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 Flare-Ups: What They Are and How To Avoid Them

Eczema Free Forever

Eczema is a chronic skin condition, also commonly known as atopic dermatitis. Sufferers often feel the constant need to itch the skin. This itching can lead to red rashes, blister-like sores that ooze, and scaly, rough patches of skin. The phrase “eczema flare-ups,” is used to describe outbreaks or episodes where the condition gets worse.

Those who suffer from eczema are often plagued with the skin condition for life, but there are ways to seek relief. Unfortunately, this relief can be short-term. Some individuals can go months without an eczema rash and wakeup one morning to have a significant outbreak. Although there is no way to cure eczema, there are steps you can take to avoid regular flare-ups.

Avoid Eczema Flare-Ups #1 – Find Your Trigger Factor

The phrase “trigger factor,” is often used to describe the onset of an eczema outbreak. Something triggers the skin. It is irritated and produces a reaction. There are different causes for flare-ups and outbreaks, but medical professional have developed a list of common factors. They include dairy products, chemical irritants, allergies, the weather, and stress.

Avoid Eczema Flare-Ups #2 – Eliminate Your Trigger Factors

Once you believe you found the cause of your flare-ups, eliminate these as an issue. Keep a daily log to monitor what you eat, what you are doing, and what you come into contact with. Compare your outbreaks to this log to determine possible culprits. Then, work to avoid them. You should automatically notice a reduction in outbreaks.

Avoid Eczema Flare-Ups #3 – Avoid Too Much Direct Sunlight

While sunlight is good for the body and skin, too much of it can cause dry skin. Dry skin is another common cause of eczema educed breakouts. Don’t hide inside and avoid the sun forever, but display caution. Apply sun screen, wear covering clothes, and seek sunlight in moderation.

Avoid Eczema Flare-Ups #4 – Keep the Skin Well Moisturized

As previously stated, dry skin can lead to an eczema outbreak. Avoid dry skin by keeping your body hydrated and well-moisturized. After a shower or bath, immediately dab the skin slightly dry and apply moisturize. Continue applying lotions and creams throughout the day.

These are just a few ways that you can avoid eczema flare-ups, but they are successful and easy to implement.

December 28th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Beat Eczema with These Home Remedies

Eczema Free Forever

Home remedies are treatment options that you can easily perform at home. Often times, home remedies double as all-natural remedies. Although results are not guaranteed, many eczema patients have used these popular remedies to seek relief from the constant outbreak of itchy, irritated skin. If you are interested in seeking the same relief, please continue reading on for a list of well-known and successful ways to treat your eczema from home.

Home Remedy #1 – Keep the Body Moisturized

Keeping the body moisturized is a home remedy for eczema that can be broken down to mini-remedies. When the body and skin is well moisturized, dry skin is a thing of the past. This can reduce the need to itch and regular eczema flare-ups. How can you keep your body well moisturized?

Drink plenty of water. You should start by drinking the daily recommended dose of water. Overtime, work to slowly increase your water intake. You should notice an improvement in your skin, as well as overall improvement in health and wellbeing when doing so.

Take short baths and showers in lukewarm water. Water is a double edge sword. It can help to keep the body well-moisturized, but too much water can lead to dry skin. To prevent it, immediately use lotions or creams to lock in the moisture of a bath or shower. You can continue to apply lotions and creams throughout the day.

Home Remedy #2 – Oatmeal Paste

Oatmeal is said to have a calming effect on the skin. Regular oatmeal baths can provide the skin with moisture and itch relief. Also, oatmeal pastes can be mixed and applied directly to an eczema flare-up patch. You may notice instant relief from the constant need to itch, pain, and discomfort. Mix small amounts of water and oatmeal flakes together until a paste-like substances forms.

Home Remedy #3 – Wet Wraps

Wet wrap therapy is another successful home remedy for eczema. Many sufferers use this home treatment option immediately following a bath or shower and at night. After bathing or showering, moisturize the body as normal. Then, take bandages and soak them in mild warm water. Apply and wrap them around the impacted area, such as your elbows or knees.

These are just a few of the many, natural ways that you can treat eczema at home. Since different treatment methods work differently for certain individuals, you may need to try a number of home and all-natural remedies, before you find eczema relief. Luckily, you have many choices.

December 21st, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Eczema and Natural Remedies: Frequently Asked Questions

Eczema sufferers are no stranger to red, itchy, and irritated skin. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as getting one itch. There is a constant, uncontrollable urge to itch, which can lead to a red rash, blister-like sores, and patches of rough scaly skin. After doing some research, you will see that many patients recommend all-natural remedies and treatment options. If this is your first time taking the all-natural route, you may have many questions. Please continue reading on for a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.

Eczema Free Forever

Question: What are natural remedies?
Answer: The phrase “natural remedies,” is used to describe a number of practices. Although often confused with home remedies, there is a difference. An all-natural remedy is a treatment option is found in nature, as opposed to produced in a lab. Popular formats include flowers, herbs, and essential oils

Question: Are there natural ways to fight off eczema?
Answer: Yes. Eczema has many different causes and, for that reason, there are many different treatment options. Successful treatments vary depending on the individual in question. Just because a natural remedies helps one eczema patient, it does not mean you are guaranteed the same results. With that said, all-natural remedies and treatment options come highly rated and recommended.

Question: Are all-natural eczema treatment options safe?
Answer: For the most part, yes. Any treatment options, including those that use natural compounds, pose some risk. To treat eczema naturally and safely, keep your body in mind. By this time, you should already know what foods, herbs, and supplements your body is allergic to. As long as you avoid these particular items, you will find that treating eczema naturally is not only safe, but effective.

Question: What if an all-natural eczema treatment didn’t work for me?
Answer: As previously stated, different individuals see different success with natural eczema cures and treatment options. Luckily, there are many all-natural remedies. If one doesn’t work for you, there are many others to try. If you don’t see relief, keep on trying. It may take trial and error, but you will find a method that works for you and your eczema flare-ups.

December 14th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Eczema: Common Trigger Factors to Avoid

Eczema Free Forever

Eczema flare-ups are caused by several factors. Until sufferers are able to determine and avoid their trigger factors, itching and painful rashes will always be an issue. Luckily, medical professionals have developed a list of common trigger factors. These factors, a few of which are outlined below, may be the cause of your uncontrollable scratching.

Eczema Trigger Factor #1 – Skin Irritants

The phrase “skin irritants,” cover a wide range of items. Basically, anything unnatural that comes in close contact to the skin has the potential to be a skin irritant. Common examples include laundry detergent, scented lotions, makeup, perfume, and wool clothes. If you feel the urge to itch not long after putting on your clothes or undergoing your daily routine, skin irritants may be your eczema cause. To determine if so, make the switch. If you itch while wearing wool, opt for cotton clothes instead. If your hands and face itch after applying makeup, go without for a few days to look for an improvement. If you suspect your laundry detergent is to blame, opt for a low or free chemical detergent instead.

If you make the necessary changes and no longer feel the need to itch, you have not only determined your eczema trigger factor, but learned how to successful avoid another outbreak.

Eczema Trigger Factor #2 – Food

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine if food is the cause of your eczema outbreaks. Most experts turn to food when no other cause is found. Although any food in your diet can lead to the uncontrollable urge to itch, there are some common food trigger factors. Milk, wheat, seafood, eggs, and peanuts are usually to blame. If you notice an itching outbreak following the consumption of these foods, begin eliminating them from your diet.

If you believe a certain food causes your eczema outbreaks, eliminate it from your diet. This can be difficult if it is a favorite of yours, but think of the long term benefits. No more uncontrollable itching that leads to open wounds, decreasing the risk of skin infections.

Eczema Trigger Factor #3 – Allergens

Whether indoor or outdoors, air-borne allergens are present. They are a common cause of eczema outbreaks. A patient who finds themselves scratching away at their skin may have just dusted or vacuumed their home. The itching is due to the skin contact made by the dust. Mold and dander from pets are other common causes too. If you suspect these cause your eczema flare-ups, eliminate them as an issue. If dust is the problem, don’t avoid dusting or vacuuming your home. Instead, wear long clothing and protective gear when doing so. Overcoming eczema means addressing the causes and working around them.

The above mentioned eczema trigger factors are some of the most common reasons for the uncontrollable urge to itch.

December 7th, 2009 | Leave a Comment

A Parents Guide to Eczema

Eczema Free Forever

As a parent, you strive to give your child a happy and healthy life, but what if they suffer from eczema? The uncontrollable urge to itch and the unknown causes may be too much for you and your child to bear. As a parent, what are you to do?

It is common to find rashes on children, but eczema is more than just a rash. It is skin condition that can turn into a struggle for both parents and children. You may have never heard of eczema until your child was diagnosed with it, but now what?

Keep Your Child’s Skin Moisturized

There are different eczema trigger factors, which can lead to an outbreak. These trigger factors may include dust, stress, sweat, and laundry detergent. However, for some children, the cause is nothing more than dry skin. We instinctively want to touch and itch dry skin to provide relief and children do the same. Moisturize your child each day. Their itching may not completely cease, but you should notice an improvement.

When moisturizing your child, aim for application throughout the day. However, the most important step is to moisturize their body immediately following a bath or shower. Your goal is to lock in the moisture. If your child is old enough, get them in the habit of reaching for moisturizer each time they feel the need to itch.

Protect Your Child’s Skin

Eczema outbreaks are typically severe in small children. They don’t understand the complications that can arise from constant scratching; therefore, they continue to itch. If your child is old enough, have an eczema discussion with them. Encourage them to apply lotion or inform you whenever they feel the need to itch. However, for small children, such as toddlers and preschoolers, you need to protect your child’s skin yourself.

As previously stated, the first line of protection is constant moisture. The second is to keep the area prone to outbreaks covered. This is especially important at night, as some children actually scratch their arms and legs in their sleep. When later asked, some are even unaware of their actions. The less direct contact the fingernails have with the skin, the less damage is done.

Seek Medical Attention for Skin Infections

Most cases of eczema in children can be treated at home. However, children are at an increased risk for skin infections. Eczema creates the uncontrollable urge to itch. Your child may continue scratching until the skin is broken, leaving an open wound. Children will be children and that means coming into contact with many germs and bacteria. Combine these with an open wound and there is an increased risk for a skin infection. Treat your child’s eczema at home, but seek medical attention if you suspect the onset of infection.

As a parent, you are unable to cure your child’s eczema, but you help protect them from the lifelong complications, such as scars.

December 1st, 2009 | Leave a Comment

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