Mama – Here’s What You Need to Know About Eczema
Have you ever noticed a red, itchy, very dry patch on your skin that you then scratched only to further irritate it? Or maybe you’ve noticed a similar looking rash on your baby or child’s cheek or arm? It could be eczema. At Alani Organics, we’ve got you covered! Here’s some important information about how to care for newborn skin with eczema and what to do if you, your baby or child has it.
What is Eczema?
A common condition, eczema often presents itself as an itchy, dry, flaky rash and over 30 million Americans have some form of eczema. The condition often begins as a small red patch of skin (perhaps similar to a rash as mentioned), but soon turns into an inflamed reaction.
Many people get eczema during infancy and childhood (particularly on the face) but it can occur at any time of life. Symptoms do vary though, depending on the person and eczema can range from a mild reaction or a moderate rash to a severe attack. While living with eczema can sometimes be a challenge, it is a manageable condition.
Babies are prone to eczema because their skin is so delicate. That’s why it’s very important to use kind, natural and gentle skincare for your baby, so as not to aggravate it or exacerbate conditions like eczema. At Alani Organics, we only choose partners who create products using “clean” ingredients, with no manmade or harsh chemicals involved, so our skincare products for babies are gentle enough to keep their skin healthy, soft and with that delightful velvety touch!
Is Eczema Contagious?
No, eczema is not contagious. It is not a virus that spreads from another person or through proximity or water. Being near someone with eczema does not put you or your child at any risk.
What are the Symptoms of Eczema?
As with most skin conditions, eczema symptoms are different for everyone and therefore may vary from person to person. For example, the appearance and severity of eczema may be completely different between two patients.
Usually, eczema begins with dry and extremely itchy areas of skin. It is often common in places like elbow creases, the backs of the knees, and the face area, but it can appear on the palm of your hands in between fingers and toes, on feet – and anywhere else, even on the scalp. When that area of skin is constantly touched or itched, it develops into inflamed and sensitive skin. Other symptoms include:
- Raw and swollen skin
- Dark colored patches of skin
- Small bumps that may leak with fluid
- Thick and cracked skin
- Bleeding skin
For most people, only a few of these symptoms will present themselves. It’s important to note that eczema might also flare periodically, usually when triggered (triggers include sweat, stress, certain soaps or detergents, dust etc.).
Different types of Eczema
Not to complicate the topic further, there are different types of eczema, and each type has its own individual symptoms that are associated with it.
The best way to determine your eczema type is by consulting a doctor or dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis and find out the best way to manage it. There are lots of remedies, ranging from prescription-based steroid creams (which we’d rather avoid because they’re steroids and not gentle or kind) to homeopathic remedies and products, such as the ones on our website, which target skin conditions like eczema with outstanding results.
We’d suggest trying the following products if you think your little one (or anyone else in your family) has eczema, but always get a doctor or medical practitioner to confirm any skin condition.
