Eczema is a common condition that affects many people. It appears most frequently during the childhood years and in adults. Eczema usually appears as red, itchy skin that can also be dry and cracked. It can appear on any part of the body and even on the eyelids. Even if your child has eczema, you are not alone. Many parents experience eczemas with their children, as well as other family members, friends, or coworkers. Though there is no known cause for eczema, research suggests that it may be related to an immune reaction of the body’s natural defenses against germs and bacteria. A number of factors have been identified as risk factors for eczema in children. These include: – Dusty environments – Pollens, pet dander and cockroach allergens – Moisture-retaining clothing – Dry air from air conditioning or heating – Inadequate moisturizing of the skin — especially in infants and toddlers Source: National Ec
## Stay Cool and Dry to Treat Eczema
The most important step in treating eczema is staying cool and dry. When eczema is at its worst, your child may be wearing only a thin shirt and diaper to try to keep the skin cool. If the skin is too dry, it will become cracked and infected. Moisturizing the skin may help eczema, eczema, or psoriasis. You can apply lotion to the affected area once daily or as needed. You can also try applying a moisturizing cream to the trunk and limbs of the body, which is where eczema is most likely to occur. Look for products that contain urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid, zinc, or hydrocortisone. Avoid lotions that contain petroleum, as these products can actually make eczema worse. When you are moisturizing your child, make sure he or she does not wear socks in bed or on the feet. Feet are very desiccation and socks can cause serious damage.
## Don’t Rub or Scratch
When your child has eczema, it is important to keep the hands and feet away from the affected areas. Always wash your hands carefully after touching the rash to prevent spreading it to other areas of the body. Keep your child’s nails short and clip the toenails short to prevent scratching the skin. Keep your child’s nails short and trimmed. Even if the rash is not too bad, scratching can cause bleeding and open up the rash to become infected. If possible, use gloves when your child is around animals such as cats or dogs.
## Avoid Sticky Products
Avoid using stickers, bandages, or tape on the rash. These may become stuck to the rash and cause more irritation. Choose more flexible products that your child can easily remove, such as moleskin, duct tape, and baby wipes. Moleskin is a cloth pad that helps protect the rash from rough surfaces and friction. Duct tape makes a helpful shield between your child’s fingers and various irritants. Baby wipes are a low-cost option for cleaning the rash and can be used in situations where water is not available.
## Take Good Care of Your Hands and Feet
Properly moisturize and clean your hands and feet daily. Apply cream to the hands and feet daily. A daily foot bath may be helpful in keeping the feet clean and moisturized. If your child has eczema on the feet, wash them carefully in the toilet with lukewarm water that has a mild soap. Your child should also try to wear shoes and socks as often as possible. If your feet get too dry, try to wear socks or slippers that wick away the moisture. Cushioned shoes or sandals are preferable to boots or sneakers.
## Use emollient products on dry areas
Use emollient creams or ointments on the dry areas of the body where eczema is most likely to occur. Look for products that are moisturizing without being greasy or sticky. Moisturizing creams generally contain petrolatum, urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid, zinc, or hydrocortisone. You can also make your own lotion using one part petroleum jelly to four parts glycerin. You can also apply petroleum jelly to your child’s feet, as it has the ability to moisturize and protect the skin from friction.
## Showering can be helpful too
Showering can be helpful in ridding the body of germs, but it should not be used as a substitute for bathing in water. Showering should be used to get rid of germs and clean the body, not as a substitute for bathing. If your child has eczema, try to bathe your child in water that is not too hot. You should also try to keep the water as clean as possible. For example, you can use a mild soap when you bathe your child. Keep your child’s room as clean as you bathe yourself. Dust and vacuum the room regularly to keep it as clean as possible.
## Conclusion
Eczema is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. The exact cause of eczema isn’t known, but there are things you can do to help. Keep your child’s skin moisturized and clean, wear loose-fitting clothing, limit contact with allergens, and apply emollient creams to dry areas of the skin. When your child is at school, try to keep him or her as cool and dry as possible by wearing loose-fitting clothing and keeping the window and door closed during the day. This will help keep your child’s skin from getting too dry and cracked. If your child has severe eczema, you may want to see a doctor for treatment. Treatment for eczema can include prescription creams, lotions, or ointments. It’s important to apply these medications as directed to keep the skin moisturized and prevent skin from becoming too dry.
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