While eczema affects people of all ages, it can be particularly distressing when the condition affects a younger member of the family. In the Philippines, eczema is a common issue among infants and children below 5 years of age. In fact, 2 to 3 of every 10 children suffer from it. And despite this being a common skin condition, parents and guardians should still take eczema seriously, as it can worsen without proper treatment.

Eczema is a non-infectious inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by a red, flakey appearance and intense itch. The itchy sensation can make it difficult to prevent children from scratching the affected site, and this can lead to further irritation and skin infection.

The condition can be chronic and may flare up from time to time, and it can sometimes be accompanied by hay fever or asthma. In addition to dealing with discomfort, a child with eczema may also experience social difficulties and feel limited when participating in school or community activities.

While there is no cure for eczema, the condition can be managed well to prevent future outbreaks. Here are some skin care tips that parents and guardians should take note of to avoid and control flare-ups:

Preventing flare-ups is much easier and more comfortable for children than managing itchiness and inflammation. As such, it’s always a good thing to be aware of what causes eczema flare-ups.

While triggers can vary from one person to another, some of the most common ones include sudden temperature and humidity changes, food allergies, heat, stress, or chemicals in clothes and detergents.

To keep eczema at bay, parents and children often need to use skincare products to keep their skin properly moisturized. However, not just any lotion or moisturizer will do.

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As much as possible, they should steer clear of skin products with strong fragrances, as these can trigger eczema. And when choosing lotions, parents should go for formulations that have an oilier texture and can maintain moisture for a longer period of time.

Protect the skin from sudden changes in heat and humidity by making a habit of using moisturizing products regularly. Apply lotions and moisturizers after bathing, and generously slather on these products in the heat of summer or during the colder months of the year.

In case flare-ups do occur, make it a point to prevent your child from scratching the affected area, as this can worsen the condition. Frequent scratching not only stresses out the skin, but can also introduce germs that can lead to infections and worse symptoms.

Carefully trim the child’s nails and remind them not to scratch, or make them wear mittens if they’re still quite little.

Rough fabrics with wiry fibers may also cause irritations and lead to a flare-up. When choosing clothes, bedsheets, towels, or other items made of fabric for your little one, check the consistency and texture of the material first.

Heat can be a major trigger for eczema. Avoid hot showers and baths, and during the summer months in the Philippines, make an effort to keep your child cool despite the oppressive tropical heat.

In case of a flare-up, there are several techniques that you can use to help address eczema. One of these is using a technique called soak and seal. When a flare-up takes place, place the child in a lukewarm bath and use a mild, unscented cleanser.

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Don’t scrub the skin, as this can cause further agitation. Once done rinsing, leave the skin slightly damp and apply medication. After a few minutes, you can then apply moisturizer so that the child won’t feel too itchy due to dry skin.

An alternative to soak and seal is a bleach bath, where the child is soaked in a pool that has the same level of bleach concentration as a chlorinated pool. Parents should consult with their child’s dermatologist to know how to properly carry out this therapy for their children.

During particularly severe flare-ups, parents can use wet wrap therapy to ease the discomfort of their child and address the symptoms of eczema. Wet wrap therapy involves wrapping the skin in a wet cloth to rehydrate it and reduce the itch. This technique is often done after a bath and applying moisturizer.

10. Teach your child skin- and self-care techniques

The key to managing eczema flare-ups is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. To do this, you and your child need to adopt skin- and self-care habits that will minimize the occurrence of the condition.

Learning together might be challenging at first, but introducing skincare tips early on to your child will empower them to care for themselves better and to deal with eczema in the future without feeling overwhelmed or limited by their condition.

Eczema can be uncomfortable and even painful at times. It affects people of all ages but it can be an even more unpleasant experience for infants who might not yet fully understand the condition.

As parents, what we can do is to avoid eczema triggers as much as we can. In case there is a flare-up though, it’s best to know how we can treat and manage it to make sure that our baby is as comfortable as possible.

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels

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