Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare if Your Child Has Eczema
When your children are constantly itching because of eczema, you’ll become an expert on all the various treatments that promise to relieve it. I’m a scientist, and while I understand the long list of chemicals found in certain modern-day products, it’s impossible for me!
I can confidently state that there is almost nothing on the market that hasn’t been thoroughly investigated, tested, and evaluated by our family as we have struggled with severe eczema. I’m well aware of how distressing it is to put the lotion in good faith only to discover it causes skin irritation.
It took a few years for us to learn to be wary of products that advertise themselves as “mild” or “gentle,” as they may still include chemicals that aggravate infant eczema. That’s why we decided to create an essay describing the key components to look out for when looking for something to use on your baby’s skin.
Which skincare ingredients should your child avoid if they have eczema?
Fragrances
Fragrances are frequently used in the production of cosmetics, not only to enhance their fragrance but also to cover up the scents of other substances. Not only that but fragrances are added to a variety of products, including foods and fabric softeners.
However, many fragrances are known to be highly allergic, so they must be labelled as such under European cosmetic law.
Choose toiletries that are fragrance-free so as not to cause a contact allergy or exacerbate their sensitive skin when purchasing for your eczema baby.
Essential oils
When it comes to eczema, not only may synthetic fragrances be a concern, but also natural ones.
Natural fragrances and essential oils are just as likely to cause allergic contact reactions as synthetic ones, according to the National Eczema Association and Jeff Yu, MD, a dermatologist specializing in allergic contact dermatitis and occupational dermatitis in adults and children at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
You’ve probably heard amazing things about essential oils, so we recommend avoiding them – and any products containing them – for teenagers, children, and pregnant women.
Because these essential oils are produced without regulation, their purity cannot be verified, so there’s always the possibility that they include unknown components. They also come with a variety of dangers, including allergic rashes and eczema flare-ups to blisters and even chemical burns, if used incorrectly.
Urea
Urea can be beneficial in skincare products in some situations, helping to soften rough or dry skin caused by eczema, psoriasis, and keratosis. However, it can also be very harsh on sensitive skin and sting fiercely, making your baby’s discomfort even worse.
We suggest avoiding Urea in baby and young child products entirely, and before using it on older youngsters, consult a dermatologist or doctor.
Lanolin
Lanolin, like Urea, is another component that is frequently recommended for eczema sufferers since it’s derived from sheep’s wool and serves as a wonderful natural emollient. However, Lanolin, like Urea, has been observed to cause allergic reactions in eczema patients, adding to the irritation rather than reducing it.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Because it is gentle on the eyes, Cocamidopropyl betaine is a foaming agent frequently used in hair and bath products for kids. Unfortunately, this implies that certain cosmetic companies describe their goods as “gentle” and “delicate.”
However, it’s vital to be cautious of Cocamidopropyl Betaine since it is a known inflammatory element for eczema patients – both adults and children.
Propylene Glycol
Another common component present in several skincare products is Propylene Glycol. It’s present in moisturizers, topical steroid creams, anti-inflammatory medicines, and liquid antihistamines – all of which are used to treat eczema.
However, for some people with eczema, it has the opposite effect and induces allergic reactions. As a result, to minimize the chance of additional irritation, skincare products that contain Propylene Glycol should be avoided by itchy babies.
Ethanol (alcohol)
We discourage the use of ethanol and other alcohols in your baby’s skin care regimen, even though there are certain ‘fatty alcohols,’ such as Cetyl alcohol, that can be well-tolerated by typical skin.
When ethanol is applied to an already sensitive region, it has been shown to sting and burn as well as be extremely drying, resulting in a weakened epidermal barrier that can cause inflammation and itching. Furthermore, ethanol boosts the absorption of other skincare components, which may be dangerous especially for youngsters.
Parabens
Parabens are a type of preservative that is commonly used in the cosmetics industry since they are considered to be one of the least reactive.
Parabens, on the other hand, are a well-known irritant for allergic dermatitis when used on wounds or eczema, especially in youngsters. Parabens were Max’s nightmare; they caused his most severe eczema episodes.
MCI/CI
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) is another preservative to avoid. Even though MCI is a known chemical allergen and skin irritant, it is frequently used in water-based cosmetics and rinse-off goods.
The rate of contact allergy from MCI exposure is approximately 8%, according to a patch testing study from 2016 performed by the Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, so it’s best avoided when you want to safeguard your children from additional flare-ups.
Final advice
While you may need a degree in chemistry to understand what’s best for your baby’s eczema skin, our last advice is incredibly straightforward: be cautious if the product contains a lengthy list of ingredients or if water/aqua appears first on the ingredients list.
Even though natural goods are often regarded as a healthier choice, they may contain preservatives to extend shelf life. In the world of eczema treatment, ‘the less complicated, the better might be correct.
How can ScratchSleeves help?
A great skin care regimen is only one option for treating your baby’s eczema. You may also assist to alleviate their discomfort with ScratchSleeves exclusive line of stay-on scratch mitts and pyjamas for babies, toddlers, and children that relieve itching.
