‘Comforting Your Child’s Eczema With Oilatum #NationalEczemaWeek’ is a sponsored post.

As a parent, you give comfort to your child for many reasons. You give them a cuddle when they are upset. Or you tuck them up on the sofa with their favourite blanket and soft toy when they’re ill. And you comfort yourself from the stresses and worry of life by making yourself a calming cup of tea or lighting a sweet smelling candle. But if you’re child suffers from eczema it can be harder to give them the comfort they need when their skin is itching and sore. This week is National Eczema Week, and so I’ve decided to share my top tips for comforting your little one’s eczema.

Comforting Your Child’s Eczema With Oilatum #NationalEczemaWeek

Both of our children have sensitive skin just like their mother. But Little Miss H actually gets eczema. It appears only in the winter months. She gets it under her armpits and behind her knees and it can get quite sore and itchy. She also has dermatitis on her knees which can lead to blisters and sore spots. As a result, I’ve learnt how to look after Little Miss H’s delicate skin and give her the comfort that she needs.

Comforting Your Child’s Eczema At Bath Time

Getting bath time right is hugely important when your child has eczema. And it’s easy to make sure bath time is fun and relaxing and doesn’t aggravate the skin. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Temperature

Make sure that the bath water is not too hot. A hot bath can really dry the skin out and can aggravate eczema. Instead, make sure the water is warm and test the temperature of the water using the skin on your wrist.

2. Keep Baths Short

One of the benefits of running a cooler bath is that your children will not be able to wallow in the bath until they become wrinkly (a sign that the skin is dehydrated). Instead, baths should be kept short. An ideal length of time is a quick wash followed by five minutes of play.

3. Use An Emollient

Use an emollient in the bath rather than perfumed bath bubbles. Using an emollient bath product, like Oilatum Junior Bath Additive, will cover the skin in a film that holds in the moisture and stops it from getting dehydrated.

4. Gentle Drying

Once your child is out of the bath then wrap them in a soft towel. Little Miss H has one with little ducks all over it that is a firm favourite. If you can then let their skin dry naturally. Otherwise, remember not to rub but instead pat the skin dry.

5. Moisturise

Be sure to moisturise the skin as soon after washing as possible and pay particular attention to any affected area. A gentle moisturiser that doesn’t contain any perfumes is best. We like to use Oilatum Junior Emollient Cream. This rich moisturising cream films a protective layer and soothes and softens the skin. It’s suitable to use on babies and children. And although it is great to use after bath time, this cream can also be used on flares up.

6. Keep Nails Short

Keep your child’s nails short. Little Miss H is always more likely to itch her eczema when her nails are long, and this can lead to infection

Comforting Your Child’s Eczema In Winter

The cooler months can really aggravate eczema. And Little Miss H’s eczema only occurs in the winter. This is due to the dramatic changes in temperature and the thicker clothes.

1. Wear Layers

Instead of dressing your child in clothes that they may overheat in, try and dress them in layers. Little Miss H easily gets hot and so she would quite happily wear a summer dress every day of the year. This is not as stupid as it sounds. And in the colder months, she wears layers that she can put on and take off as her temperature changes.

2. Choose Non-Scratchy Fabrics

Winter clothes can often be scratchy and rough on the skin. Instead, choose natural fabrics such as cotton. Try to steer clear of wool as this can irritate. We like to put Little Miss H in organic fabrics as I know these are likely to be gentle on her skin.

3. Keep Them Cool

Overheating can make eczema flare up. Try to keep your child cool. For example, don’t put them in front of a hot fire. On the other hand, the wind and cold weather can also cause problems. So it’s important that they wear clothes that will protect them from the elements.

Comforting Your Child’s Eczema When Doing The Laundry

1. Detergent

Use a laundry detergent that won’t irritate your child’s skin. We use a non-biological detergent that is gentle on delicate skin. And once you’ve found a laundry detergent that works for your family then stick with it. Different detergents could irritate any eczema.

2. Wash Soft Toys, Blankets and Bedding Regularly

Keep soft toys, blankets and bedding clean and germ-free by washing them regularly. Also, try to use bedding made from organic cotton and choose soft toys that won’t irritate the skin.

Hopefully, these tips will help comfort your child’s eczema. And it should be a double comfort that they come from a mother who uses them to look after her daughter’s eczema.

Does anyone in your family suffer from eczema? Do you have any hints or tips on how to comfort a child’s eczema?

Hugs

Lucy

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Disclosure:

This is a sponsored post written in collaboration with Oilatum. We were sent a selection of comforting items for the purpose of this post and have been compensated for our time. However, as always all thoughts, images and words are 100% my own and 100% honest.