Kids with Eczema: How to Stop the Itchies for Good

Sensitive skin in children is no easy feat. It is something parents have to deal with on a daily basis. With exposure to factors both seen and unseen, we can’t be so sure when irritants would make the little ones scratch. 

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is one type of skin condition that causes dry, red patches on the skin. These are commonly found on moist folds of the skin, i.e. crook of the elbows, folds of the neck, and on infants, sometimes on their cheeks, and appear to be cracked or scaly. Adults can probably soothe themselves well, but just imagine what babies and young children have to go through to endure this!

If your tot’s skin exhibits any of these symptoms, there’s a chance that it’s eczema. The good news is there are ways to ward them off. Staying ahead of the factors that trigger it is one. Here’s how you can manage the little one’s sensitive skin and keep the itchies at bay:

1. Give warm baths and moisturize.
Keep bath time short and sweet. Instead of a hot bath, use lukewarm water to soothe the skin. Using a soft and non abrasive towel, gently pat the skin dry, don’t rub! Applying an emollient or moisturizer on the skin while it is slightly moist from the bath is ideal because it helps lock in moisture.

2. Use mild and unscented products.
The products that make you want to hug and smell your son or daughter are likely to trigger a reaction in their skin. Skip the products that use fragrance and go for the mild, hypoallergenic, and unscented choices. Keep this tip in mind when choosing soaps, lotions, hand sanitizers, and moisturizers. 

Even detergents you use to wash their clothes and linens can irritate their skin. Choose washing powder or liquid that are organic or specially-formulated for sensitive skin. Using fabric conditioner on children’s clothes and beddings is also a no-no!

3. Choose cotton. 
Your young fashionistas can definitely pull off whatever you put on them, but not all kinds of Instagram-worthy clothes let the skin breathe. Clothing pieces made from cotton are soft, flexible, breathable, and loose enough to allow comfortable movement. These are advisable wears for children with sensitive skin as they do not cause friction between the skin and the fabric.

4. Keep it cool. 
Sensitive skin easily gets dry and irritated under high temperature. See to it that the child doesn’t get overheated – especially during hot days – to prevent eczema flare-ups.

For babies, constantly check if they feel warm and sweaty during naps. Itchy skin will not only irritate your child but also disrupt sound sleep. 

If you have an active toddler who is always sweating, use a damp towel to freshen him or her up after playtime. You can also opt to limit too much activity when eczema is acting up. Don’t forget to keep the kids hydrated too, as this adds moisture to the skin.

5. Avoid allergens.
Allergens such as smoke, food allergies, dust, pollen, or pet dander aggravate itchiness. Keep your home and surroundings free from these factors to prevent eczema attacks. Be vigilant in avoiding smoking areas and even secondhand smoking as well, as these can trigger skin irritation.

6. Stock up on skin solutions.
Home treatments come in handy! As a preventive measure and regimen, apply Bepanthen SensiDaily on your child’s skin every day right after a short, warm bath as a protective layer against irritants and allergy triggers, thanks to its Derma Defense Formula. This moisturizer contains prebiotics that help the skin keep its natural microflora healthy thus reinforcing the skin barrier and preventing irritants from affecting the skin.

Having an eczema prone skin, itch is one of the more bothersome symptoms. Ease your child’s itchy skin with Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream.  This steroid-free spot treatment helps relieve itch in as fast as 30 minutes while repairing the damaged skin barrier that comes with the territory when your child has eczema.

Both are clinically-tested and are suitable for all ages, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. 

With these solutions, you are in total control of your child’s skin situation! Be free from eczema-related worries, mama!

For more information on Bepanthen’s holistic eczema management solutions, visit our website at www.bepanthen.com.ph or Bepanthen Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

*If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Published with Bepanthen

ASC REF. NO. B129P021721BS

References: Mayo Clinic, National Eczema Association, WebMD, National Eczema Society, WebMD, Allergist, MIMS