More than 30 million Americans suffer from some degree of eczema. Derived from a Greek word meaning “to boil over,” the skin condition entails red, inflamed, itchy patches that occur during flare-ups. Though the exact cause of eczema is not known, it is widely accepted in the medical community that the condition results from a combination of genetics, immune system dysfunction, environmental triggers, and a variety of conditions in everyday life that trigger the rash. Because there is no cure, those who deal with eczema must simply manage the symptoms as best as they can.
When Do Eczema Symptoms Begin?
A child may be two or three months old when atopic dermatitis sets in. It can cause any combination of the following:
- A rash that makes the skin dry, scaly, and itchy
- A rash that forms on the scalp and face, especially on the cheeks
- A rash that bubbles up before oozing and weeping fluid
- A rash that causes occasional itching
- Rubbing against carpeting, bedding, and other things in order to scratch the itch
- Trouble sleeping
- Skin infections due to rubbing and scratching
As children with eczema become older, the symptoms tend to change. For example, they may experience a rash that often begins in the creases of elbows or knees. Other susceptible spots for the rash include the neck, wrists, ankles, and crease between the buttocks and legs. Over time, skin can:
- Become bumpy, looking like permanent goose bumps
- Lighten or darken where eczema appears
- Thicken, turning leathery to protect itself from all the scratching
- Develop knots on the thickened part of the skin
- Itch constantly
How Soothems is Changing the Game
Soothems, LLC was founded in order to improve the quality of life for children dealing with sensitive skin and related ailment such as eczema. In recent months, our team has worked together to pioneer the innovation, development, and commercialization of premium sun protective fabrics and clothing. Products will include athletic wear, clothing, and swimwear/accessories for the entire family. We are fully committed to delivering eczema clothing and other products with the highest integrity, quality, and value from our proprietary material called TEWLTect.
About Our Smart Fabric
TEWLTect, a blend of high-performance sustainable polymer fibers enhanced with chitosan and zinc oxide, is our answer to eczema’s uncomfortable symptoms. The properties of our smart fabric provide a positive, calming effect on the skin. TEWLTect can be used as an occlusive barrier, wet or dry, with or without emollients and topical steroids as prescribed by a medical professional.
Here are some of our suggestions for wet wrap therapy with Soothems:
- Bathe and pat skin dry before applying lotions, emollients, or creams to affected areas.
- Soak the garment in warm water and squeeze out any excess water.
- Keep in mind that Soothems garments should fit snugly, but comfortably.
- Discontinue wet wrap therapy and wearing of Soothems garments and contact your child’s pediatrician/dermatologist at the first signs of additional irritation, rash, or discomfort.
Here are some tips for dry use:
- Wash the garment prior to use, according to care instructions.
- Cover the affected areas with the dry Soothems garment.
- Consult a healthcare expert regarding the length of treatment.
Alleviating the Itch-Scratch Cycle
In some instances with eczema, the itch can get so bad that children scratch it until it bleeds. Known as the “itch-scratch cycle,” this only worsens the condition. That nagging itch can cause children’s performance at school and in extracurricular activities to suffer. What’s most alarming, though, is that the itch can be so intense that a child is unable to sleep. As a parent, you may already know that sleep pattern disruption only leads to additional stress, which can actually intensify the eczema symptoms.
At Soothems, we believe in much more than simply selling eczema suits and eczema sleeves like other companies are doing. While we specialize in producing therapeutic clothing for eczema, we are so much more than that. Our team believes in the power of an imaginative story that entertains, empathizes, and normalizes life with skin conditions. Our solution is to have your child put on their Soothems garment and then have you read them one of our special Soothems bedtime story books. We hope that the combination of the garment with the magic disappearing print and our book will delight and comfort your child into a more comfortable, restful sleep. Thanks to the TEWLTect smart fabric, your child’s skin will become healthier in a matter of time.
Keep coming back to our blog for additional posts on eczema and how it can be treated.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.