Ditch the itch: Tips for keeping eczema under control

Most kids get a rash at some time or another, and eczema is a very common skin rash. Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis. It may look red, dry, bumpy and swollen. It may come and go, but it often keeps coming back, and it’s very itchy. In fact, the itching often is so bad that it might keep your child awake at night.

We don’t know exactly what causes eczema, but many things can trigger it, including:

• Heat and sweat.
• Cold weather.
• Pet fur and dander.
• Grass.
• Wool and synthetic fabrics like nylon.
• Fabric dyes.
• Tobacco smoke.

There is no cure for eczema, but you can keep it under control. Below are a few tips:
 

• Moisturizers: Use moisturizers twice a day even if there is no rash. Put it on as quickly as possible after bathing, while the skin is still damp. Ointments such as petroleum jelly are good choices during the winter. Creams (usually white and thick) also are effective. Don’t use lotions because they tend to be thinner, and many contain alcohol, which can irritate the skin. Don’t use products with added ingredients, like vitamin E, witch hazel, menthol or acids.
• Stay away from fragrances:  Whether it’s moisturizer or laundry soap, fragrances can cause itching. Read the label. Even products advertised as “hypoallergenic,” “unscented,” “for sensitive skin” or “dermatologist-recommended” can contain fragrance.
• Bathing: Bathe your child daily in warm (not hot) water, but don’t let him or her sit in the water for more than 10 or 15 minutes. Use soap only in areas that get dirty, like the groin, under the neck and armpits. Pat your child’s skin gently with a towel.
• Laundry: Use laundry soaps that are fragrance- and dye-free. Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
• Clothing: Dress your child in clothing made of soft, natural fibers like cotton. Don’t dress your child in wool, nylon and fabrics that feel hard when you touch them.
• Scratching may lead to an infection, so keep your child’s fingernails cut short.

Sensitive skin can continue into adulthood, but eczema usually improves as a child gets older.

To make an appointment at the New Berlin clinic, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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