Atopic Dematitis is one form of eczema that children suffer from and results in a dry, itchy and flaky skin with patches and small bumps. It also causes inflammation that temps one to scratch and this may lead to infections.

Eczema occurs in about 14-21% of children. It is most likely to affect children with allergic tendencies and those whose family line has had the problem. It is also common in children with hay fever and asthma. Check your family tree to see if there are problems with respiratory allergies or skin reactions. Call some cousins you haven’t spoken with recently to see if it they have had problems in this area.

In toddlers, the eczema rash bumps mainly affects the skin in the creases around the knees, elbows and ankles. In some, it affects the entire body as well as face. For many childre, the skin will clear by the age seven, but some people struggle with eczema as adults too. However, it is important that you minimize the suffering and irritation on the on the child. There are different ways of managing eczema to decrease itching and prevent the rash from getting infected with bacteria.

One of the most effective methods of managing eczema is keeping the skin soft and moist. Practice daily bathing using an oatmeal bath and soap substitute that is dermatologist approved to avoid dryness. An antiseptic can be used to prevent bacterial infection.

Always use warm water instead of hot for bathing the child. Hot water has an itching effect. After bathing dry the skin by patting instead of rubbing to avoid skin irritation. Because your child may be sensitive to many substances, avoid fragrant bath oils and products that may have harsh ingredients. Don’t use the popular scrubbies on the body such as loofahs or even a terry cloth rubbing the skin hard. Gently bathe your child.

Use moisturizers to keep your toddler skin soft and moist. Apply moisturizers twice a day especially after bathing when the skin is still damp. Always keep the moisturizer in a cool place. Some contain oils that should not be exposed to the sun. Kids love putting on moisturizer and feel nurtured when others apply it to their skin. It should feel soothing. Keep the baths short too as the longer one bathes, the drier the skin will get.

If you are using steroid creams, wait at least 20 minutes before applying the moisturizer. Steroid creams can help to calm flare ups and inflammation in the skin . It is advisable to check with your doctor about using a steroid lotion on your toddler to see if it’s indicated. It thins the skin and kids’ skin is thinner than adults so often a break is recommended after a few weeks.

Finally, eczema can be controlled using simple measures like; keeping the child’s nail short and clean, controlling scratching, encouraging rubbing instead of scratching, using cotton mittens at night, applying cold moisturizer before bedtime, avoiding excessive exposure to sun and avoiding scented and perfumed skin products. Kids like to play in dirt and when the come in be sure to have them watch the hands or use some antibacterial spray or pump bottle to clean them off. Rashes are open and bacteria can get in.

Keep your eye on foods and environmental agents that may cause the toddler eczema. This will help identify what the triggers are in case of allergies. There are many tasty substitutes at the health food store for dairy products , wheat and soy which may be allergens. Peanut butter also is a difficult food for some kids to tolerate. This book looks at the role of foods in clearing up skin eczema Beat Eczema Book and looks into the root causes.

Page Created: June 2010

These articles are sourced from various avenues, all contents within Pure and Gentle Skincare website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any health care professional. Pure and Gentle Skincare is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of Pure and Gentle Skincare website or advisors. Always consult your own GP is you're in any way concerned about your health as he or she will be able to advise in greater details.