Atopic skin or atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes irritation, redness, and severe itching. More and more children are experiencing these skin problems, and it's essential to know how to treat them in the summer.
Almost 20% of children suffer from atopic dermatitis. And nowadays, there are many brands, like us, who are aware of this and try to offer products that care for their delicate skin.
It's true that most children with atopic skin improve in the summer, thanks to the sun and the milder temperatures (heaters are turned off). However, there are other factors that can trigger new flare-ups, and it's important to know how to treat them to prevent the eczema from worsening.
What are the triggers for atopic skin in summer?
Lack of skin hydration or sweat are the main factors that increase irritation.
In summer, spending a long time in the water can lead to a loss of skin moisture and, contrary to what one might think, a lot of dryness. That's why it's important to apply moisturizing cream to children after they get out of the water and let it absorb well before dressing them again. There are many creams on the market with natural ingredients that have a great self-regenerating capacity.
Special care must also be taken with air conditioning; abrupt changes in temperature are not good for the skin. It's advisable to always carry a muslin cloth in the baby's bag to cover them when entering air-conditioned places. And dress them in breathable clothing, such as organic cotton, to prevent them from sweating when they go outside. Synthetic fibers are less recommended.
Sweat irritates atopic skin, increases itching, and this encourages scratching. And we already know that scratching promotes eczema.
Regarding the sun, unless the child has a severe flare-up, sun exposure is not harmful. However, always use specific sun protection for atopic skin (without perfumes, physical filters, alcohol, etc.).
Don't forget about pool chlorine and seawater; sometimes salt water can cause itching in children. It's advisable to change children's swimwear after they get out of the water.
How can we prevent or treat atopic dermatitis in summer?
If your children suffer from atopic skin, we offer a series of tips to help avoid symptoms:
- Hydrate the skin frequently and avoid daily showers with soap. And do not use a sponge.
- After bathing, it's better to pat dry instead of rubbing, to avoid removing the natural protective layer of fat on our children's skin.
- Use organic cotton for clothes, towels, sheets, etc., to prevent sweating.
- Wash clothes with special detergents for children and do not use fabric softener.
- Avoid dust, as it contains mites and can worsen eczema. And of course, ventilate rooms well.
I am sure that by following these recommendations and with a little care, you will all be able to enjoy the summer and forget about the dreaded dermatitis flare-ups. So now you know, keep your skin very hydrated. And if you have any other tips on how to treat atopic dermatitis, please share them; we are all ears.
I invite you to discover our organic cotton collection (pyjamas, towels, beach ponchos, nests...). We know firsthand what it's like to suffer from irritations due to atopic dermatitis, which is why we only choose fabrics that care for our children's skin.
