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/