Maternity Network

The main type – known as atopic eczema – is usually inherited, and often connected with asthma and hay fever.
It can be caused by various factors, and may result in just a small patch of skin being affected, but can affect skin anywhere on the body, though it is commonly seen on the backs of the knees, elbows, wrists, ankle and neck. In severe cases, they may have eczema covering the whole body and face

As it is a dry skin condition, it requires regular moisturising. Itchy dry skin leads to scratching which will damage the skin, cause bleeding and may even limit movement as it cracks and feels tight. Soreness and stiff limbs can make children miserable and moody.

The need to scratch is often overwhelming as it is constant, which (when scratched) only makes the symptoms worse. Children who suffer from it can experience sleepless nights, difficulty in concentrating during lessons and for those who are severely affected, have periods of absence from school, which in turn leads to them falling behind with work.

The condition is often something that children grow out of as they get older, although it can reappear again such as during adolescence and can be triggered with stress.

Suggestions from The Maternity Network and other parents:

• Oilatum is an option but a vegetable oil like sunflower in their bath does the same job – just don’t wash their hair in it!
• Using cream or ointment from your doctor or pharmacist on a regular basis will keep the skin supple and prevent drying.
• Massage your baby with an organic seed oil like grapeseed or sunflower. However, don’t rub over sore, cracked or bleeding areas or else you’ll risk spreading the infection around their healthy skin.
• I have heard that Aloe liquid soap - available from forever living agents - doesnt have chemicals in it, also I've been recommended the Liz Early range which can be used with babies and it doesnt have chemicals in it either. None of these are cheap options but they wont damage your baby's little head.
• The other thing you can put into their bath is organic porridge oats in a sock. the milk goes into the bath and softens the water, plus it doesnt matter if baby sucks on it as it's natural oats! You can use the same sock of oats until the milk runs out - then replace the oats!
• Avoiding exposure to chemicals and strong detergents is extremely important, so it’s recommended to not use anything such as bubble bath or products on their skin or in their baths.

If you have anything that worked for you please let us know so we can tell other parents!