Eczema on the Rise in Children: Understanding This Growing Concern

Eczema on the Rise in Children is becoming an increasingly prevalent topic of concern for many parents and healthcare professionals. In this article, we aim to provide an in-depth understanding of eczema, focusing on its rise among children. We will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments, including effective natural remedies. By gaining insight into this condition, parents can better manage their child’s eczema and improve their quality of life.

What is Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and itchy. It is a chronic disorder, meaning it can last for a long time, and often flares up periodically. The skin may also become dry, cracked, and prone to infections due to the damaged skin barrier.

What Are the Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema symptoms can vary widely but commonly include:

• Intense itching: This is often the most distressing symptom for children.
• Red or brownish-gray patches: These can appear anywhere but are commonly found on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, and the bends of the elbows and knees.
• Small, raised bumps: These may leak fluid and crust over when scratched.
• Thickened, cracked, or scaly skin: This occurs as a result of persistent scratching and irritation.
• Raw, sensitive, and swollen skin: This can result from excessive scratching.

What Causes Eczema

Eczema results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here’s a closer look:

Genetics: Eczema tends to run in families, indicating a strong genetic component. Children with a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever are more likely to develop the condition.

Environment: Environmental factors such as exposure to allergens (like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites), irritants (like soaps and detergents), and extremes in temperature and humidity can trigger or worsen eczema.

Diet: Certain foods can trigger eczema flare-ups in some children. Common culprits include dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat. However, these triggers can vary from person to person.

How Gut Health Impacts The Rise in Children Eczema

Gut health plays a significant role in overall skin health, including the rise in children eczema. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. A healthy, balanced gut microbiome helps regulate the immune system and prevent inflammation, which is crucial for managing eczema.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: This condition occurs when the lining of the gut becomes more permeable, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger immune responses and inflammation, exacerbating eczema symptoms.

Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics are fibers that feed these beneficial bacteria. Including both in your child’s diet can help maintain gut health and potentially reduce eczema symptoms.

What Types of Foods Cause Eczema

Certain foods can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms in some children. These include:

• Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.
• Eggs: A common allergen, especially in young children.
• Nuts and seeds: Particularly peanuts and tree nuts.
• Soy products: Such as tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.
• Gluten-containing grains: Wheat, barley, and rye.

It’s important to note that not all children with eczema will react to these foods. Identifying specific food triggers requires careful observation and, often, professional guidance.

How Do Processed Food Consumption Impact Eczema

Processed foods can negatively impact eczema in several ways:

High Sugar Content: Processed foods often contain high levels of sugar, which can promote inflammation and worsen eczema symptoms.

Additives and Preservatives: These chemicals can act as irritants and trigger eczema flare-ups.

Lack of Nutrients: Processed foods are often low in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and a robust immune system.

Trans Fats and Unhealthy Oils: These can promote inflammation and negatively affect skin health.

Tips on Finding Food Triggers

Identifying food triggers can be challenging but crucial for managing eczema. Here are some tips:

Keep a Food Diary: Document everything your child eats and note any eczema flare-ups. This can help identify patterns and potential triggers.

Elimination Diet: Under professional guidance, eliminate suspected trigger foods from your child’s diet and then gradually reintroduce them one at a time, monitoring for any reactions.

Allergy Testing: Consult with a healthcare provider to perform allergy tests, which can help identify specific food allergies.

Observe Behavior Changes: Besides skin reactions, note any changes in behavior or digestion, as these can also indicate food sensitivities.

Commercial Treatments For Eczema Include:

Topical Steroids: These reduce inflammation but can thin the skin with prolonged use.

Antibiotic Ointments: Used to treat infections but don’t address eczema itself.

Emollients and Moisturizers: These help maintain skin hydration but may contain chemicals that irritate sensitive skin.

Oral Medications: Include antihistamines and immunosuppressants, which have various side effects.

Limitations: Conventional treatments often come with side effects, limited effectiveness, and don’t address the root causes of eczema. In contrast, natural skincare products are gentle, effective, and free from harsh chemicals, making them suitable for long-term use.

Why Don’t Medications Eliminate Eczema

Medications can help manage eczema symptoms, but they don’t eliminate the condition for several reasons:

Chronic Nature: Eczema is a chronic condition with no cure, so treatments focus on symptom management.

Trigger Management: Medications don’t address the underlying triggers like diet and environmental factors.

Side Effects: Long-term use of medications, especially corticosteroids, can cause side effects, making them unsuitable for continuous use.

Symptom Suppression: Medications often suppress symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of eczema, leading to temporary relief rather than long-term management.

Treating and Managing Eczema with Natural Skin Care Products

Natural skincare products offer a holistic approach to managing eczema. They are made from ingredients that nourish the skin and help restore its natural barrier without harmful side effects. Here’s how they help:

Gentle on the Skin: Natural products are free from harsh, drying, synthetic ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.

Hydration and Moisture: Natural oils and butters, like shea butter and coconut oil, deeply moisturize the skin, preventing dryness and flare-ups.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula have natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin.

Supporting Skin Barrier Function: Natural skincare products help maintain the skin’s barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against irritants.

Treating The Rise in Children Eczema Using Natural Skin Revival Products

At Natural Skin Revival, we understand the long-term impacts of the rise of eczema in children. We offer a range of products specifically designed for eczema-prone skin. Our products are crafted with natural, high-quality ingredients that provide effective relief without harmful side effects. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Skin Treatments for Infants and Children: Our eczema skin treatments are formulated to soothe and protect your child’s delicate skin. They include natural oils, butters, and botanicals known for their healing properties.

Goat’s Milk Soaps and Cleansers: Our goat’s milk soaps and cleansers are gentle and nourishing, making them ideal for daily use. Goat’s milk is rich in vitamins and minerals that support skin health and maintain hydration.

By choosing natural skincare products from Natural Skin Revival, you can manage your child’s eczema effectively and naturally.

Our Commitment

Eczema is on the rise in children, influenced by various factors like genetics, environment, and diet. Managing this condition involves a holistic approach, including a healthy diet, good gut health, and using gentle, natural skincare products. At Natural Skin Revival, we are committed to providing safe and effective solutions to help you manage your child’s eczema naturally and effectively.

Here Are Some Helpful Links:

Diet, Children, and the Future: Once weaned, children are just like small adults when it comes to nutrition. Starches (potatoes, corn, rice, sweet potatoes, beans, etc.) must provide the bulk of their calories in order for them to thrive. Meat and dairy products, along with oils and simple sugars, make them fat and sick. Here are the best nutritional facts to help you raise healthy children.

Kids With Food Allergies is a great resource for parents of food allergic children. They have shared thousands of their favorite recipes that are indicated as “free of” many different allergens. You can search to meet your special dietary needs, or you can browse by category. The “free of” boxes indicate that the recipe can be made without those allergens (it may require substitution to make the recipe safe for your particular needs).

Inspiring Story: One Teen’s Journey From Crippling Arthritis to Competing in Olympic-Style Weightlifting.

“After first eliminating dairy from our family diet, my mother noticed marked health benefits for my two sisters; it cleared up the eczema of one and the chronic ear infections of the other. My improvements weren’t as pronounced, however, until we stopped eating all animal products.”  Read More…

Useful Articles by Natural Skin Revival

Eczema on the Rise in Children: Understanding and Managing This Growing Concern – Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival DISCLAIMER

Recommended Reading:

Tackling Eczema in Teens: Impact & Advice

How to Make School Easier For Your Eczema-Prone Child

Is Neem Oil Safe For Babies & Pregnant Women

Eczema & Psoriasis – Helpful Ways to Protect Your Skin From Frequent Hand Washing.