With summer taking hold in Australia, children with eczema are beginning to battle more breakouts, as the warm weather acts as a trigger.
But by following just a few simple steps, the itchy rash can be easily managed during this challenging period.
Speaking to FEMAIL, pharmacist and entrepreneur Julia Simmonds shared the tips she learned after her son suffered a severe flare-up and was taken to hospital.
Australian pharmacist and entrepreneur Julia Simmonds shared with FEMAIL the eczema management tricks she learned after her son suffered a severe flare-up and was taken to hospital (pictured with her family)
Ms Simmonds (pictured) said her boy’s eczema became well-managed within weeks by following a simple, natural skincare routine
‘My baby boy was in pain, skin broken and bleeding, unable to sleep, barely able to open his eyes from the inflammation and crying constantly for help,’ Ms Simmonds revealed to FEMAIL.
‘Lying awake on my hospital pull-out parent chair, I started researching eczema management and which natural ingredients have properties that could help to relieve my boy’s pain.’
Ms Simmonds said her boy’s eczema became well-managed within weeks by following a simple, natural skincare routine, which she shared with FEMAIL.
Ms Simmonds (pictured with her family) shared these tips with FEMAIL – explaining how you too can help to manage your child’s eczema
BATHE DAILY IN OATMEAL
Bathing your child daily in a natural bath soak helps moisturise their skin and relieve itchiness and dryness, Ms Simmonds said.
Bath soaks from Itchy Baby Co. – which Ms Simmonds founded – mainly consist of colloidal oatmeal which has been clinically shown to relieve dry skin.
Ms Simmonds added: ‘Our bath soaks work by leaving a thin film on the skin, which acts as a barrier to stop moisture loss.
‘They also have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.’
Bathing your child daily in a natural bath soak helps moisturise their skin and relieve itchiness and dryness, Ms Simmonds said (stock image)
Bath soaks from Itchy Baby Co. – which Ms Simmonds founded – mainly consist of colloidal oatmeal which has been clinically shown to relieve dry skin (pictured)
MOISTURISE SOME MORE STRAIGHT AFTER
Ms Simmonds suggests using a natural moisturiser on your child immediately after bathing and while they are still damp.
‘Our moisturiser will melt into the skin and help lock in the goodness from our Itchy Baby Co. bath soak,’ she said.
‘It will also mix with the skin’s barrier to stop water-loss and keep triggers out.’
Ms Simmonds suggests using a natural moisturiser on your child immediately after bathing and while they are still damp (stock image)
DRESS IN LOOSE-FITTING, COTTON CLOTHES
Loose-fitting clothing is least likely to trap in body heat, which will allow your child to stay cool, Ms Simmonds said.
This is essential, as heat is one of the most common eczema triggers due to the dryness and irritation it can cause to skin.
Ms Simmonds added: ‘Also, be sure to dress your child in 100 per cent breathable cotton, as it absorbs perspiration and is less irritating to the skin.’
STAY OUT OF THE SUN
‘Try to plan your day so you are indoors during the warmest part of the day,’ Ms Simmonds said.
‘Being inside means you are more able to control the temperature.
‘It also makes it easier to use cool compresses to take the heat out of your child’s skin if you need to.’
To read more about Ms Simmonds’ natural eczema range, Itchy Baby Co., please click here.