Controlling the eczema itch in toddlers and babies
- by Petra Jelinkova
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Itching and eczema often go together. No doubt the biggest reward of managing my children’s eczema is not seeing them itchy, uncomfortable and scratching. But what do we do when despite sticking to our eczema bath time and moisturising routine and doing our best to avoid their eczema triggers, an eczema itch and eczema flare up takes us by surprise and the itching and inflammation starts again? how to help the eczema itch Controlling the itchiness of eczema can help to stop your child from scratching which can then hopefully prevent their eczema from becoming infected. itchy eczema arms , legs, neck and face What I have found gives immediate relief for itchy eczema arms, legs, neck and face is to apply a soft, cool towel to these areas. Leave it on for a few minutes or until you can feel the towel getting warm as it takes the heat out of the skin. Repeat this again and when the skin has cooled down apply a thick layer of moisturiser. itchy eczema tummies and back Run a cotton singlet under cool water, wring it out so it’s not dripping and put it on your child. Put a thin cotton t-shirt over the top. This should take the heat out of the itch and bring down the redness. Change the singlet a few times a day and change it before bed until the itchiness goes away. bathtime and moisturising routine Increasing the number of times you bathe your child from one to two times a day can help with the eczema itch. Bathing in a cool bath will help to take away irritants from the skin as well as bring down the skin’s temperature which helps to stop the itch. Moisturising immediately after the bath while the skin is still damp will help to hydrate the skin and take away the dryness which can make the need to itch and scratch worse. avoiding heat in the home Heat increases the temperature of the skin and with eczema hot skin is generally itchy skin. Take away your child’s doona and woolen blankets and replace them with cotton sheets and cotton blankets. Try to keep your home at below 20 degrees C during the day and 15 degrees C at night. This blog post was brought to you and your bub with love and care by Julia and the itchy baby co. team x Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only and you should always consult your medical professional.