Natural Cures For Eczema In Children

Eczema is a condition of skin irritation and inflammation that affects infants, children and adults. People present with different symptoms that include dry, red, itchy skin. Rashes can affect the scalp, forehead and cheeks, and may spread to the arms, legs and trunk. In severe cases lesions can develop. Atopic dermatitis, the most common cause of eczema according to Kid's Health, has a genetic basis. It occurs because a person is intolerant or highly sensitive to specific foods or environmental allergens such as dust, pollens, mold and animal dander. Contact dermatitis is triggered when chemical or substances come into contact with the skin. Other potential causes of eczema include nutritional deficiencies of B vitamins, metabolic disorders or digestive disorders.

Hydration

Use moisturizers to keep the skin well hydrated. Natural moisturizers are widely available and should be applied repeatedly throughout the day. While you should avoid over-bathing, some children benefit from 15- to 20-minute baths, which help to moisturize the skin. Apply lotions immediately after the bath while the skin is still damp to seal moisture in.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 creams may help improve eczema symptoms according to research described at Healthy Fellow. For example, a 2009 study of 21 patients between the age of 6 months and 18 years published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found significant improvements in B-12 treatment compared to a placebo cream treatment. A 2004 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found a 55% improvement in eczema symptoms following eight weeks of treatment with vitamin B-12 cream.

Avoid Exposure to Chemicals

Do not allow your child to use harsh soaps or shampoos, and avoid contact with household chemicals. Other potential triggers of eczema may include laundry detergent, air fresheners, deodorants, and skin care products, according to Health-Report.

Dairy-Free Diet

Milk and dairy products are common triggers of childhood eczema, according to Healthy Skin Guide. However, milk provides important nutrition and should not be eliminated from your child's diet unless the eczema symptoms cause disruption to your child's life quality or dairy allergies are clearly demonstrated. Speak with your child's pediatrician about how to identify a dairy allergy. Most children with mild eczema outgrow it by the time they reach adolescence, according to Science Daily.

Gluten-Free Diet

The protein in wheat, called gluten, is also a common trigger of eczema symptoms, according to Phylis Balch, nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Gluten sensitivity can trigger eczema but is less severe than celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the lining of the intestine. Have your child tested for gluten allergies to determine if wheat products contribute to her eczema. If your child tests positive for gluten allergies, then eczema symptoms may improve by eliminating all foods that contain wheat, rye or barley. This means your child would be unable to eat pasta, cereal, most grains, and many processed foods. Specialty and health food stores offer gluten-free breads, pastas, and bakery products.

Elimination and Challenge Diet

In addition to dairy and foods with gluten, certain other foods and food additives may trigger or exacerbate eczema symptoms. Processed foods, foods with food dye, aspartame, and foods that contain petroleum preservatives, aspartame or salicylates--such as lunch meats--may contribute to eczema. Use an elimination diet as described at Ask Dr. Sears to determine if sensitivities to foods or additives may worsen your child's eczema. Eliminate potential irritants from your child's diet for six weeks. Monitor if eczema symptoms improve. One at a time, reintroduce foods back into the diet. If symptoms reoccur, eliminate that food from your child's diet.