Tips to help soothe and control eczema
Eczema is a common problem for children and it is estimated that as many as 10-25% will develop it.
There can be many causes, such as a genetic disposition or environmental factors, and doctors are sure that children with eczema have super-sensitive dry skin that reacts to things like house dust mites, pollen, dander from pets and moulds, but that it isn’t a true allergy.
The vast majority of children tested will not have a simple allergy cause for their eczema. Here is a 10 point plan for controlling eczema in your child:
1. Give children short lukewarm showers or baths. Long hot showers only irritate the condition.
2. Never use soap. Bath oil is all that’s required and for older children use a cleanser which is soap and fragrance free.
3. Pat the skin dry after bathing (no rubbing).
4. Wear cotton fabrics only. Avoid coarse, rough fabrics such as wool.
5. ooisturise skin often, at least two to three times a day, using a fragrance-free lotion.
6. Be sure to avoid extremes of temperature.
7. Reduce dust mist exposure by:
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Keeping pets out of the house.
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Replacing carpets with floorboards, tiles or lino.
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Avoiding curtains in the bedroom.
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Sticking to leather or vinyl furniture.
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Replacing old mattresses and vacuuming them regularly.
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Washing clothes at 55-60ºC to kill most dust mites.
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Avoiding soft toys.
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Using a high-quality vacuum cleaner (look for a HEPA system).
8. Take steps to reduce skin carriage of bacteria:
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Wash clothing in hot water to kill any bacteria that live in garments.
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once or twice a week, bathe your child using a preparation such as QV Flare Up Bath oil (not suitable for children younger than six months).
9. Keep your child’s nails short and have them wear cotton gloves or mitts during flare-ups to reduce the damage caused by scratching. 10. If the itchiness and flaring are not responding to the above, see your doctor or dermatologist immediately – severe flare-ups are harder to fix.