As a parent of a child affected by infant eczema, you’re constantly on the hunt for the gentlest options that give you the best results. This often leads Mums and Dads down the road of natural remedies, but are they all they’re cracked up to be?
So, stick with us as we explore the most common infant eczema natural treatments available and discuss their benefits and drawbacks. As with anything like this, there are truths and misconceptions, so it’s time to separate fact from fiction.
Coconut oil is the first of our natural remedies for infant eczema, which can be applied topically to moisturise the skin. It hydrates and soothes the dry, itchy skin of atopic dermatitis while also eliminating bacteria and reducing inflammation.
The Cons: Some children may be allergic to it, and it is quite high on the comedogenic scale, meaning it can lead to clogged pores.
When bathing your child, finely ground colloidal oatmeal reduces the itching and inflammation of eczema and creates a protective barrier for your skin. It balances the pH of your child’s skin after allowing them to soak in it for 10-15 minutes before patting dry.
The Cons: While it does lock in moisture, it acts as an emollient and doesn’t allow the skin to ‘breathe’ and regulate its temperature. Oats also rank highly amongst food groups that can as cause allergic reactions so you should always check before using.
The next eczema natural treatment for children to consider is aloe vera gel, which can be helpful due to its hydrating, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Applied directly to the affected skin, it offers a cooling effect that calms flare-ups.
The Cons: Some commercial aloe vera products can contain irritating fragrances, and their benefits may not be sufficient for more severe types of eczema. Also, when not combined with occlusive layers, it can actually cause the skin to dry out. There is little if no evidence suggesting that using Aloe Vera has a clinically proven effect on the treatment of eczema.
Medical-grade honey can be applied topically, and it’s packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also helps to stop the itch/scratch cycle that can lead to infection by reducing the urge to touch it while providing a protective barrier.
The Cons: Though relatively rare, some kids can be allergic to honey. It can also be sticky and uncomfortable and will lead to the blocking of skin pores which must be kept clear in order for the skin to deliver its temperature regulating function.
While beeswax is also derived from bees, it’s quite different in terms of its composition. Honey is what they create to live on, whereas beeswax is what their honeycombs are made from. However, it too, locks in moisture and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
The Cons: Beeswax can be quite heavy and cause blocked pores, and it offers limited levels of moisture. It locks in hydration if it exists, but it doesn’t provide much of its own.
Another of the popular natural remedies for eczema for infants is shea butter, which comes from the nuts of the shea tree. It’s great for making the skin feel soft and moisturised, however the high content of rich fatty acids are not easily absorbed and will block skin pores.
HappySkin Eczema Clothing
We’ve left the most effective natural treatment for babies with eczema until last. As a far more gentle option than paraffin creams and steroids, our TENCEL™/cotton garments offer a way to avoid the misery that is atopic dermatitis that’s as easy as putting on a sleep suit!
What makes them so natural is that they help restore the skin’s ability to regulate its temperature, allowing it to sweat when hot and retain moisture when it’s cold. When placed next to the skin, our cutting-edge DreamSkin™ coating turns tears into smiles.
When combined with our steroid-free, physician-approved Rejuvacream moisturising cream – which contains naturally occurring chemical compounds and botanical ingredients – you get a complete solution that nourishes, soothes and fortifies the skin.
There's Nothing More Natural Than HappySkin Garments
So, if you want to avoid harsh eczema treatments like paraffin-based emollient creams that often prolong your child’s misery, why not consider HappySkin garments, which represent one of the most natural remedies for eczema in children you’ll find anywhere?
If you’re not sure or you’d like help understanding how our products can turn the tide of eczema and put a smile back on your little one’s face, we recommend booking an expert consultation. It only costs £15, which is redeemable against any HappySkin garment purchase.
Alternatively, simply browse our website to discover a wide range of children’s eczema clothing for kids aged 0-12. There, you’ll see we even offer free shipping for orders over £40!