How to Build a Simple Eczema-Friendly Skincare Routine for Kids

Key Takeaways:

• Eczema commonly starts before age 6 and affects around 10%-20% of children.
• Consistent, all-over moisturizing is vital for strengthening the skin barrier.
• Consider fragrance-free cleansers to avoid irritating eczema in children.
• Skin care ingredients like colloidal oatmeal can calm and relieve itchy skin.

Seeing your child’s itchy, red skin from eczema can be tough. But a consistent, gentle skincare routine can bring real relief. Flexitol’s Happy Little Bodies range is specially made to treat eczema in children. This guide will show you a simple step-by-step routine using these products, helping your child find comfort and healthier skin. 

What Causes Eczema in Children? 

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in babies and young children, causing itchy, dry, red, and cracked skin. It often stems from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers like irritants, allergens, and dry air. 

Globally, eczema affects around 10% to 20% of children. 80% of those with atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) experience the onset before the age of 6, highlighting the need for effective early care.

However, a review of six studies found that using moisturizers lowered the risk of flares by approximately two-thirds compared to not using any moisturizer. So, to help your child experience fewer eczema flare-ups, regular moisturizing is crucial.

Building an Eczema-Friendly Skincare Routine for Kids

Ready to take control of your child’s eczema? Creating a simple, consistent skincare routine is essential. Here are the 3 key steps you need to know. 

Step 1. Gentle Cleansing

Regular washing removes irritants, but harsh soaps can worsen eczema in children by stripping natural oils, increasing dryness and itching. Choose gentle cleansers specifically for sensitive skin, avoiding fragrances, soap, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Flexitol Happy Little Bodies Eczema Body Wash & Shampoo is a mild option designed to temporarily protect and relieve irritation and itchiness. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, it can be a kinder alternative to traditional washes that can aggravate eczema.

Gentle Cleansing Tips:

• Lukewarm Water Only: Hot water dries and irritates eczema.
• Gently Pat Dry: Avoid rubbing; leave skin slightly damp for better moisturizer absorption.
• Keep It Quick: Short baths/showers (5-10 mins) prevent excessive drying.

Step 2. Daily Moisturization

If gentle cleansing lays the groundwork, daily moisturizing is the cornerstone of managing eczema in children. The condition often disrupts their skin barrier, leading to moisture loss and increased sensitivity to irritants and allergens. Regular moisturizing is crucial to rebuild this barrier, trapping water to keep skin supple and reduce dryness.

For daily moisturizing of eczema-prone skin, Flexitol Happy Little Bodies Eczema Moisturizing Lotion offers gentle comfort. It soothes irritation with colloidal oatmeal, which helps relieve itching and rashes. Clinically proven to provide 24-hour hydration and increase skin hydration with regular use, it replenishes moisture for healthier-feeling skin. 

Moisturizing Tips:

• Apply After Bathing: Gently pat skin dry and then apply lotion to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture.
• Moisturize Twice Daily: Make it a routine after baths and before bed, and more often if skin feels dry.

Step 3: Managing Flare-Ups

Even with a consistent daily skincare routine, your child may still experience eczema flare-ups. These are periods of worsened symptoms like intense itching, redness, and dryness. They require targeted treatment for quick relief. So, having a specific product ready can help calm inflammation and ease your child’s discomfort.

Flexitol Happy Little Bodies Eczema Relief Cream provides gentle yet effective relief from irritation, itching, flaking, and dryness in babies and young children. This eczema cream for children can soothe the symptoms of flare-ups and has been shown to work as well as a 1% hydrocortisone cream for short-term relief of itching, redness, and swelling.

Flare-Up Tips

• Targeted Application: Apply cream only to affected, flared-up areas.
• Add a Thin Layer: Use a thin layer of the cream to allow the skin to breathe.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult a paediatrician or dermatologist for severe or persistent flare-ups.

4 Top Tips for Managing Eczema in Children

Small changes in your child’s environment and habits can significantly help manage eczema. Here are four helpful tips from our skin care experts. 

1. Identify Triggers: Track potential irritants like fabrics, soaps, foods, and allergens to understand what worsens your child’s eczema.

2. Control Environment: Keep your home temperature moderate and use a humidifier to avoid extremes that can irritate skin.

3. Choose Soft Clothing: Dress your child in breathable cotton and wash new clothes with gentle, fragrance-free detergent.

4. Minimize Scratching: Keep nails short and consider cool compresses or cotton gloves at night to prevent skin damage.

When to See a Doctor About Your Child’s Eczema 

While home care often helps mild eczema, consult a doctor if you notice:

• A large, intensely red, swollen, or weeping rash.
• The eczema isn’t getting better or is worsening despite regular skincare.
• Increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or sudden pain.
• Severe itching is affecting sleep, concentration, or overall well-being.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice for any concerns. Doctors can diagnose, rule out other issues, and recommend alternative treatments if needed.

Unlock Happier Skin with this Simple Eczema Routine for Your Child

Building a simple yet effective eczema-friendly skincare routine for your child involves three key steps: gentle cleansing, consistent moisturizing, and targeted treatment for flare-ups. Finding the right eczema treatment for kids takes time and consistency, so be patient and celebrate the little wins.

This guide offers a good start, but remember, every child’s skin is different. For personalized advice, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician or a dermatologist. When you’re ready to start your child on the path to calmer, more comfortable skin, explore the Flexitol Happy Little Bodies range. Discover gentle and effective products designed to soothe, hydrate, and protect your little one’s precious skin.

References: 

• Natioaneczema.org – Eczema Stats
• PMC.gov – Emollients and moisturisers for eczema
• BBC.co.uk – Are my wash products damaging my skin?