Tips to help with infant eczema

Today, I thought I would talk to you about eczema and offer some suggestions as to how to manage this condition. In this post I will not be discussing what causes eczema but instead provide some practical ways you can use to try and help your little one.

Please note: my suggestions are not intended to replace medical advice.

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  Aim to give your baby/child a bath daily using an appropriate emollient. Avoid soaps, baby washes or bubble baths. The emollients will provide a skin barrier and will help soften the skin and reduce itching.

• Emollients should be applied regularly and liberally throughout the day. You should use a gentle, stroking, downwards motion and avoid rubbing.
• If you believe your baby/child has food allergies or sensitivities, keep a food log and show a Health Professional before cutting out any foods. If you think your baby/child is having an allergic reaction, seek medical support immediately.
• When bathing your child, make sure the temperature of the water is tepid. If it is too warm, this can exacerbate symptoms.
• If your child is likely to scratch their skin, use sleepsuits with mittens already attached.
• Cotton fabrics tend to be kinder to the skin; they are cooler and more breathable. Be mindful of labels, seams and fastenings which may aggravate and find alternatives if needed.
• Coconut Oil (cold pressed or virgin) or Shea butter are worth trying as more natural remedies.
• A daily probiotic may also help, along with Cod Liver Oil, but please check with a Health Professional regarding suitability and dosage
• Oat Baths and Breast Milk are also a great natural remedy to try
  • Add ¼ cup of oats and ½ cup of warm water together. Stir and leave for 20-30mins.
  • Strain.
  • Prepare the bath.
  • Add 4-6oz of breastmilk to the bath.
  • Add the strained oats or place oats in a sock (tied at the top) or a muslin cloth if you don’t want to add the oatmeal directly to the water (it can stick to the sides of the bath and can be awkward to clean off, so using a sock or muslin can be easier).
  • Limit bathtime to around 10mins.
  • Once your child/baby is out of the bath and patted dry (again, avoid rubbing), apply coconut oil or a suitable emollient (which should be organic if possible and should contain no chemicals). Neals Yard or Burts Bees makes are a couple of options to look in to.
• Please note: Oat/Breastmilk baths can make the bath slippery. Babies and children should always be continuously observed/supervised when bathing or showering.

For further information about the condition, please see www.eczema.org

For clothing/bedding, you might try www.eczemaclothing.com, www.littlemika.com or www.dermatherapybedding.co.uk

Please note I am not affiliated to these companies.