By Andrea Faulkner Williams
We get a TON of questions about treating eczema-prone skin! Because our family has personally dealt with eczema with a couple of our kids, I wanted to share what we have found that seems to help with eczema-prone skin.
Our little guy Walker has had the roughest skin since he was born. At first I thought it was allergies, and I stopped eating dairy and started taking out foods I thought he was allergic to. Often times children with allergies also have eczema, but this was not the case for us. Our pediatrician diagnosed his condition as eczema, something I had heard of, but knew little about. Eczema affects about 10% to 20% of infants and about 3% of adults and children in the U.S. On infants it most commonly appears on the back of their knees, necks, and basically anywhere those yummy baby rolls are found. The concern with eczema is that it irritates your child's skin, making them itch, and that the rashes will be open to infections.
The severity of your child's eczema will depend on the type of treatment you will need to take. Consult with your pediatrician before taking any steps to prevent or treat eczema. For our family, we have found that there are a lot of things we can do to help our little man's sensitive skin. Here are some tips from a mom who started her own bath and skin care company because I couldn't find products that worked on my son's skin. When your child is hurting and nothing's working, you'll do anything to find a solution!
10 TIPS FOR TREATING ECZEMA-PRONE SKIN
1. Moisturize frequently
We make sure that after bath time we quickly dry off and always follow up with a natural lotion like our Everyday Lotion when the skin is still moist. We then immediately put pajamas on to trap the moisture in overnight.
2. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
This can be especially prevented when it comes to bath water temperature. Test the temperature of your bath water before placing baby in to make sure it is not too warm. (Note: A good temperature for a baby's bath is 90 degrees F or lower.)
3. Avoid sweating or overheating
During the summer months, we make sure to have a fan close to his bed and find shade whenever possible. In the wintertime, make sure your child isn't getting too hot under their sweater + coat.
4. Avoid scratchy materials, such as wool
Best not to irritate or rub the skin any more than necessary! I prefer soft cotton undershirts, pajamas, and basics like Hannah Anderson.
5. Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
And that is where Tubby Todd comes in! When we started Tubby Todd Bath Co. in 2014, we had tried EVERY product that claimed to help eczema and every natural and organic product on the market. We found that for our little guy's sensitive skin, the more natural the better. We are careful to keep him away from any product that contains parabens, sulfates or artificial fragrances. But just weren't finding anything that was getting rid of his sensitive skin issues. But once we started using our Hair + Body Wash, Dream Cream, and All Over Ointment every day, we saw a dramatic difference in our son's skin. Previously stubborn rough, dry patches faded and smoothed. He was no longer itchy and uncomfortable. It was incredible.
6. Use natural products
Just like technology gets outdated, so does skin care and washes. Washes, lotions, and ointments have come a long way in the last five years. Natural products are safer, cleaner, and more gentle on sensitive skin, eczema, and other skin issues. They're the best way to keep skin soft and clear.
7. Salt water
We live just 15 minutes from the beach and I have found that salt water is really helpful for his eczema. Perfect excuse for a beach vacation? :)
8. Fewer Baths
This one is so hard for me. 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. If you decide to try bathing every other day, try our Baby Deo to keep your little one smelling fresh between baths!
9. Use a thick ointment to coat rash
After trying countless creams and ointments, I made my own. I recommend a layer of Dream Cream, and then a layer of All Over Ointment at every diaper change.
10. 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. Layer Everyday Lotion or Dream Cream with All Over Ointment as often as you remember. During the times when his rashes are under control, use Lavender & Rosemary Everday Lotion as a whole-body moisturizer every night. Always lotion your child after bath time to seal in moisture. We want parents to feel confident using our products. To know they're putting the safest, gentlest ingredients on their precious babies.
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Dry eczema-prone skin 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, and yours. Whether it is about our products or others, I love hearing feedback on what works on dry, itchy skin from other parents because I sincerely hope we can join together in helping our little ones.
Hopefully, a few of these tips will help your babes who are suffering from sensitive skin issues too. Babies are meant to be soft and smooth, and here at Tubby Todd it is our job to help your baby stay that way.
xx,
Andrea
NOTE: Every child is different and will require a different course of action. Discuss all treatment plans with your pediatrician.
Photo by Jylare Smith
