what is eczema atopic dermatitis?

Eczema is one of the most common skin problems for children. It is a condition of dry, extra-sensitive skin. Most infants will outgrow it by the time they are 2 to 3 years old. Children who still have it will usually just outgrow it by the time they become teenagers – just in time for acne (sometimes life doesn't seem fair). If eczema runs in the family, it is more likely to be a lifelong condition. Even so, it is often worse in the first years of life.

Eczema is a vicious cycle! Something irritates your child's skin, making it red and inflamed. It itches. He/she rubs it. The skin becomes more inflamed. The outer protective layer of the skin is lost. The affected area is extra-sensitive to irritants, and dries out easily. He/she continues to be exposed to whatever it was that triggered the episode in the first place. Even more rash develops.

what triggers eczema?

Many different things can be the irritating agent or trigger. Here is a list of common triggers to watch for:

• Rubbing the skin
• Moisture, such as saliva
  or milk
• Overheating
• Common house dust
• Wool or other scratchy fabric

• Dog or cat dander
• Cigarette smoke
• Clothes washed in irritating detergent
• Body soap
• Water

what causes eczema in babies and children?

Occasionally, the eczema is caused by an allergic reaction to food or foods in the baby's diet. In general, breast milk is tremendous for controlling eczema (in fact 6 months of nursing can actually prevent eczema in some children). In some cases, if the nursing mom is consuming dairy products, nuts, eggs, seafood, or possibly other foods (which vary from individual to individual), the baby will be negatively affected. Foods children directly consume that can make eczema worse include cows' milk, egg whites, citrus (such as tomatoes, strawberries, oranges, and lemons), chocolate, and nuts. If you are using a cows' milk-based formula, you may want to try using a soy formula or another hypo-allergenic formula.

baby eczema treatment and prevention

The first step in treating eczema is to identify the precipitating event or trigger and avoid it if possible! You may not see an immediate improvement, but if you are going to successfully treat eczema, it is important to break the cycle!

how to prevent and treat baby eczema?

• Avoid situations that will make your baby sweat—don't pile on blankets or put her in a blanket sleeper.
• Cut cow's milk, eggs, citrus fruits, and peanut products from her diet.
• Wash her clothes in a laundry detergent made for sensitive skin, such as Dreft Laundry Detergent.
• Avoid dressing your child in wool or any other harsh material (cotton is excellent).
• Apply Ultimate Ointment to the affected areas at least twice a day. Apply immediately following her bath, while she is still damp.

higher effectiveness when used with soothing body wash

Noodle & Boo recommends that parents use very small amounts of cleaning products on skin suffering from eczema. When a cleaning product is absolutely necessary, we recommend our Soothing Body Wash which has a very mild surfactant system and high levels of moisturizing ingredients.

Soothing Body Wash

for mild, moisturizing bath care

size: 8 or 16 ounce bottle

$12

product details

• Creates a moisture repellent barrier between the skin and sources of irritation helping to enhance the natural healing process.
• Provitamin B and Vitamin E help to hydrate skin.
• Soothes skin with bisabolol and allantoin helping to reduce redness and inflammation.
• Fragrance- and preservative-free.
• Non-allergenic and non-irritating formula.
• Dermatologist and pediatrician tested; hypoallergenic.
• Clinically-tested for sensitive skin.
• 2.5 ounce tube.
• Arrives in signature pink/blue packaging.

directions

Apply Ultimate Ointment to the affected areas at least twice a day. Apply immediately following his/her bath, while he/she is still damp.

Ultimate Ointment creates a moisture repellent barrier between the skin and causes of irritation helping to enhance the natural healing process.

warning

Use only as directed. Avoid contact with eyes. If condition worsen or does not improve within 3 days, consult a physician. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

Active ingredient

Zinc oxide 2%

Inactive ingredients

petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin, ozokerite, hydrogenated castor oil, acetylated lanolin, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, allantoin, bisabolol, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), panthenol (provitamin b5), retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), tocopherol (vitamin E)

natural and gentle ingredients

This product does not contain questionable ingredients:

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Sulfates
• PPG's
• Dyes

• GMO's
• Triclosan
• Formaldehyde Donors
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Essential Oils