Over 1 million Australians including 1 in 3 children have eczema, however researchers still do not know what causes this common condition.
Almost always, your skin will itch before a rash appears in eczema. Patches of chronically itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually on the hands, neck, face, and legs (but it can occur anywhere).
Children with eczema have very itchy, scaly, red patches of skin, usually on their cheeks, in their elbow creases and behind their knees. It might also appear on children’s necks, bodies, hands and feet. Eczema locations change with time. For example, when children start to crawl you might see eczema coming up on the exposed skin of their lower legs.
Eczema can weep, develop cracks and even bleed, especially if your child scratches a lot because of the itch. Bacterial infections like Staphylococcus and viral infections like herpes can get into the skin through these cracks. This leads to light-brown crusts, blisters or pain.
Eczema usually comes and goes. In between flare-ups, the skin might look thickened and dry. Thankfully when eczema is properly treated, the skin usually goes back to normal with no scarring.
Eczema is chronic and can’t be cured, but it can be managed. For most types of eczema, managing the condition and its symptoms comes down to these basics:
Know your triggers
- Eczema gets worse when skin is dry, this can be affected in many ways including, weather, bathing routines and the products being use
- Implement a regular bathing and moisturising routine
- To help keep regular flare ups at bay, use the same skincare routine on your child consistently:
- This includes a Soap-free body wash and a hydrating moisturiser- We recommend DU’IT Baby 3 in 1 Wash, Bath and Shampoo, followed by DU’IT Baby Body Moisturiser
- Both of these products have been formulated specifically for your baby’s sensitive skin, containing NO parabens, petrolatum, allergens or irritantsand has soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Calendula and Evening Primrose.
- If your young child is scratching at their rash, try putting cotton mittens on their hands at night. Cut their nails short and keep them clean.
- OTC or prescription: If your skin or your child’s is red and itchy, you could try corticosteroid ointment or cream. For mild eczema, you can buy mild corticosteroids over the counter at your pharmacy.
- If your child is scratching at their rash, you could ask your pharmacist or GP about using an antihistamine medication for a few days. Together with a corticosteroid cream, this might give your child some rest, and help the flare-up to settle.
DU’IT Brand Ambassador Roxy Jacenko with her two children Pixie and Hunter
