As with any age, atopic dermatitis in babies is also common. Flare-ups occur when the symptoms become more visible such as dryness, itchiness, and redness, among others. Since the baby’s body is very small, almost all body parts get affected. The face, torso and limbs are the most common. Their skin is also thin and sensitive, and this makes them even more prone to the skin condition.
Because atopic dermatitis in babies has no known cure, you can only do so much. Here are 6 easy things you can easily do to prevent flare-ups.
1. Keep your baby’s nails short and wear mittens
To avoid worsening your baby’s atopic dermatitis, you have to cut your baby’s nails properly and let them wear cotton mittens for protection. Babies are prone to involuntary movements and can scratch their own skin. Their nails might cause small wounds on their thin and sensitive skin.
2. Remove tags from your baby’s clothes
If your baby has atopic dermatitis, tags may cause itchiness when they rub against the sensitive skin. It can cause irritation, redness, and might be uncomfortable for the baby. If left unremoved, it can repeatedly cause friction and further irritate the already sensitive skin condition.
3. Let your baby wear comfortable clothes and fabrics
Cotton is the best fabric for your baby suffering with atopic dermatitis. When choosing cloth, covers, beddings, and outfit for your baby, avoid synthetics and wool because it can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.
4. Use gentle bath products for your baby
Babies have very sensitive skin. If you want to prevent your baby’s atopic dermatitis flare-up, you have to be very careful when choosing bath products. Aside from the usual mild and gentle products, you have to make sure that they are made for this kind of skin condition.
5. Rinse baby clothes well to remove detergent residue
When you do the laundry for your baby with atopic dermatitis, make sure that you choose the mildest detergent. If possible, rinse twice to thoroughly wash away the chemical residue. It might irritate the baby’s skin, cause itchiness, and worsen the atopic dermatitis. Aside from clothes, do this to beddings and other items as well.
6. Keep your pets away from your baby
Atopic dermatitis in babies sometimes get triggered with the presence of pets. Aside from dust particles, pet dander also causes itchiness and skin allergy. Remember to vacuum the entire house regularly and do not let your pet enter the baby’s room. Make sure your pet is always clean as well. If possible, you can choose to rehome your pet outside the house.
Final Thoughts
Atopic dermatitis is common in babies not just in adults. Since they are still very young, the specific triggers may be hard to determine. As you try to figure these out, you can do the things mentioned above. These are just some of the easy ways where you can prevent flare-ups.
That these are only temporary solutions to provide relief. You still have to consult your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember that this skin condition will eventually get better or improve as the baby grows older.
