How to Care for Eczema in Babies and Kids

Babies and kids require gentle care, especially if they have skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis). After confirming with your baby’s doctor that your child has eczema, you can follow these simple ways to care for your baby. These will help them get comfortable with dealing with eczema.

Bathing or Showering

Bathing or showering with warm water should not be longer than 15 minutes. Use only mild, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic cleansers because harsh formulations further irritate the skin. You also should avoid scrubbing any of the affected skin areas to avoid further damage.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing should be done at least twice a day. This should also be done immediately after showering because the damp skin enables the moisture to be “locked in”. For babies, it can be done during diaper changes. If you’re trying a new moisturizer, apply it on a small area of the skin first to see if there will be any negative reactions. If there are, stop using it immediately. Lastly, as a preventive method, continue moisturizing even after the rashes are gone.

Cutting the Fingernails Shorter

Constant scratching can break the skin. Therefore, regularly trimming the nails prevents the skin from bleeding due to scratches. It also prevents infections caused by bacteria stuck under long nails. You can also have your baby wear cotton mittens to protect their face when scratching can’t be controlled.

Dressing Them in Cotton

Sweating makes the skin itch. To help reduce sweating, have your kids wear soft fabric and loose-fitting clothes that allow their skin to breathe.

Wet Wrap Treatment

This treatment rehydrates and calms the skin. It also helps boost the effects of the medications, which is why it’s best done after bathing and applying medication.

To do this, soak the pajamas in warm water. Wring the water out until they’re just damp. Put them on your baby and add dry clothing on top of it. Leave them on for 30 minutes and re-apply moisturizer after

Watching Out for Infections

Always be on the lookout for oozing, crusting, pus bumps, blisters, and worsening rashes. If you see these signs, it’s better to seek medical attention because antibacterial or antiviral medications may be needed to treat the infections.

Distracting Them From the Itchiness

You can play peek-a-boo or give toys to babies to help distract them from scratching themselves. Feeding them snacks or telling them stories can also work.

Applying Medication

You can also start applying medication to help ease your child’s discomfort. Mometasone furoate (Elica®) products can help stop itching, reduce redness, ease swelling, and provide relief within 24 hours. Mometasone furoate (Elica®) cream is applied on thin skin (like on the face) and moist lesions while Mometasone furoate (Elica®) ointment is applied on dry lesions and thickened skin.

Worry less and start following these simple ways to care for your babies and kids. Remember, children can adapt easily when given the right care. If their eczema (atopic dermatitis) is managed well, there’s no doubt they can’t grow up to be fun, energetic, and happy. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

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