Did you know that about 1 in 10 kids will develop eczema?
I have vivid memories of my eldest sister struggling to bring relief to her daughter who was plagued by eczema. When my niece was an infant, there didn’t seem to be a lot of options so my sister used Vaseline. This is in addition to having to cut out all the snaps out of her jammies due to a nickel allergy. What a mess!
Now that my niece is in college, eczema isn’t a problem. It’s good to know that most children with the ailment do outgrow it. But for those parents in the trenches, what relief is there now?
5 Tips for Treating Eczema
- Find the Right Cleanser & Moisturizer: I needed to borrow a baby with eczema to be able to try out the Exederm products I received. It only took one phone call to find her. My friend, Cherie, has a baby with eczema and was happy to give Exederm a try. Here’s what she said:
I was actually very relieved to learn that there were other soothing (and safe) options for Lyla that weren’t greasy. Exederm was a great solution to relieve Lyla’s irritated back. I started her nighttime bath routine with the Cleansing Baby Bath, then would finish the night by applying the Intensive Baby Moisturizer to her back immediately after her bath, which is when her back would flair up the most. I loved that even the moisturizer didn’t leave a greasy residue on her. It dried quickly and I was able to slip her into her pj’s without feeling like she was sticking to everything.
- Switch Up the Wardrobe: Overheating and sweating definitely doesn’t help the problem. Avoid tight-fitting clothing that rubs on the child’s skin, and instead pick loose, cotton clothing that allows the skin to breathe. Although going without clothing may sound like an even better alternative, scratching is also problematic so you’ll want some way to prevent little fingers from making the problem worse.
- Bathe Your Child Less Often: There were some pretty strong feelings expressed online when blogger mama Claire Goss revealed she only bathes her baby once a week. Whatever the perfect number of baths per week is may vary from baby to baby. For those struggling with dry skin and issues like eczema, less frequent baths might be beneficial.
- Monitor for Other Allergies & Irritants: Allergies and eczema go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Be mindful of foods that trigger skin irritations and keep track to see if you can find a pattern emerging. To reduce irritants, use more natural and gentle products like laundry detergent.
- Talk to Your Pediatrician: Every baby is different, and solutions for eczema vary. For some, topical steroids can bring relief. My daughter has been prescribed steroids for other medical issues a couple of times, and, I’ll be honest, the idea of using them was unsettling. However, it was what we needed to get her well. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s the right treatment for your child.
With Baby #3 on the way, I feel a little more prepared that knowing there are products like Exederm and other solutions for this skin challenge. Too often the side effects are as bad as the ailment. What a blessing to parents (whether we be newbies or old-hands) to be able to offer our children safe relief from eczema!
Does your child suffer from eczema? How do you treat it?
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Looks like a great treatment and I wish this was around when my son was a baby.
Melanie says
I think it’s a sign that you should have another baby! 🙂
Stefanie says
No one in my family has excema, but I can see how this would be helpful.
Melanie says
I’m so glad! It can be such a pain. There are some great products available, even for those who don’t have eczema.
karen medlin says
We keep her skin moisturized, when she has a flareup. Also we keep her fingernails cut short so she won’t get in infections when she scratches.
Melanie says
The scratching just seems to make everything worse. Thanks for sharing!
Jenn says
I had no idea it was so common. Thankfully no one in our household suffers.
Melanie says
I didn’t realize either, until I started doing some research. I think the severity ranges a lot, but it’s not comfy for any baby.
Kathleen says
I have never tried this particular cream, but we have always had to follow these tips with my youngest.
Melanie says
The Exederm was a great choice for baby Lyla. 🙂
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
I think my daughter is getting a little on her chin. Thanks for the tips
Melanie says
Oh no! Hope she feels better!
Angela says
Eczema seems to have become more common in recent years. My sister struggles with it every Winter, when it flares up really bad on her hands.
Melanie says
I wonder why that is, Angela. Perhaps it has to do with the rise in allergies??? I hope your sister finds relief this winter.
Leilani says
My cousins have eczema and so did an old friend of mine.
Lolo says
I had eczema pretty bad when I was a kid, I needed something like this.
Mickey says
I tried Exederm when my kids were younger and thought is was awesome. My daughter still gets eczema flare-ups so I love knowing which products will help.
Melanie says
I’m glad it worked for you! It’s been a great product…and a relief knowing there are ways to make babies feel better.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I don’t know anyone who has eczema but thanks for the information!
Jenn says
My best friend’s daughter has really bad eczema, thanks for sharing these tips! I’m going to tell her about your article! 🙂
Melanie says
Thanks so much for sharing, Jenn! Hope your friend can make her daughter feel better fast.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
My daughter only has 3 small patches on her, but it’s bothersome.
Theresa says
Thanks for the tips!
Shell Feis says
I never outgrew my eczema & my son has it crazy bad too so we’re always looking for new solutions!
Mellisa says
My son suffers from Ezema and has since he was a newborn. It’s not too bad but it can be bothersome.
HilLesha says
I’ll have to tell my sister-in-law about this. Her son has eczema really bad. 🙁
Colleen says
I have very dry skin and have never really been told the best way to take care of it. 1 out of 10 kids sounds like a lot.
Melanie says
It does! I’d take into consideration the severity. Some are plagued pretty badly by it, while others just have patches occasionally.
April Decheine says
Looks like a great treatment for babies. My kids did not have Eczema but my husband has it and hates it.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
My nephew had eczema so badly that he got an egg sized infection on the inside of his leg from it and the doctors tried calling DCFS on my sister. 🙁
Melanie says
Eek! I’m surprised to hear that. I’m sure it added even more stress for your sister. I hope she was able to get it all resolved easily.
Donna says
I have a good friend whose daughter suffers from eczema, it’s so aggravating. I suffer from contact dermatitis, and know what a pain that is when I have an allergic reaction. Great tips!
Melanie says
It’s so hard to see your kids uncomfortable. I hope your friend (and you) are able to get relief.
Marcie W. says
All three of my children have, or had, eczema and it can be a big pain. Thankfully they seem to have outgrown it, which I attribute to eating more organic foods. Oddly enough MY eczema is making an appearance as the dry winter climate arrives.
Julie says
These are some great tips! My son has pretty bad eczema, especially in the dry Colorado winters, and it breaks my heart when he wakes up saying “belly ouch” and scratching himself.
Melanie says
That’s heart breaking! The Exederm worked really well for baby Lyla. I hope it, plus the other tips, can help your son. 🙁
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I’m lucky that my kids haven’t had this issue, but I know relief and comfort are so important for those who do. I’m glad this is something that can help. 🙂
Kelsey Apley says
Pretty much every one of my nieces and nephews suffer from Eczema! I will share this with them so they can try out these products!!
Tammy says
My daughter never did, but I have dyshidrotic eczema. I get these little bumps full of fluid and then they dry up and cause scaly itchy skin. I hate it!
Melanie says
Oh no! I’m sure you are relieved your daughter has been spared, but it doesn’t sound like your condition is easy to deal with at all. Have you found anything that remedies it for you?
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
I’ll pass these along to my brother, he has eczema, thanks!
Lisa - Between the Kids says
Thanks for posting this. I found that bathing my 6 year old less often helps. I’m definitely going to keep this on my list. Thank you!