Eczema Skincare Products for the Family

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, and inflamed. It's a chronic condition that can vary in severity from mild dryness and redness to severe cases where the skin may crack, bleed, or become infected. Eczema is most common in children but can occur at any age. It's not contagious, meaning you can't catch eczema from someone else.

Eczema-prone skin is dry skin that periodically flares up with bumps, red patches, flakiness, and sometimes even open sores. It tends to be itchy and uncomfortable, which can disrupt your daily life. 

It’s not uncommon for babies as young as two or three months old to have eczema-prone skin, but for many children, the condition gradually improves and can sometimes disappear altogether by the time they are school-age. 

For others, eczema-prone skin becomes a lifelong condition that they must manage.

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with eczema-prone skin often have a family history of eczema or other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever. Environmental factors like irritants (soap, detergent, wool), allergens (pollen, pet dander), temperature changes, and stress can also trigger eczema.

Yes, babies can get eczema. In fact, eczema is most common in children and often develops in infancy. Approximately 10-20% of children worldwide have eczema, with many developing symptoms by the age of 5.

If your baby has eczema-prone skin, you might notice areas of dry, scaly skin, redness, and irritation. Common areas for baby eczema include the face, especially the cheeks and chin, as well as the scalp, arms, and legs. Babies with eczema may seem fussier due to itchiness and discomfort.

If your baby has eczema-prone skin, you might notice areas of dry, scaly skin, redness, and irritation. Common areas for baby eczema include the face, especially the cheeks and chin, as well as the scalp, arms, and legs. Babies with eczema may seem fussier due to itchiness and discomfort.

Managing your child's eczema involves several steps:

• Moisturise regularly: Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturiser to keep your child's skin hydrated.
• Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid known irritants and allergens.
• Bathing practices: Bathe your child in warm (not hot) water and use mild, fragrance-free soap. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturiser while the skin is still damp.
• Medications: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe topical steroids or other medications to help control inflammation and itching.

While it may not be possible to completely prevent eczema flare-ups, you can significantly reduce their frequency and severity by:

• Keeping the skin moisturised.
• Identifying and avoiding triggers.
• Dressing in soft, breathable clothing.
• Keeping your home free of dust mites and pet dander.
• Managing stress, as stress can exacerbate eczema.

Each individual's triggers and effective management strategies may vary, so it may be helpful to keep a diary of activities, foods, and products that precede a flare-up. This can help you identify and avoid potential triggers. For specific medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

 

Mustela’s Fragrance-Free Stelatopia® is distinct for its formulation tailored to the needs of eczema-prone skin, emphasising natural-origin ingredients to minimise allergic reactions. It stands out for its gentle, effective care, focusing on safety and the delicate balance of baby's sensitive skin. All Mustela products are developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, based on scientific research. Our Stelatopia® range is dermatologist and pediatrician-tested and certified by the Eczema Association of Australia.

The Fragrance-Free Stelatopia® range by Mustela supports the skin's natural moisture barrier, effectively reducing dry skin flare-ups and soothing discomfort. All the products are clinically proven to be effective. Their nourishing formulas, enriched with natural-origin ingredients, maintain skin's softness and comfort, making it suitable for the tender skin of babies.