Eczema Tips
Reference the tips below to learn ways to help relieve irritated, dry, itchy, and scaly skin.
Skin conditions can range from severe diaper rash in infancy, acne during the teenage years, to psoriasis as you age. Other common conditions include skin allergies, eczema, and more.
Soak & Seal
It is important to have a regular schedule with eczema care that includes bathing with a gentle cleanser and moisturizing to lock water into the skin. Moisturized skin helps control flares by combating dryness and keeping out irritants and allergens. The “Soak and Seal” method of treating eczema is recommended by many providers to help dry skin and reduce flares. To get the full therapeutic benefit, have your child Soak and Seal often and follow these steps in order.
01.
Put the child in a bath using lukewarm water for five to 10 minutes. Use a gentle cleanser (no soaps) and avoid scrubbing the affected skin.
02.
After bathing, pat the skin lightly with a towel leaving it slightly damp.
03.
Apply prescription topical medication to the affected areas of skin as directed.
How to Administer a Bleach Bath
Bleach baths can be an effective tool to reduce inflammation and bacteria on the skin of children with eczema. The concentration of bleach in the bath is about that of a chlorinated swimming pool. If properly diluted and used as directed, a bleach bath is safe for children and adults. For best results:
01.
Add 1/4 c. to 1/2 c. of bleach to a 40 gal. bathtub* filled with warm water.
02.
Soak from the neck down or just the affected areas of skin for about 10 minutes.
03.
Rinse if your skin doesn’t tolerate the bleach bath well. Gently pat dry with a towel.
Bleach Bath Tips
Parents of children with bleach sensitivities or allergic asthma that might be aggravated by chlorine fumes should consult with their heath care provider before starting bleach bath therapy. The American Academy of Dermatology encourages parents to do the following when giving their child a bleach bath:
01.
Use a measuring cup to get the exact amount of bleach needed and then add it to the water. Too much bleach may irritate the child’s skin and too little may not help eczema symptoms.
02.
Never apply bleach directly to the child’s eczema.
03.
Talk to your dermatologist about starting bleach bath therapy including how long your child should soak. Most dermatologists recommend 5 to 10 minutes per bathing session, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Wet Wraps
During particularly intense eczema flares with severe itch or pain, wet wrap therapy can work wonders to rehydrate and calm the skin and help topical medications work better.
01.
The fabric wraps are soaked in water and applied to the affected skin on the body. Face wraps use gauze and surgical netting, and are made and applied by nurses trained in this treatment.
02.
Wet wraps are best done after bathing, moisturizing and applying medication. Use clean, preferably white, cotton clothing or gauze from a roll for the wet layer, and pajamas or a sweat suit on top as a dry layer.
03.
If the eczema is on the feet and/or hands, you can use cotton gloves or socks for the wet layer.
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