7 March 2024
Summer is here at last and there are lots of reasons to be happy – long, sunny days, picnics in the park and barbeques, to name just a few. However, if your child suffers from eczema, they’re likely to be feeling pretty uncomfortable right now.
Our skin is our body’s largest organ. One of its primary functions is to keep our body temperature comfortable. It does this by either releasing moisture (sweating) to keep us cool, or by trapping a layer of air between goose bumps to warm us up.
If your baby has eczema, that area of skin doesn’t function properly. Therefore, it will not be able to manage moisture levels to adapt the baby’s body temperature. This means that your baby is likely to overheat during hot weather. Using thick creams will not help this, as they clog up the skin and don’t allow your baby to sweat to cool themselves down.
If your child’s skin is cared for properly, both they and you can still have a fun filled summer. Here are our top tips for managing your little one’s eczema in the heat.
Drink plenty of water
Overheating and deficient moisture control are the main factors behind eczema flare-ups during the summer. Ensure your child drinks plenty of water to stay well-hydrated. This will also help to regulate their core body temperature.
Limit time spent outdoors
You don’t have to keep your child indoors all the time in the summer due to their eczema. However, it’s sensible to keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day, which is generally between 10am and 4pm. Early morning and late evening are the best times for outdoor play, as it’s much cooler then. This should greatly reduce the chances of skin irritation and overheating. If you do need to take them out into the sun, cover them up in light clothing, use a brimmed hat and try to keep them in the shade wherever possible.
Monitor your child’s eczema outdoors
If you’re planning on spending time outdoors with your child during the summer, keep an eye out for them becoming lethargic, or changes in the pigmentation of their skin. This could signal that they are too hot. You should mop excess sweat away from folds in the arms, behind the knees and crotch to minimise irritation.
It’s a good idea to apply a cold wet cloth and give your child a drink if you notice these changes.
Always apply SPF50 sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin to your child’s skin before spending time outside. If they go for a swim, apply a light emollient cream first. Then, make sure you rinse their skin with clean water when they get out of the pool or sea, and pat their skin dry.
Covering up with our unique Dreamskin coated eczema soothing clothing is the safest way to keep your child’s skin safe and comfortable. Our leggings and round neck tops are perfect for this.
Never use a hydrocortisone cream on your child before they spend time in the sun, as it can thin the skin.
Only use fragrance-free products on your child’s skin
Fragranced products are very likely to trigger your baby’s eczema. Many fragrances contain chemicals, which is something you don’t want to put on your baby’s eczema-prone skin. Stick to fragrance-free products to reduce the chances of further skin irritation during the summer.
Choose the right clothing for your eczema prone baby
HappySkin® clothing is perfect for protecting your child’s delicate skin in the sun. A base layer clothing range made with DreamSkin® technology, HappySkin® contains a unique polymer that soothes and protects dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
HappySkin® clothing’s unique Dreamskin® technology mimics the top layer of your child’s skin. The coating on HappySkin® clothing helps to regulate moisture levels on the skin’s surface and therefore also controls body temperature, so your child will never be too hot or too cold. In other words, HappySkin® takes over the job that healthy skin would normally do.
Dress your baby in HappySkin® eczema soothing clothing day and night
Eczema can be particularly bothersome at night, especially for babies and young children. The itching can prevent them (and you) from getting a good night’s sleep.
Our HappySkin® children’s pyjamas and baby sleepsuits have completely flat seams and super soft thread, to ensure your child gets the rest they need. Featuring Dreamskin® technology, our pyjamas have been specially engineered to soothe dry, irritated, and sensitive skin.
The great thing about our HappySkin® garments is that you can’t overwear them. Use them on your children around the clock day and night until you’ve got those flare ups under control and continue to wear them to minimise future flare-ups.
Enjoy your summer
Make the most of your summer by following these tips to help your little one avoid eczema flare-ups in the heat.
If you have any questions about how HappySkin® works, or about any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team by emailing hello@happy-skin.com.
