Eczema Symptoms, Causes and Remedies.

What is Eczema and how is it caused?

Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is a very resilient skin condition that makes your skin red and itchy. One in five children develop Eczema with a large majority having an outbreak before the age of five. Eczema is long lasting (chronic) and gets worse the longer it is present making it harder to control. Your genetic background is a strong predictor of eczema. If both of your parents have it, there is an 80% chance that you may develop it as well. Eczema generally flares as a result of environmental factors including change in climate to either cold, dry conditions or hot, humid ones. This is because eczema affects the skins’ ability to provide moisture and protect it from bacteria, irritants, and allergens. In some cases, food allergies may play a role in causing Eczema, particularly in children.

Eczema symptoms

Eczema symptoms may be different for various people but generally include:

• Dry skin
• Severe itching (particularly at night)
• Red/brownish-grey patches on skin. Common areas include hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees (face and scalp for babies).
• Small, raised bumps which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
• Thickened, cracked scaly skin
• Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching

Eczema generally begins before the age of five and sometimes persists into adolescence and adulthood. For some people, it flares periodically alongside asthma and hay fever, eventually clearing up for a period of time before it returns.

How can I treat Eczema?

There is no cure for Eczema however treatments and self-care practices can relieve itching pain and prevent further outbreaks. Below are some remedies which may help the treatment of Eczema:

• Moisturise your skin minimum twice a day. Creams, ointments and lotions can help seal moisture into your skin and soothe itching. Talk to your doctor about what moisturiser may be most suitable for you and your condition
• Identify and avoid triggers that worsen the condition. Things that may worsen Eczema include sweat, stress, obesity, soaps, detergents, dust and pollen. In some cases, children may experience flares from certain foods including eggs, milk, soy and wheat. Talk to your doctor about identifying possible triggers
• Limit your baths and showersto 10/15 minutes and use warm water rather than hot water. Long daily showers have shown to dry out your skin by disrupting your skin’s barrier and losing natural oils as a result
• Use gentle and mild soaps to avoid removing your body’s natural oils and drying out your skin
• After showering, pat your skin dry carefully with a soft towel and apply moisturiser whilst your skin is slightly damp

What products to use if your baby has Eczema

Happy Little Camper baby diapers and wipes offer you a natural product to help prevent further irritation to your baby’s skin whilst suffering with a condition such as Eczema. Our diapers are packed full of safe ingredients and nutrients to soothe, protect and hydrate your baby’s’ sensitive skin. Most importantly, they are dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic meaning they are safe and soft on your baby’s bottom!

Happy Little Camper is dedicated to providing you with a diaper that is better for your baby and better for the planet. We take pride in being transparent and honest about what is in our nappies, so you know that you are choosing a product that is sustainable, reliable and most importantly, safe for your baby.  Happy Little Camper products aim to keep your baby’s bottom hydrated, rash free and smooth all day long!

To achieve a nappy that is better for your baby and better for the planet, our diapers offer premium quality at an affordable price.  They contain no harmful chemicals, so no VOC’s or toxic adhesives get introduced to your baby’s system. Our diapers do not contain any nasties including chlorine, silicone, phthalates, triclosan, sulfates or lead. We use lightweight, ultra-thin, super-absorbent and non-bulky materials and TDI-free elastics that contain no added fragrances, harmful dyes or parabens which make our nappies hypoallergenic. They contain soothing natural ingredients such as GMO-Free Natural Cotton, Organic Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, while also guaranteeing a latex-free product. We source only the purest, sustainably sourced pulp and natural cotton which are all approved by Mother Nature and FSC certified. By using our products, we ensure that your baby’s bottom only comes into contact with the purest and safest ingredients. Make a choice that is better for your baby and better for the planet. 

Medical Disclaimer: Articles are intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. Ask a medical professional if you have any health-related questions or concerns.

Additional resources

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Atopic dermatitis (eczema). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273