If your kids have ever had eczema, you know how difficult it can be to understand what is causing it and what you can do to remedy the issue. Also, it can be extremely disruptive to their sense of comfort and happiness for scratching to become second nature. Constant itching is no fun! We have a wonderful article here, written by Lisa Metzger, who is the Co-Founder of Garden Acupuncture in Park Slope.
~Rebecca Conroy, Editor of A Child Grows in Brooklyn
Itchiness is a sensation that can drive anyone up a wall and intense itching is an unfortunate symptom of eczema. It’s almost impossible to keep kids from scratching! Scratching is a natural reflex so it’s hard to resist but it will certainly make this condition worse. Eczema also includes uncomfortable symptoms such as recurring rashes and dry, sensitive, red, swollen skin that may become raw, broken and scaly. The appearance, severity and location of eczema can vary but no matter how mild or severe, it can be unbearable to watch your little one suffer.
While many things can be tried at home to reduce eczema symptoms, parents should keep an eye out for signs of skin infection which can be a risk for kids with eczema. If the skin is breaking, blistering or pus is present, immediately contact your doctor. If the skin is hot to the touch or your child experiences fever you should also contact your provider.
Here are some easy tips to help soothe the skin and some insight from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective that may help greatly reduce your child’s eczema.
- Keep their nails short and filed smooth. You may not be able to stop their little fingers from scratching but you can minimize the damage. Itching may also become worse at night making it difficult to sleep and kids lacking adequate zzz’s is a whole other set of problems. At night, try a cool compress on the skin like a wet cloth but do not rub the cloth on the skin. If your child scratches in their sleep, you can try having them wear a light pair of thin cotton or bamboo gloves.
- Do not avoid bathing. A quick bath or short daily shower using soap free cleansers can actually help heal skin by sealing moisture into the pores when you apply an oily barrier after.
- Bathing water should be tepid (room temperature to lukewarm). Hot water is not recommended because it will dry out the skin and cause irritation to already inflamed tissue.
- Before drying off after bathing, apply an oil such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil to the skin. You can also apply the appropriate variety of Emily Skin Soother which your healthcare provider, acupuncturist or herbalist can help you to select. Instead of rubbing or wiping with the towel, blot dry to remove excess water. This will help to not irritate the skin and won’t remove the oil and salve you just applied.
- Baby powder and medicated powders soak up moisture and should be avoided. For delicate areas such as where diaper rash occurs, thick creams like traditional zinc ointments don’t allow the skin to breathe. Consult with your healthcare provider, acupuncturist or herbalist about lighter, natural, more healing alternatives such as Weleda Calendula Diaper Rash Cream or Emily Diaper Skin Soother.
- For clothing, select natural and breathable fabrics such as cotton. Avoid polyester, nylon, fleece materials and coarse wool. For babies and infants suffering with eczema, do not over swaddle as they might get overheated which can intensify itching and discomfort.
- Address sources of environmental triggers such as excessive heat and allergens as well as allergens in the home. Allergies are not a direct cause of eczema but they do play a strong role in triggering it. The presence of asthma, hay fever and seasonal allergies are often co-existing conditions in kids and family members with eczema. In TCM, eczema is sometimes thought of skin asthma. You can follow some of our Tips For Kids With Seasonal Allergies and also use fragrance-free, dye-free laundry detergents. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach on clothes. With summer almost upon us, direct heat and sun exposure to irritated skin should be avoided. Be mindful of the sunscreen you select making sure it is unscented.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a viable and effective treatment for many skin issues such as eczema. In Traditional Chinese Medicine there is a strong link between the energetic organ system relationships of the lungs, spleen, kidneys and liver and symptoms arising on the dermis. TCM pathogenic factors such as damp, wind and heat will aggravate symptoms. A skilled TCM practitioner will use acupuncture, herbs, diet and lifestyle recommendations to clear these pathogens, remove blockages and restore balance which will in turn help heal the skin. While the exact TCM pattern needs to be identified to make specific diet and herb choices that are safe and correct for your child, the foods you consume and the digestive system must be addressed. Generally avoiding spicy food, greasy/fried food, sugar & white starches as well as dairy are a good place to start. Additionally, skip foods that are considered nightshades like tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and all kinds of peppers.
- Hydration. Hydration. Hydration. Drinking enough pure water is essential for all body functions and will help provide moisture to the skin internally.
- Stress Reduction. Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety and anger can also trigger eczema symptoms to worsen. Acupuncture is wonderful for relieving stress and at the same time can help to address the underlying, root cause of eczema. Mindfulness and breathing exercises can also be calming and if a stressful situation arises, let hot emotions cool down and maybe go for a walk or have some quiet time. Also, offer support and encouragement as just the presence of visible skin issues can cause your child social anxiety and the constant discomfort can be emotionally wearing.
- Making sure your child gets adequate physical activity, like a social group sport a few times a week such as soccer or kickball, does wonders for calming the mind and positive overall impact on the sense of wellbeing. But during an outbreak of eczema when the skin is inflamed, activities that heat up the body like excessive running should be avoided. Keep the body temperature regulated when symptoms are exacerbated.
- Fragrance-free colloidal oatmeal baths are a popular home remedy for itchy, irritated skin but consult with your healthcare provider, acupuncturist or herbalist first. Oatmeal baths and wet wraps should only be used with proper direction.
- Bonus! This is more of a wish list recommendation but some studies have shown the positive healing effects of spending time near and in the Dead Sea. The salty, mineral rich air, water and mud are used for many therapeutic treatments so if you happen to holiday in this part of the world, take a dip!
Lisa Metzger, Lac, Dipl. Ac is nationally board certified and the Co-Founder of Garden Acupuncture in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Garden Acupuncture practitioners have over 50+ years of combined clinical experience and specialize in Women’s Health, Fertility, Pediatrics and Pain Conditions. To learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and how Garden Acupuncture can help with skin conditions check out their website GardenAcu.com.