Parents: Issues You May Face When Your Child Has Eczema [ March 3rd, 2010 ] Posted in » Uncategorized

Eczema Free Forever

If your child was recently diagnosed with eczema, also commonly known as atopic dermatitis, you have a long road ahead. Although eczema is easily treated at home, there are many hard issues that you, as a parent, will face.

Nighttime Itching

You might assume that nighttime itching is the same as daytime itching for children with eczema, but it can be very different, especially in small children. Although they do not fully understand the complications that can arise from constant scratching, children are aware of their actions during the day. On the other hand, many small children continue to scratch in the middle of the night, without even being aware of their actions. This type of eczema is difficult to treat, as you cannot spend every night grabbing your child’s arm before they itch.

To combat the nighttime itching that is common among children with eczema, look for doable alternatives. If dust is a trigger factor, keep your child’s room clean and dust-free. If sweat is a trigger factor, dress them in light clothes and keep their room a cool temperature. If you don’t know the cause, try to keep areas susceptible to itching, such as the arms and legs, covered.

Pain

An eczema outbreak starts out relatively pain free. It typically begins with a simple itch that can’t stop. Soon, your child may find themselves literally digging at their skin. They mistakenly believe this will make the itch go away, but it doesn’t and it only gets worse. Severe rashes and the open wounds caused by constant scratching can lead to pain and discomfort. No parent wants to see their child in pain. That is why you must stop it at the source. Work with your child and his or her doctor to determine your child’s trigger factors. These are what cause the uncontrollable urge to itch. In the meantime, keep your child’s skin well moisturized.

Concern from Other Parents

Although eczema and atopic dermatitis are common among small children, you are likely to get many stares on the playground. This is most common if your child’s eczema rashes can be seen by other parents. Although you should keep your child’s open wounds covered to prevent infection, don’t just cover them to please others.

“Is eczema contagious?” That is a common question that many parents may ask. Unfortunately, some parents don’t even ask, they may automatically assume it is. You and your child owe no one an explication, as eczema is nothing but an inflammation of the skin. However, you may want to spread the word. As heartbreaking as it is to see other parents and kids point out your child’s eczema rash, it is a normal reaction that most don’t know how to avoid.

These are just a few of the issues you may face as the parent of a child with eczema. Since your child is young and does not fully understand their skin condition, you must work with them to seek relief.

Eczema and Baths: What to Do

Eczema Free Forever

If your doctor recently diagnosed you with having eczema, he or she will discuss the importance of proper skincare. Two important topics covered will include moisturizers and bathing. With bathing in particular, all eczema sufferers must proceed with caution.

Generally, medical professionals advise against prolonged bath and showers. Too many baths or shower without the proper moisturizer afterwards can lead to dry skin. Dry skin is an eczema patient’s worst nightmare, as it usually leads to another outbreak.

Although doctors typically advise against prolonged bath and showers, they do recommend short ones. In fact, proper bathing is an effective way to treat the symptoms of eczema. When you take a bath or shower, your body gets much needed moisture. The key, however, is to lock that moisture in. That is why the application of skincare creams and lotions are recommended immediately following a bath.

When attempting to lock in moisture following a bath, there are a number of steps you must take. We are so used to drying off after a shower or bath, but you don’t want to do this. Instead, use a towel to dab your body. Remove any water droplets, but don’t wipe your entire body dry. Remember, you want to have some moisture to lock in. After lightly using a towel to dry the skin, apply lotion or cream.

Speaking of lotions and creams, make your choice wisely. Scented lotions are nice, but they may make your eczema worse. Some of the chemicals found in scented health and beauty products leads to skin irritation, which is what you want to avoid. It is best to opt for all-natural health and beauty products instead, or at least non-scented ones.

Returning back to your bath or shower, make it short. One shower or bath a day should be enough to keep your body clean. More are not needed. Since the key is to keep the skin calm and non-irritated, opt for lukewarm water. Water that is too hot or cold could lead to an eczema outbreak. Soap helps to keep our body clean, but it also removes natural oils from the skin. Once again, opt for all-natural products or use them sparingly, keeping the skin contact short.

Being cautious when taking a bath or a shower will not cure your eczema, but it can help you manage and treat this common, yet frustrating skin condition.

September 28th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

The Benefits of Treating Eczema with Home Remedies

Eczema Free Forever

If you suffer from eczema, you want itch relief and you want it now. You may be willing to try anything to seek relief. While you have many choices, there are benefits to treating your eczema with home remedies.

Benefit #1 – Your Options

The phrase “home remedies,” encompasses a lot. Typically, home remedies are used to describe common practices that you can do at home. They are often compared to synthetic medications, which may lead to troubling side effects.

Since many practices can be classified as home remedies, you may wonder what can get you relief. Get started with moisturizing. Take a bath or a shower, lightly dry your skin leaving part of it damp, and apply moisturizer. You lock in the moisture from the shower or bath. Changing your diet also qualifies as a home remedy. Eczema sufferers find success with a skin healthy diet that includes blueberry extract, vitamin E, and low-acid foods.

Benefit #2 – Affordability

Whether you buy products over-the-counter at a drug store or receive a prescription from your doctor, there is likely a hefty price tag attached. You could easily spend $1,000 or more just in one year trying to cure eczema and still be left with the uncontrollable urge to itch. Yes, home remedies do cost money, but you will find their costs significantly lower. There is no need to go broke trying to seek relief, so don’t!

Benefit #3 – Fewer Risks

As previously stated, synthetic medications usually have a long list of potential side effects. Do you really want to subject your body to these? No and that is why home remedies are great for eczema. By this point in time, you are well aware of any allergies to food and chemicals. This means you can moisturize your body without worry and alter your diet to see success. With home remedies, there is no need to worry about stomach bleeding, diarrhea, or other common side effects of synthetic medicines.

Benefit #4 – No Need for Costly Doctor’s Appointments

With the exception of a skin infection caused by eczema, medical treatment is not needed. You can and should treat it from home. Best of all, home remedies not only enable you to avoid expensive doctor’s appointments, but you are in control. This works to your advantage, as you know your body best, not a doctor who can barely remember your name.

September 21st, 2009 | Leave a Comment

5 Natural Ways to Fight Off Eczema

Eczema Free Forever

If you suffer from eczema, you want and need to seek relief. You may opt for expensive over-the-counter products or try prescriptions recommended by your doctor. These may work, but don’t discount natural ways to fight off eczema. Luckily, there are many natural remedies that have proven effective for treating eczema, 5 of which are outlined below.

Natural Remedy for Eczema #1 – Bathe Properly

Proper bathing and showering is key to not only treating eczema, but preventing more outbreaks. Most medical professionals recommend short showers or baths. Lukewarm water with no bath bubbles is advised. Eczema suffers should also limit the amount of scented shampoo, conditioner, and soap they use. Opt for all-natural or organic instead. Although not necessarily an all-natural cure, lotions and creams should be applied immediately following a bath or shower to lock in the moisture.

Natural Remedy for Eczema #2 – Drink Plenty of Water

Lukewarm baths and showers have their benefits because they moisturize the skin. Lotions and creams can help keep this moisture locked in. Don’t just moisture your body from the outside, but the inside too. The most natural and easiest way to do so is to drink lots of water. Keep your body hydrated and it will help your skin, making eczema easier to manage.

Natural Remedy for Eczema #3 – Take Oatmeal Baths

Above it was stated that short baths and showers are recommended. The only exception to this is when oatmeal is used. Oatmeal tends to have a calming effect on the skin. There are all-natural oatmeal bath product sold at most department stores and drug stores, but you can easily make your own mixture. Honestly, the oatmeal sold at supermarkets will do. Add two or three cups to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water.

Natural Remedy for Eczema #4 – Watch What You Need

Watching what you eat is a natural way to fight off eczema. Unfortunately, you may run into some problems. You want to eat skin healthy foods, but some of these foods may trigger an outbreak or flare-up. For example, fruits are known to help against premature aging, but seeded fruits are a common eczema cause. You should keep a daily log of your food and drink consumption. Use this to determine what you ate or drank before each outbreak. If you notice a pattern, permanently adjusting your eating habits.

Natural Remedy for Eczema #5 – Use All Natural Supplements

All-natural supplements have proven helpful in many eczema patients. In fact, some swear by them. What you want to do is research natural supplements that can help treat or cure eczema. Good examples include fish oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Then, work on adding these supplements into your diet. Do so slowly and one at a time, so you know which works and which doesn’t. Supplements come in over-the-counter format, but most are found naturally in foods too.

September 13th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

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