Coping with Eczema

Eczema can be a distressing skin condition, especially in children. In atopic eczema, the most common form, the skin itches, flakes, becomes very dry, red and inflamed. The itching can be unbearable and can lead to the skin splitting and becoming infected. The other common form of eczema in children is infantile seborrhoeic eczema, more commonly known as cradle cap, which, although looks awful actually isn't itchy and doesn't make the baby feel ill. This one will normally clear up within a few months.

Finding your child has eczema can be distressing for both you and your baby. My eldest was diagnosed with childhood eczema when I saw that his skin had become very inflamed and that, at ten weeks old, if I removed his clothes he would scratch as his body constantly leaving scratches on his skin. He was disturbed during the night with his itching and became very low in mood through lack of sleep and general unwellness. We tried several topical emollients for him, many of which actually worsened his condition. With the application of steroid cream, an emollient that worked and help from the dermatologist we began to get on top of the situation. He still has eczema though, and we have to be very careful in how he is treated.

If you think your child has eczema the first thing you must do is get them to the doctor to be properly diagnosed; if it is eczema ask to be referred to a paediatric dermatologist - they will have a better understanding of how to treat eczema in children, especially infants. You can also help at home. Use a non-bio washing powder and try to avoid fabric softeners; even the most 'gentle' ones can exasperate a skin problem. Be careful of skin washes and soaps, even shampoos; most products, including baby ones have harsh chemicals that will dry the skin and make it irritated. Look out for SLS (sodium laureth sulfate) or it's derivatives and this is a de-greaser and strips the skin of it's oils. Use an emollient; this can be bought over the counter or prescribed by the doctor, but remember that what works for one wont necessarily work for another. If you have a young baby that is scratching sew scratch mits into it's sleep suits; this will stop them scratching the skin and making it itch even more.

For more information on eczema management take a look at this site
http://eczemacure.url-Site.com