Children and babies are known for having skin that is soft and smooth to the touch, so when rashes and acne begin to appear it can be alarming for parents and childcare professionals. One of the most common childhood skin conditions is eczema, a skin rash that affects 1 in 5 children and has no real known cause.
Typically, eczema is linked to being a genetic condition that is more prone in children with family members who have seasonal allergies, asthma or eczema themselves. Dark, rough patches of skin or areas of red irritation accompanied by extreme itching are signs of eczema, and if these physical signs are present on your child’s skin, a dermatologist should be consulted to seek out proper diagnosis and treatment options.
There is no cure for eczema and there isn’t a perfect treatment for the condition, but with proper care your child’s eczema can be kept under control. Check out these tips on how to care for child eczema.
1. Bathe and Moisturize
For babies with eczema, having good bathing practices can be very important. Bathe your child daily (or as often as your doctor recommends) in lukewarm water, using a mild soap or non-soap cleanser.
Afterward, gently pat off the excess water and apply moisturizer liberally while the skin is damp. Ointments and creams are best to use for children’s eczema, but during the warmer months you may want to swap out for a lighter cream that will be more comfortable for the child.
2. Choose Skin-Friendly Fabrics
One of the things to avoid with children who have eczema is rough fabrics. You’ll want to use very smooth, cotton clothing and blankets to bring comfort to the skin. Also, make sure to use a fragrance-free, mild soap detergent when washing your child’s clothes and never use fabric softener (it can further irritate the eczema).
3. Discourage Scratching
6 Ways To Help Your Child With Eczema was originally published on blackdoctor.org
