Max and Jacob both have eczema, and while Jacob’s is much more seasonal, Max’s is persistent and consistent. I hate seeing those large red patches with marks where he has scratched, as so I am constantly searching for new ways to manage the condition. I have put together a list of the 5 things that have helped us the most over the last year.
Amber
I used amber anklets for Max when he was teething, and we saw a real improvement. So when I found out that Amber Anklets can also help ease and soothe the symptoms of eczema I knew we had to give it a go. A natural, gentle healing option, the amber anklets lessen the itching and reduce the inflammation associated with eczema. They can be used from birth right through to adulthood too.
Skinnies silk garments are designed to help in the treatment of atopic eczema and other skin conditions. It’s made from stretchy silk to ensure it comes into close contact with affected skin, and have a sanitized antimicrobial treatment. They can be worn on their own (perfect for covering up easily scratched areas for bedtime) or discreetly under clothing, which is ideal for older, school aged children who don’t want to be different or stand out. Completely seamless and irritant free, these are a real bonus to have in the wardrobe, and serve 2 purposes – they prevent scratching and they aid healing.
Use a gentle detergent
Using the right detergent when washing clothes is key. If you use one that irritates or that contains too many strong fragrances and chemicals, then everything else becomes a battle. No matter what other creams, clothing and healing products you use, if you are washing clothes in the wrong detergent then you just re-irritate the skin over and over. We love the Skinnies laundry detergent – it is specifically designed for people with skin conditions and is non-biological, made from naturally derived ingredients and works at low temperatures, It’s free from nasties, but still works to clean your clothes. We also found these soothing sheets perfect for getting a peaceful nights sleep!
Look at diet triggers
It’s been a bit of trial and error, but we have worked out the foods that trigger a real flare up. Dairy is a big one – too much dairy and Max’s skin will be red, inflamed and itchy within hours. We recently discovered Oatly, a nutritious alternative to milk that contains absolutely no dairy. Made from high grade Swedish oats, and packed with calcium and vitamins, I use it in place of milk – as a drink, on cereals and in sauces. Max notices no difference and actually prefers this to a cup of cows milk. It comes in ambient cartons and can be stored at room temperature, then just popped in the fridge once open. This has been a real life changer for us, and it’s been such a relief to be able to give Max the calcium and vitamins he needs without worrying about the dairy content irritating his skin. Oatly also make kids drinks, yogurt and ice cream, so we will be trying these in the near future!
Other triggers for Max are tomatoes, eggs and peanut butter – too much of these also cause a slight flare up, although not as much as dairy. Interestingly, they are the same foods that used to trigger his reflux when he was tiny.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
The key to managing eczema is moisturising. If you can keep the skin soft, supple and well moisturised then you are half way to winning the battle. Use moisturiser everywhere you can – use an oil in the bath, use oil after a bath and at every nappy change or every couple of house for older children. I cannot rate Argan Oil highly enough – it’s so rich that you need only the smallest amount to coat sore patches. It soothes, it absorbs well and we have noticed a reduction in Max’s eczema within just a few days of using it.
Does someone in your family suffer with eczema? Do you have any top tips for managing it?
These are great tips. I had neve rheard of Skinnies silk clothes or most of the other products you mention.
Astrid recently posted…Three Things I Like About Myself
Author
The Skinnies silk tops are amazing!
Some interesting tips there. I have never heard of Argan oil – where do you buy it from? My daughter has seasonal eczema too, I can’t wait for her to grow out of it (fingers crossed).
Jenny recently posted…Living the London Life
Author
If you get hold of the lovely lady from Amber Anklets (http://amberanklets.com/) she should be able to help you!
This is a great post with some fab tips! We have eczema here too, and I agree with what you’ve said wholeheartedly. Argan oil rocks 🙂
Author
Oh it’s so fabulous isn’t it?!
Myself and Ben both suffer. My eczema is specific to my hands and feet and bare a recent flare up it is very well managed these days. Be was under the dermatologist from about 10 months old as his skin was so bad but it is also relatively well managed now. Aveeno is a good send for both of us.
Colette recently posted…Degustabox July – Review
I am so glad that we haven’t had an allergies or skin issues in our family at all. It looks like your tips cover all bases though x
Donna recently posted…Blog Birthday – PurFlo Giveaway!
These are great tips! Eczema is so frustrating! I had it for almost three years just on my right hand. Then I started making my own baby wipes and I haven’t had a flare-up since. Weird.
Tarynn Playle recently posted…Sorry Number Two
We don’t have eczema in the family but my OH has psoriasis so I know how debilitating skin conditions can be. I am sure your tips will help loads of people,. Find the amber one fascinating.
I have no experience in managing this at all but I have passed the amber anklets on to my sister and brother in law whose children have eczema. So thank you so much for sharing x
Ali recently posted…My Bestest Toy
These are really good tips, Kate. Our babies both have a ‘bit’ of eczema – they don’t suffer terribly with it. I remember when Rosie’s first started though it just came up overnight – I took her to the walk-in I was that scared I thought it was something else. But it has improved and we manage it using some of the tips you have shown here. 🙂 x
Kerrie McGiveron recently posted…Blog Ranking Tips: And Why You Should Give A F*ck
Great tips! There was a interesting show on Horizon/BBC about allergies and eczema last night. Not sure if you’ve seen that already but thought I would mention. Thanks for sharing your tips. X
Working mum blog recently posted…35 weeks pregnant| Toys for a Newborn! Â
I’d never heard of skinnies before so I’ll definitely be trying them. My four year old suffers quite badly so hopefully it’ll be a life saver! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for linking up with MMWBH on In my bubble this week!
Thanks for this list, Toby’s eczema has just started to really flare up on his face and I don’t want to put chemical prescription stuff on him so the argan oil is a good tip!xx
Hannah Budding Smiles recently posted…Accepting a Lack of Sleep
Nathan has discoid eczema which has been brought under control with steroid creams & a fabulous thing called Haelan tape, and as you say MOISTURISE! I have eczema just in my scalp and I’m definitely going to try ur amber and argan oil suggestions x
Ah Eczema! Reuben seems to suffer as the seasons change and then just as we get a handle on it, the season changes again!! Great tips though, I had no idea amber might help!!!
Thanks for linking up to #TheList xxx
Hannah Mums’ Days recently posted…The List week 11
Managing eczema can be incredibly challenging, especially with young children, but it’s amazing how natural remedies and thoughtful choices make a difference. Amber anklets and Skinnies clothing sound like great alternatives to help soothe the skin, and addressing dietary triggers like dairy is such an important step. Consistent moisturization with rich oils like Argan Oil can really transform the skin’s condition over time.
John Gatesby recently posted…Long COVID and Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance: Causes, Effects, and Solutions (from the article published in MDPI)