As a young child, I had a lot of skin allergies, eczema, and rashes. It made my childhood difficult. As I got older, those skin problems turned into severe acne and sensitive skin. I spent years learning about how to treat my skin to minimize the effects of these things. There are natural treatments, dietary changes, and even dermatology treatments that can help. I don't want to see others suffer the way that I did with skin problems like these, so I created this site to help teach others about the things that I've learned. I hope that the information here helps you to care for your skin and minimize your rashes and issues.
Caring For Infant Eczema
Many infants can have eczema. It's a common skin condition, especially before infants reach toddlerhood. Sometimes, eczema can be irritating or even painful for babies. Much of handling eczema comes from lifestyle and daily prevention. Here are some tips for parents to care for infants with this skin condition.
1. Limit the use of soap and reduce bathing time
Many people feel they need to bathe their baby every day. However, when a child has eczema, the warm water can actually dry out the skin and make the condition worse. Babies don't really get dirty like older children and adults do. You might need to shower every day, but your baby doesn't. Instead, wash off messes with a gentle cloth. When you do bathe your child in water, try to use a gentle soap or do not use any soap at all. Many soaps are harsh on infant skin, which can make eczema flare-ups more severe.
2. Moisturize
Not all hand creams are created equal. Most creams for adults have a higher level of alcohol content, so they hydrate in the moment, but they do not actually trap moisture in the skin and protect it from the elements. Effective moisturizers for baby eczema have oils and petroleum products that actually lock in moisture. After bathing, use one of these products to help the skin retain wetness, which can help with preventing the spread of rash patches. You can also use these on cheeks and exposed skin during extreme heat and cold, as temperature changes can also make eczema worse for babies.
3. Use gentle laundry soaps
You may need to invest in washing your baby's clothes in a detergent made for sensitive skin. Some regular detergents have added smells and dyes which can make eczema flare-ups worse. Gentle detergents are often earth friendly and have few if any added ingredients. Avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets for your baby's clothing, and do not add things to the wash like boosters of brighteners, as these are often harsher than simple detergent.
4. See a dermatologist
Even managing at home sometimes can't be enough to keep eczema under control. If you baby has cracked or bleeding skin from eczema, you may need a prescription steroid cream to help tame the inflammation. A dermatologist can help you find a gentle cream that will heal your baby's skin. Some creams can be strong, so you need to make sure you use them as directed by the physician.
For more information, contact a company like Heibel Dermatology.