Question:
My daughter has eczema. What can I do to relieve her discomfort?
Answer:
Eczema, a chronic dry and itchy skin condition, is manageable. Here are a few tips to keep it under control:
- Cover her with light creams during the day and ointments at bedtime.
- Antihistamines at bedtime can ease the itching. Check with her doctor before giving her any antihistamines, particularly if she is under a year old. If necessary, her GP may prescribe a topical cortisone preparation.
- When washing, use only mild soap, apply it at the end of the bath and rinse it off immediately.
- Take short warm baths daily. Afterwards, liberally apply a layer of rich emollient which will help hold in the moisture.
- Cut your child's nails often so she can't scratch.
- Dress her in cotton and avoid material that can aggravate the skin - synthetics, wool, itchy fabrics.
- Rinse chlorinated pool water off after swimming and apply moisturiser.
The good news is that in many cases, children outgrow the condition later in childhood.