Eczema-Friendly Skincare Routine for Kids

For every parent, watching your little one deal with eczema is certainly an uphill battle—the red, itchy patches and those sleepless nights! And you probably want to give anything to make your little one feel better. However, there’s good news! Even though there’s no proper cure for eczema, there are various skin care tips that can help relieve the symptoms effectively. Read below this article to learn about the eczema-friendly routine for kids to help soothe their skin.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that affects nearly 10 percent of children worldwide, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It is typically identified by symptoms, including dry, inflamed, and itchy skin that can flare up due to various triggers such as allergens, weather changes, and stress.

Moreover, eczema can significantly take a toll on your child’s confidence and well-being, which makes it even more important to incorporate an essential and gentle eczema-friendly skin care routine.

Here are some helpful skin care routine tips for kids with eczema to help them soothe their symptoms effectively.

While bathing is essential, it must be kept short and soothing. This is because prolonged exposure to water can dry out the skin, stripping away its natural oils. The key tip is to use lukewarm water (not hot!) and limit bath time to just 5-10 minutes. Simultaneously, switch to a soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser that is labeled as eczema-friendly to maintain the skin's natural pH levels.

Hydration is the key when it comes to dealing with eczema. And moisturizing regularly can really help lock in hydration while creating a protective barrier on the skin. The pro tip—apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing while the skin is still damp. This is also called the 3-minute rule that helps seal in moisture effectively. However, pick only thick, fragrance-free emollients or creams with ceramides, as they are proven to reduce eczema flare-ups by 50 percent in kids.

It is essential to identify and avoid the triggers that may cause eczema episodes. Some of the common reasons include harsh soaps, synthetic fabrics, dust mites, and sometimes, certain foods. Try dressing up your child in soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton and avoid wool, which might irritate their skin. In case your child has food allergies, we recommend consulting a pediatrician.

Wet wrap therapy truly works like magic for severe flare-ups. You simply need to wrap the affected areas with damp bandages or clothing and cover them with dry layers right after moisturizing. This approach hydrates the skin, reduces itchiness, and allows better absorption of topical treatments. In fact, according to Pediatrics, it was noted that wet wrap therapy improved eczema symptoms in 74 percent of kids within two weeks.

Last but not least, scratching can make eczema worse by causing infections. The best way to ensure your child doesn't scratch is to keep your child’s nails trimmed and filed, use anti-scratch mittens, and distract them with toys during flare-ups.

While dealing with eczema can be overwhelming, an eczema-friendly skincare routine can significantly help to relieve pain in kids. And every parent wants to shield their child from every discomfort. This love and care combined with consistent and effective skincare can help your child soothe the symptoms. Also, read our interesting article on the connection between eczema and diet in winters.