No parent would like to see his or her little one go through the stress of the skin condition known as eczema. Changeable weather and central heating and it is far more prevalent now in the UK and we are seeing an increase in eczema in babies. Although steroid creams are the standard first choice for treatment, it is becoming apparent that a progressively growing number of parents seek other options. Now let’s take a closer look at why some people are staying away from steroids, and what other ways can help soothe your baby’s delicate skin.
Topical steroids baby eczema creams have remained amongst the mainstay of therapies for eczema for several years now. It works by means of decreasing inflammation and the immune system’s reaction in the affected region. For most, they offer immediate relief of the itch and inflammation that characterise an eczema flare up. Their use, however, especially in infants and young children has raised concerns in recent past.
The most serious side effect of steroid creams is skin thinning. Over time it slowly reduces the manner in which collagen is produced, which means that skin slowly becomes weak and susceptible to any form of harm. This may be very dangerous, especially in babies, whose skin is so very sensitive. Apart from this, there is a possibility your skin will become steroid dependent whereby if the treatment is ceased, a rebound may occur.
Another issue that worries parents is systemic absorption. Topical steroids are formulated for local use; though they may be absorbed into the blood stream in small quantities, more so on large surfaces or if used for long time. This can further complicate the growth and development of the child.
Small surprise, therefore, that a number of UK parents have been searching for a steroid-free baby eczema cream. Thankfully, the market has offered its solutions that claim to calm and shield without corticosteroids.
One of the most common options today is natural oat-based creams. For a long time, oats were used for their sedative effect on the skin. Some parents have often complained that preparations from colloidal oatmeal help to soothe the skin when it is irritated. These may also include aloe vera or chamomile in the preparation because of their anti-inflammatory nature.
Others more specific baby eczema creams include those that are manufactured with ceramides. These are natural lipids that are used to form the barrier of skin. In skin with eczema, that barrier is usually broken down. Ceramide-rich creams are formulated with the lofty goal of replacing these important lipids and, in turn, helping the skin barrier to function properly and lock in moisture while repelling potential aggressors.
Another promising future product is the creams with useful bacteria that can change skin microbiota for the better. While research into the skin microbiome is still in its early stages, a few research indicate that a balanced skin microbiome might be linked with better control of the symptoms of eczema.
For those parents who are careful with any form of irritants, the market is increasingly growing in terms of hypoallergenic, fragrance-free eczema creams that are specially made for the baby’s delicate skin, leaving out some of the allergens and irritants usually found in most creams.
It needs to be pointed out, however, that such alternatives may take more time to work in comparison with steroid creams. It is a matter of expectations-the change may be slow, but most parents consider the switch to a more gradual approach to skin treatment to be well worth the effort.
Every baby is unique and therefore what may be good for one baby may not be good for the other baby. Healthcare professionals can also do so on a one-on-one basis and also assist in tracking your baby’s skin condition in the long run.
Many parents have said how it is often useful to make some lifestyle changes such as just washing with mild, non-scented washing powders, not using soap, and being gentle when bathing usually helps a lot with eczema. Some families also say that dietary change is sometimes helpful, although those under medical supervision to reduce flare-ups.
This list of options will only expand as the research goes on and more products hit the shelves. At the moment, parents can select from a plethora of natural remedies to new innovative formulations to assist them in the management of baby eczema without steroids. It can take a lot of patience and determination to discover a mild, yet effective way of maintaining your child’s skin in good condition.