Key Takeaways Most children do grow out of eczema – studies show 60-70% see significant improvement by age 7 Eczema typically appears between 3-4 months and peaks around 2 Gentle skincare without harsh detergents is crucial for managing baby eczema Early intervention and proper care can reduce severity and duration of flare-ups Dont Panic! Watching […]
Can Children Grow Out Of Eczema? We Look At The Evidence. Read More »
Ringworm and eczema both cause circular patches of itchy, red skin. We explain the difference and look at causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Ringworm and eczema: telling the difference and knowing the risks Read More »
If you suffer from dry skin, it’s likely that cold, winter weather will wreak havoc with your lips. This means relying on lip balms to get through the winter. There is a huge range to choose from and not just different brands. Most brands have a selection of options including twist-up sticks, tubes, different flavours
Winter skin: Tried and tested lip balms Read More »
Not so long ago, the received wisdom was that atopic dermatitis (also known as infant or childhood eczema) was a disease that would disappear (or resolve) before adulthood. Eczema sufferers the world over knew that this wasn’t actually the case for every eczema sufferer and recent studies have confirmed that while eczema can and often
Can children grow out of eczema? We look at the evidence. Read More »
Eczema is one of those conditions that waxes and wanes throughout life. For many women, changes in hormones can trigger eczema flare-ups. The teenage years can often see a recurrence of childhood eczema. The same is true during pregnancy. In my case the first sign that I was pregnant was a flare up of eczema
Eczema and the (peri)menopause – how hormone changes can affect your skin Read More »
Eczema is commonly associated with both poor sleep quality while melatonin is know to aid sleep; so it’s no surprise that there has been research into its effectiveness in helping eczema sufferers to sleep better. We look at the evidence. In summary: Eczema and sleep Eczema is commonly associated with both poor sleep quality and
Can melatonin help eczema sufferers sleep better? Read More »
Eczema prone skin can be sensitive to irritants, bacteria, and allergens. It is also typically dry and uneven making it vulnerable to nicks and scrapes from razor blades. As a result, shaving can leave the skin feeling sore and uncomfortable. While letting your beard grow is the obvious solution, for some men this isn’t an
Eczema and shaving (mostly for men) Read More »
Between shaving, waxing, sugaring, threading, tweezing, creams and laser hair removal, it seems like the methods for removing unwanted body hair are endless. However, those options can look very different for people with eczema. As well as being sensitive to common ingredients in hair removal products, eczema sufferers typically have dry and uneven skin that
Eczema friendly hair removal (mostly for women) Read More »
Our hands come into contact with many different materials and substances every day, so unsurprisingly, they’re one of the most common areas of the body where eczema develops, especially in adults. With so many joints and moving parts, the skin on our hands is particular vulnerable to cracking, making hand eczema particularly uncomfortable. And because we
Understanding hand eczema in adults Read More »
We all know that regular exercise is essential for cardiovascular health as well as supporting mental wellbeing. But did you know that regular low to moderate intensity exercise also reduces inflammation and suppresses allergic immune responses, both of which can help to reduce eczema symptoms. We look at the practicalities of regular exercise for eczema
Eczema and exercise: how to minimise the itch Read More »
Eczema is an uncomfortable condition, no matter where it appears on the body. However, if you develop eczema on your face as an adult, not only is it uncomfortable, but you may feel self-conscious about it too. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with most people experiencing flare-ups, where symptoms worsen and then gradually improve
Facial eczema in adults Read More »
Stress can wreak havoc on the body. Common symptoms include sleep problems, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and chest pains. But have you considered that stress could also be to blame for your eczema flare-ups? While stress doesn’t cause eczema, research shows that it can be significant trigger. In this article, we’ll explore the link between stress and
Eczema and stress in adults Read More »
Although eczema is more common in babies and children, it also occurs in adults. Some people won’t grow out of their childhood eczema and others will develop eczema as adults, known as adult-onset eczema. We look at how patterns of eczema changes in adulthood, what treatments are available, and why avoiding eczema triggers is an
Adult eczema: What is it and how does it differ from childhood eczema? Read More »
Coming up with interesting and thoughtful gifts can be tricky. If the person you’re gifting to has a skin condition like eczema it can be even more difficult. No one wants to give a gift that the receiver can’t use. We’ve put our heads together to come up with a list of thoughtful gifts for
Thoughtful gifts for eczema sufferers Read More »
Looking for a gift for a little one with eczema? Our eczema gift guide has plenty of great ideas to help you find the perfect gift. Here at ScratchSleeves, we don’t just share our experiences of bringing up an eczema child and favourite allergy-friendly recipes, we also manufacture and sell our unique stay-on scratch mitts
Thoughtful gifts for eczema kids (and families) Read More »
Love it or loathe it, trick or treating has made its way over the Atlantic from the US and is now the Halloween highlight in most kid’s year. It doesn’t take teenagers long to realise that having cute little kids in tow substantially ups their success rate. And for younger kids, a big part of
Allergy-friendly Trick or Treating – What does a Teal Pumpkin mean? Read More »
If your child suffers with eczema, the chances are that you will have seen an improvement in their skin over the summer months. The high humidity typical of a British Summer, coupled with increased vitamin D levels, along with paddling in the sea (if you’re lucky enough) and lighter clothing all contribute to healthier skin. But
Humidity and eczema – What’s the link? Read More »
Like most parents new to baby eczema, we turned to the internet to find out more about out son’s condition. It didn’t take us long to discover a wealth of scary stories about the dangers of using the very treatment that our caring family doctor had prescribed for our son. While the internet has many
Is topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) a risk for babies and children? Read More »
Food allergies and dietary eczema triggers may be diagnosed with a trial elimination diet. This is where the suspected food is removed from your child’s diet (or yours, if you are breastfeeding) for two to four weeks before being reintroduced. In most cases, if a given food is a indeed trigger for your child’s eczema,
Eczema and food allergies: The practicalities of elimination diets Read More »
Breastfeeding can be an emotive subject, especially if your little one is unlucky enough to suffer from baby eczema. One of the hardest parts of early parenthood, especially the first time around, is all the conflicting advice you are given. From sleeping positions to the family cat, there will always be two sides and both
Breastfeeding and baby eczema: separating evidence from myth Read More »
If you are in the UK and your child has eczema, it is likely that this was diagnosed by your GP following the NICE guidelines. The National Health Service provide free healthcare to UK residents. However, it is currently over-stretched and waiting times for appointments are frustratingly long. As a result, many parents feel that
How to book a dermatology appointment for your eczema child Read More »
Finding the trigger for their child’s eczema so that it can be avoided is the holy grail for eczema parents. Not surprisingly, allergy testing is often seen as the way to achieve this. However, as with all things eczema – allergy testing in children is not as straight-forward as it sounds. We look at when
Allergy testing for children: An eczema parent’s guide Read More »
Whether you are returning to work after maternity leave or you have other commitments requiring your attention – sending your child off to nursery can be anxiety inducing for anyone. Add eczema into the mix and you are likely to be even more fretful. We’ve spoken to nursery manager and eczema sufferer, Annette Milburn, for
Starting nursery: An eczema parent’s guide. Read More »
As long as there is habitual scratching of eczema patches, skin never gets the chance to heal fully. This means that eczema patches can persist for weeks and months. This chronic eczema can be recognised by thickened, leathery skin (known as lichenous skin) in easy-to-reach places. If you can stop habitual scratching, skin has a
Habit reversal: How to reduce eczema scratching with the Combined Approach Read More »
Hypnotherapy aims to modify unconscious thoughts and behaviours. Given that a good portion of eczema scratching can be habitual, hypnotherapy is a logical tool to try in the attempt to break the scratching habit. We look at whether hypnotherapy can reduce eczema related scratching and the practicalities of using it in children. How does hypnotherapy reduce
Can hypnotherapy reduce eczema scratching in children? Read More »
Of all the alternative eczema remedies, homoeopathy is one of the most questioned with regard to effectiveness. We look at the evidence supporting its use and how to find a reliable practitioner. Around 200 trials have compared homoeopathy against placebos. These trials have concluded that there is no evidence that homoeopathy pills are any better
Can homoeopathy help my child’s eczema? Read More »
Essential oils have been used in the treatment of eczema for hundreds of years. However, there is not a great deal of reliable scientific evidence to support their use. While there is some evidence that essential oils may have anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects which may help ease some eczema symptoms, there is also good evidence
Complementary therapies: Essential oils and eczema Read More »
Chinese herbal medicine is just ‘medicine’ in large parts of the world. It is commonly used alongside conventional, Western medicine in China and East Asia. We look at how it works and the evidence supporting its use in the treatment of eczema. We also investigate at how to find a trustworthy practitioner. Our conclusions: How
Complementary therapies for eczema: Chinese herbal medicine Read More »
Keeping emollients on a wriggly little one for long enough to be absorbed can be challenging. Most eczema parents have resigned themselves to finding emollient smears round their homes. Some children just can’t stay still for long and their emollient is brushed off as they race around the house. Others really don’t like the claggy
Using bandages for eczema: Wet wrapping, dry wrapping and medicated bandages Read More »
When I was a child dairy-free Easter Eggs just weren’t available. One memorable year, my brilliant mum made me an Easter Egg using the classic ’70s coconut pyramid recipe. For the first time in years I wasn’t the odd one out without an Easter Egg. Since then multiple dairy-free chocolate brands have appeared and there
Dairy-free Easter Eggs – Tried and tested for 2025 Read More »
Leaky gut syndrome is one of those conditions that is often suggested as a possible cause for eczema. But what is a leaky gut and is there any science behind claims that it can cause eczema? We look at the research into the link between gut and skin health and what practical steps you can
Leaky gut syndrome – Is it connected to eczema? Read More »
There is growing evidence that early-onset eczema can be a forerunner to food allergies. For example, a study of over 4,000 one year olds in Australia found that one in five infants with eczema were allergic to peanut, egg white or sesame. This is compared to one in 25 infants without eczema1. However, the patterns
Eczema and food: Can food allergies be avoided? Read More »
If you have a child with eczema you will likely know all about the atopic triad – this describes the three conditions which often go hand in hand, hence ‘triad’. The three conditions are eczema, allergies and asthma. In this post we are going to focus on food allergies. Allergies can also include hayfever or
Understanding food allergies: A guide for eczema parents Read More »
If you have a child with eczema you already know that there are likely to be other side effects, like infected eczema, that crop up from time to time. All of these are manageable with good advice from your GP or dermatologist. Here at ScratchSleeves we know the misery of late night googling and conflicting
Infected eczema: What it looks like and how to treat it Read More »
While bleach bathes can sound a bit drastic to the new eczema parent, they are actually not that different from taking your child to swim in a chlorinated pool. The chlorinated water kills bacteria on the skin, controlling skin infections that can make eczema even more itchy. Our simple guide takes you through when bleach
Bleach bathing for eczema Read More »
Have large areas of your child’s skin suddenly erupted into a red, itchy rash? This is likely to be an eczema flare-up. This short guide will take you through the practical steps you can take to bring your child’s skin back under control. Every eczema flare-up is different so you may not need to follow
How to manage an eczema flare-up Read More »
This lentil recipe, sweetened with apple, is delicious served with chicken. We recommend the red cabbage and apples are cooked until very soft. If your little one is new to solids, you may need to puree this recipe. To make it quick and easy to prepare we’ve used precooked lentils, but you can cook yours
Eating well for eczema | Puy lentils with red cabbage and apple Read More »
This banana bread has no eggs and contains a flavourless oil in place of butter and is beautifully moist. It is best eaten on the day it is made but if you have any left over, it is delicious sliced, toasted and spread with butter or dairy free spread. Riper bananas will make the cake
Eating well for eczema | Moist banana bread Read More »
This is a delicious, eczema friendly smoothie with plenty of flavour if you use ripe bananas and papaya. Leaving the smoothie in the fridge for half an hour helps the flavours to develop even more. Your little ones can help with peeling and slicing the bananas ready to be liquidised and they’ll have fun scooping
Eating well for eczema | Papaya and banana smoothie Read More »
This eczema friendly dessert is simple to make and has a delicious oaty crumble topping. Carob nibs are a healthy alternative to chocolate and are naturally sweet. As the nibs don’t melt when cooked they provide a lovely crunch to this soft dessert, but you can omit these if your little ones aren’t quite ready
Eating well for eczema | Pear and carob oaty crumbles Read More »
As children we are all told to eat our vegetables and to have lots of colour on our plates (not just tomato ketchup). And our parents weren’t wrong. Colourful vegetables and fruit are packed full of natural flavonoids which are known to be beneficial in many different ways. But can these chemicals affect eczema as
Flavonoids and eczema: Why you should eat your greens (and yellows, purples, reds…) Read More »
Vitamins and trace minerals are micronutrients that are essential for the body’s growth and development. They play critical roles in many processes within and around the body. Ensuring that children who suffer from eczema to consume enough of the vitamins and minerals should help with eczema management. In this article the ScratchSleeves team helps you
10 vitamins and minerals for eczema management (and where to find them) Read More »
In this article we look at the importance of omega-3 oils in the diet of eczema sufferers and unpick its relationship with eczema and the importance of balancing omega-3 and omega-6. We also discuss the ways in which more omega-3 can be incorporated into your eczema child’s diet. Need to know: What is Omega-3? Omega-3
Omega-3 and eczema Read More »
We’ve used chickpea flour to coat these little salmon bites which gives them a lovely crisp outside. You can buy chickpea flour readymade or it’s very easy to make in a liquidizer. The salmon is deliciously succulent cooked this way and has a lovely delicate flavour. Your little ones will have lots of fun dipping
Eating well for eczema | Crispy Salmon Bites Read More »
In this article, we look at the role the liver plays in eczema, as well as how to ensure that your little one’s diet helps their liver to function as efficiently. Liver function has been understood to have a role in eczema since the early twentieth century1. However, modern eczema treatments pay little or no
The liver’s role in eczema Read More »
Whilst the link between eczema and allergies to specific foods like milks, eggs and nuts are well understood, research suggests that it is possible for some eczema sufferers to be sensitive to chemicals that occur naturally in foods typically seen as healthy, like fruit and vegetables. Plants contain an enormous range of chemicals which possess
Do intolerances to chemicals naturally occurring in food affect eczema? Read More »
These little pancakes are super easy to make and taste delicious. Your littles ones will enjoy helping to make these by measuring out the ingredients and doing lots of mixing with a fork. We’ve used gluten free flour and oat milk for these pancakes as it makes them suitable for littles ones with gluten and
Eating well for eczema | Blueberry breakfast pancakes Read More »
Having a child with eczema lays another layer of complexity over parenthood. It can affect everything from whether one parent chooses to go back to work, to starting nursery or school. The vast majority of babies with eczema will grow out of it at some point, but it may well flare up again during puberty or at times of stress. We look at how childhood eczema can affect the milestones of growing up.
Growing up with eczema: Milestones and life stages Read More »
Our skin is the barrier between our bodies and the outside world. If the skin barrier is compromised by eczema, it is often more sensitive to changes in the temperature, humidity, airborne particles and our clothing. The changing seasons have a huge impact on eczema. Then there are the various holiday traditions that mark the passing of the year. Easter Eggs, summer trips to the seaside, Christmas trees and winter holidays. We look at how all of these can impact your child’s eczema.
The eczema year: How eczema changes with seasons and holidays Read More »
The skin is in direct contact with both clothing and the inevitable detergent residues that it is holding. Making sure both the clothing and laundry residues are well tolerated is key to managing eczema flare-up and maintaining the skin between them. We look at what to look for when buying clothes for your eczema child and how to keep clothes clean and looking good without irritating their skin.
Eczema-friendly clothing and laundry: What to look for if your child has eczema Read More »
Ask any eczema parent which part of their child’s eczema they find hardest to deal with and the answer will invariably be sleep, or rather lack of it. Childhood eczema and the associated itching and scratching commonly affects the sleep of the whole family. A survey conducted by the National Eczema Association in the US found that 60% of eczema parents are waking up more than twice a night to provide care1. We look at the importance of sleep and how to minimise the eczema itch and inevitable scratching that disturbs it.
Scratching and disturbed sleep in eczema babies and kids Read More »
One of the first pieces of advice that any eczema parent hears is that they should identify any triggers for their little one’s eczema. But it doesn’t take long to realise that there are hundreds of possible triggers. How on earth do you go about finding the needle in the haystack? We’ve put together this simple guide to being an eczema detective to help you get started.
Be an eczema detective: How to identify eczema triggers Read More »
There’s no getting away from the fact that having a child with eczema is likely to impact the entire family. From broken nights, to time spent applying eczema creams and attending medical appointments, managing eczema is time consuming, exhausting and stressful. We look at the impacts and how to minimise the impact of childhood eczema and keep the fun of family life.
How childhood eczema impacts the whole family (and how to minimise its impact) Read More »
Here at ScratchSleeves we love collaborating to bring you the experience and expertise of professionals and parents. This time we have teamed up with early years professional, sleep consultant and eczema mum, Kirsty Irving. We can’t think of a better person to be sharing top tips on helping an eczema child to sleep. Not only
Eczema and sleep issues through the ages Read More »
You’ve followed your bedtime routine, dealt with the emollients, read a story and tucked your child into bed. But the itch just isn’t allowing them to relax into sleep. These tools can help to take their mind off the itch for just long enough for sleep to take over. All the tools in our sleep
Eczema and sleep: A sleep toolkit for eczema children Read More »
Here at ScratchSleeves we love collaborating to bring you the experience and expertise of professionals and parents. This time we have teamed up with early years professional, sleep consultant and eczema mum, Kirsty Irving. We can’t think of a better person to be sharing top tips on eczema and sleep. Not only does Kirsty have
Eczema and sleep: Understanding wake windows in babies and toddlers Read More »
Here at ScratchSleeves we love collaborating on blog posts to bring you the experience and expertise of professionals and parents. This time we have teamed up with early years professional, sleep consultant and eczema mum, Kirsty Irving. We can’t think of a better person to be sharing top tips on helping an eczema child to
Eczema and sleep: Expert sleep tips for eczema babies and children Read More »
Here at ScratchSleeves we love collaborating to bring you the experience and expertise of professionals and parents. This time we have teamed up with early years professional, sleep consultant and eczema mum, Kirsty Irving. We can’t think of a better person to be sharing top tips on helping an eczema child to sleep.
Eczema and sleep: A parent’s (eventual) success story Read More »
It’s rare for children to end up in hospital with eczema, but if your little one is admitted, this post should help you prepare. Written in conjunction with the brilliant team at Eczema Outreach Support
Inpatient hospital stays for childhood eczema: what to expect Read More »
The colder winter weather can aggravate eczema, and with the need to layer up the clothes, you may find you’re facing a particularly difficult few months. Adding gloves to itchy, painful fingers or trousers to scratchy legs isn’t easy for parents of children with eczema. So how do you keep your child warm without making
Managing your child’s eczema in winter Read More »
Winter is with us once again and while the children look forward to Christmas and snow. We parents need to prepare for those dreaded eczema flare-ups which are inevitable at this time of year. If your child is susceptible to seasonal eczema or suffers year-round, you’ll know only too well that the condition can be aggravated
Chapped lips: Managing kids’ winter eczema Read More »
The current cold snap may be a great excuse to light the fire and cosy. However, it’s not without its problems for sensitive skin. One of the issues at the moment is chapped hands. Here at ScratchSleeves HQ, we’ve decided it’s time to write down our tips on dealing with this particularly painful problem. When hands
Winter eczema tips: Helping kids with chapped hands Read More »
Commonly, baby eczema flares up in winter. The cold weather and dark evenings mean that babies spend more time inside where the central heating lowers the humidity and dries the skin. This drying also makes delicate skin more vulnerable to other triggers. When we do make it outside, the biting northerly winds can dry their skin further.
Managing baby eczema during winter Read More »
As the weather starts to get colder and we start heading indoors for the coming winter, many eczema sufferers find that their skin is becoming drier and more itchy. There are a number of reasons for this including the drying effect of the central heating and harsher weather; increasing mould and fungi spores (both inside
Autumn eczema: Top tips to minimise your child’s flare-ups Read More »
The link between eczema, allergies (especially allergic rhinitis, or hay fever) and asthma has long been recognised by parents and medical professionals. The so-called ‘Atopic March’ or ‘Atopic Triad’ identifying the progression from itchy skin to further underlying conditions like asthma and hay fever. But what causes this progression? How do you know if your
The Atopic March: is your child’s eczema a prelude to allergies and maybe even asthma? Read More »
Over the years we’ve learned that a successful family holiday all boils down to planning and preparation. It’s hard work though. Just thinking about the kit that everyone in our little clan needs for a fortnight away is enough to put me in a bad mood. Inevitably I can’t find the favourite swim suit or the
Going on holiday? Top tips for managing baby and childhood eczema while you’re away Read More »
Summer: the time when all kids (not just the itchy ones) get covered from top to toe in white gloop! The sun is really important in the creation of essential Vitamin D, but it also emits harmful UV rays and dries out the skin. With the skin’s moisture gone, eczema is more prone to flare
Sunscreen for eczema children: Top tips Read More »
Summer has arrived and we’re not complaining! However, the long hours of sunlight and the hot summer nights can make sleeping difficult, especially for itchy little ones. Here at ScratchSleeves HQ, we have been struggling to get our own little ones to fall asleep and decided to share the best tips we’ve found on the subject.
Hot summer nights? Help your eczema child to sleep with our top tips… Read More »
While hot summer weather is lovely and a welcome change to the damp British weather, keeping an eczema baby comfortable and safe from the sun can be a real challenge. These are tricks that we use to keep our eczema baby healthy and happy in the heat. How to keep your eczema baby happy during
Summer with an eczema baby: Top tips for dealing with the heat & sunshine Read More »
By now you’re probably only too aware that having a baby with eczema means everything is a little more complicated. From everyday activities such as washing clothes and bathing, to the bigger challenge of weaning, you’ll need to take your child’s eczema into account every step of the way. If you’re a little daunted by
Weaning an eczema baby Read More »
We know from experience that watching your child suffer the constant itch and irritation of baby eczema is frustrating. It doesn’t help when you feel there is little you can do to make the itch go away and while the doctors have a cupboard full of conventional remedies, they don’t always work as quickly, or well as we parents would like.
Natural remedies for baby eczema: Which ones work? A review of the evidence Read More »
These cuties will become a firm favourite of the little ones and the grown-ups in the family. Made in bun tins, the texture of the Mini Toads In The Hole is slightly more spongy than the usual batter and the combination of sausage, tomato and thyme is simply delicious. They are easy to eat as finger food, making them ideal for parties. We served the Mini Toads In The Hole on Bonfire Night and the plateful was gone in minutes!
Mini toads in the hole – gluten and dairy-free recipe Read More »
The myriad of baby wipe brands now available makes it hard for parents to choose the right product for their child at the best of times. It’s even more difficult when you have a child with eczema. In this article, we look at what goes into baby wipes and help you to choose products which
Eczema friendly baby wipes? Ingredients to watch out for and practical alternatives Read More »
Spring is finally on its way, with lighter nights and warmer days. It’s definitely a feel-good time of year – not only does the springtime make us feel better in general, but it can also be more comfortable for eczema sufferers too with the temperatures being favourable – not too hot, not too cold. That
Managing eczema in the spring Read More »
Swaddling is a great way to stop babies scratching the eczema on their face. If only you can stop them from escaping in the middle of the night! We kept our scratchy, eczema baby swaddled until he was well over eight months old albeit after a fair bit of experimentation. Although not everyone agrees with
How to stop babies scratching: Swaddling an eczema baby Read More »
Toddlers are amazing little people full of a wonderful enthusiasm, energy and innocence. But they lack common sense and live in the moment. They are also self-centred and attention-grabbing and love the word ‘No’, largely because it gets them the attention that they crave. For a parent this can be a really challenging age. It
Living with an eczema toddler: Top tips to minimise scratching Read More »
Taking a family holiday with a child who suffers from eczema can add a further layer of complication to your trip. There is so much to consider, and even more to pack, to keep your child comfortable. A trip to the snowy ski slopes can be even more tricky, as the cold air outside and
Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years and for many different ailments: from mouthwash to moisturiser! Recent research into coconut oil’s effectiveness has resulted in it becoming increasingly popular as an alternative remedy for treating eczema.
Alternative eczema remedies # 1: Coconut oil Read More »
Laundry detergents are one of the most commonly cited triggers for eczema. But why do some detergents cause a problem while others are fine? In a quest to understand which laundry washing products the ScratchSleeves family can use without itching, we investigated what exactly goes into laundry detergents and learnt a surprising amount about how
Eczema friendly laundry detergents (and their ingredients) Read More »
There’s good scientific evidence that children who live in hard water areas are 54 per cent more likely to have eczema compared to children who live in softer water areas. So does this mean that you can reduce your child’s eczema by installing a water softener? There is plenty of marketing hype suggesting that
Do water softeners help eczema? Read More »
Looking at the conversations on parenting forums, it’s clear that many parents have concerns over using prescribed hydrocortisone cream and other topical corticosteroids (TCS) in managing their child’s eczema.
Using topical corticosteroids creams for childhood eczema: Are steroid creams safe? Read More »
As the parent of an eczema child you know that all sorts of things can trigger a flare up. Toiletries, cleaning products, animal dander, washing powders… The list goes on and on. What, however, about the environment in your home? It is widely recognised that house dust mites can worsen eczema and other skin conditions.
Eczema triggers #5: Mould Read More »
What can you do for your itchy little one when it comes to dressing them? Scratchy, tight or overly warm clothing can irritate eczema-prone skin. However, with a careful shopping it is entirely possible to find comfortable clothes for an eczema baby. Here is what we look for when clothing our itchy, eczema-prone son. Eczema
Cosy clothes for an eczema baby: What to look for Read More »
What can you do for your itchy little one when it comes to dressing them? You’ll be surprised at what a difference fabric choice makes to a child’s comfort. Here’s our guide to eczema friendly fabrics to look out for when clothing an eczema baby. Our funky scratch mitts and baby PJs are crafted from
Clothing an eczema baby: Eczema friendly fabrics Read More »
Honey is well-known as a treatment for sore throats, wounds and infections, due to compounds it contains that kill bacteria. Manuka honey, in particular, is used in licensed wound dressings in the UK. However, value of it in the treatment of childhood eczema is yet to be proved. That said, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence
Alternative remedies #3: Is Manuka honey good for eczema? Read More »
Eczema is one of those horrible conditions where there is no single treatment that works for everybody. Annoying as it is, you will probably have to try lots of different things – ruling out particular foods, washing powders, and fabric types – before you find the best way to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of
Can probiotics help eczema in babies and children? Alternative remedies #4 Read More »
Every parent knows the heartache of watching their child struggle with rejection. It’s part of growing up and being human, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult for them to navigate and for you to watch. When it comes to eczema there are lots of misconceptions, especially among young children. You may already have seen
Explaining childhood eczema to peers Read More »
If you have just been told by your doctor or health care provider that your little one has eczema, the first thing you will be prescribed is an emollient. These are the mainstay for the alleviation and prevention of eczema symptoms. There is a huge range of emollients available for eczema – both prescription and
Using emollients for eczema: A beginners guide Read More »
When your baby has eczema, it can be an exhausting and frustrating task to find products that don’t irritate their sensitive skin. Since every baby will react differently to certain ingredients, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to toiletries. It’s all about testing products to see what works best for your child. We show
How to patch test toiletries and creams on children with eczema Read More »
When your children are constantly itching because of eczema, you’ll very quickly become an expert on all the various products that claim to calm the skin. I have a science background and, even then, I have found the list of chemicals found in some of today’s most popular products challenging! Having raised two children who
9 Skincare ingredients to avoid if your child has eczema Read More »
Unfortunately, eczema is a condition where there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. This makes it particularly frustrating to parents who simply want to alleviate the horrible eczema symptoms which cause so much suffering for itchy children. You may be lucky and find an effective treatment the first time you visit the doctor. However, it’s
Using Aloe vera for eczema: Alternative eczema remedies #2 Read More »
After months of battling the healthcare system, at last, you’ve got a dermatology appointment to see a consultant about your child’s eczema. Finally, you can talk to a dermatology consultant who really knows about the complexities of skin and allergies and will be able to help your little one. You’re starting to see the light
Getting the most from your child’s dermatology appointment Read More »
Bathtime should be a relaxing and fun time when babies can bask in Mum and Dad’s undivided attention before bedtime. However, for eczema babies (and their parents) it can be one of the most stressful parts of the day. While it can be tempting to skip the bath, bathing is really important in keeping eczema skin as healthy as possible. Also having a consistent bedtime routine really does help little ones drop off to sleep more easily. And where sleeping is concerned, a baby eczema sufferer needs all the help he can get.
Avoiding baby eczema triggers #2: Bathtime Read More »
Eczema is often called “the itch that rashes”. The eczema itch is certainly feels more uncomfortable and distressing than the eczema rash looks. Trouble sleeping, infections and even hospitalisation can all be triggered by that pesky little itch. It’s time to put it under the microscope and find out exactly what causes the unpleasant sensation.
The eczema itch explained – What causes it? What relieves it? Read More »
When your baby begins to itch and scratch, we know from experience it can be distressing. For parents with itchy newborns, it can be difficult to identify what’s causing your baby’s skin irritation. While there are many causes for eczema in children, one you may not have considered is cow’s milk protein allergy or CMPA. What
Cow’s milk protein allergy in babies and children Read More »
There’s more information about baby eczema available on the web than anyone can hope to read in a lifetime so we have distilled our experience into 8 simple steps that will get you through the first few months of your baby’s eczema.
Help! My baby has eczema… Top tips for parents new to baby eczema Read More »
Eczema is really itchy and almost impossible not to scratch. Every parent whose child suffers from eczema knows how distressing it can be to watch their youngster claw at their skin until it’s raw. Many little ones struggle to control their itching and can end up with painful broken skin, making the condition worse and
All about the eczema itch and some practical tips for struggling parents Read More »
One of the questions often asked by our customers is “will wearing ScratchSleeves affect my child’s ability to play?”. The great news is that they don’t make much difference at all. The mitts of ScratchSleeves are specially designed to be large enough for children to use their hands naturally, but without being so large or bulky that
Best toys for children wearing scratch mitts Read More »
Ice cream is the ultimate summer treat for kids and grown-ups alike. Just because your child bears the brunt of an allergy or the itchiness of eczema, it doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the tasty delights of chocolate ice cream. This is our brilliant dairy-free chocolate ice cream recipe – and you
Dairy-free chocolate ice-cream (made with coconut milk) Read More »
Feel like the only person awake at 2 am, 4 am and then again at 5 am with a scratchy, unhappy child? You’re not alone – there are thousands of others going through exactly the same exhausting patterns night after night. We wanted to point you to this BRILLIANT webinar from the National Eczema Association
How to help your itchy little one get a quality night’s sleep Read More »
Eating is a vital part of children’s growth and development and ensuring the correct consumption of nutrients is essential. Unfortunately, this can be more of a challenge for children who suffer from eczema as around 30% of eczema sufferers also have some sort of food allergy. While there is plenty of advice about what not to feed your eczema child, there is far less information available about what foods and nutrients parents can feed their little ones to help manage eczema. ScratchSleeves gives you the low down on the best foods for your children to help ensure a more manageable experience of eczema…
Good food for eczema children: Eating well for eczema Read More »
You’ve just been told that your little one is allergic to eggs. First there’s the relief that there is definitely something you can do to help them. Then there’s the slightly panicky feeling that you have no idea what foods have eggs hidden in the ingredients list and how to go about creating a healthy egg free diet for your eczema child. Fear not, the ScratchSleeves team have put together a beginners guide to egg free eating.
Egg-free eating: A parent’s guide to catering for an egg-free diet Read More »
Teething is a well known anecdotal trigger for flare-ups in pre-existing baby eczema. It’s not clear if the trigger for these flare-ups the stress associated with teething, aggravation by the excess droll associated with teething, the hormones which triggered the teething in the first place, or a combination of the three. Either way, if your baby’s
Baby eczema triggers #6: Does teething trigger eczema? Read More »
Sensitive, eczema prone skin often doesn’t take kindly to regular hand washing and sanitizing. Both hand soap and alcohol, the active ingredient in sanitisers, strip the natural oils from the skin’s surface along with the dirt. It doesn’t take long for sensitive skin to become dry, sore and prone to cracking. We share our top
Hand washing: How to keep eczema prone hands clean and healthy Read More »
Soya milk has a nasty habit of making Yorkshire Pudding batters too heavy to rise – but this foolproof recipe, which changes the traditional proportions of milk and eggs, works like a dream.
Dairy-free Yorkshire puddings (that actually rise!) Read More »
When thinking about how best to help your child to manage their eczema, there are two sides to the story. First, there are the physical symptoms. The itchy, red, raw skin and the challenge you have in preventing and managing flare-ups. Secondly, there are the emotional symptoms. In particular, the feelings of self-consciousness about looking different, which usually
Coping with eczema – The importance of building resilience Read More »
Birthday cakes are one of those important milestones that no child (or adult) should have to miss out on – but cakes made without eggs can be really disappointing. While there are egg substitutes available, they can be temperamental to use and often aren’t available in the local supermarket. So, a reliable egg-free birthday cake
Two easy and egg free birthday cake recipes: sponge cake and fruit cake Read More »
Long car journeys with babies and young children fill most parents with dread: the boredom, the kicking at the backs of the seats, the bickering, the mess when you arrive… We know from experience that the thought of a long car journey with an eczema child can be terrifying – all that time with nothing better to do than scratching! The vast majority of advice available suggests avoiding long car journeys with an eczema child – but there are times when that just isn’t an option. And for some parents even short car journeys are difficult. The ScratchSleeves team have put their heads together and come up with their top tips for comfortable car journeys with eczema children.
Top tips for car journeys with eczema kids (and babies) Read More »
Christmas time is when the kitchen is filled with the smell of gorgeous festive treats. But your little one doesn’t have to miss out on it all. We’re bringing you our favourite allergy-friendly Christmas Cookies! They are milk-free, egg-free and nut-free and really taste of Christmas. And the best bit? This cookie recipe is really
Allergy friendly Christmas cookie recipe: Egg-free, milk-free, nut-free and yummy! Read More »
Christmas time can be magical but it can also be a time when eczema flares up. Colder weather, seeing relatives and even Christmas trees can trigger children’s eczema. Christmas can have an effect on your child’s eczema, but it can be avoided if you pinpoint the hidden triggers. Here are some ideas for avoiding eczema
Avoiding eczema this Christmas Read More »
Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat…and it’s time to bake our FreeFrom gingerbread men! Baking gingerbread men is the perfect way to bond with your child and a brilliant way to celebrate Christmas. They make great presents too! As well as being a sweet festive treat, this FreeFrom gingerbread men recipe is allergy-friendly
Allergy-friendly Christmas gingerbread men recipe Read More »
My Gran and Mum have been using this oat and golden syrup cookie recipe for as long as I can remember. Strangely, I didn’t realise that the milk-free, egg-free recipe was so allergy-friendly until the kids wanted to bake with friends who have an egg allergy. This recipe differs slightly from most oat and golden
Grandma’s oat and golden syrup cookie recipe – egg and dairy free Read More »
There are a number of different types of eczema and it’s entirely possible for child to suffer from more than one type at the same time. In this article we look at contact dermatitis. This type of eczema is caused by the skin reacting to irritants that the skin comes into direct contact with. The
All about infant contact dermatitis Read More »
We often get asked by our customers what we use as an eczema family. So at ScratchSleeves HQ we mulled it over and decided we should put all that information in one place for all our customers and readers. Welcome to ScratchSleeves recommends – our quick reference page for the eczema products that we actually
ScratchSleeves recommends – the eczema products we use ourselves Read More »
This Halloween will be different, no doubt about it. With a little creativity, your kids can still have a spooky and exciting Halloween! Our eczema son was never been able to have his face-painted. He and I are both allergic to parabens which are found in all the face-paints I’ve found (and most make-up). This
Eczema-friendly Halloween: Homemade face paint recipe Read More »
These are a much healthier alternative to the nuggets served at fast-food restaurants. When I cooked these for the first time, my children devoured them in minutes and they are now a firm favourite. You can make these in advance and freeze them, just ensure they are completely defrosted before cooking and check they are
Recipes for allergy kids: Cookie cutter chicken bites (egg and gluten free) Read More »
Dairy allergies are a common trigger for eczema in babies, children and adults. In some cases, eczema can be largely controlled by avoiding milk. Allergic reactions, including eczema and asthma, are associated with milk proteins rather than the lactose content (which can cause digestive problems, known as dairy intolerance).
A beginner’s guide to dairy-free cooking for eczema babies and kids Read More »
The link between stress and eczema has been well documented in adults. There is less information available on the impact of stress in kids with eczema. We look at the available information and what you can do to help you eczema child manage stress and anxiety. As parents to two children who had eczema in
Stress and the links with childhood eczema Read More »
Bath time usually signifies the end of the day and for children the undivided attention of a parent. Adding in lots of water equals fun. So if you can use bath time to soothe their skin so much the better! As well as emollient bath treatments, there are alternatives that other people use to help
Beneficial bath additives: Alternative remedies #5 Read More »
As many parents of itchy little ones know, it is common for children who suffer from eczema to also be prone to allergies – both food and environment-related. Babies and children sleep for around half of every day and typically sleep in their bedrooms. We look at how to create an eczema friendly bedroom. Creating
Making your child’s bedroom eczema friendly Read More »
Rashes and minor skin problems are common in babies and infants. While most blemishes disappear without treatment, other skin problems linger, cause irritation and become a cause for concern.
Eczema or baby acne? How to tell the difference Read More »
A great recipe to make with allergy kids. Milk-free, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free and seriously moreish! And you can use the same recipe to make allergy-friendly Easter Eggs too.
Cooking with allergy kids: Rice Krispy cakes and Easter Eggs Read More »
When you’ve got a child who suffers from eczema, it can take a toll on the whole family and make simple days out rather more difficult and stressful. Staying indoors and avoiding the joys of family outings is, of course, not an option. We all need to get out and about to see friends or
Don’t let eczema stop you – Tips on getting out and about Read More »
Having realised back that shop bought soap was aggravating the family’s eczema, Grandma ScratchSleeves started making her own soap. Over the years her recipe has evolved to use coconut oil and, when it’s in season, lavender from the garden. Both of these ingredients have been used for centuries to heal sore skin, and this soap
Make your own eczema friendly soap Read More »
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from parents about improvements in atopic eczema after swimming in the sea. This is consistent with our family’s experience. Grandma ScratchSleeves is sure that her childhood eczema improved after the annual week at the beach. So can eczema be improved by swimming in the sea? And is it possible to get
Salt water bathing – an eczema parent’s guide Read More »
You won’t believe this dessert recipe is dairy-free – in fact, it is not really a cheesecake at all! Made from dairy-free coconut yoghurt and fresh lemons, it has a very light texture with a fresh lemony flavour with just the tiniest hint of coconut. This dairy-free and eggless lemon ‘cheesecake’ recipe is so simple
Lemon ‘cheesecake’ with blueberry sauce – dairy-free and egg-free recipe Read More »
Don’t let allergies get in the way of enjoying Pancake Day with our two tried and tested dairy-free egg-free pancake recipes. Whether you prefer thin, English style pancakes or fluffy, American style ones, we’ve got it covered. And you should be able to get all the ingredients from the supermarket (if they aren’t already in
Eczema friendly-cooking: Dairy-free, egg-free pancakes Read More »
Living with eczema isn’t great, but having to avoid yummy cakes and biscuits because it makes things doubly unfair. But it doesn’t have to be that way: here is one of our family favourites, a diary and egg-free muffin recipe made with apple sauce. And the best bit? Apple contains anti-inflammatory pectin so they are
Dairy free, egg free muffins made with apple sauce – yummy! Read More »
Pregnancy, in my opinion, is one of the greatest preparations for the grimmer elements of parenting. Morning sickness gets us used to vomit. Which is just as well as your clothes, sofa, rug and in my case even cat, will get covered in it. A lot. Having to discuss all your bodily functions with the
Nits, Noses and Nasties Read More »
We all know the benefits of a good bedtime routine. For a child with eczema a structured approach to getting ready to sleep is particularly important. It is never easy for kids or adults to sleep well with the incessant eczema itch. While your child’s current routine may consist of soothing baths, moisturising emollients and
Eczema relief: Using acupressure to help your child relax Read More »
Any parent of a child with eczema knows the horrible, helpless and heart wrenching feeling of watching your little one suffer. While any traditional treatments such as emollients and cortisone creams prescribed by a medical professional should be applied as directed, it is perfectly understandable that desperate and worried parents are likely to research other supplementary options in
Can acupressure help children with eczema? Read More »
What is Postnatal depression? Postnatal depression (also referred to as postpartum depression or PND) is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as Depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue. To put it bluntly, your body, mindset and entire world have just changed dramatically.
Postnatal Depression in mums AND dads – How to spot it and what to do Read More »
Family life is certainly hectic with most of us fighting a constant battle to be in the right place at the right time. Simply getting out of the house in the morning, with everyone washed and dressed and with the right lunch bag and PE kit can be a challenge, even more so if you’re juggling the pressures of work too.
Living with eczema – Keeping your cool with your itchy kid Read More »
As parents we all want our child to be happy and confident going to school and to be in the best possible state both physically and mentally for learning. We have looked before at ways to build your eczema child’s self confidence, but having recently attended a parenting course on managing self esteem we decided to
Building self esteem in children – Why it matters and how to do it Read More »
Books are a great way of starting a discussion about eczema with both kids who have it and those who don’t. But which one is right for the kids you want to talk to? While there isn’t a huge range of options, it’s difficult to know which book will engage your audience and which will
Explaining eczema to kids: Eczema book reviews by kids for kids Read More »
As a non-dairy eater, I know from experience how tricky it can be to finding interesting and appealing dairy-free dessert recipes – there are only so many fresh fruit salads you can face without getting slightly bored of them. This butterscotch flavoured dip makes fruit salads and dairy-free ice cream just that little bit more
Divine dairy free butterscotch dip Read More »
Starting a new school is already a stressful time and, while they may seem excited, there will understandably be nerves surrounding making new friends, fitting in and making a good impression in lessons. Unfortunately for children and parents alike, it is even more daunting starting school when your child has eczema.
How to prepare for starting school when your child has eczema: A parent’s guide Read More »
This recipe produces lovely flexible gluten-free tortilla wraps that are ideal for lunch boxes and are a delicious alternative to sandwiches. Children enjoy rolling out these wraps as the dough is soft and easy to handle. The wraps can be made in advance and kept in the fridge. Just pop them in the microwave for
Allergy friendly baking with kids: Gluten free soft tortilla wraps Read More »
Most parents of children with eczema are understandably wary about putting anything on the skin, sticking to tried and trusted shampoos, soaps and emollients only. However, when the summer insects are on the move here in the UK, or you’re going on holiday where there may be mosquitos, you will probably have no choice but
Choosing an insect repellent for eczema children Read More »
Most children dream of keeping their own pet, it’s one of the pleasures of childhood. It’s also a great way to learn about responsibility. However, eczema does complicate the issue as no parent would want to introduce a pet which could trigger a flare-up. Snakes, reptiles and fish are your safest bet, but perhaps not
Baby eczema triggers #4: Can my eczema child have a furry pet? Read More »
The idea for ScratchSleeves was borne from the despair of watching our kids suffer horribly with eczema. Eczema mittens and clothes which stop scratching can play a massive role in helping to manage the condition. However, there’s one area where Scratchsleeves simply cannot help – bottoms! Eczema outbreaks on bottoms and in the genital region are perhaps
Disposable or re-usable nappies? What’s best for a child with eczema? Read More »
The summer holidays – for children a lovely long break from school, for parents a seemingly endless round of sibling bickering, cries of “I’m bored!” and delving into the wallet time and time again. If you are struggling to think of suitable things to entertain your scratchy child this summer we have put together our
Holiday fun for eczema kids Read More »
Like many eczema kids, our 5 year old hates having eczema creams applied. We have tried all sorts of things to persuade her that they aren’t so bad: from explanations and sticker charts, iPad apps and bribes… One of the few things that have had her accepting creams happily for more than a couple of
Zoë’s special salve – our favourite DIY eczema cream Read More »
One of the most effective ways of controlling baby eczema is to identify what triggers your baby’s eczema flare-ups and avoid them as far as possible. Washing detergents and fabric softeners are a very common cause of baby eczema.
Avoiding baby eczema triggers #1: Laundry Read More »
As a parent it’s natural to do all you can to try to relieve the symptoms of eczema. It’s awful to see your child suffer with itchy, red and inflamed skin. However, if their eczema continues to flare up as your child becomes older, you simply can’t be there all the time to manage the
Managing childhood eczema: Encouraging your child to take control Read More »
Sharing time and attention equally between your children is a juggling act for all parents. However, it is particularly tricky if you have a little one with eczema. In this article, we explore what it’s like to give a child with eczema the attention they need and deserve while ensuring their siblings do not feel
Eczema and siblings: Sharing attention and keeping the peace Read More »
If you have an baby or child with eczema, you’ll be well aware that the condition has a broad impact on everyone involved in their care. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, nursery and school carers each have to understand how eczema affects your child, and how to deal with it. Not only is it important for
Baby eczema: Getting the support you need Read More »
Building sandcastles, digging moats, skimming stones, burying Dad in the sand: a day at the beach can be great fun for everyone. But did you know that visit to beach can be really good therapy for babies and children with eczema too? As well as the wealth of anecdotal evidence, there’s mounting scientific research supporting
Sun, sea, sand and…eczema? Top tips for taking an eczema child to the beach Read More »
As children get older, they start to notice differences between themselves and begin to tease each other about those differences. And it’s not just kids who can be thoughtless – adults are guilty of it too. Although it is natural to stare, people will still point and make negative comments. Your eczema child has probably been the
Top tips to help your eczema child deal with unwanted attention Read More »
The controversy over the benefits of co-sleeping waxes and wanes over the decades. Some swear by it, some advise against it. Currently, most child development experts see co-sleeping as an entirely personal decision. But if your baby has eczema there other things to consider when deciding if co-sleeping is for you. We look at into
Co-sleeping with an eczema baby: the pros and cons Read More »
Let’s face it, for the vast majority of kids, Easter means chocolate. But the sweet milk chocolate beloved of children contains milk, so for a dairy-free kid, Easter can be really disappointing. We share our top tips for making sure that your dairy-free kid has as much fun as the next child. Dairy-free kid’s Easter
Dairy-free kids? How to have an allergy friendly (and fun) Easter Read More »
If your baby’s eczema is aggravated by laundry detergents, keeping their clothes looking good without irritating their skin can be really tough. Especially when they are starting on solids and food starts going everywhere! Most readily available stain-removers contain enzymes that will damage the silk fibres in specialist eczema clothing (including our own ScratchSleeves). They also
Eczema friendly laundry: Stain removers Read More »
Bath-time should be a time of gentle fun when children can wind-down ready for bed. But for the parents of eczema children, bath-time can be one of the most stressful times of the day when their itchy little one has free access to scratch at unprotected skin. There’s also the disappointment of not being able to have bubbles in the bath, especially as children realise that there are fun bath products with their favourite character on available on the supermarket shelves (at their height, of course). Our tops tips should help make an eczema-friendly bath-time fun and stress-free.
Bath-time fun for eczema kids: Top tips for scratch-free bathing Read More »
Babies and children with eczema are more likely to suffer from dangerous allergic reactions. We asked Dr Nikky Ellis – A&E doctor, paediatric first-aid teacher and eczema/allergy mum – to tell us how to recognise the signs of a serious allergic reaction and what to do. Dr Nikky has first-hand experience of dealing with her own son’s
Baby eczema and anaphylaxis Read More »
If your baby is suffering from eczema you can end up asking a lot of your trusty washing machine: from getting rid of greasy eczema cream residues, to controlling house dust mites and germs, and making sure that clothes are irritant free. Most of us take our washing machines for granted. But do you know
Baby eczema tips: Washing machines and eczema laundry Read More »
Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of sleep in the development of a child’s brain. But can be really difficult for itchy eczema babies and children so how can you ensure that your eczema child is getting enough sleep? Read our guide to teaching itchy babies and children to settle themselves and sleep. Why does
Importance of sleep for eczema babies and toddlers Read More »
Eczema can affect a child’s self-confidence. This is especially true when children start to notice each other’s appearance. At some point your child will realise that not everyone has eczema. And that, as well as itching, eczema doesn’t look very nice. This realisation can really knock a child’s self-confidence. Low self-confidence can affect a child’s
Building self-confidence in your eczema child Read More »
Spectacular sponges can be dairy-free. Using vegetable margarine in place of butter can produce very tasty, dairy-free cakes. It is worth choosing a brand that you find pleasing. Most supermarkets carry an own-brand baking block margarine, Stork is Granny’s favourite but produces a ‘like it or loath it’ response. There is no particular advantage in choosing
Allergy friendly birthday cakes: Our reliable dairy free sponge cake recipe Read More »
Sleep is as essential as nutrition and for keeping children healthy. But getting a child into bed and sleeping at a sensible time every evening can be a real challenge, especially when they have itchy eczema. You can help your eczema child get the sleep they need by building a fun bedtime routine. Why is
How to build a fun bedtime routine for an eczema child Read More »
No need for kids (and parents) with food allergies to miss out on these yummy treats. The first recipe is really great for making with kids as it’s quick to make, has no hot ingredients and has lots of mixing involved. Be warned – non-allergic members of the household will like these just as much
Allergy friendly chocolate brownies: Milk-free, egg-free, gluten-free (and yummy) Read More »
We know from experience that having an eczema baby can be isolating and daunting. But you’re really not alone. Although baby eczema is sadly common, it’s just not something that you see when you’re out and about because most parents avoid taking their eczema babies out when their skin is really sore. We have found some lovely people to share their experience of baby eczema, hopefully these stories will help you find solutions that work for your family’s baby eczema.
Our Story #1: Anna & William – Baby eczema & food allergies Read More »
Although house dust mites are not a common trigger for childhood eczema, for a number of children they can cause persistent flare ups which may not respond to treatment. Diagnosing a house dust mite allergy is best done through allergy testing as eliminating house dust mites is time-consuming and can be expensive.
Avoiding baby eczema triggers #3: House dust mite allergy Read More »
Looking after a baby or toddler can be all consuming and exhausting, but if your baby has eczema then it can feel as if there just aren’t enough hours in the day. As a fellow eczema mum, here are 9 things that helped me get though the times when our baby’s eczema was at its worst.
Eczema mum: 9 things that helped me get through the bad days Read More »
Looking after a scratchy baby can be stressful enough, without feeling like you are fighting the healthcare system on your eczema baby’s behalf. Understanding how the NHS intends to provide treatment for eczema babies can really help in getting the right treatment for your baby’s eczema.
Baby eczema treatments on the NHS: A parent’s guide Read More »
Swimming is great for all babies. For an eczema baby there are additional long and short-term health benefits. These include better sleep, stronger lungs (eczema babies have a higher risk of developing asthma) and reduced bacterial infections in eczema damaged skin. But we know from experience that the thought of taking an eczema baby to swimming lessons can be
Baby swimming and eczema Read More »
Eczema is really itchy and almost impossible not to scratch. Apart from the immediate damage caused by scratching, the scratching action can also turn into habit. To minimise the damage and stop this habit-forming, you will need to give your child some effective strategies for dealing with the very real eczema itch. From experience, being
Top tips to stop children scratching eczema Read More »
One of the most obvious ways to stop eczema babies scratching is to keep their nails as short as possible – but that can be easier said than done! Cutting the tiny nails of a wildly flailing baby can be nerve-racking and the newly cut nails are often razor sharp. We’ve experimented with a number of
How to stop eczema babies scratching: Keeping finger nails short Read More »
As tempting as it may be to scratch, it will only make eczema worse. It’s difficult as an adult to resist the temptation to scratch, so almost impossible for a child. However, stopping your child from scratching will make a big difference to their eczema, so it’s worth exploring different ways to distract them from
Using sticker charts to stop children scratching eczema Read More »
Baby eczema typically takes hold just as little ones are starting to reach all those photogenic milestones of sitting up, crawling and sofa surfing. It’s only now that Zoë (who is, so far, eczema free) is doing these things that we are realising just how few photos of Max (the inspiration for ScratchSleeves) we have at
Taking photos of eczema babies and children Read More »
Babies and children with eczema often find sleeping a problem as their skin can get hotter and itchier at night. During the daytime, the body produces a natural anti-inflammatory called cortisol. Unfortunately, our cortisol levels drop during the night. This means that eczema sufferers are genuinely more itchy at night than they would be during the
How to get an eczema child to sleep Read More »
It can be really difficult to figure out why a baby is crying. Are they hungry, tired, do they have a nasty nappy, have they lost their dummy, or do they just want to go home? If you have an eczema baby, there are even more things that they might be trying to tell you. Perhaps
Baby signing: Help your eczema baby tell you what’s wrong Read More »
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