5 Things you should prepare for if you find out your child has eczema

A diagnosis of eczema can come as a shock to many mums. However, with a few precautions, your baby can grow up without being too troubled by it.

Holding the baby in your arms is one of the best moments in the life of a mother. They are so small, helpless, trying to figure out life. As they grow older, they start to figure it out slowly – first by holding their neck, followed by turning around. Before you know, they are all poised to crawl.

Baby’s development is an exciting phase, laced with anxiety. A parent is always worried about the milestones, if the development is proper. At this age, the diagnosis of eczema could be a big blow. However, the good news is that most often, childhood eczemas resolve on their own. Till then, here are 5 things you need to remember.

1# Eczema is more common than you think

Eczema is one of the manifestations of allergies. In fact, if you have had any, the chances of your baby having allergies are one in eight. That said, it is nobody’s fault that your baby has it. The best thing to do is to prepare for taking care of the baby.

2# Skin care is the cornerstone of eczema management

In eczema, the baby may develop red patches on her skin that are often dry. It can happen as early as when the baby is two months old. The most commonly affected areas are the face, behind the ears, and in some races, the creases of the neck, knees and elbows. The cause is allergens, most commonly the ones in the food. However, clothes and toys may also trigger attacks.

Due to the dry nature of the patches, the baby may scratch the skin. This may lead to infections. So, if your baby is diagnosed with eczema, make sure that the skin is moist. Use unperfumed moisturisers to keep the skin moist.

3# With a few changes in the habitat, you can actually control eczema

If your child is diagnosed with eczema, you need to change a few things in her room. Keep the room cool as heat leads to flaring up of the condition. Clean the room daily. Dust mites may trigger the condition, so limit the number of soft toys. Also, wash the toys in hot water or keep them in a plastic bag and refrigerate overnight to kill the mites.

Wash the clothes and sheets using a hypoallergenic detergent. Pureen’s H-A-D is the perfect detergent for such occasions. It is a bio-degradable detergent that is tough on stains but gentle on the skin. It will ensure that the clothes your baby wears are clean without irritating the skin.

4# Don’t try and manage it on your own. Take the help of a doctor

Eczema is one of the most discussed topics in the mums’ groups. A lot of mums would suggest home remedies or natural remedies. However, for your baby’s sake, don’t try to manage it on your own.

Get the diagnosis confirmed by a doctor. Work with him to develop a management flowchart for your child. The allergens might be in the food. However, don’t stop any without consulting your doctor first. Otherwise, you may have deficiencies to deal with.

5# You have to be emotionally strong to deal with it

It is tough seeing your baby in pain. However, this condition is not that difficult to manage and your baby would not suffer from any developmental delays. You have to be emotionally strong as constant care is required.

So, don’t let the emotions cloud your judgement. It is up to you to spot the allergens in your baby’s case. Work with your doctor to effectively deal with the condition.

Eczema should not stop you from enjoying a quality time with your baby.

You can find Pureen’s H-A-D at at Q0010, Lazada, and Shopee.