Ask the experts: colloidal oatmeal and baby eczema relief
From soothing itchiness to giving nourishment that’s mild – finding products to care for baby eczema can be overwhelming, but the right skin care routine can make all the difference. Parents often complement prescribed treatments from their child’s paediatrician or dermatologist with additional products to bring relief to their child’s sensitive skin. In fact, one of the best natural remedies for eczema can be found in more off-the-shelf products than you may realise.
Introducing colloidal oatmeal: the quick-absorbing, natural, and soothing ingredient clinically proven to relieve your baby’s sensitive skin. We asked paediatricians Dr. Mona MD and Dr. Kavita MD to answer your parenting questions about one of the most effective baby eczema natural remedies.
What is colloidal oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal is ground oatmeal that has been suspended in liquid. It’s quick-absorbing, locks in moisture and forms a protective barrier on your baby’s skin.
How does colloidal oatmeal help?
With infants, eczema normally appears on the face, elbows and knees – places they can reach to scratch easily. Colloidal oatmeal helps soften and soothe those inflamed areas, as the starch and beta glucans found in oats can help form a protective, anti-inflammatory barrier.
Can I give my baby a colloidal oatmeal bath for eczema relief?
A short bath can help hydrate and cool their skin, and bath time is an easy time to incorporate products with colloidal oatmeal.
How can I fit colloidal oatmeal into my baby’s bath routine?
When it comes to bath time, look for a gentle, soothing cleanser with added colloidal oatmeal. As mild as water, this ultra-gentle cleanser helps retain moisture in baby’s skin to prevent dryness. After the bath, pat your baby’s skin dry with a soft cotton towel. Apply cream while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Find a colloidal oatmeal cream for eczema-prone, sensitive skin. Uniquely formulated with colloidal oatmeal, 100% skin-natural nutrients and prebiotic moisturizer, the cream provides instant and long lasting relief from dry skin through moisturisation and leaves skin hydrated for 24 hours.
Can I use colloidal oatmeal day-to-day?
Caring for your baby’s eczema needs daily attention – but it doesn’t have to take over bath and changing time. Using a cream enriched with colloidal oatmeal for skin soothing will help keep their itching at bay by locking moisture into their dry skin. Once you’ve established a simple routine you can get back to the things that matter – like strengthening your parent-baby bond!
Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, FAAD
@monagoharadermdoc
Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, MD, FAAD
@mariwalladermatology
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