Eczema is a common skin condition affecting millions of children globally. This condition presents as dry, itchy, and inflamed skin patches. Bathing children with eczema is a daily necessity in managing the condition.

However, parents often make some mistakes while bathing their children, worsening their skin condition.

Not Moisturizing After Bathing

One of the most common mistakes parents make when bathing children with eczema is failing to moisturize their skin afterward. Eczema causes skin dryness, and bathing further exacerbates the situation, leading to cracks and rashes.

Moisturizing after bathing soothes the skin and reduces dryness, preventing further flare-ups from occurring. Parents should consider applying a cream or ointment recommended by the doctor after bathing, covering all affected areas well.

Using Harsh Soaps

Parents also tend to use harsh soaps while bathing their children with eczema, leading to worsened skin inflammation. Harsh soaps strip the skin of its natural oils, triggering eczema flares, and make the skin drier.

Parents should go for gentle soaps or synthetic cleaners recommended by the doctor. They should avoid using perfumed soaps, and instead, opt for fragrance-free alternatives.

Bathing for Too Long

Bathing for too long also triggers eczema flares and worsens the condition. Bathing for over 10 minutes can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and inflammation. Parents should ensure a quick bath, not exceeding ten minutes.

They should also consider using lukewarm water instead of hot water, which is harsh on the skin.

Scrubbing the Skin Too Hard

Parents tend to scrub their children’s skin too hard, thinking that it would remove the dead skin cells and improve the condition. However, this worsens inflammation and triggers eczema flares.

Instead, parents should go for a gentle pat high bath which places no pressure on the skin, reducing inflammation and redness.

Not Rinsing Soap Well

Not rinsing off soap well after bathing is a common mistake that can cause skin irritation and eczema. Soap residue on the skin leads to dryness and inflammation.

Parents should rinse their children’s skin well after bathing, ensuring that no soap remains on the skin.

Using Hot Water

Hot water dries out the skin, triggering eczema flares. Therefore, parents should avoid hot water during baths, using lukewarm water instead.

Not Considering Swimsuits

Swimming is an exciting activity for children, but for those with eczema, it can worsen the condition. Swimming pools contain chlorine, a chemical that irritates the skin, making eczema worse.

Parents should consider using swimsuits with long sleeves and high necks, reducing skin exposure to chlorine. After swimming, parents should rinse their children’s skin thoroughly, moisturizing it well afterward.

Not Consulting a Doctor

Most parents rely on personal experiences and online information to manage eczema in children, leading to long-term complications.

However, eczema manifests differently in different children, and a doctor’s input is crucial in managing the condition. Parents should seek a doctor’s advice on the best soap, moisturizer, and bathing technique for their child.

Not Choosing the Right Moisturizer

Parents should not use any moisturizer on their children, but instead, they should use medical-grade moisturizers recommended by the doctor. Some moisturizers contain fragrances and irritants that worsen the condition.

Failing to Follow a Bathing Routine

Parents often fail to follow a routine while bathing their children, which can affect their skin’s health. Irregular baths or failing to moisturize after bathing lead to dryness, inflammation, and eczema flares.

Parents should create a routine for bathing and moisturizing their child in consultation with the doctor, adhering to it strictly.

Conclusion

Bathing children with eczema is critical in managing the condition, but parents should avoid common mistakes that worsen the situation. Always use gentle soaps, lukewarm water, and medical-grade moisturizers recommended by the doctor.

Establishing a routine and seeking a doctor’s advice is crucial in managing eczema effectively.