How to soothe eczema in babies and children
Atopic eczema in babies and children, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common condition that generally appears before the age of 1. The cause? A dysfunction of the cutaneous barrier, leading to xerosis and chronic inflammation. Less well protected, the skin is more reactive to its environment and reacts accordingly. Symptoms include xerosis, red patches on the folds of the elbows and knees, cheeks, neck, eyelids and trunk. And above all, severe itching that's hard to bear. Adopting a few simple gestures can help children live better with their eczema.
Our tips for soothing atopic skin
Wash
smoothly
Why?
To protect fragile, sensitive atopic skin
How?
- Use a cleanser suitable for dry atopic skin to minimize the risk of allergic reactions (soap-free, physiological pH 5.5). This cleanser will have a lipid-replenishing and anti-inflammatory action.
- Take short showers or baths (no more than 5 minutes) and not too hot (35°c max), as heat reactivates inflammation.
- Rinse off cleanser thoroughly
- Pat skin dry, without rubbing
Apply
a dermocorticoid prescribed by the doctor
Why?
To relieve skin inflammation and itching in times of crisis
How?
Apply the dermocorticoid as soon as the eczema attack begins, directly on the lesions.
Feeding
daily skin care
Why?
To reduce skin xerosis, soothe itching and space out peaks of irritation and severe dryness, while reducing redness
How?
- Apply an emollient cream suitable for atopic skin
- Choose the texture according to the intensity of skin dryness, the moment of application and the season: milk, cream, balm or spray when in a hurry.
- Apply this emollient treatment 1-2 times a day, every day (even between attacks). Ideally after showering
- Warm the product in your hands, then apply gently with broad, rubbing movements to skin that is still slightly damp.
Limit
itching
Why?
While scratching provides immediate relief, it increases itching by rekindling red patches and irritation, not to mention the risk of infection if hands or nails are dirty.
How?
- Favoring loose-fitting clothing to limit chafing
- Avoid contact with potentially allergenic substances, such as dust mites, by using a dust-mite-proof mattress cover and avoiding carpeting.
- Don't over-cover at night, and keep bedroom temperature between 18 and 20°C.
- Cold is extremely soothing and acts as a kind of anesthetic: keep emollient care products in the fridge for more intense soothing when applied, or place a bag of frozen peas on the itchy area.
- Keep her hands busy with an anti-stress ball, for example, or, better still, scratch a substitute such as a Velcro strip placed on an item of clothing, or on a stuffed toy for the little ones.
- Keep her mind occupied to distract her attention from the itch: a short relaxation or sports session, listening to her favorite music, or even a session with a sophrologist when attacks are frequent.
- Cut or file her nails well, to prevent further damage to her already fragile skin.
Relaxation
Our 5 anti-scratch tips for kids
When the itch is there, here are 5 playful tips to distract and relax children. These tips soothe tense moments and help them learn how to care for their skin.
Squat like the frog
See the frog standing still at the edge of the pond? Ask your child to squat down, feet flat, without moving. "Keep your back straight, put your hands on the ground and close your eyes. I'll count to 5, then we'll say "coâ coâ" together, and repeat as many times as you need.
What's it for?
This posture allows your child to concentrate on the frog position and forget about itching. Repetition is relaxing.
Managing emotions
Shake the calm pot!
In a small glass jar (or bottle), mix hot water, liquid glue, small objects (buttons, seeds, etc.) and a few drops of dye. Close tightly and shake. When the itching starts, ask your child to take the pot with both hands and shake it, saying "houste! Scratch, leave my skin alone! Continue the exercise as many times as the child needs.
What's it for?
By shaking the pot, your child lets off steam, then calms down by carefully observing the small objects as they gently sink to the bottom of the container.
Concentration
On your magic carpet!
Lie on your back and position your child comfortably, tummy to tummy. Explain that your child should inhale slowly at the same time as you, then exhale slowly for as long as possible. Your child will feel his belly inflate and deflate at the same time as yours. You can accompany the exercise with a little story: "Imagine that our breathing will allow the carpet to fly away and carry us high into the sky...
What for?
Thanks to abdominal breathing, he concentrates on the breath and gradually relaxes.
It's an ideal exercise for regaining inner calm in crisis situations, or just before going to sleep. And it's off to dreamland!
Fun application
Jacques said!
Here's a revisited version of the famous game! The idea is simple: ask your child to follow your instructions while applying a little cream to the chest, elbows... "Jacques a dit: pat your elbows gently! James said: gently pat your elbows". "Jacques said: massage your chest in large circles..."
What for?
A fun, offbeat way to familiarize yourself with the daily application of cream, while learning the right gestures for itchy skin. A little game to be played over and over again, when it itches a little, a lot or not at all, so that applying cream becomes a pleasure rather than an obligation, and above all a reflex.
Fun application
What's the weather like on your body?
When the itch comes, ask your child to place his finger on the itchy areas and use weather words to describe how it itches: "Thunderstorms on the back / Lots of clouds on the elbows / Storm on the chest, etc.". At each stage, mime on your own body the application gesture appropriate for the area, and invite your child to make the same gesture on his or her body with the cream. As you apply the cream, the weather calms down and the sun comes out!
What's it for?
It's a fun way to soothe the areas where scratching is most prevalent, and to familiarize your child with an essential gesture: the daily application of cream.
1.
Cleanse, soothe
2.
Nourish, soothe itching
3.
nourish, soothe itching in case of nocturnal itching affecting sleep
4.
Soothe skin pain
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