5 ways to Ease Your Child's Eczema

5 Ways to Ease Your Child's  Eczema

When Max started scratching the back of his leg behind his knee, I never thought the dermatologist would say it was eczema. It didn't appear to have eczema like characteristics. The doctor prescribed alclometasone (0.05%) and directed me to apply it twice daily. His legs cleared up really fast- I would say within a few days.

While at the doctor, I asked many questions on how to prevent it from returning once the ointment did it's job. He also asked many questions pertaining to our bathing rituals and routines. He said it was fine to bathe him daily like I do, but to refrain from bubble baths.He also suggested washing him last to avoid sitting in soapy water for long. I continued washing him with Dove soap once the doctor agreed it was gentle enough.

I exchanged my amazing smelling Tide for Free and Clear laundry detergent and fabric softener. Although the doctor said scented fabric softener was okay, I still noticed some irritation on the back of his legs. Not using too much detergent was also a concern. To check if you're using too much detergent or fabric softener, throw a freshly washed towel in the washing machine and run it, sans soap. If you see any suds, you're using too much! Before testing myself, I was already a self-proclaimed over-soaper...so I cut back for Max's sake!

The dermatologist recommended I buy Cerave cream. I rub it all over Max fresh out of the bath when his skin is still damp. I truly believe It has helped his skin stay moisturized and aided in keeping away the eczema.

Whenever I notice him scratching a little, I add an Aveeno colloidal oatmeal bath treatment to his bath. I swore by this product since becoming a mom. Whenever my kids were sick with stomach bugs, oatmeal baths helped clear the diaper rash caused by the runs. When Chloe was having allergic reactions to bug bites one (long) summer, I added Aveeno to her bath to help soothe the pain and itching. This is a staple in my bathroom closet.

I am diligent in my "eczema process" with Max because I never want him to be in any type of discomfort if I can avoid it. He was so uncomfortable when he first got it and I felt awful and helpless. It was even keeping him up at night. Since our doctor visit, we haven't had any outbreaks! I am one happy mama and he is one happy lil man!

So...

Do- Free & Clear detergent and fabric softener
       Dove for washing
       Cerave cream and apply it to clean, damp skin fresh out of the bath
       Aveeno colloidal oatmeal bath to help ease itching & discomfort

Don't- Use bubble bath or have your child sit in sudsy water

I hope my suggestions help!