How to Treat Eczema on a Toddler
Eczema is a skin condition that is common in babies and toddlers. Eczema is a skin irritation that causes a rash, dry skin and sometimes raised lesions on the skin that ooze and become crusty. Eczema can be caused by food or environmental allergies, or from unknown causes. Treating a toddler's eczema can sometimes be tricky due to the fact that young children do not always understand their condition and may resist treatment. Lifestyle changes, as well as medications, can be used to treat a toddler's eczema.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Bath toys
- Skin cream
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton clothing
- Nail scissors
Instructions
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Use unscented, mild soaps when bathing your child. Bath products for babies and toddlers tend to be scented, but the chemicals may irritate your child's skin if he has eczema. Make sure the bath water is lukewarm to avoid excessive drying of the skin.
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Add colloidal oatmeal to your toddler's bath water if her eczema is causing her to itch. Colloidal oatmeal is a very fine grain and is a natural soothing agent for itching. Allow your child to soak in a warm tub for 15 to 20 minutes; give her some bath toys to pass the time.
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Pat your child dry after her bath, and slather her skin with an unscented skin cream designed for very dry skin. Kidshealth.org also suggests using petroleum jelly to seal in moisture. Toddlers can be curious about "goopy" substances; let your child help rub in the creams as part of your routine.
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Dress your child in cotton clothing or other lightweight, natural fabrics that keep the skin cool and do not contribute to further irritation. Avoid heavy sleeper-type pajamas that may cause your toddler to sweat, as perspiration can irritate his skin even more. Use lightweight bedding to avoid overheating at night.
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Clip your child's nails on a regular basis so that they are always short. Toddlers may not understand not to scratch when they are itchy, and can cause bleeding if their fingernails cause open wounds to their skin. Frequent hand washing can also keep eczema lesions from becoming infected.
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Try an elimination diet, under your pediatrician's supervision, in an effort to learn if a food allergy is causing your child's eczema. Milk and eggs are common food allergies among very young children, and could cause eczema flare-ups. Remove these items from your child's diet and see if her condition improves. Remember to offer plenty of water, which according to Kidshealth.org, helps keep dry skin moisturized.
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Ask your child's doctor if topical medications are appropriate for treating his eczema. Steroid creams are sometimes prescribed for this purpose, as well as medications called Elidel and Protopic. Keepkidshealthy.com explains that the latter two medications should not be used on children under the age of two, but may be appropriate if your older toddler has severe eczema.
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