If your child suffers from a severe skin condition like eczema, your day-to-day can be exhausting. Living with eczema can also feel isolating for you and your child, as not many people understand the severity of the condition. But even though it feels like it sometimes, even as a caregiver for someone living with eczema, you are not alone.
According to WebMD, 1 in 10 people live with eczema, with most developing the condition as a child. It is estimated that about 9.6 million kids around the U.S. live with mild to severe eczema. Though it usually develops by the age of six and most grow out of it, eczema can be a lifelong condition for some.
There is unfortunately no cure for eczema, which is also sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great treatments and simple things you can do at home to help alleviate the symptoms for your child.
Here are some options available to you and your child to cope with living with eczema.
First things first – talk to your doctor.
Before you try any at-home remedies, eczema is a case where you should consult your healthcare provider before doing anything, if you haven’t already. Eczema flare-ups can be caused by several things, and it’s important to discuss any possible allergies or sensitivities your child could have that can contribute to the rash. This can help advise on your treatment path going forward, whether you decide to take over-the-counter or prescription medication, or if you go with more “at-home” routes for eczema treatment.
If you use medication, give it time to work and be consistent.
Unfortunately, eczema can be a long-term battle, and there is no overnight fix-all for eczema symptoms. Most of the time, any medication that you’re using is going to take some time to help control the symptoms. You should also make sure your child is being consistent with applying their medication – you cannot know if it will work if you aren’t applying it every day, or as prescribed. If you have been consistently using a cream or ointment for a month and you are not noticing any changes, talk to a doctor about trying something new.
Consider your family’s diet.
Believe it or not, your family’s regular diet could be contributing to how severe your child’s eczema can be. Medical News Today says that eliminating certain food groups from your diet can help not only identify which foods could be causing your child’s flare-ups but also decrease the number of severe rashes that occur.
While it is still not fully understood – that is, whether or not certain foods cause eczema to flare up in general or if individual allergies are at play – it’s still a great addition to your treatment plant. It is suggested that those living with eczema should start by practicing elimination, which means slowly removing food groups from their diet. Many people start with dairy and gluten, as these are common foods that cause sensitivity.
In any case, it’s still important to make sure your child is getting a well-rounded diet – those with eczema are suggested to eat food high in omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and flavonoids.
Stay hydrated, inside and out.
If you’re using prescription or over-the-counter medication to control your eczema, it’s important to talk to a doctor before using any other topical creams or ointments. But in general, eczema can be improved through hydration. This means not only making sure your child is getting enough water but also that their skin is prevented from drying out.
There are many dermatologists‘ recommended topicals that have been touted by experts and eczema patients as being great for controlling the condition. But ultimately, it’s up to you and your child to determine which products are the best option – just make sure you also consult a doctor!
Avoid anything that worsens your child’s symptoms.
Your child’s skin is unique, and so are the things that can harm it. Everyone with eczema can have varying irritants that cause their condition to worsen. Figure out what causes irritation the most by keeping a journal of things you did, used, or ate that day and write down the symptoms. It can take some time, but you might soon start to notice what you can change or eliminate from your daily routines that can greatly impact the condition.
If you’re uncertain of where to start, here is a list of common irritants for eczema patients according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and The United Kingdom National Health Service:
- Soaps and detergents
- Body and hair products, including makeup
- Stress or anxiety-inducing situations
- Pet dander and dust
- Pollen
- Grass or other common yard plants
- Mold and mildew
Make sure you focus on these first before considering other factors, as these are the most common and are likely causing flare-ups you can’t explain.
Above all, help them resist scratching.
Scratching, for a lot of young eczema patients, can be one of the only things that give them relief from the discomfort of living with the condition. But scratching the already sensitive skin only gives you temporary relief and it makes flare-ups even worse. If you notice your child has trouble resisting the urge, there are ways you can help them control it, such as:
- Offering them a cold compress
- Taking a warm (not hot!) bath – it also helps to add oatmeal
- Apply creams or ointments to the itchy areas
- Let them take antihistamines like Benedryl – but be sure to check with your doctor
- Learn meditation to help them cope with the itch
Conclusion
Living with eczema can be a life-long marathon of trial and error. If your child suffers from severe eczema, you are likely looking for a quick fix to help them relieve their symptoms, but unfortunately, there isn’t one. To truly help your child, you have to try different things and make sure you’re consulting a healthcare professional about how to tackle every bump in the road. Thankfully, there are so many options for treatment open to you.
