Five Essential Tips for Managing Eczema in Children: Our Family’s Journey

October is National Eczema Month, a time to spread awareness about this common yet often challenging skin condition. Eczema entered our lives unexpectedly when our daughter was born. Unlike our son, who never had sensitive skin, she’s dealt with flare-ups since infancy. This journey has been a learning experience, filled with trial and error, as we discovered ways to keep her skin comfortable and healthy. Here are five tips that have made a world of difference in managing our daughter’s eczema.

1. Go Fragrance-Free: A Must for Detergents, Lotions, and More

One of the first steps we took was eliminating all perfumes, dyes, and fragrances from our home. Fragrances can be a significant trigger for eczema, causing irritation and flare-ups. We use fragrance-free products across the board—from laundry detergents to lotions and bath washes. Making this simple switch has reduced her reactions to irritants, creating a gentler environment for her sensitive skin.

2. Filter the Bath Water to Reduce Irritants

Hard water, rich in minerals, can aggravate eczema. We installed a water filter on our bathtub to reduce mineral content, which has helped tremendously. Bathing in filtered water minimizes the chance of flare-ups due to the harsh elements found in regular tap water, providing a gentler experience for her skin.

3. Rethink Bathing Routine: Keep It Simple

While regular baths are essential for hygiene, they can dry out the skin if done too often or with too much soap. We usually avoid daily baths; however, if she’s been outside playing, we’ll rinse her off using only water, applying soap only to essential areas. On days when we do use soap, we often add an oatmeal bath soak like Ella Ola, which contains Dead Sea salt and natural ingredients that help soothe her skin.

4. Choose the Right Moisturizers: Go Lanolin-Free

Selecting the right moisturizer was a journey on its own. Initially, we tried Aquaphor, a common recommendation for dry patches, but found that it wasn’t right for her. It caused heat rashes and further irritation due to the lanolin. We switched to Vaseline and Vanicream, which are lanolin-free, fragrance-free, and thick enough to provide lasting moisture. Vanicream, in particular, has become a family favorite. We apply a generous amount and then cover her with long pajamas or a sleep sack, letting the lotion soak into her skin without her disturbing it during nighttime.

5. Embrace Outdoor Play and Environmental Exposure

Though some families might keep kids with eczema away from outdoor elements, we’ve taken a different approach. We believe in allowing her to adapt to natural elements, whether it’s grass, dirt, or garden play. Our daughter spends a lot of time outdoors, which we feel has helped her body adjust and may even help her skin in the long term.

Bonus Tips: Nutrition, Allergies, and the Gut-Skin Connection

Eczema often goes hand-in-hand with food allergies, and our daughter currently has an egg and peanut allergy. To help her body adjust, we introduced allergens early and worked with our pediatrician & allergist to monitor her reactions. Another helpful approach has been healing her gut from the inside out. We incorporate probiotics and a balanced diet to support her overall health, which we believe plays a role in managing her skin condition.

Final Thoughts

Our experience with eczema has been an evolving journey, but these changes have made a real difference. Each child’s eczema story is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. By staying fragrance-free, filtering our water, adjusting bath routines, choosing gentle moisturizers, and embracing natural outdoor play, we’ve created a routine that keeps our daughter’s skin happier and healthier.

Eczema can feel overwhelming at times, but remember: with patience, experimentation, and support, it’s possible to find a routine that works for your family.

Xoxo,

Ashley