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A few months ago I shared a few tips for helping children with eczema. If you haven't read it, I would go back and read that first article here. I am not a medical professional, but because our son has had pretty severe eczema since he was born, I spend a lot of time trying new products, testing ingredients on him and recording what works and what doesn't. We will have months were his skin is completely smooth, with no irritated patches. We will also have months when things flare up and I have to work really hard to get his skin under control again. Here are a few things I have noticed that cause him to flare up:

• Products with harsh chemicals. I've seen a reaction in his skin when I put him in the tub after using a cleanser that is not 100% natural. I've also seen reactions when he gets his hands on shampoo, lotion or any other skincare product that contains artificial fragrances and ingredients. 
• Extreme changes in temperature. I have been surprised just how sensitive Walker is to hot baths and showers, and so we have been exceptionally careful to keep water luke warm.
• Missing a day of moisturizing. Eczema really is nothing more than dry, itchy skin. If I neglect to moisturize his skin when it is healthy and smooth he will eventually break out again. 
• Any unseen variables. Swimming pools with chlorine, rough surfaces at the playground, traveling in different sleeping situations are all things that have caused his rashes to flare. I think that is what makes it so frustrating, is that sometimes he will have a reaction and we can't pinpoint why. 

If a breakout does occur here are a few specific things I do to help take care of it that weren't mentioned in my previous article. NOTE: Every child is different and will require a different course of action! Discuss all treatment plans with your pediatrician.

• Use natural products.  For us, using gentle, natural products is the best way to keep skin soft and clear.
• Salt water. We live just 15 minutes from the beach and I have found that salt water is really helpful for his eczema, I know this isn't a realistic option for every family ;)
• Bathe them less. This one is so hard for me. SO hard. My kids like to play hard, get dirty, and I don't believe babies should smell bad. But, I will say that this has been one of the things that helps Walker most. When his eczema is really bad I only bathe him every other day. NOTE: I have found that bathing him but just not using soap does not help. Many natural products have moisturizing agents so it is important to remember that putting kids in water and not using a good product on them is only worsening the condition and not really leaving them clean. 
• Use a thick ointment to coat rash. Using a thick ointment  like our All Over Ointment will help seal in all the good hydration you've worked so hard to add to your little one's skin.
• Be consistent. My new policy is to treat his rashy areas at every diaper change. This helps me remember a few times a day and healing happens much more quickly. During the times when his rashes are under control, I use our Everyday Lotion every night and always after bath time. 

Do you have anything to add that has helped your kids? I would love to hear! Eczema is so frustrating and I would never wish it on any family. What triggered my interest in starting Tubby Todd Bath Co. is helping provide the best skincare solutions for our family. Whether it is about our products or others, I love hearing feedback on what works from other parents because I sincerely hope we can join together in helping our little ones. 

Leave your comments below! 

xx,

Andrea

*The testimonies shared here are the personal experiences and opinions of the writer. Products are not intended to treat or cure a medical condition. They heal, treat, eliminate, and prevent dry skin and conditions resulting from extremely dry skin. Suitable for eczema-prone skin.