Atopic Dermatitis also know as Eczema is a skin condition that makes the skin itchy, red and patchy. Growing up neither myself or an immediate family member had eczema. Encountering this as a new mother was a big challenge. Although most children grow out of it, there are no known cures. However, there are easy and accessible treatments that you can give your little one to help with occasional flare ups. Here is a easy and comprehensive guide to treating eczema and maintaining clearer skin.
Don't Be fooled!
There are many brands and products on the market that claim to be safe for children with sensitive skin. Although they may claim to be dermatologist tested or have "baby" in the title don't be fooled by the hype. A lot of these claims are false and there are hidden dyes, fragrances and other ingredients that will not benefit your child's skin condition. Just because it says "Baby" does not mean that it is safe. Trust me, I've been fooled too many times and spent over a hundred dollars on product to find little to zero results from them. I searched endlessly to find unsponsored recommendations but honestly it ended up being trial and error....lots of errors!
ALWAYS read the ingredients and check for hidden irritants. If a product has any dyes, parabens, sulfates, phthalates or perfumes it is no good and can make your child's flare up more severe. Look for keywords on the packaging that indicates it is safe for your children with eczema. The seal of approval from the National Eczema Association and product that is hypoallergenic is always a good sign but I always double check the ingredients for potentially irritating ingredients.
A lot of the deception I came across was in products that had the words "baby" or "sensitive skin" on the bottle. Dreft laundry detergent, Vaseline Baby and some Johnson and Johnson baby products that are marketed for children with sensitive skin were the biggest scams! A lot of the time when you search the internet for products, these are the main ones that pop-up. Don't be fooled and when in doubt always save your receipt. If you ever buy a product that didn't work for you, you can always do return and exchange even if the product is already open.
Glo Mama Approved!
All Free and Clear was recommended to us by my daughters pediatrician. If you are not using a detergent that is free from dyes and fragrances then it doesn't matter what skin remedy you use. You will be wasting your time and money. The wrong detergent will undo all the hard work you've done with the right skin products! Wash anything that will come in contact with your child'd skin with a free and clear detergent. Also be mindful of perfumes and body sprays that you wear. Apply them to areas where your child's skin will not easily come in contact with.
Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy and Sensitive All Over Wipes are both approved by the National Eczema Association. They are gentle and moisturizing to the skin. These two are my go-tos for cleansing my toddler and I highly recommend them! Her flare ups have been few and far between using these Aveeno products.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is my choice over Vaseline because the consistency is thicker and the moisture last much longer. I don't have to apply as much product and can go longer periods of time without needing to rehydrate the skin. I typically apply it 2-3 times a day, in the morning, after lunch (if needed) and before bed. Mommy Wisdom is an awesome black female owned brand and I love to use a light layer of the eczema relief moisturizer after baths. Glo Mama Tip: After a bath dry off private parts and under the arms but leave the rest of the body damp. Apply moisturizer ointment to damp skin for longer lasting hydration.
Mustela is a brand I stumbled upon while searching for products to treat eczema. Although I did not care for the emollient cream lotion the foam shampoo was great for cradle cap! The shampoo almost instantly removed the flaky skin from the crown and left both the hair and scalp clean. It worked so well that I really only had to use it 2-3 times and the cradle cap was gone for good!
Old faithful, breastmilk! It's the one thing that I wish I started sooner. Breastmilk in most cases is the cure for anything infant related. I've heard of women give their babies milk baths but my milk was like liquid gold! At the time I thought it was so wasteful. Boy was I wrong, bathing my daughter in my breastmilk probably showed the best and fasted results. Not only is it soothing but it leaves the skin hydrated long after the bath and reduces irritation almost instantly. If you can spare a couple ounces, I highly recommend it and it is the only remedy that is free! If you do not produce enough breast milk or you are no longer nursing another great option is the Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment Colloidal Oatmeal Skin Protectant.
Before trying any treatment or remedy consult with your child's pediatrician!
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