Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that most commonly causes redness and itchiness. It may also produce small weeping or crusty bumps and thickened, sensitive, cracked, raw or scaly skin. Medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines and immunomodulators are often helpful in the treatment of eczema, notes MayoClinic.com. However, there are a number of natural remedies to help minimize flareups and soothe symptoms of eczema in children.
Natural Clothing
Children with eczema should wear clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics that absorb moisture to minimize skin irritation. Cotton is a good choice, while wool and synthetic materials should be avoided, says the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Trigger Avoidance
Every child with eczema has individual triggers for the condition. Sweat, stress, heat, abrupt changes in temperature, dyes and perfumes in cosmetic and cleansing products, wool and harsh soaps are all common irritants. Children likely have food-related triggers as well, which may include milk, eggs or orange juice, notes Hillard H. Pearlstein, M.D., a dermatology professor at New York City's Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Scratching itchy skin is another major irritant, and should be avoided. Dressing itchy areas in a bandage can stop a child's compulsive scratching.
Sunlight
A practice known as phototherapy, or exposure to sunlight or other source of ultraviolet radiation, may help soothe the inflammation associated with eczema, according to NetDoctor. However, phototherapy increases the risks of accelerated skin aging and developing skin cancer.
Bathing
Children with eczema should soak in a lukewarm bath every day or two for about 15 minutes. Natural bath additives such as uncooked or colloidal oatmeal or baking soda will help with dry, irritated skin, says MayoClinic.com. Skin should be gently patted dry, not rubbed.
Moisturizing/Soothing
Natural moisturizing and soothing agents can be applied to the skin daily and as needed. Petroleum jelly, aloe vera, calamine lotion and urea-based products are effective options. A cold, wet compress is beneficial as well, according to MayoClinic.com. For oozing or weeping eczema, John F. Romano, M.D., a dermatologist at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center of New York, recommends using cold milk rather than water to make a compress.
Humidifiers
Dry air is a significant eczema trigger, especially when created by home heating systems, according to Toronto General Hospital dermatologist Howard Donsky, M.D. Use heating systems as sparingly as possible. Running humidifiers around the house will help. Use them in the bedroom overnight, near a child's bed, with the doors and windows closed if possible.
Supplements
Evening primrose oil may help remedy eczema, according to NetDoctor. Chamomile, borage seed oil and witch hazel extract are other natural supplements that may help in some cases, adds MayoClinic.com. However, as with use of any supplement to treat a condition, evidence for these remedies is lacking and sometimes contradictory. In addition, always check with your child's doctor before beginning use of any supplement, and make sure to disclose all medications and supplements the child takes, as interactions are possible.
