How Coconut Oil Can Help Your Child’s Eczema

If your child suffers from eczema, they know just how uncomfortable the symptoms can be. Chances are that they routinely deal with red, itchy, and scaly rashes on their skin. Maybe the condition is visible on their cheeks, wrists, elbows, knees, hands, and feet. In any case, eczema leads to discomfort. Not to mention, that constant itching may cause irritability and restless nights. While there are plenty of natural remedies out there to alleviate symptoms, there’s one that sticks out the most: coconut oil. In this blog post, we will look at how coconut oil can help your child’s eczema.

1. It moisturizes - As explained in this blog by Natural Living Ideas, coconut oil is packed with healing properties that not only soothe redness and irritation but also stave off future infection. A major reason why is that coconut oil moisturizes the skin in a unique fashion. Keep in mind that it gets absorbed into the skin tissue, where it works as an emollient. From there, coconut oil softens the dryness of eczema, preventing skin breakups that attract bacteria. Coconut oil improves the feel of rough, scaly skin, and reduces irritation.
2. It nourishes - Coconut oil mainly contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Why’s that important you may ask? Well, as opposed to long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) found on other oils, MCTs can permeate the cell membrane. That means they get metabolized easily without relying on digestive enzymes. So when coconut oil is applied to the skin, the fatty acids work to strengthen the connective tissue. In turn, coconut oil makes eczema-affected skin much more flexible and elastic.
3. It relieves itching - Children with eczema will usually tell you that it’s the itchiness of the condition that bothers them the most. You can feel at ease knowing coconut oil has soothing properties that temporarily alleviate that nasty itch. In addition, it removes the dryness and roughness of skin which worsens the itch. Just before your child’s next bedtime, apply some warmed coconut oil to their skin. Keeping the eczema itch at bay should result to more restfulness at night and energy the next day.
4. It fends off bacteria - It’s been proven that coconut oil has quite the antimicrobial effect. Thanks to lauric acid, coconut oil plays a major role in maintaining overall wellness. By regularly applying coconut oil to your child’s skin, you can protect them from infection.
5. It has an immunomodulating effect - It could be that your child’s pediatrician or dermatologist prescribed some sort of corticosteroid/antihistamine cream to control severe itching and inflammation. Though they may help with managing symptoms from time to time, these creams are known to have severe side effects. Coconut oil, meanwhile, has a similar immunomodulating effect but without the side effects.
6. It’s anti-inflammatory - No two cases of eczema are the same. For some, inflammation flares up from excess cold. Others’ symptoms stem from heat and sweating. Remember that contact with rough surfaces, harsh soaps and detergents, plastics, and other chemicals make for a recipe for disaster with eczema symptoms. Application of coconut oil can prevent such flare ups.
7. It’s safe for just about anyone - Very few adults and children are allergic to coconut oil. It’s natural, non-toxic, and stable. Best of all, coconut oil is extremely gentle on the skin in that it can be safely used on newborns and children who have eczema.
8. It’s an affordable treatment - Parents of children with eczema do whatever they can do get the best oil possible. That doesn’t mean you need the most expensive brand, though. Coconut oil can be found at any grocery store or drugstore for an affordable price.

How Eczema Clothing Can Help

We had one goal when we created Soothems. Our team sought to improve the quality of life for babies, infants, and children dealing with sensitive skin related to eczema and other skin conditions. Through the use of innovative product designs and smart textiles, we’re hoping to do just that. As we continue to grow, Soothems will offer sun protective fabrics and therapeutic clothing for eczema such as athletic wear, swimwear, and accessories for men, women, and children alike. We are fully committed to delivering products (eczema suits, eczema sleeves, etc.) with the highest integrity, quality, and value from our proprietary material known as TEWLTect. Made to soothe and protect itchy skin, our smart fabric allows your child to feel more comfortable and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Stay tuned for our next post as we discuss the link between eczema and allergies.