6 ways to help children with troubled skin

While most types of eczema are not allergies, the disease can flare up if your child comes in contact with things that cause an allergic reaction, such as certain foods. If your child has eczema, you can ask your doctor to test for food allergies. You can also keep a food journal, and see if you notice any patterns in flare-ups after your child eats certain foods. If you discover any food allergies, removing them from your child’s diet can help prevent these eruptions.Diet can also play a role if your child suffers from acne. Carrots, which are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, have been linked to curbing acne breakouts because of the retinoids in vitamin A. Vitamin A also helps promote healthy looking skin and supports a healthy immune system. Additionally, beta-carotene can reduce inflammation from acne.

Stay Away From Skin Irritants

Irritants in dyes and perfumes, as well as chemicals in products such as fabric softeners, laundry detergents, and soaps can all cause eczema flare-ups. Switch to a fragrance-free detergent and fabric softener for the laundry. Also, consider what kind of clothing your child wears. Heavy fabrics, such as wool, are not only itchy, they can also cause your child to overheat, which makes eczema worse. Instead, dress him or her in breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton. If you live in a hard water area consider a water softener to reduce exposure to skin irritants.

Change the Pillowcases

Your pillowcase absorbs the natural oils from your face and hair every time you sleep on it. When your child goes to bed at night, these oils are reapplied to the skin. This promotes bacteria growth and clogs pores, which causes acne breakouts. Therefore, a clean pillowcase can lead to clearer skin and fewer breakouts. Simply change your child’s pillowcase every two or three nights to help develop clearer skin.

Fight Acne With Natural Products

If your child has an acne breakout, applying an ice cube to the infected area can help reduce inflammation. This will also shrink pores and cause the blood vessels to contract. Just make sure the ice cube isn’t held on the skin for more than five minutes. Another natural product to try is lemon juice. The high acidity in lemon juice can help fight bacteria on the skin. Lemon juice is also good for treating blemishes and scars.

Try Natural Bath Products

Most soaps and lotions that have a scent also use alcohol, and alcohol dries out the skin. Therefore, look for products that are free of fragrance and are hypoallergenic. Bubble baths can contain perfumes and harsh soaps that can dry out the skin. If your child suffers from eczema or gets a rash after taking a bubble bath, avoid these products completely. To make bath time fun, use bath toys instead. You can also add natural products such as oatmeal or baking soda to a bath, or use them to make a paste which you apply to the skin to help relieve itching from eczema.

Use Lotions and Creams

Lotions and creams that help the skin lock in moisture are also good for helping children with eczema. Try using one of Amway’s many lotions or creams several times a day to help the skin retain its essential moisture. They work best when they’re applied directly after a bath. Use lukewarm water in the bath and pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Within three minutes, apply the lotion or cream to keep all the moisture from the bath on the skin.
From natural bath products, to lotions and creams, to watching your child’s diet, there are many treatments that can help bring some relief and possibly even prevent future flare-ups and breakouts in children suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or acne.