Helping Kids with Eczema

Eczema – what is it?

Eczema is a skin irritation that appears as patches of dry, red, scaly skin, which may become moist. It most often appears on baby’s face, behind the ears, around their neck, behind their knees and on the inside of elbows

The causes are unknown, but it can run in families and may be linked with other allergic diseases.

Avoid soaps and bath lotions — use sorbolene and glycerine lotion instead of soap at bathtime and at nappy changes.

What may aggravate eczema?

  • Rough, scratchy, tight clothes.
  • Woollens and synthetics (carpets, car seats, furniture).
  • Frequent use of strong soap for bathing or washing clothes.
  • Perfumed creams and lotions.
  • Dust mites.
  • Overheating.
  • Dry air.
  • Sand, pollen or grasses.
Young father playing with his daughter inside with toys

What to do about it

  • Dress your baby in light, soft, loose, smooth cotton clothes — don’t overdress.
  • Use lukewarm water in the bath.
  • Avoid soaps and bath lotions — use sorbolene and glycerine lotion instead of soap at bathtime and at nappy changes.
  • Moisturise your baby’s skin with sorbolene and glycerine lotion.
  • If your baby scratches their face, use jumpsuits which have a fold over cuff which acts as a mitten.
  • Wash your baby’s clothes in pure soap liquid laundry detergent for sensitive skin and rinse well – don’t use fabric softeners, wool mix or laundry powders.
  • When putting your baby on the floor to play, place your baby on a cotton sheet, not the carpet.
  • Regularly vacuum the house.
  • If the eczema does not get better, ask your doctor for a referral to a paediatric dermatologist.

Chapter 4 Your Child's Health

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