Natural Treatment for Children's Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that may begin during childhood and last through the adult years. The symptoms of eczema include itchy, flaky and scaly skin, which are treatable with medical care, but home remedies may be just as effective and safer for the sensitive skin of children. According to the National Library of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic, natural treatments for children's eczema include careful hygiene and the use of certain ingredients on the skin.
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Bathing
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Children with eczema may benefit from a brief daily bath in warm water with a minimal amount of soap. This can reduce the loss of moisture in the skin that results in itching and irritations.
Pastes
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You can prepare a paste of finely ground oatmeal or baking soda mixed with water and apply it to the area of your child's skin affected by eczema to reduce itching, swelling and redness.
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Oils
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Using natural oils found in your kitchen, such as olive oil or tea tree oil, as a skin moisturizer for your child can help soothe dry and itchy skin, especially when applied after a bath.
Ointments
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Ointments such as aloe vera extract or a rinse with lukewarm chamomile tea can be applied to your child's skin to soothe itching and irritations caused by eczema.
Cotton
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Dressing your child in cotton clothing rather than synthetic fibers or allergens such as wool can help draw sweat away from the skin and reduces skin irritations, especially in hot or humid weather.
Nutrition
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Breastfeeding your infant or toddler can reduce the symptoms of eczema, and pumped breast milk can be applied directly to the skin to reduce itching and swelling; avoiding foods such as dairy and soy may also reduce itching and irritations caused by eczema.
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