Itchy, scratchy, red and angry — they’re the flaky skin patches that we don’t want our little ones to suffer from! We found out why eczema is so common with babies and children — and exactly what to do about it.
Eczema is such a common skin condition among little ones — so HollywoodLife.com talked to expert dermatologists to get helpful info on healing and preventing those itchy skin patches! Mom and baby alike should be able to share clear, soft skin! Read on for helpful advice on isolating triggers and treating flareups.
Baby Eczema Treatment
Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Co-Director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC shares that frequent washing is often times a major trigger for eczema in sensitive baby skin:
Often too much bathing is the culprit. Baby skin is very delicate and does not get very dirty, so daily baths are unnecessary and overly drying. Wash a baby no more than every other day. [Baby] skin hasn’t developed all its natural barrier functioning, so many things we do for adult skin (like wash frequently) will dry it out.
Sometimes you can quickly clear up eczema patches with soothing skincare or over-the-counter baby-safe products. Dr. Tanzi explains:
Apply over the counter 1% hydrocortisone for 2 weeks. If that doesn’t clear it up, seek the help of a physician. I would recommend seeing a specialist if it continues despite over the counter medicine, moisturizing several times daily and infrequent bathing.
Keep kids away from itching when they are facing flare-ups — it won’t help! Dr. Tanzi recommends keeping kids comfortable:
Keep them well lubricated with something like Vaseline or Aquaphor and wear soft cotton clothing only.
Isolating Eczema Triggers — Preventing & Treating
Isolate the triggers that cause eczema and prevent breakouts before they happen. After all, “treating eczema for babies, children and adults is really a combination of preventive and therapeutic efforts,” says dermatologist Dr. Kenneth R. Beer, voluntary assistant professor at the University of Miami and a consulting associate in the Department of Medicine at Duke University. He recommends using ”fragrance free laundry detergent to wash clothing, sheets and towels and avoid dryer sheets.”
Look for products with ceramides—an essential lipid naturally found within the skin that plays a key role in enhancing and restoring the skin’s protective function. I recommended using hydrating cleansers and barrier creams with soothing ingredients, like colloidal oatmeal, daily to maintain the integrity of the skin’s barrier.
Try Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream to keep baby’s skin soft, supply, and itch-free!
HollyMoms, do you or your little ones suffer from eczema? Let us know!
– Kristine Hope Kowalski