Various children have different eczema triggers, in this article you will learn what it is, how to reduce and avoid eczema rashes in your children.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is characterized by dry, itchy skin patches in children. The itch might be so irritating that it keeps your child up at night, making him or her unhappy. Scratching can also lead to an infection of the rashes.
While eczema has no known treatment, it can be managed so that your child feels better. There are also options for preventing eczema flare-ups in your child.
Dryness, itching, irritated skin (inflammation), and infection are the four main concerns that eczema patients face.
1.Repairing the skin barrier in the case of dehydration/dryness
The skin barrier does not hold water in properly for youngsters with eczema. As a result, the skin becomes dry and cracked, with an increased risk of infection. Itchy dry skin is a problem. To enhance the skin barrier, gentle skin care is necessary on a daily basis.
- Every day or every other day, give your youngster a lukewarm bath (or shower). There is no need for soap, but a gentle non-soap cleanser can be used on sweaty regions like the armpits, neck, and groin, as well as the hands and feet. Only use cleansers that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Scrub your child’s skin with a soft cloth rather than a hard object. In the bath water, avoid using bubble bath.
- After bathing or showering, pat your child’s skin dry. Apply any topical medications your doctor has given to the rash’s affected areas (BEFORE applying any moisturizers).
- Every day, after showering (while the skin is still damp), apply a moisturizer to your entire body. This aids in the water’s “locking in” of moisture. The better the moisturizer works, the creamier it is. Petroleum jelly or fragrance-free moisturizing CREAMS are both excellent options (lotions are thinner and less effective). Find a moisturizer that your youngster enjoys using most crucially. Even after the rash has gone away, moisturizers should be applied once or twice daily.
- Use soft fabrics, such as 100% cotton, to dress your child. Laundry detergents should be moderate and fragrance-free. In the dryer, avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Reduce your child’s exposure to common skin irritants. For example, fragrance in items and the air, as well as smoke, dust, wool, and animal dander, are all examples of this.
2.Getting rid of the itch
The first step in making the skin feel less irritating is to use gentle skincare, as indicated above.
Other options for itch relief include:
• Avoid scratching. Scratching can make the skin feel even more irritating, so try to keep your child from scratching as much as possible. Scratching can also result in open sores, which can become infected. Your child’s nails should be kept short. Cotton gloves might also be helpful at night.
• Treatments with wet wraps. After showering and applying topical medicines and moisturizers, apply wet wraps. Here’s how to do it:
o Apply a moisturizer to the surrounding skin after applying the prescribed treatment to the rash.
o Put on a pair of pyjamas or onesies and soak them in warm water.
o Wring the pyjamas out until they are damp but not dripping wet.
o Cover your child in soggy jammies, then dry pyjamas.
o Keep the room warm or provide a warm blanket to keep your child warm.
o Leave the wet wraps on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
o Reapply moisturizer after taking off the damp wrapping.
• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine may make your child sleepy, allowing them to avoid scratching their skin. However, antihistamines rarely relieve the itching. If you have any issues about your child’s age or weight, always follow the guidelines and see your doctor or pharmacist.
3. Healing irritated/inflamed skin
• To treat inflamed eczema rashes, topical steroid medications (“steroids” or “cortisones”) are administered to the skin (inflammation). When the rash flares up, these prescription drugs are normally taken twice a day. Topical steroids are available in a variety of strengths and formulations (such as lotions, ointments, creams, gels, and oils). Your doctor can assist you in determining the best mixture for your child’s skin. Topical steroids are very safe and effective when administered correctly.
• Non-steroid eczema medications (tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, crisaborole ointment) have different active components than steroids and can help treat irritated eczema rashes. They’re good for mild eczema and sensitive skin areas including the eyelids, armpits, and groin.
4.Skin infections: how to treat and prevent them
Bacteria and viruses can exacerbate eczema flare-ups, so keep an eye out for infection symptoms.
Look for leaking, crusting, pus lumps, blisters, or a rash that isn’t improving after your normal therapies. If you believe your child’s skin is infected, go to your doctor right away. Antibiotics or antiviral drugs may be needed to treat infections.
When should I stop treating my child’s eczema rash?
You can begin to use the medicines less frequently after your child’s skin is no longer itchy and the rash areas are smooth and soft. After the rash flare cures, the skin may appear discoloured, but this will fade with time. However, because eczema is a chronic skin condition, it’s critical to maintain a daily practice of mild skin care and moisturizer application to prevent further flare-ups and infections.
How can I avoid eczema flare-ups in the future?
• One of the most important things you can do to prevent future eczema flares is to practice gentle daily skin care, as outlined above. Consult your doctor about the ideal daily schedule for your child.
• Avoiding triggers is also vital to avoid eczema flare-ups in the future. Various children have different eczema triggers. Allergy testing may be used by some parents and clinicians in order to uncover additional triggers that may be avoided. The following are some examples of triggers:
- Dust mites
- Fragrances (fragrances, colognes, air fresheners, candles, and incense)
- Heat and sweat
- Hormones
- Bites and stings from insects
- Tobacco smoke
- Wool and synthetic textiles
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Tobacco smoke
Certain foods can aggravate an eczema outbreak in rare situations. If you suspect this is the case, see your doctor before implementing any dietary restrictions.
