8 ways to help children with eczema reduce itchiness

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, isn't caused by one single thing. "It is a multifactorial disease caused by interactions between your genes and the environment, as well as the body's immune system," says Dr Rachael Teo, specialist in dermatology and consult, Raffles Skin & Aesthetics.

Although, there appears to be a strong genetic component - if a family member suffers from asthma, atopic eczema or allergic rhinitis, the risk of a child developing eczema is higher, Dr Teo adds.

Dr Elisa Villa, a specialist in allergy and clinical immunology at Maggiore della Carita University Hospital in Novara, Italy, also shares: "Research has also shown that 20 to 30 per cent of people with eczema lack a protein called filaggrin, which maintains epidermal stability and helps skin retain water. Filaggrin deficiency is caused by a genetic mutation." Here are some expert tips on helping children manage their itching.

1. Moisturise often

"Your child should apply a liberal amount of moisturiser to eczema-prone areas at least twice a day or as frequently as required to restore the skin barrier and keep iching at bay," notes Dr Chan Yuin Chew, a dermatologist at Gleneagles Hospital. This should be done right after showering, while skin is still wet. "If your child goes swimming, he should slather on a thick layer of moisturiser before entering the pool and shower immediately after a swim," adds Dr Teo.

2. Use suitable skincare products

"Use cream or ointment-based moisturisers and gentle, soap-free body washes whenever possible. And avoid formulations with perfume or fragrances," recommends Dr Teo.

3. Wear comfortable clothes

"Refrain from wearing clothes made of rough, scratchy fabrics, such as wool and synthetic fibres, which can irritate skin," says Dr Chan. Dr Villa adds that you should opt for light-coloured cotton clothes, as well as use a mild cleanser like Marseille soap to wash your child's clothes. "It is pH-neutral and additive-free," she says.

4. Keep fingernails short

"Encourage your child to keep his fingernails short and file them smooth at all times, as this helps reduce skin damage from scratching," says Dr Chan. If he or she scratches a lot during the night, consider getting your child to wear lightweight gloves to bed.

5. Keep sweating to a minimum

"Sweat that is induced by heat or exercise can dehydrate the skin and make eczema worse," says Dr Villa. So where possible, your child should keep cool in a well-ventilated or air-conditioned room, and shower immediately after exercise.

6. Seek medical treatment

"Your child's doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid creams and oral antibiotics to reduce skin inflammation," says Dr Teo. In addition, Dr Villa shares that "dietary supplements, such as probiotics, vitamin D and omega-3, have also proven helpful in managing eczema." But consult a doctor before administering any to your child. If your child's eczema fails to respond to these treatments, his or her doctor may recommend more serious therapies like phototherapy (light therapy).

7. Watch out for food allergies

"While food allergies do not cause eczema, they can sometimes aggravate its symptoms. If your child's itching worsens or he experiences any gastrointestinal or respiratory discomfort after consuming certain foods, consult his or her doctor immediately," recommends Dr Chan.

8. Support your child

"Eczema is more than just a physical condition - it's a psychological one too," says Dr Villa. "For instance, the itchiness that accompanies eczema may keep your child awake at night and disturb his or her sleep. This may make him more tired and anxious during the day. And given that the symptoms of eczema are highly visible, it may also affect his self-esteem." Your support will go a long way in helping your child cope with the disease, adds Dr Chan.

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