How can I treat sensitive and problematic skin, especially on the face?

Many sensitive skin conditions are very visible. For example; eczema on the face is more noticeable and can cause even more distress. In babies and children, the cheeks are often the first place it appears.

What can I do to manage it?

• Using cold compresses

Minimising heat from the skin can often help in immediate relief. To make a cold compress, use a soft face cloth and run it under cool water. Ring the cloth out and rest it on the face for a few minutes until it starts to feel warm, then take it off and run it under cool water again and repeat until the skin is cool and less itchy.

• Applying a moisturising face mask

Putting moisture back into the skin is so important in managing sensitive skin well. A well-moisturised skin promotes hydration and complements the skin’s natural protective barrier, preventing triggers of irritation. Using a natural oatmeal face mask as part of a sensitive skin care routine will help to hydrate the skin and prepare it to absorb even more hydration from moisturising.

• Managing hay fever

If your child suffers from skin conditions such as eczema, it is also likely that they might also get hay fever. Managing the symptoms of hay fever can directly impact the effects of eczema on the face. Eczema can affect the eyelids and hay fever can cause further irritation and inflammation. Talk to your trusted healthcare professional if you think your child has hay fever.

What can cause eczema on the face?

Along with the general triggers for skin prone to eczema such as heat and dehydrated skin, the products used to wash your child’s face might contribute to the triggers of skin flare-ups. Products such as baby wipes are a culprit to these triggers. Over wiping their mouths can also cause the skin to dry out. Mixing lukewarm water with colloidal oatmeal, which has natural cleansing and intense moisturising properties, to cleanse their face can help.

This blog post was brought to you and your bub with love and care by Julia and the Itchy Baby Co. team x

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only and you should always consult your medical professional.