My daughter Anne was 11 months old when she started having eczema. I first noticed it on her neck, in the back, and over the weeks it spread to other parts of her body: ankles, thighs, hips. Her skin was very dry despite the moisturizing cream that I applied daily, and it started itching. Since things were getting worse, I decided to consult her pediatrician who diagnosed eczema and prescribed a cortisone cream. After reading about the side effects of it, I decided to go for a more natural alternative that turned out to be very effective.

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

It is one of the most common skin conditions and the most common skin condition in children (in Western countries, 20% of children under 7 are affected by eczema). It is non-contagious and its causes can be hereditary, related to allergies and/or environmental reactions. The most common symptoms include: inflammation of the skin, redness and itching, dry skin and crusts above the skin. There are several forms of eczema but the most common are:

1. Atopic dermatitis: this is the most common form of chronic eczema. It is linked to allergic reactions that, in many cases, are hereditary. Children with eczema often develop asthma or hay fever.

2. Contact dermatitis: It is characterized by lesions appearing a few days after skin contact skin with certain allergenic or irritating substances. Reactions may be adverse or chronic.

HOW TO TREAT ECZEMA?

Since eczema has many possible causes, there is obviously no miracle solution that applies to everyone. Applying a cortisone cream may help reduce inflammation and relieve itching, but does not cure the underlying problem (which can be more complex). There are many theories on the subject, so I will only talk about what worked in my experience. What allowed me to relieve my daughter was making several adjustments in her diet and lifestyle:

• Instead of a pharmaceutical cream, I used a healing balm made with only natural ingredients and without adverse effects that improved the eczema symptoms in just 3 days.

• I avoid all products with toxic and irritating ingredients. Whether it’s for her bath, skin or hair, I only use natural products with gentle ingredients. When it comes to children, my rule is: LESS IS MORE. That’s why I only use three baby care products: a castille soap for bath and shampoo, a handmade natural moisturizer that I also apply on her hair, and my eczema healing balm to relieve skin irritations.

• I noticed that gluten-rich foods and dairy can trigger eczema flares up. So I void them as much as possible and choose gluten-free foods, along with a healthy and diversified diet, with whole foods and little to no processed products. Her diet includes a very small amount of dairy products since she has intolerance. Skin problems and intestinal flora are intimately connected so it’s important to not just heal the physical symptoms but address the root issue.

• Avoid long and hot baths as this can aggravate the symptoms of eczema

• Moisturize skin regularly, and always use a sunscreen

• I avoid as much as possible to expose her to allergenic substances, whether in the laundry soap we use, or home cleaning products, I make sure to use non-toxic products.

• I give her nettle tea, which is a wonderful plant ally to fight eczema and other chronic skin conditions because of its depurative properties.

All of these adjustments helped me 'control' my daughter's eczema flares and reduce her discomfort.

WHY USE A NATURAL ECZEMA HEALING BALM?

It is natural, effective and more economical in the long run compared to a cortisone cream. In addition, it is suitable for the sensitive skin of babies and young children. It's important to remember that baby's skin absorbs about 90% of the products that are applied to it, and when you know that traditional creams for baby eczema often contain chemical, toxic and irritating ingredients, it's worth it to try more gentle, natural and healthy alternatives for their children.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF THE BALM?

This handcrafted healing balm is made of 100% natural and vegan ingredients that are beneficial for skin with eczema and other skin conditions including:

• Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii): this is the base ingredient of this balm for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is very important to deeply moisturize skin with eczema since it tends to be dry.

• Sweet almond oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis): Rich in vitamins A (that improves the skin elasticity), B, D, E (which accelerates cell repair) and linolenic acid, sweet almond oil has emollient, soothing, nourishing, antioxidant, soothing and protective properties. It is particularly indicated for the sensitive skin of the babies and helps relieve dryness and irritations.

• Neem oil (Azadirachta indica): This is the key ingredient of this balm. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, it is also moisturizing and softening, thanks to its rich amount of fatty acids, amino acids and vitamin E. Neem oil is particularly effective in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema.

• Candelilla wax (Euphorbia antisyphilitica): This vegetable wax is used to harden creams, balm and other vegan cosmetics.

• Lavender essential oil (Lavendula Angustifolia): Anti-inflammatory, healing and regenerative, lavender essential oil is effective to relieve common skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, cutaneous mycosis, scars etc ...)

• Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia): Antibacterial powerful, purifying and anti-fungal, it cleanses problem skin and promotes healing.

HOW TO USE THE ECZEMA HEALING BALM?

After 3 days using the balm, I started noticing an improvement on my daughter's skin. The eczema scabs and crusts on her back had decreased, her skin was less dry, and there was no more inflammation. I continued the treatment and after a week, it was almost hard to believe: the eczema scabs had completely disappeared from her back. There were still a few lesions left on the lower back that eventually disappeared in the following days. The duration of the treatment will depend on the severity of the eczema.

Useful tips:

1. Before applying the balm, make sure to do a patch test to avoid and prevent any allergic reaction.

2. Apply the balm to the affected area 1 to 3 times a day until symptoms disappear.

3. This balm may help relieve the irritation, redness, inflammation and itching associated with eczema, but does not cure its root causes.

4. For best results, apply after bathing and keep your child's skin moisturized on a daily basis.

5. Combine the use of balm with lifestyle changes: a healthier diet with whole foods, gluten-free foods and processed foods, limit the use of toxic, irritating or allergenic products for the skin.
   

You can purchase the balm on our online store by clicking on the link below. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at hello(a)anneliapothecary.com or leave a comment.