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.

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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/