Treatment: Eczema wound healing

Babies and children suffering from eczema will often scratch the affected areas and cause open wounds. More bacteria will enter the wounds and significantly increases the risk of infection, so it’s essential that you start treating the wounds as soon as possible. So, what are the quickest, safest and most effective methods of treating eczema wounds?

Here, at Scratch Sleeves, we reveal our top tips for safely treating eczema wounds for babies and toddlers:

Bathe your little one in a tub of warm water with a teaspoon of chlorine bleach. This will help to disinfect any wounds. But be very careful and avoid contact with eyes and mouth.

To soothe scratchy eczema wounds administer evening primrose oil supplements. A recent study in alternative medicine has demonstrated that the supplement, containing gamma linoleic acid, could reduce skin inflammation without the side effects of prescription treatments.

Coconut oil is increasingly popular for both eczema wounds and nappy rash in babies. It contains antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that prevent infection and heal the raw skin caused by eczema. Virgin coconut oil is your best bet and it can be purchased from Amazon. The recommended amount for children is 1-2 teaspoons daily to help reduce the severity of eczema symptoms. If you’re breastfeeding you can even take coconut oil yourself so the quality of the breast milk will improve! The type of oil used on babies and children should be virgin, organic, unrefined and cold-pressed.

Other supplements such as zinc and vitamin A can heal skin. This can be found in fish oils, milk, egg yolks and carrots. The latter two can be pureed for younger children. Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A by the body and can be found in food such as broccoli, leafy vegetables, grapefruit, apricots, grapes, carrots, red pepper and mangos.

Ensure your child is peaceful and at ease. If stress and anxiety are the root of your child’s eczema then add nervine and relaxant herbs such as linden flowers, chamomile, oats and skullcap to a warm bath with a few capfuls of skin ointment.

If the eczema is extremely severe and the sleepless nights are more often than not, then head to your GP who will prescribe your baby topical steroid creams and oral antibiotics. Sometimes doctors will administer antiviral drugs via injection or as an ointment. For your baby’s scalp you can get over-the-counter anti-yeast shampoo. Please consult your doctor before buying any medicated products.

Click here for more articles on treating baby eczema http://www.scratchsleeves.co.uk/parenting-plus-eczema/category/daily-life-living-with-eczema/

Antibiotics could increase eczema risk

The use of antibiotics could increase the risk of developing eczema by up to 40%, claims a recent study in the British Journal of Dermatology.

A research team,  from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Nottingham, King’s College London, and the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, conducted an investigation on the link between prenatal/first year of life antibiotic exposure and development of eczema. The team also determined whether the number of antibiotic courses affects the chance of contracting the disease.

Data from 20 separate studies on children and young adults aged up to 25 was analysed. The findings revealed that infants are more likely to develop eczema if they were administered antibiotics within the first year of life.

Dr Teresa Tsakok, one of the study authors, explained, “One potential explanation is that broad-spectrum antibiotics alter the gut microflora and that this in turn affects the maturing immune system in a way that promotes allergic disease development."

Dr Carsten Flohr, the head of the study, commented, “"A better understanding of the complex relationship between antibiotic use and allergic disease is a priority for clinicians and health policymakers alike. Determination of a true link between antibiotic use and eczema would have far-reaching clinical and public health implications."

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists stated: “Eczema is our most common skin disease, affecting one in every five children in the UK at some stage and causing a significant burden to the patient and the health service. Allergic diseases including eczema have increased over past decades, particularly for children in high income countries, but the causes for this are not fully understood. The evidence is not conclusive and the researchers are not suggesting that parents should withhold antibiotics from children when doctors feel such treatment is necessary, but studies like this give an insight into possible avoidable causes and may help to guide medical practice.”

For natural eczema treatments please visit our blog http://www.scratchsleeves.co.uk/parenting-plus-eczema/top-tips-eczema-parents/natural-remedies-for-baby-eczema/

Tips for handling hay fever in kids

When the weather turns warmer and the sun makes a guest appearance, hay fever springs up on us pretty much immediately and doesn't particularly leave us with a “spring” in our step. With 15-20% of kids suffering from hay fever, the condition has tripled in children in the last few decades. Little ones start rubbing their red eyes and sneezing away like no one's business. But there are a few tips you can follow to handle hay fever in kids. Scratch Sleeves gives you the facts, symptoms, preventions and cures for the dreaded hay fever epidemic.

 

Hay Fever Facts

• Hay fever is rare in children under 2 years old. It usually appears in children at around age 7.
• Older children and teenagers are the most susceptible to hay fever.
• Sometimes hay fever is mistaken for a dust mite or pet fur allergy as the symptoms are very similar
• Hay fever is an allergy to grass pollen, but it's also possible to be allergic to tree pollen from birch, hazel or elder trees. Tree pollen allergies are triggered towards the end of Spring.
• Hay fever usually occurs any time between March and October

Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay fever symptoms range from very mild to severe, depending on the extent of your child's allergy. It's important not to confuse hay fever with a virus or cold. The difference is that hay fever is continuous, whereas a virus or cold will last for a few days to a week. Hay fever symptoms include:

Mild hay fever symptoms

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Itchy nose and throat
• Blocked or runny nose
  

Moderate hay fever symptoms

• Sweating
• Headaches
• Loss of smell/taste

Severe hay fever symptoms

• Fatigue
• Facial pain due to blocked sinuses
• Mild insomnia
• Asthma attacks

Hay Fever Preventions

Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to prevent hay fever and pollen allergies. You can reduce your child's exposure to pollen and lower the risk of the dreaded hay fever. Just follow these simple steps:

Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollen entering the room

Get your child to wear wraparound sunglasses so pollen avoids their eyes during the day.

Layer a small amount of petroleum  jelly on the inside of your child's nose to stop pollen entering the nostrils.

Keep car windows shut when driving

When your child comes in from outside, wash their hair and clothes to get rid of any excess pollen

Use air filters to eradicate pollen in the house

As long as you keep an eye on your child when you are out and about, then you can follow these easy steps. If you suspect your child has hay fever then take them to the GP straight away and they can prescribe your child some anti histamines. 

This post was sponsored by Scratch Sleeves - http://www.scratchsleeves.co.uk/

Tips to treat baby eczema

Eczema happens to most of us during our lifetime- but it is bothersome for both you and your baby when eczema strikes your little one. But it's not an ailment to worry about- The majority of children who contract eczema will grow out of it. Eczema, also known atopic dermatitis, involves red rashes, scaly skin and dryness. In babies it commonly appears on the cheeks and the scalp, but it can spread to the arms, legs and chest. The rash is itchy and uncomfortable for the baby so we take a look at some of the best ways to treat eczema for baby.

Firstly, switch to fragrant-free washing powder, non-soap cleansers and shampoos and don't use fabric softeners. This will reduce irritating symptoms and will be softer on your baby's skin. Bathe your child daily in lukewarm water using mild soap and ensure you wash your baby towards the end of the bathing time, so he/she wont be sitting in soapy water for long periods of time. Once dried, apply a generous amount off moisturizer or emollient (an ointment that seals in the body's own moisture). This will help the skin keep from drying out and becoming itchy again.

Babies with eczema should be dressed in clothes made from natural materials- with plenty of room for the body to breathe. Don't dress your baby in wool or other itchy materials as this will irritate the skin further. To prevent inevitable scratching, which makes eczema worse, use soft sheets on your baby's bed, keep his/her nails short and put mittens on his/her hands.

Bleach can be used to treat or lessen the effects of eczema. Put two teaspoons of bleach into a full bath and wash your baby. Do  not wash the face with bleach- instead put petroleum jelly on the face to protect it. Over-the-counter remedies should be used for your baby's face. If these methods don't work then it is best to consult a doctor. 

Looking for Baby Eczema ideas?

Try here - Scratch Sleeves

Easing the Discomfort of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a very infectious illness, caused by a strain of the herpes virus. Most children will suffer from chickenpox when they’re young, and it’s usually a mild illness causing flu-like symptoms and a distinctive

rash.

Because it’s a virus, there’s no cure and it usually clears up by itself. However, while it’s rarely dangerous in babies and toddlers, the rash can become intensely itchy and there are several ways you can ease the discomfort and itching for your little one.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Keeping hydrated is essential, so ensure your child gets plenty of fluids. A baby can have extra breast or bottle feeds, and can have water as well.

Encourage your toddler to drink plenty of fluids, including water, fruit juice or smoothies. Sugar-free ice lollies are a clever way of getting extra fluids in and great for soothing a sore mouth, as is soup.

Get the Temperature Down

If your child is in pain or has a high temperature, infant paracetamol can lower his or her temperature and ease aches and pains. Remember never give aspirin to children as it can increase the risk of Reyes Disease.

Stop the Scratching

It’s really important to stop babies and toddlers from scratching those itchy spots as it can cause scarring and infection. This can be difficult task, but here are some tips:

• Keep fingernails short and clean.
•  An oatmeal bath offers immediate relief, and can stop the discomfort for an hour or so until your child falls asleep. Put oats into an old pair of tights or mesh bag and steep in the tub, or grind the oats in a blender and add to the water.
•  Calamine lotion is great for stopping the itching and has a cooling effect.
• Use ScratchSleeves, which feel soft and comfortable on the skin, and prevent your child from scratching those spots.

Nursing a child with chickenpox can be a difficult time, but by following these simple steps you can ease the itching and discomfort and make life a little happier.

Choosing Clothes for Children with Eczema

Clothing is an unavoidable part of everyday life. There’s nothing that comes into closer contact with your child than their clothes, so if they suffer from eczema it’s crucial to choose clothing that won’t irritate their sensitive skin.

Material

Wool – Avoid wool completely. The short, coarse fibres will irritate skin. It also contains lanolin, an oil produced by sheep, which can inflame skin conditions.

Cashmere – Made from goat hair, cashmere can cause serious flare-ups in eczema sufferers. As a relatively heavy material, it traps heat which is a nightmare for your child’s itchy skin.

Synthetic Fabrics – Best avoided if you have a skin condition. They prevent the skin from breathing naturally and worsen the symptoms. 

Cotton – One of the most suitable fabrics for eczema sufferers, especially organic cotton. It’s soft, smooth and breathable, and organic cotton is free from any nasty chemicals that can irritate skin further. 

Silk – Silk is an incredibly soft fabric, and modern silk is free from sericin which can irritate sensitive skin. It’s ideal to support creams and lotions used on itchy, irritable skin.

Laundry

It’s always a good idea to wash new clothes before their first wear if your child is an eczema sufferer. Certain fabric finishes, used to make clothes look great in a shop, contain chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Avoid regular detergents as they contain chemicals that are skin irritants, and opt for natural detergents made for sensitive skin. It’s worth running an extra rinse cycle to make sure the soap has been thoroughly rinsed away.

Sizing

Make sure that clothes and sleepwear are the right fit. They should be close, without being too tight. Buying clothes a size too big to allow for growth is bad for eczema sufferers too – if the item is loose, it will move over the skin and catch any rough areas of eczema, causing discomfort.

 

Fashion should not be a deciding factor when choosing clothing for children with eczema. Instead consider the fabric and sizing, and ensure you look after the clothing carefully.

Buy Scratch Sleeves

Babies and Eczema

Eczema happens to most of us during our lifetime- but it is bothersome for both you and your baby when eczema strikes your little one. But it's not an ailment to worry about- The majority of children who contract eczema will grow out of it. Eczema, also known topic dermatitis, involves red rashes, scaly skin and dryness. In babies it commonly appears on the cheeks and the scalp, but it can spread to the arms, legs and chest. The rash is itchy and uncomfortable for the baby so we take a look at some of the best ways to treat eczema for baby.

Firstly, switch to fragrant-free washing powder, non-soap cleansers and shampoos and don't use fabric softeners. This will reduce irritating symptoms and will be softer on your baby's skin. Bathe your child daily in lukewarm water using mild soap and ensure you wash your baby towards the end of the bathing time, so he/she wont be sitting in soapy water for long periods of time. Once dried, apply a generous amount off moisturiser or emollient (an ointment that seals in the body's own moisture). This will help the skin keep from drying out and becoming itchy again.

Babies with eczema should be dressed in clothes made from natural materials- with plenty of room for the body to breathe. Don't dress your baby in wool or other itchy materials as this will irritate the skin further. To prevent inevitable scratching, which makes eczema worse, use soft sheets on your baby's bed, keep his/her nails short and put mittens on his/her hands.

Bleach can be used to treat or lessen the effects of eczema. Put two teaspoons of bleach into a full bath and wash your baby. Do  not wash the face with bleach- instead put petroleum jelly on the face to protect it. Over-the-counter remedies should be used for your baby's face. If these methods don't work then it is best to consult a doctor.