Is your Eczema causing you to dread the summer months? not being able to go swimming or enjoy the beach because of the itching, burning and stinging, let alone the embarrassment of red, raw skin. Well, fear not with a few simple skincare tips you too can venture back into the water and start enjoying summer again.

 

With summer just around the corner it’s off with the hat and scarves and on with the togs. A favourite past time in Australia during the warm summer months is the beach and swimming. For those people lucky enough to not have eczema nothing is more fun and enjoyable than the sun, sand and surf.

 

Unfortunately for people with eczema summer is a dreaded time of year.

 

Some people find that their eczema actually improves in the warmer months with exposure to sunlight. Others find the sun, sand, surf or chlorine a recipe for disaster.

 

Chlorine is extremely drying and even the healthiest of skin can suffer the effects of dry, irritated skin after a long cool dip in the swimming pool.

 

What about the beach?

 

While salt water solutions (saline) is commonly used to clean wounds and assist with healing it is also very drying and for some especially baby eczema, the sting of the salt water in skin cracks and the abrasiveness of sand can be particularly painful.

 

This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun of sun, sand and surf.

 

With a few simple tips you too can enjoy summer without eczema making it impossible:

 

Ten tips to enjoy summer:

 

1. Are you taking antihistamines or medications that may cause sun sensitivities? Always check with your pharmacist or Doctor before going out into the sun.

2. Always patch test your sunscreen twice before going in the sun. Sometimes a reaction may not occur initially from the first application of sunscreen so when a reaction does occur on the second application then usually the surf or pool water is blamed.

3. The sun is always strongest between the hours of 10am – 2pm so keep out of the sun during these times and ensure you slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.

4. Dress in UV clothing before going in the sun these garments have been specifically designed with SPF protection factors, the higher the number, the stronger the protection. If possible choose light colours over dark e.g.: white instead of black as white doesn’t absorb heat as much as black clothing.

5. Before swimming apply a thick layer of emollient cream all over your body paying special attention to areas affected by eczema. Try to allow 30 minutes between applying emollient and sunscreen.

6. Apply sunscreen, 30+ is a must (Cancer Council Classic Sun Cream is a very rich heavy cream) suitable for eczema prone skin or Sunsense Toddler Milk is recommended by the National Eczema Society these particular products contain Titanium Dioxide which can sit on the skin and act as a barrier. The only downfall is because they have a heavy base it can leave a white residue on the skin.

Ensure you apply your cream in downward, gentle strokes to avoid irritating the skin and triggering the itch that is so common with eczema.

7. After swimming ensure you rinse yourself with plain water and a small amount of gentle bath wash or oil to remove any chlorine or salt water residue then pat your skin dry.

Remember to choose products that do not contain fragrances.

8. Reapply emollient moisturiser to your skin and do this at least 4 times a day or more if your skin needs it.

9. Even if your eczema is currently under control continue to apply emollient cream frequently to keep your skin barrier intact and lower the incidence of an eczema flare up.

10. Always seek medical advice if skin is bleeding or weeping to ensure you don’t develop an infection.

 

How to patch test   For children use a small area on the upper back to shoulder, approx 3cms in size or 1 inch. Little hands can’t reach this area and it will be easy for you to assess for a reaction. Usually a reaction can occur straight after the application of the product but this isn’t always the case. If a reaction doesn’t occur continue applying the product a few times over a 24 hour period in case of a delayed reaction. What to check for Usually the first signs of a reaction are redness, itching, burning, welts or blistering. If these symptoms should occur flush the skin immediately with cold water and discontinue using the product. Baby’s should always be rinsed after a bath so all traces of bath wash are removed from the skin and reducing the chances of irritations occurring

 

By following the above tips you too can enjoy the summer months without the sting.

With one in five children, including babies, suffering from eczema, and dry skin the most common trigger in an outbreak, finding an easy and cost effective therapy you can implement into your baby’s daily skin care will work wonders for you both.

 

There is nothing better than using massage as a complimentary eczema treatment for babies. More and more new mums and dads are experiencing the wonderful pleasures massage can bring, not only in terms of relief, but the total sense of relaxation and look of pure happiness on their baby’s face.

 

Science Says

 

Researcher, Dr Tiffany Field, Ph.D., from the Touch Research Institute in Miami, who has spent the past twenty five years researching massage therapy, conducted a study on young children with eczema who received daily massage from their parents, to see whether their symptoms decreased.

 

For one month, the parents of the first group massaged their child’s prescribed eczema treatment into their skin for 20 minutes each day.

 

The second group applied their child’s prescribed eczema treatment to their skin with no massage.

 

The study found that the children from the first group who received the daily massage were less anxious and that the symptoms of redness, scaling, itching, thickening and skin abrasions had decreased significantly.

 

The parents also reported feeling calmer themselves after giving the massage.

 

The second group had a decrease in the scaling of the skin but there were no other improvements seen.

 

Other research has found that baby massage also strengthens the baby’s immune system, helps the baby sleep longer and deeper, develops coordination, relieves wind, colic, reflux and constipation, promotes weight gain in premature babies and can be therapeutic for mums suffering post natal depression.

 

Massage and your baby

 

While massage in the study was conducted for 20 minutes, this may be overly stimulating, so watch for cues as to when your baby has had enough. Indications may be crying, pushing your hands away, turning away or facial grimacing.

 

It’s also important to only massage skin that is not broken and avoid massaging areas that are weeping, bleeding or have open sores.

 

Only use downward strokes, so from hip to ankle, upper back to lower back and shoulder to wrist as the hair follicles grow in this direction and as baby already has dry, inflamed skin massaging against the hair growth may cause infection and be uncomfortable.

 

Skin Sense

 

When massaging your baby, use either natural, organic cold pressed plant oil such as Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel or Sesame Oil, as these oils are rich in vitamins and minerals and may assist with the healing of skin irritations. Another good option is an emollient moisturising cream that has no fragrance or essential oils, and is suitable for sensitive skin and baby eczema.

 

UK based paediatric research has found that massaging with Sunflower oil has shown significant results in repairing baby’s skin barrier.

 

With so many products on the market you may need to try a few until you find the product most suitable to your needs.

 

So take time out each day for baby massage– it’s precious time for you both and will result in a happier, healthier and more content baby.

Winter is almost here and while the thought of hot soup and nourishing stews is mouth-watering, the dry itchy skin that accompanies the colder weather isn’t so appealing.

 

But what is about winter that brings the itches out?

 

Quite simply, it is the drop in humidity which causes skin to lose moisture. Then the heater comes out, add to that long hot showers and baths followed by rugging up in winter woollies. These all have an effect on skin, making conditions such as acne, cold sores, flaking and eczema worse.

 

And if you’ve ever suffered these conditions, you will know how horrendous it can be and that you’d do literally anything to stop the itch.

 

If this is how we feel, how must a baby’s skin be feeling?  Babies can’t tell us that they are uncomfortable and usually it isn’t until the skin has erupted in eczema that it’s evident there is a problem. What is even worse is that baby’s, who already have very sensitive skin, are more prone to skin problems, particularly in winter.

 

As the main function of the skin is to protect against infection, by implementing a strict skincare routine that keeps your baby’s skin moisturised at all times, you can lower their chances of future skin infections.

So the secret is – moisturise, moisturise, moisturise, and avoid triggers that can aggravate their sensitive skin, starting with bath time.

 

Bath time bliss

Babies do not need daily bathing in winter as this can further dry their skin by removing the natural oils needed for protection and preventing an eczema outbreak.

Follow the bath time routine below, to ensure your baby’s skin stays smooth, supple and itch-free.

1. Use lukewarm water and keep bath time to a maximum of five minutes.
2. Use bath products that are soap free, fragrance free and low foaming. Either use a bath wash or bath oil that is suitable for sensitive skin. With so many products on the market you may need to try a few until you find one that is suitable to your needs.
3. Remember bubbles are trouble.
4. Don’t use sponges as the friction can irritate the skin and trigger an eczema outbreak. Use only soft cotton wash cloths or better still use your hands to wash baby but do not rub the skin.
5. Pat baby’s skin partially dry with a soft cotton towel, do not rub.

As a complimentary eczema treatment apply moisturiser within two to five minutes after bathing to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. This will also reduce eczema flare ups. Use a moisturiser that has no fragrance or essential oils and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Once again, with so many products on the market you may need to try a few until you find one that is suitable to your needs.

1. Remember moisturise, moisturise, moisturise an absolute minimum of twice a day up to four times a day.
2. If baby has a prescribed eczema treatment then apply this as per product instructions or doctors directions to eczema patches.
3. Dress baby in breathable clothing fabrics such as cotton or bamboo and ensure baby is not overheated.

What else can I do?

1. Try to avoid the heater or only have it to warm up the room and then switch it off. Try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. You can purchase these from a pharmacy or baby retailer.
2. When dressing baby, stick to cotton garments and if you do have woollen jumpers don’t allow baby’s skin to have direct contact. Unfortunately wool is a huge trigger for baby’s eczema. 
3. When washing baby’s clothes avoid using fabric softeners and perfumed washing powders. Look for hypo allergenic detergents and wash at 60 degrees to kill dust mites.
4. When putting baby to bed avoid over heating baby with a doona and use blankets instead.

With a few simple steps, and by making moisturiser your best friend in aiding your childs eczema treatment, you can help baby beat winter itch.

Nadine Hall is a qualified Aromatherapist, Certified Infant Massage Instructor and mother of two

Visit her website: www.naturewithin.com.au

 

According to Professor Michael Cork, Head of Academic Dermatology at University of Sheffield Medical School and world renowned expert on paediatric (baby) eczema and  baby skin care, children’s skin allergies have increased dramatically since the 1950s and now one in five children suffer from eczema.

 

This has coincided with the rapid rise in baby skincare products.

 

So how can you protect your child from developing skin irritations or eczema? It all starts with your daily skin care routine – the right routine.

 

Walk down the aisle of any supermarket, chemist or baby boutique and the choice in baby skincare is overwhelming.  You are inundated with soap, shampoo, moisturising lotions, creams, ointments, bubble bath, bath oil, powders and the list goes on. How do you choose?

 

For many parents the two most important factors behind their choices in baby skincare are performance and value for money. But there are points parents need to consider when choosing a product is their baby’s skin.

 

Check list

 

How much do you want to spend? Spending more doesn’t necessarily mean a better product.

 

Do you want to use synthetic or a natural, organic product? All products are potential irritants regardless of whether they are synthetic, natural or organic.

 

Does your baby have any allergies to peanuts, soy, wheat or milk products? Some products contain these ingredients eg: Sweet Almond Oil, Soybean Oil, Cassein, Peanut Oil, Wheatgerm oil.

 

Do you have a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever? The chances of your child having eczema will increase by 30% if you do and 50% to 80% if both parents do.

 

When you have answered these questions you should have narrowed the field considerably.

 

Where to now?

 

Causes of skin irritations

 

Fragrances – One of the biggest causes of skin irritations in babies is fragrance, they can be either synthetic or natural.

 

Essential oils – Natural, highly fragrant oils extracted from plants mainly used for its therapeutic properties but these oils are highly potent and can be irritating to a baby’s skin.

 

Colours – Again natural or synthetic they are both potential irritants. Does baby really need bright pink bubble bath?

 

Soap and surfactants – are high foaming like bubble bath the higher the foam the more drying they can be to the skin. One common culprit is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It receives a great deal of bad press but did you know it is actually derived from coconuts (remember what I said about natural and organic products being potential irritants)? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is commonly used in bath wash and shampoo products for its cleansing action. As it is high foaming it has been associated with skin dryness and skin irritation.

 

Preservatives – products that combine water and oil need a preservative, without it various bacteria and fungus can pollute the product within months, but again preservatives can be potential skin irritants.

 

So armed with the correct information, shopping for your baby’s skincare will no longer be a hassle.

 

LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

 

Skin Make –up

Broadly speaking skin is made up of 3 layers, the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fatty layer. The epidermis is the top layer of skin which holds the stratum corneum and is the barrier to the outside world, the dermis is the middle layer that provides strength and structure and the subcutaneous fatty layer is the bottom layer which insulates the organs from heat and cold. 

 

Differences between Adult and Baby Skin

A baby’s epidermis and stratum corneum isn’t fully developed which makes their skin 5 times thinner than an adults, it has some advantages but mostly disadvantages.

 

Advantages – a baby’s skin can absorb and hold more water than an adult’s skin

 

Disadvantages – baby’s skin loses water faster than an adult’s skin. Because their skin can absorb more water it also means they can absorb more potential irritants. When this occurs it can result in dryness, itching, burning, rashes and baby eczema.  

 

Nadine Hall is an Aromatherapist, Creator of Nature Within, Natural , Organic Baby Skin Care and Sleepwear,  and mother of two.