The Hard Truth About Infant Eczema and How to Treat Symptoms

Winter can be so hard on little ones who suffer from eczema. The term eczema refers to a number of different skin conditions in which the skin is red and irritated and sometimes has small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze. The dry air and dry skin can only make matters worse. In fact, even bathing can be a sure cause for more dry skin. Having two kids who suffer from eczema, I have a few tips to keep the dry skin more moisturized and less itchy, dry and cracked.

You can help prevent or treat eczema by keeping your child’s skin from becoming dry or itchy and avoiding known triggers that cause flare-ups. Try to follow these suggestions:

• Avoid giving your child frequent hot baths, which tend to dry the skin.
• Use warm water with mild soaps or nonsoap cleansers when bathing your child.
• Avoid using scented soaps.
• Ask your doctor if it’s OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control the itching.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing and toweling after bathing your child. Instead, gently pat your child’s skin dry.
• Avoid dressing your child in harsh or irritating clothing, such as wool or coarsely woven materials. Dress your child in soft clothes that “breathe,” such as those made from cotton.
• Apply moisturizing ointments (such as petroleum jelly), lotions, or creams to your child’s skin regularly and always within a few minutes of bathing, after a very light towel dry. Even if your child is using a corticosteroid cream prescribed by the doctor, apply moisturizers or lotions frequently (ideally, two to three times a day). But avoid alcohol-containing lotions and moisturizers, which can make skin drier. Some baby products also can contribute to dry skin.
• Apply cool compresses (such as a wet, cool washcloth) on the irritated areas of skin to ease itching.
• Keep your child’s fingernails short to minimize any skin damage caused by scratching.
• Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.
• Help your child avoid becoming overheated, which can lead to flare-ups.
• Eliminate any known allergens such as certain foods, dust, or pet dander from your household. (This has been shown to help some young kids.)
• Have your child drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.

Although eczema can be annoying and uncomfortable for kids, its emotional impact can become the most significant problem later — especially during the preteen and teen years, when your child will need to take responsibility for following the prevention and treatment strategies. So before getting to that point, using the tips mentioned above can be a game changer for the little who may be suffering.