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Childhood Eczema a modern disease

Page added on: Wednesday 22nd of February 2012 at 01:34:00 PM

 

Incidences of atopic eczema have risen in recent years to one in five children whereas forty years ago it was three in a hundred. Childhood eczema is definitely on theincrease and I have been looking at possible causes, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A study by Sheffield University and Sheffield Children’s Hospital published in 2002 established links to household soaps and modern detergents which we are now using more than ever before. Our centrally heated homes also provide a perfect breeding ground for dust mites. Over the past four decades there has been a huge rise in the use of products designed to make people cleaner these include soap, detergent-based bubble baths, gels and even baby wipes which contain perfume and alcohol unless of course they are organic! Excessive use of these products damages the skin and dries out the natural protective oils that the skin produces. It is now recommended that baby’s do not need a daily bath a sponge down is fine.

Skin inflammation is the first sign of eczema with oozing and crusting followed a red dry and itchy rash. Eczema is extremely distressing for both baby and parent. In young babies (2 – 4 months) eczema usually first appears on the face and scalp and then extends to the limbs especially the wrists and hands and behind the knees and elbows. In more severe eczema the whole body including the trunk may be covered.

Dermatologist Michael Cork recommends using skincare products such as moisturisers that are suitable for eczema and sensitive skin rather than washing and shower products which contain soap and detergents. Live Native Pure Natal remedial moisturising balm is just such a cream. It will protect delicate skin to retain nature’s store of life-loving nutrients, minerals and enzymes. Mildly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, it will soothe and help to heal irritated skin, You don’t need multiple products which in the end will cost more just one multi purpose that is kind to delicate skin.

Simple steps like wet-dusting, regularly vacuuming mattresses, keeping the heating down in your child’s bedroom and popping fluffy toys in a plastic bag in the freezer for 24 hours every now and again, can help keep house dust mites at bay, reducing risk of eczema. Prevention is better than cure especially if you have eczema in the family. Taking these measures may help children who are prone to eczema less susceptible.

We are also eating increased chemicals, for example preservatives and flavour enhancers and although there has not been a link proved the jury is still out. It’s widely accepted that natural untreated organic cotton fibres used in the manufacture of clothing cause almost no skin problems. On the other hand conventionally grown cotton is very chemically intensively farmed with pesticides and herbicides and one of many potential side effects of these chemicals is skin damage. As a baby’s skin is so much thinner than an adult and their immune system is still developing they are likely to be at increased risk. It is recommended by experts that eczema sufferers should avoid synthetic materials and wool and wear cotton next to the skin perhaps it would be even better to wear organic cotton which has been produced without chemical additives. As nightwear and underclothes are in direct contact with the skin perhaps it would be a good place to start with organic cotton. We have a range of gowns, baby grows and bodies to choose from and what’s more they don’t cost the earth.


Certainly organic cotton manufacturers recognize the need to use environmentally responsible dyes which are free from banned amines, formaldehyde, heavy metals and other harmful additives. This can only be of benefit to babies, children and adults. We are now far more conscious about what we eat and there is a huge uptake in organic food but talking about organic cotton and its environmental and personal benefit often elicits a quizzical response.

 

 

 

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