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8 Dermatologist-Approved Ways To Ease Eczema In Children

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8 Dermatologist-Approved Ways To Ease Eczema In Children

October 30, 2019

Eczema affects one in five school children in Singapore. Dermatologists and skin care experts reveal simple ways to ease the itch effectively

Photo: 123RF

Eczema isn’t caused by one single thing. “It’s a multifactorial disease caused by interactions between your genes and the environment, as well as your body’s immune system,” says dermatologist Dr Rachael Teo.

In Singapore, at least one in five schoolgoing children suffer from atopic dermatitis (AD), which is the most common form of eczema. It typically shows up in infancy or early childhood, and a child has a greater risk of developing AD if they have a parent or sibling with the condition.

Dr Elisa Villa, a specialist in allergy and clinical immunology at Maggiore della Carita University Hospital in Novara, Italy, also shares: “Research show that 20 to 30 per cent of people with eczema lack a protein called filaggrin, which maintains epidermal stability and helps skin retain water. Filaggrin deficiency is caused by a genetic mutation.”

A Silver Lining For Eczema Sufferers

And while there’s no cure for eczema just yet, local biotech company Aslan Pharmaceuticals is working on a new drug that may offer “complete relief” for eczema sufferers.

Unlike current remedies in the market like steroid creams (which can be a hassle to apply) and immunosuppressants (that work to treat eczema but may put patients at risk of other infections), this new drug, known as Aslan004, works to target the specific pathway in the body that triggers eczema symptoms like redness and itchiness. According to this Straits Times report, preliminary test results showed that the injectable drug “could take effects within an hour following injection”.

Clinical trials on human beings are currently underway, and if the outcome is successful, it could significantly improve the quality of life of eczema sufferers.

As we wait for results from the clinical trial (which would only be out in 2020), if your little one is suffering from eczema, follow these eight doctor-approved ways to help stop the scratching:

WATCH THIS VIDEO TOO

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READ MORE:
8 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Eczema
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Chicken Pox, Measles, And Other Illnesses Adults Can Catch From Kids

Text: Delle Chan/Simply Her, Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew & Sylvia Ong

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/family/8-ways-ease-eczema-symptoms/
8 Dermatologist-Approved Ways To Ease Eczema In Children
1. Moisturise Often
image

“Your child should apply a liberal amount of moisturiser to eczema-prone areas at least twice a day or as frequently as required to restore the skin barrier and keep itching at bay,” notes Dr Chan Yuin Chew, a dermatologist at Gleneagles Hospital.

Do this right after showering, while his skin is still wet. “If your child goes swimming, he should slather on a thick layer of moisturiser before entering the pool and shower immediately after a swim,” adds Dr Teo.

Photo: Unsplash
2. Use Suitable Skincare Products
image

“Use cream- or ointment-based moisturisers and gentle, soap-free body washes whenever possible. And avoid formulations with perfume or fragrances,” recommends Dr Teo.

Opt for eczema and sensitive skin-friendly products like Mussvital’s new Atopic body lotion (available at selected Watsons stores and on Lazada) and Bioderma’s new Atoderm Huile de Douche (available at leading personal care stores).

Pexels
3. Wear Comfortable Clothes
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“Refrain from wearing clothes made of rough, scratchy fabrics, such as wool or synthetic fibres, which can irritate the skin,” says Dr Chan.

Dr Villa adds that you should opt for light-coloured cotton clothes, as well as use a mild cleanser like Marseille soap to wash his clothes. “It is pH-neutral and additive-free,” she says.

Photo: Pexels
4. Keep Fingernails Short
image

“Encourage your child to keep his fingernails short and file them smooth at all times, as this helps reduce skin damage from scratching,” advises Dr Chan. If he scratches a lot during the night, consider getting him lightweight gloves to bed.

READ MORE: 7 Essential Tips For Strong And Healthy Nails

Photo: 123RF
5. Keep Sweating To A Minimum
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“Sweat is induced by heat or exercise and can dehydrate the skin and make eczema worse,” observes Dr Villa. So where possible, keep Junior cool in a well-ventilated or air-conditioned room, and shower immediately after exercise.

Photo: Pexels
6. Seek Medical Treatment
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“Your child’s doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid creams and oral antibiotics to reduce skin inflammation,” says Dr Teo. In addition, Dr Villa shares that “dietary supplements, such as probiotics, vitamin D and omega-3, have also proven helpful in managing eczema”.

But consult a doctor before giving any of these to your child. If your child’s eczema fails to respond to these treatments, his doctor may recommend a light therapy.

7. Watch Out For Food Allergies
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“While food allergies do not cause eczema, they can sometimes aggravate its symptoms. If Junior’s itching worsens or he experiences any gastrointestinal or respiratory discomfort after consuming certain foods, consult his doctor immediately,” recommends Dr Chan.

READ MORE: Does Your Child Have Allergies?

Photo: Pexels
8. Support Your Child
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“Eczema is more than just a physical condition – it’s a psychological one, too,” says Dr Villa. “For instance, the itchiness that accompanies eczema may keep your child awake at night and disturb his sleep. This may make him more tired and anxious during the day. And given that the symptoms of eczema are highly visible, it may also affect his self-esteem,” says Dr Chan.

READ MORE:
The Gentlest Skincare Products Suitable For Very Sensitive Skin
Avoid These Skincare Ingredients If You Have Sensitive Skin
8 Must-Know Ways To Protect Your Family From Dengue Fever

This post was first published in May 2016, and updated on October 30, 2019. 

  • TAGS:
  • baby skin issues
  • baby-friendly
  • eczema
  • itchy skin
  • moisturise
  • Parenting
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