Autumn eczema: Top tips to minimise your child’s flare-ups

As the weather starts to get colder and we start heading indoors for the coming winter, many eczema sufferers find that their skin is becoming drier and more itchy. There are a number of reasons for this including the drying effect of the central heating and harsher weather; increasing mould and fungi spores (both inside and outside); spending more time indoors where house dust mites are found; and seasonal coughs and colds putting more pressure on an already unbalanced immune system.

Playing in piles of fallen leaves is one of Autumn’s highlights, but mould thrives in damp places and mould spores can aggravate eczema. Make sure exposed skin has a protective layer of emollient before heading out and be sure to wash your little one and their clothes when they eventually come inside to get rid of any potential irritants.

Our top tips will help make the transition to winter easier:

• Switch emollient for a heavier, greasier one or one that contains a humectant like glycerin. Be warned, urea is an effective humectant but it can sting for a few minutes. It’s probably best avoided for little ones. This combats the drying effects of harsh weather and central heating. It’s not uncommon for pharmacists to run out of emollients at this time of year (the tubs are bulky so pharmacists usually only have a few in stock). If you can get your prescriptions early you’ll miss the rush.
• Start early with the lip salve. In our house, dry lips are often one of the first warning signs that autumn is coming. Try to discourage your little one from licking their lips (easier said than done!) . While it will feel better for a few minutes, it will make the problem much worse in the long term. Vaseline lip balm tins are our go to solution. They fit in a pocket and Vaseline stays soft even in the cold, so doesn’t drag on sore skin when applied.
• Dress in thin layers. Overheating can aggravate the eczema itch and during a transition from one season to another, weather can change drastically during the day. Dressing in multiple thin layers allows you to take off layers as the day warms up, and you can add them back as evening draws in.
• Watch the thermostat. Warm air is drier than cool air and it’s easier to take off a layer than cool down a room. Delay turning on the heating for as long as possible. When heating is necessary, try to keep the house on the lower end of comfortable. We aim for 19-20 Celsius in living rooms and 18 Celsius in the bedrooms.
• Keep an eye on the humidity. You can increase the humidity by putting a bowl of water (or damp washing) near the radiators to offset the drying effect. However, humid environments are heaven for house dust mites so don’t overdo it. If there’s condensation running down the inside of the windows you’ve gone too far and fresh air is required.
• Open the windows on the last few warm days – fresh air is great for restoring comfortable humidity levels in the home and discouraging house dust mites, which can trigger eczema flare-ups. Lack of ventilation can also lead to the growth of mould in kitchens and bathrooms which can also trigger eczema.

• Watch out for mould spores. Playing in piles of fallen leaves is one of autumn’s highlights, but mould thrives in damp places and mould spores can aggravate eczema. Make sure exposed skin has a protective layer of emollient before heading out and be sure to wash your little one (and their clothes) when they eventually come inside to get rid of any potential irritants.
• Cough and colds can exacerbate eczema. This can be either by causing either a generalised flare up or a more local soreness and dry skin around the nose due to constant nose blowing. If your little one is showing signs of having a lurgy, step up their emollient regime to head off any flare-up before it happens. In the case of a cold, a layer of Vaseline or Sudocrem around their nose will protect against the rigours of a snotty nose.
• Chose winter coats wisely. While big fluffy coats look cute, the unpredictable UK weather means they can quickly get too warm and bring on an itch-fest. Thinner coats and all-in-ones with a wind/water-proof shell are much more adaptable. Watch out for stiff fabrics and scratchy zips (especially under the chin).

As well as sharing our experience of bringing up an eczema child (and favourite allergy-friendly recipes), ScratchSleeves also manufacture and sell our unique stay-on scratch mitts and PJs for itchy babies, toddlers and children. We now stock sizes from 0-adult in a range of colours. Visit our webshop for more information.