Many babies and children develop rashes or eczema at some point during childhood.
Eczema can itch, become sore, and be painful. Most doctors want to prescribe corticosteroid cream, but it is best to avoid this for your child as corticosteroids thin the skin.
Fortunately, there are many natural ways to soothe eczema on baby and children's skin. Here are some tips from us at Glimja.
7 natural tips to soothe eczema on baby & children's skin
1. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is rich in the omega-6 fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and is used with good results to counteract skin irritations.
The fatty acids help the skin with its elasticity and ability to retain moisture. When you apply evening primrose oil to eczema on the skin, it helps repair the skin barrier structure and reduce inflammation.
Evening primrose oil is not greasy or sticky like some other oils and is quickly absorbed by the skin. Apply to the child when the skin is slightly damp.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is good both for cooking and for the skin in general, but also excellent for eczema because it naturally moisturizes the skin. Coconut oil can also soothe redness and prevent bacterial growth on the skin.
Choose a good brand of coconut oil that is organic and cold-pressed. Avoid coconut oils that are odorless and refined.
The form of coconut oil changes with room temperature and becomes liquid when warm. If the coconut oil is solid, warm it in your hand before applying it to damp skin.
3. Aloe Vera
You have probably heard that Aloe Vera is good for sunburned skin, but it is also a great home remedy for eczema.
Aloe Vera provides moisture and protection against infections while soothing and promoting healing.
Apply a small amount of Aloe Vera to the eczema as needed.
4. Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has long been used for its healing properties for skin conditions such as eczema and dry skin.
A calendula cream or salve can be helpful for eczema as it can reduce inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and help the skin heal.
Ekendahls Organic Calendula Salve for Baby & Children is specially made for sensitive children's skin and provides good protection for eczema, cracks, dry skin, and wounds. Apply to slightly damp skin.
Organic Calendula Balm from Odylique is an organic calendula salve that is very beneficial. It contains a highly concentrated blend of repairing calendula and soothing chamomile along with coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Also apply this to slightly damp skin.
5. Wet Wrap
If your child has severe eczema, a wet wrap can help soothe and moisturize the skin.
Apply a good skin cream to the eczema/skin after a bath or shower while the skin is still damp. Then wrap a warm, damp towel around to lock in the moisture. Leave the towel on as long as it feels comfortable or up to 2-4 hours.
6. Humidifier
Dry air can worsen eczema in infants and toddlers. The dry air is usually worse during the winter months but can be a problem at any time.
To add moisture to the air, you can use a humidifier in your child's room. The Humio Humidifier has both a light and scent diffuser and is quiet, making it suitable for a child's room.
7. Avoid Triggers
Avoid irritating the eczema unnecessarily. You can do this by patting the skin dry with a clean towel after bathing instead of rubbing with a previously used towel.
Dress the child in thin cotton clothes that breathe and are free from unnecessary chemicals. GOTS is a good organic certification to look for when buying children's clothes.
Remember to wash all new clothes, bedding, blankets, and towels before the child uses them. Use a natural detergent without fragrance and avoid fabric softeners.
Also remember to keep the skin moisturized by applying cream regularly. A cool (not cold) bedroom is also good for eczema.
8. Bonus Tip: Ready-made Cream/Lotion
If you want a ready-made cream/salve, we recommend Odylique Organic Ultra Rich, developed as a moisturizer for eczema and psoriasis. It has an organic base of olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, and sea buckthorn extract and is very suitable for skin with eczema.
Odylique Baby Repair Lotion is an organic lotion designed to soothe dry skin and relieve eczema on children and babies. It contains organic aloe vera juice, organic olive oil, raw organic shea butter, soothing chamomile and calendula, St. John's wort, and biodynamic chickweed that calms itchy skin.
We hope these tips can help soothe your child's eczema. Please leave a comment if you have questions or if you have more good tips for naturally relieving eczema!
