If you have a child that is frequently suffering from the itchy rash of eczema, you will be happy to know there are natural ways you can control these flare ups in your own home. After first getting a proper diagnosis from your pediatrician, it is important that you consult a dermatologist about your child’s eczema, or atopic dermatitis. Although there is no cure for eczema, a dermatologist specializes in skin conditions and can often offer a more accurate and advanced treatment plan to relieve your child’s skin condition. Beyond a prescribed cream or body wash, there are important environmental factors that parents should be aware of in controlling eczema.
Your child may suffer “flare-ups” of the itchy rash in response to certain foods or environmental conditions. Parents need to carefully examine their household products such as soap and detergent that could be causing the flare-ups. Organic soaps are often better since they do not carry the strong chemicals that commercials soaps do. Your child’s eczema could be triggered (not caused) by a specific food allergy such as cow’s milk, hen’s egg, wheat and peanuts. Eczema outbreaks due to a food allergy are often seen in children under the age of 3.
Other triggers that may surprise you are temperature, stress and sickness. Your child may experience an eczema flare-up from being too hot or too cold or simply in situations that cause your child stress. Upper respiratory infections and colds are common culprits for triggering eczema as well.
A certified dermatologist can help parents get to the bottom of the specific conditions that are triggering your child’s eczema at home. If your child’s eczema is severe, it is critical you know all the ways you can help relieve this frustrating skin condition and improve your child’s quality of life.
