Getting your child to stop itching can be a considerable feat. Sometimes there seems like nothing will take their itch away. However, most dermatologists recommend getting eczema under control is the best way to relieve itchy eczema. This isn’t something that can happen overnight. While you’re trying to manage eczema, there is some temporary but immediate itch relief you can try for your child.
Eczema treatment will typically target four main issues:
- Dryness
- Itching
- Irritated skin (inflammation)
- Infection
Home Remedies for Eczema
Getting environmental triggers under control can help relieve eczema itching. Avoiding certain foods, dog or cat dander, dust mites, and tree pollens can help alleviate your child’s eczema symptoms. You can avoid environmental triggers by:
- Keeping their skin covered with loose, cotton clothing
- Avoiding itchy materials like wool and polyester
- Setting your home at a comfortable temperature
- Avoid fuzzy toys and stuffed animals
- Removing pet dander
- Keeping a cool-mist humidifier when humidity is low
- Trying to stay out of the heat and avoid sweating
Another home remedy is applying a cold compress to the itchy skin. You can soak a clean towel or washcloth in cool water. Then wring it out and apply it to where your child’s itching. Once you’re done with the compress, apply moisturizer to soothe the skin.
Bath Treatments for Eczema
Bath treatments are another option for helping relieve the itch of eczema. There are two treatments to try:
Give fewer baths. Limit your child to one to three baths per week. If they’re taking too many baths, their skin may be more likely to dry out and make the itching worse. When you do give your child a bath, use a gentle, non-soap cleanser like a bar of bar soap. Keep bath time to five to 10 minutes or less. Bathe them in warm water because hot water dries out the skin more. After the bath, pat dry and apply any topical medicines or moisturizers recommended by your pediatrician.
Colloidal oatmeal bath. You can find this type of oatmeal bath at many superstores. Apply this to help relieve your child’s itchy skin. Dermatologists recommend adding the oatmeal to running lukewarm water and letting your child soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes. After the bath, pat your child dry and apply the recommended moisture.
Topical Eczema Medications
Your doctor may prescribe topical steroids or other creams to treat your child’s eczema in severe cases. They’ll tell you the recommended dosage and application for these prescriptions. Always apply the topical medication before you add the moisturizer, and give the medication a half hour to soak in.
