CHILDREN'S ECZEMA CREAMS
Eczema - it's a tricky path to naviate. So many lotions and potions and tips and suggestions.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is a non-contagious, common, inflammatory skin condition which causes, dry, itchy, sore skin. It is where the immune system over-reacts to a trigger and creates inflammation in an attempt to defend itself. It can affect people of all ages but is most common in young children, with 1 in 5 children suffering from it. There are several different types of eczema. The most common one is Atopic Eczema (also known as Atopic Dermatitis.)
WHAT ARE ECZEMA TRIGGERS?
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is a non-contagious, common, inflammatory skin condition which causes, dry, itchy, sore skin. It is where the immune system over-reacts to a trigger and creates inflammation in an attempt to defend itself. It can affect people of all ages but is most common in young children, with 1 in 5 children suffering from it. There are several different types of eczema. The most common one is Atopic Eczema (also known as Atopic Dermatitis.)
WHAT ARE ECZEMA TRIGGERS?
- You can be genetically predisposed to Eczema and you can be more susceptible if you or your family members suffer from hayfever or asthma.
- Dry skin - if skin is dry, this can impair the natural skin barrier function and allow irritants and allergens to penetrate more easily, leading to inflammation.
- Allergens and irritants such as detergents, perfumes, soaps, pets, pollen and dust mites.
- Food allergies / intolerances can also trigger an eczema reponse.
- Certain fabrics, climates, heat, stress and illness can also be triggers.
HOW DO YOU TREAT ECZEMA?
Always seek medical advice when dealing with eczema. Depending on the severity of the flare, topical steroids (corticosteroids) may be prescribed.
STEROIDS
Steroids are topical creams / ointments designed to calm down the body's immune response which in turn reduces the inflammation and itching and they work pretty quickly. They do however have side effects such as thinning of the skin and are not good for long term use. The steroids need to be used alongside a proper moisturizing routine in order to soothe and protect the skin.
There will probably be a lot of natural reluctance as a parent to put quite potent medication on your child's skin, but sometimes it can be necessary in order to ease symptoms / move forward / put the fire out as it were.
Always seek medical advice when dealing with eczema. Depending on the severity of the flare, topical steroids (corticosteroids) may be prescribed.
STEROIDS
Steroids are topical creams / ointments designed to calm down the body's immune response which in turn reduces the inflammation and itching and they work pretty quickly. They do however have side effects such as thinning of the skin and are not good for long term use. The steroids need to be used alongside a proper moisturizing routine in order to soothe and protect the skin.
There will probably be a lot of natural reluctance as a parent to put quite potent medication on your child's skin, but sometimes it can be necessary in order to ease symptoms / move forward / put the fire out as it were.
If the flare is not too severe, eczema can be managed with a comprehensive moisturising routine / natural products to protect and soothe the skin barrier and stop the itch.
This involves:
1. Gentle / Moisturising cleansing (gentle soaps / bath additives)
2. Intensive Moisturising
3. Continued skin protection (Continued moisturing, low allergens cleansing / sunscreen / washing powder etc.)
SO WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MOISTURISERS?
So the words moisturisers and emollients are used a lot, what is actually the difference?
This involves:
1. Gentle / Moisturising cleansing (gentle soaps / bath additives)
2. Intensive Moisturising
3. Continued skin protection (Continued moisturing, low allergens cleansing / sunscreen / washing powder etc.)
SO WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MOISTURISERS?
So the words moisturisers and emollients are used a lot, what is actually the difference?