
Baby eczema can be annoying, painful, and, as a parent, heartbreaking. Here are four ways to soothe flare-ups and protect your little one’s delicate skin…
A dreaded condition for most adults, we can’t imagine what eczema must be like for our little bubs. Those scaly, red skin patches that cause so much itching and fussing are, while not a serious health condition, not something to be ignored.! The Insta-loop of gorgeous clear-skinned cherubs doesn’t help a mum’s state of mind either. Unfortunately, there’s no one-for-all cure for baby eczema, but there are helpful ways to manage symptoms. We’ve rounded up four of the best.
1. Choose the right clothing
When it comes to wardrobe, lightweight and breathable fabrics are key. It’s best to avoid polyester, wool and fleece, as well as tight outfits that trap sweat in your baby’s skin. These can exacerbate itching and make rashes worse. Instead, deck your little one out in clothes made of loose-fitting cotton, and be sure to wash new items in detergents that are low in chemicals (natural is even better), and free of dyes and fragrances before use. And don’t forget about nappies! Diapers made of plastic or synthetic materials may irritate skin and cause a nasty nappy rash. If you can manage the extra work, opt for cloth diapers made of natural fibers like cotton or bamboo.
2. Avoid allergic triggers
Often, eczema may be triggered by certain food allergies. The more common foods that tend to set off allergy symptoms are cow’s milk (either in formula or from a breastfeeding mother’s diet), wheat, soya, eggs and nuts. Consider keeping a diary of your baby’s daily food intake to see if certain foods cause flare-ups. Keep a close eye on your baby’s skin to see whether eliminating these foods results in symptoms improving. As any kind of food may be a potential allergen, our best advice is to consult your paediatrician or GP. They’ll usually conduct a food allergy test to identify exactly what’s bugging your bub.
3. Moisturize, and then moisturize again!
You’ve probably heard this already, but it’s true that moisturizing is a big part of soothing dryness and itching, preferably after a short, lukewarm bath. Of course, there are dozens of lotions and body washes out there to help soothe rashes. Of all the products we’ve come across, it’s safe to say that Aveeno’s new Baby Dermexa range is a winner. Why do we love it? Lots of reasons, but its use of natural ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal (known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties), and solid credentials (it’s approved by the US National Eczema Association and comes paediatrician recommended) stand out for us. We recommend using Aveeno Baby Dermexa Bath Treatment and Moisturizing Wash for bath time, and smoothing on some Aveeno Baby Dermexa Moisturizing Cream twice daily after baths.
4. Clear the air
The tropics can be pretty humid and unbearable (don’t get us started on the sudden downpours right when we’re about to head out!). We understand it can be tough to sleep without air- conditioning here, but the resulting dry air can make your baby’s skin worse by stripping away moisture and causing inflammation. If you can, replace the air-conditioner with an electric fan. If you absolutely must have the air-con running, invest in a cool-mist humidifier in your bub’s room. This restores a comfortable level of humidity without affecting temperature. Bottom line: Keep cool, but not too cool.
We hope these tips help you and your little one! You can find more info on Aveeno’s range of products at www.facebook.com/AveenoSGP
This post is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.