Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that is affecting people of all ages. It occurs when your skin starts to itch and rashes start to appear. Scaly patches and blisters also start to develop on your skin. Eczema usually begins in childhood. If you’re a parent who has a child dealing with this condition, there are ways you can help them cope physically and emotionally. While it wouldn’t be a piece of cake, you can still help them using the following ways.
Bathe them with Gentle Cleanser
When your child has eczema, their skin is very sensitive. Soaps and bath gels containing harsh ingredients wouldn’t be ideal to bathe them in. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser with mild ingredients and a gentle moisturizer. Consider using other cleaning agents that are meant to soothe and heal such as bath oils, salt, and baking soda. Bleach baths are said to be effective at reducing inflammation and bacteria on their skin.
Help Them Control their Itching
Eczema causes itchy skin and a strong urge to scratch often for your child. But doing this will only make their condition worsen. So what must you do to get this strong urge under control? You can start by not always telling them, “Stop scratching” or “Don’t scratch.” This can make your child feel ashamed and become depressed. Instead, try saying, “Your eczema is bothering you. What can we do?” This is milder than always being demanding.
You can also help your child control the itching by having them wear long-sleeve clothing or tights. When they sleep, consider having them put on sleep suits, gloves, or arm sleeves. Wrap treatments are also good to use in helping them sleep. Keeping them busy with hobbies they can do with their hands is helpful. Creative projects like drawing or playing with Legos are both good examples of hobbies for older children. Special safe toys are good for babies dealing with eczema.
Find the Right Corticosteroid Treatment
Along with proper bathing and moisturizing, the appropriate topical corticosteroid, or steroid medication is needed as well. These topical medications are categorized by their strength, from least potent to super potent. They are formulated to reduce inflammation and itching. When the inflammation becomes under control, follow your doctor’s advice in reducing the usage of the treatment. Be aware of any steroid treatment side effects, such as stretch marks, thinning of the skin, acne, or rosacea-like rashes.
Look after their Mental Health
Having a skin condition like eczema could put a lot of stress on your child. It could put a toll on their mental health and self-esteem. Research shows that children with skin conditions like eczema have higher rates of depression and anxiety. Some children have also developed sleeping problems, which can lead to irritability, inattention, and daytime sleepiness. Some studies have shown that children with eczema have a greater risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If your child starts experiencing any of these mental or behavioral issues, be sure to consult a healthcare provider or pediatric mental health specialist.
Your child may be dealing with a skin condition like eczema that is hard to maintain. It could not only affect them physically but impact them emotionally and mentally. But with the available resources given to you, you can be successful in helping your child manage his eczema.
Do you have a child coping with eczema? What are some of your best practices in helping them cope with this condition? Feel free to share in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next mother you know.
