Last summer, my son developed a bad case of the scalies on his upper arms. After learning that it was eczema, I have become pretty vigilant about what types of products come into contact with his skin. The cause of eczema isn't really known, but after speaking with our pediatrician and doing a little reading, we deduced that there may be a link to my own allergic conditions, which include dry skin, severe seasonal allergies, and asthma. We also noticed that certain materials that we would wear would cause his skin flare into a bright red when he came into contact with them. After chatting further with our pediatrician and with friends, I started using the following tips, and breakouts have slowed down considerably:
- Switch to perfume-free, non drying bath products for your child. We use Mustela's Stelatopia line which can be found at specialty stores such as Urban Nirvana. Regular soap can be drying, but many other bath products also contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a substance used to produce lather which also strips oils from the skin.
- Smear Aquaphor over your child after every bath. It doesn't make putting their jammies on any easier, but it packs in a lot of moisture. It can also be used for diaper rash and other skin irritations.
- Use perfume-free, dye-fee laundry products. All, Seventh Generation, Method, and Tide all have free and clear lines, and Bounce even has dye-free, perfume-free dryer sheets. Sometimes I do miss the slight scent of detergent when I pull a shirt on, but it's definitely worth it.
- Now that we are in (and out, and in again, and out again) the midst of outdoor play season, protect skin with a chemical free sunscreen. Blue Lizard is my personal favorite (and is carried by Blue Moon Outfitters), but Burt's Bees and California Baby also come highly recommended. Use small dollops... a little goes a long way!
- Use a natural bug repellent. In Columbia, where we are outnumbered by mosquitoes during warm months, making ourselves invisible to them is a must. Products like Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent are great alternatives to others which contain DEET. The smell is a bit strong at first, as the formulation contains aromatic herbs such as rosemary oil and lemon grass. However this product is also great on dry skin. It is an oil spray, so it takes some rubbing in.
- Dump the synthetic fibers. Materials such as polyester and nylon are known to irritate eczema-prone skin. Itchy wool should also be avoided. Instead, opt for natural and/or organic fibers like cotton and silk for clothing and bedding.
Tips such as these have helped keep my son's skin better hydrated in a world of chemicals and irritants. With green living on the forefront of our pop culture (and it's about darn time!), products free of skin-drying irritants are more easily accessible. If your child has sensitive or eczema-prone skin, keep your eye out for the products listed above and even more that are sure to come to market in the coming months!
