Dear Diary,

Summertime means swimming, playing and soaking up sunshine for many families. But the chlorine, sweat and sun could also mean an eczema outbreak for your little one. Eczema, a medical condition that causes dry, red and itchy skin, often worsens with warm weather The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. Atopic refers to a group of diseases with an often-inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever. I am a severe asthmatic, and I suffered from eczema when I was young, but one day, like many people, it just went away. Until you child grows out of the chronic skin condition, you can try to prevent eczema from getting worse. And you can treat it with a few natural remedies.

Avoid Eczema Triggers, Like:

• Harsh soaps, detergents and bubble baths.
• Pollen, mold, dust and animal dander.
• Chlorine. Rinse immediately with fresh water after swimming.
• Stress.
• Excessive heat.
• Itchy fabrics, Wear loose, cotton clothing.
• Cold/Hot water. Warm water is best for bathing.

Treat Eczema With Natural Remedies

Aloe Vera: Like many African-American grandmothers, my grandma believed that aloe vera could cure almost everything. It’s used to heal heartburn, fight Athlete’s Foot, lower blood sugar levels and shrink warts. In this case, it can eliminate eczema. Tear a piece of the plant off and squeeze the contents onto the  dry patch of eczema. Store the remaining leaf in the refrigerator.

Chamomile: Chamomile is said to soothe itchiness and calm inflammation. You can make chamomile tea by brewing dried chamomile flowers for approximately 15 minutes. Strain the flowers, and allow the tea to cool slightly. Then, make a warm compress by soaking a clean cloth in the liquid, wringing out the excess moisture. Press it against the affected skin for 10-15 minutes. You can also massage chamomile oil directly onto the skin or add a few drops to a warm bath. But be aware that some people develop on allergic reaction to chamomile. You may want to test it on a small patch of skin before covering your little one’s body.

Coconut Oil:  There is some argument that organic coconut oil works better than non-organic. Organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil is often used as a moisturizer, which many eczema sufferers claim to be far more effective than expensive store bought creams. It can be found in health food stores, online and in select supermarkets. Apply the oil (which looks like a solid but quickly melts in your hands) on eczema patches all over the body. Allow the oil to sink in. Cold pressed means that the oil was processed at temperatures below 116 degrees, preserving all of the oil’s nutrients, enzymes and minerals.

Lemons: Cut a lemon in half and put that it directly on the eczema area. You should see some changes. It only burns when scratched. It burns, because the lemon is removing the inflammation trapped under your skin. Do not try this on open wounds!

Oatmeal Bath: Oatmeal added to the bath or used as a paste on the skin can help relieve the itchiness. A 10-15 minute soak in lukewarm water opens the pores and allows the skin to absorb water, which will offset the eczema.

Eczema can be horribly uncomfortable, but it can be treated in most cases. If you notice you or your child has a really bad case of eczema, I highly suggest you consult an allergist and try and figure out if you have some unknown allergies. Once those are removed, your skin will probably clear.

Hey DFTM Fam–What natural remedies do you recommend to bring relief to itchy kids? If you have any questions Ask Dr. Renee. Make an “online appointment” to get answers by tweeting @DrRenee.