Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often affects children. Since children’s skin is not yet fully developed and serves as a protective barrier against external factors, proper care for eczema is especially important.
Adequate skin care not only alleviates eczema symptoms but also helps soothe itching and discomfort, reducing the likelihood of new flare-ups. This improves the quality of life for children dealing with this condition while also easing the daily challenges faced by their parents.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a condition where the skin becomes dry, itchy, and inflamed. It encompasses a wide range of skin conditions with various causes and manifestations. The most common types of dermatitis under the eczema umbrella include:
- Atopic dermatitis: The most common form in children, associated with genetic predisposition and an impaired skin barrier. This allows allergens and irritants to penetrate the skin, leading to inflammation.
- Contact dermatitis: Occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with irritants or allergens. It typically appears on areas exposed to specific chemical agents (e.g., detergents, nickel, perfumes).
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Affects areas with more sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, face, and chest. It appears as oily or dry yellowish flakes and redness. In infants, this condition is commonly known as cradle cap.
- Neurodermatitis: Results from scratching due to itching, causing thickened skin in certain areas. It typically affects accessible areas like the neck, wrists, ankles, and lower legs. Itching is often more intense at night or during stressful periods, worsening the condition.
- Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx): Characterized by small, itchy blisters, primarily on the palms and soles. It often worsens with stress or moisture exposure.
Other less common forms of eczema include nummular eczema, which appears as circular patches, and stasis dermatitis, associated with poor blood circulation, often on the lower legs.
Symptoms of Eczema in Children
Parents often notice symptoms such as redness and inflammation on affected areas of a child’s skin. Intense itching frequently leads to scratching, further damaging the skin.
Other signs include dry, rough, and flaky skin. In more severe cases, blisters may develop, which can burst and form scabs. In children, eczema commonly appears on the cheeks, behind the knees and elbows, and on the scalp.
Best Skincare Tips for Children with Eczema
Caring for a child’s skin with eczema requires a tailored approach focusing on gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and avoiding irritants. Consistent home care can reduce discomfort and prevent flare-ups. Here are some proven tips for managing sensitive skin with eczema:
Home Care:
- Limited bathing time: Bathe your child in lukewarm water using gentle, sulfate-free cleansers. The Hemptouch Comforting Cream Body Wash is ideal as it cleanses without drying the skin. Keep baths short, ideally 5–15 minutes, as prolonged bathing can strip the skin of its natural moisture.
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- Moisturizing: After bathing, apply a moisturizing cream to restore the skin barrier. The Hemptouch Pristine Forest Body Lotion, enriched with hemp and jojoba oil, hemp hydrolate, and white fir polyphenols, deeply hydrates and soothes sensitive skin. For frequent eczema flare-ups, the Atopic Skin Therapy Set offers products specifically designed to calm inflamed areas.
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Relieving Itching:
- Cool compresses: Use cool compresses on affected areas to reduce itching.
- Clothing: Choose clothing made from soft, natural materials like cotton. Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics, which can irritate the skin.
Avoiding Irritants:
- Chemicals: Use fragrance-free, dye-free detergents and soaps. Rinse clothes thoroughly to remove detergent residues.
- Allergens: If certain foods or environmental factors worsen eczema symptoms, consult a doctor to identify potential allergens.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your child’s eczema does not improve despite appropriate care, worsens, or shows signs of infection—such as yellowish scabs, pus-filled blisters, or fever - it is advisable to seek medical attention. A doctor can prescribe the necessary treatment and offer further guidance on managing eczema.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/atopic-dermatitis-eczema
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eczema
https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-treat-eczema-at-home
https://www.webmd.com/skin-prob
Posted by Barbara Novak on date , updated on .
