema and how you can keep your child and your own self calm during the process.
Understand the Triggers
Every child is different, and so are their eczema triggers. Some common culprits include:
- Soaps and detergents, especially those with strong fragrances
- Certain fabrics, like wool or synthetics
- Dust mites and pet dander
- Heat and sweat
- Food allergens, like dairy or nuts
- Stress
Start an “eczema diary” to track when flare-ups happen and what might be causing them. Doing so will help identify patterns over time.
And when you know what your child’s exact triggers are, it becomes way easier to manage them. You will know what to avoid, leading to fewer meltdowns.
Keep Skin Moisturised
One of the most important, and perhaps the most overlooked, steps in eczema care is moisturising regularly and correctly. Children with eczema have compromised skin barriers, which means their skin can’t hold onto moisture as easily.
For this reason, moisturising their skin helps a lot. It seals in hydration and protects your child’s skin when it can’t do the same naturally. It’s best to apply moisturiser immediately after you bathe your child, within 3 minutes, to lock in the moisture effectively.
When choosing a moisturiser, go for fragrance-free and dermatologist-approved options. And for areas that are already irritated or inflamed, using a baby eczema cream can provide targeted relief and reduce inflammation without the need for harsh medications.
Change Bathing Practices
Bathing a child with eczema is a delicate balancing act. If you do it right, it can help soothe the skin; but if you make one wrong move, it can make things even worse.
To get it right, make sure to:
- Use lukewarm water
- Keep bath time under 10 minutes
- Avoid bubble baths or harsh soaps
- Pat the skin dry gently with a soft towel, and don’t rub
- Moisturise right after the bath, as discussed previously
You can also consider an oatmeal bath once or twice a week for its calming effects.
Dress Smart
While tiny sweaters are adorable, comfort comes before aesthetics when dealing with eczema. Stick to soft, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton. Avoid itchy tags or tight-fitting clothes that can rub against sensitive areas.
If you already have the triggers listed in your eczema diary, make sure to avoid the fabrics that irritate your child. Overheating can also be a trigger, so keep it in mind as well.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Sun exposure can sometimes soothe eczema or do the complete opposite. Observe how it affects your child. And if it seems to aggravate it, choose a mineral-based sunscreen approved for use in kids.
Many sunscreens contain ingredients that irritate sensitive skin, so avoid chemicals and fragrances.
