When it comes to taking care of kids with atopic dermatitis, parents have a lot on their plate. This chronic skin condition, also known as eczema, is characterized by itching, redness, dryness, and inflammation.
Although atopic dermatitis can affect people of all ages, it commonly begins in childhood and can be a significant source of discomfort for kids. While dermatologists can prescribe medications to help manage eczema symptoms, skin care is also essential to the treatment plan.
Here are some tips and tricks you, as a parent or caregiver, can use to care for your children’s skin and reduce the effects of eczema.
Bathe Your Child Wisely
Bathing is pivotal in managing eczema as it helps hydrate the skin and remove irritants. Here’s how to optimize bath time:
- Use warm water, avoiding hot temperatures, which can dry out the skin.
- Limit baths to 5-10 minutes to prevent excessive drying.
- Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers. Avoid bubble baths as they can be irritating.
- Pat the skin partially dry post-bath, leaving some moisture on the skin.
- For severe cases, consider bleach baths twice a week under the guidance of your child’s dermatologist.
Moisturize Regularly
Dry skin is a hallmark of atopic dermatitis, and keeping your child’s skin moisturized is key to managing their symptoms like dryness and cracking. Here are some tips on moisturizing skin:
- Apply moisturizer at least twice daily. Moisturizers should be applied to all the affected areas of the skin and re-applied throughout the day if necessary.
- Choose thick creams or ointments that provide optimal hydration.
- Look for moisturizers that contain ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, and avoid those with alcohol, fragrances, or other irritants.
- Experiment with different fragrance-free products like petroleum jelly to find what works best for your child.
- Always moisturize after bathing to lock in moisture.
Apply Medication Correctly
If your child has been prescribed medication, ensure it is applied correctly. Applying medication to almost-dry skin is recommended as directed by your dermatologist. After applying the medication, layer moisturizer on top and the rest of the skin.
Dress Your Child in Loose, Breathable Clothing
Tight-fitting clothes can irritate the skin and lead to flare-ups. So, choose soft and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk. Avoiding wool, synthetic fabrics, or tight-fitting clothes can also help ease the symptoms of eczema by reducing itchiness and rubbing.
Always wash new clothes before putting them on your kids to remove any chemicals or irritants from the fabric.
It’s worth noting that how you launder your clothes can affect eczema. So, opt for laundry detergent made for sensitive skin and avoid scented fabric softeners. You should also rinse your clothes thoroughly to remove all detergent.
Avoid Allergens
For many kids, eczema is associated with allergies, so reducing exposure to allergens can be helpful in managing the condition. Common eczema triggers include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold.
Keep the home environment free of allergens by using hypoallergenic bedding, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and avoiding exposure to smoke and fragrances.
Treat Flare-Ups Promptly
Despite your best efforts, your child may still experience flare-ups of atopic dermatitis from time to time. When this happens, treating their symptoms promptly is important to prevent them from worsening.
Your child’s dermatologist may prescribe a topical cream or ointment to control itching, redness, and inflammation. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out if your child’s symptoms become severe or don’t improve with treatment.
During eczema flare-ups, keep your child’s nails short, as scratching with long and sharp nails can lead to open wounds that are susceptible to infections.
Childhood Eczema Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
Atopic dermatitis can be challenging to manage, but with proper skin care and treatment, your child can experience relief from their symptoms.
At Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology, we understand how skin conditions like eczema can affect your child’s comfort and confidence. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering a comprehensive range of pediatric dermatology services to keep your child’s skin happy and healthy.
Our pediatric nurse practitioner, Samantha Casselman, provides high-quality, evidence-based care for pediatric skin conditions, from eczema and acne to hemangiomas and psoriasis. We understand every child is unique, so we tailor our treatments to suit each child’s specific needs.
Ready to make your child’s skin care a top priority? Reach out to us at (602) 837-3376 or request an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you!
