Eczema in children can be one of the first signs of an allergy so it is important to deal with the issue from the inside as well as the outside. Eliminate any potential food allergens (cows milk is the most common culprit) or commercial detergents that could be wreaking havoc on your child's skin. Remember that the allergic reaction can take up to 3 days to appear as a rash. Stop using commercial washing powder or liquid. Even ones marketed for sensitive skin are FULL of chemicals. Ever wondered why they do not list the ingredients?
High in vitamin A and D for skin healing and immune function.
For eczema or dermatitis from food allergies.
Banish those laundry chemicals than can aggravate and even cause eczema and dermatitis.
For immune function and skin health.
-If eczema is occurring in the folds of the skin, behind the knees and elbows, keep the area as dry as possible. Light cotton clothing is best when sleeping in summer to avoid the area getting hot and sweaty.
-Try adding oats/oatmeal/oat flour to the bath to soothe the skin. Wrap a handful in some muslin cloth and put into the bath. Oats are very soothing for inflamed red itchy skin conditions. Adding a 1/4 cup of baking soda to a bath can also help soothe itchy skin.
-Add salmon and tuna into diet or supplement with Omega 3.
-Add yellow and orange fruits and vegetables into the diet as they are high in beta carotene.
-Avoid all dairy products and supplement with Radiance Kid's Bone to supply daily calcium and other important minerals.
-Make sure your child stays hydrated throughout the day by drinking lots of water.
-Use natural barrier creams on affected areas.
-Try a vitamin C bath. It is now well known that vitamin C neutralizes chlorine which can cause, or at least aggravate eczema. A vitamin C bath is excellent for anyone suffering from eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and dry skin. Simply mix a teaspoon of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) into a luke warm bath.
Detergents
Use only very mild soaps and detergents and try making your own laundry powder. It is simple and easy and best of all it's free of any nasties! A simple recipe to use:
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Baking soda
1/2 bar grated Dr Bonners baby mild bar soap
Mix well or blend and store in an airtight plastic container. Use 2 tablespoons per full load.
Waa laa!
Also check out the chemical free Biowashball HERE
Salicylates
Foods containing salicylates are common eczema triggers and those with a salicylate allergy can suffer from headaches, asthma like symptoms, itchy skin, skin rash, scaly skin, psoriasis, eczema, stomach ache, blocked nose, cough and sinus problems. Try removing any foods that contain salicylates from your child's diet and if you are breastfeeding avoid these foods also.
Foods High In Salicylates Include - Apricot, Blackberry, Blueberry, Dates, Grapes, Orange, Pineapple, Plum, Raisin (dried), Raspberry, Strawberry, Sultana (dried), Capsicum, Tomato, Almonds, Honey, Curry, Eggplant, Zucchini, Potato.
Water Softeners
If you have tried everything and feel nothing works, test your water. 'Hard' water (water which has high concentrations of magnesium and calcium ions) and water high in chlorine can irritate sensitive skins causing redness, inflammation, dryness and itching. Lime scale in jugs and kettles or around taps is usually a guarantee you have hard water and investing in a water softener may be your key to nipping skin problems in the bud. Kiwipure do a 4 stage house filter which not only removes chlorine and other harmful compounds but also softens water without adding chemicals. Highly recommended by Rebalance for eczema and dermatitis.
Toxins in Skincare Products
The skin is the largest organ of the body and what we put onto it is absorbed straight into our blood stream. When it comes to your baby or child's delicate skin, we want to use only the purest of products, ones that we know are safe. There are many many popular children and baby skin products on the market today that I wouldn't even use on myself let alone my precious child. PLEASE read the labels Mums and Dads. What goes onto your child's skin also goes into their little bodies.
Rebalance only recommends products that we know to be safe and pure for your little people. Products we use ourselves. Products that are gentle, effective and free from any nasties.
-DEA-diethanolamine (Cocamide-DEA)
-TEA-Triethanolamine (TEA-sodium lauryl sulfate)
-MEA-monoethanoalmine
-Bronopol
-Diazolidinyl Urea
-DMDM Hydantoin
-Formaldehyde
-Imidazolidinyl Urea
-Quarternium 15
-Parabens (Propyl, ethyl, methyl and butyl)
-PEG-Polyethylene glycol
-Propylene Glycol
-Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
The information on
rebalance.co.nz is intended for your general information. It is not a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare practitioner and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare practitioner with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard medical advice or postpone consultation with your healthcare practitioner because of any information that you have read on this website. Always read the label of any health product you purchase and use only as directed. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist.
