Healing Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can be uncomfortable and even painful for children. There are many strategies that parents can use to help manage their child's symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Let’s look at five strategies to help with eczema in children: elimination diet, anti-inflammatory foods, exercise, coconut oil, and red light therapy.

Elimination Diet

Food allergies and sensitivities can trigger eczema flare-ups in some children. By identifying and eliminating these triggers, parents can reduce their child's symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. The most common food triggers for eczema are dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, and shellfish. Eliminating these foods from your child's diet for a few weeks can help you determine if they are a trigger for their eczema. If you notice an improvement in your child's symptoms, you can gradually reintroduce these foods one at a time to see which ones cause a reaction. This is one of the most promising treatments. This may seem impossible or very difficult, but it may only be needed for a short time to determine which food is creating inflammation and triggering the eczema breakouts. Results can sometimes be seen in as little as a week.

Anti-inflammatory Foods

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your child's diet can help reduce inflammation and improve their overall health. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins such as fish, chicken, and turkey. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your child's immune system and reduce inflammation in their body. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential when healing eczema. Zinc is another essential nutrient here. Also, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as blueberries, ginger, turmeric (both can be added to soups or smoothies), and avocados.

Exercise

Regular exercise can help reduce stress and boost your child's immune system, both of which can help improve their eczema symptoms. Encourage your child to engage in low-impact exercises such as yoga, swimming, or cycling. Make sure they stay hydrated and avoid activities that may cause them to sweat excessively, as this can trigger a flare-up.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help soothe and heal dry, itchy skin. Apply coconut oil to your child's skin after a bath or shower to help lock in moisture and reduce inflammation. Coconut oil also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infections, which are common in children with eczema. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a nutritious fatty acid, or lipid, also found in breast milk. Lauric acid is used to develop monolaurin, which is an antimicrobial agent that can fight bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses and other pathogens. It also includes antioxidants which provide an extra boost to the immune system. Results of a study, published in the December 2013 issue of International Journal of Dermatology, revealed that effects of topical virgin coconut oil applied to the skin for eight weeks improved skin hydration for children with eczema and on baby eczema.

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses red light to help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. This therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing eczema symptoms in children. Red light therapy can be performed at home using a handheld device or at a dermatologist's office. It is a safe and effective treatment that does not have any side effects. A 2013 study states that red light activates stem cells, the body’s 'master cells' that are essential for healing. Another study on 81 patients with the most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, found that red light therapy effectively decreased itching in 63 people with the condition and it reduced skin eruptions in 57 cases.

Eczema can be a challenging condition for children and their families to manage. However, with the right strategies in place, parents can help reduce their child's symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. By implementing an elimination diet, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, encouraging regular exercise, using coconut oil, and exploring red light therapy, parents can take an active role in managing their child's eczema and promoting their overall health and well-being.