Hair Products For Black Babies With Eczema

How You Dress Your Baby Matters

Dressing your baby in lightweight, temperature-regulating, non-scratchy materials is important, especially in children with eczema. Materials like 100% cotton or bamboo allow their skin to breathe and not “hold on” to heat. We want to prevent babies from overheating and sweating, as this can cause a loss of moisture and further irritation, leading to an “itch-scratch-itch” cycle.

Representation In Online Eczema Research

Statistics show babies with darker skin may be more likely to have eczema, yet when parents search online, almost all of the images that come up are of light-skinned babies. The popular skincare brand Aveeno took note of this and launched a campaign called “Eczema Equality” aimed at making sure every skin tone is represented. The company’s goal was to photograph babies of all skin colors as a resource for parents.

Dr. Amin believes that racial disparities can come from both patients’ lack of awareness about eczema and their inability to access care as well as clinicians’ lack of understanding of how to diagnose eczema on darker skin tones. It’s part of why she partnered with Aveeno Baby.

It’s not just a lack of representation online. Dr. Amin says images in most textbooks do not show darker skin children and rashes, including eczema. In fact, a 2018 study showed less than 5% of images in textbooks showed children with darker skin tones.

Racial inequity that creates barriers to accessing quality healthcare is another reason eczema in darker-skinned babies is missed. A 2021 study found Black people in the U.S. were more likely to lack health insurance, have no usual source of medical care, or face more financial barriers to accessing medical care and paying for treatments than White Americans.

What Kinds Of Products Should I Use When Bathing

You should always look for skin products that are unscented, fragrance-free and dye-free so that you dont further irritate your skin.

Try to avoid waterless, antibacterial cleansers, which often contain ingredients like alcohol and solvents that are very hard on your skin . Remember not to scrub your skin while cleansing and to gently pat your skin dry when youre done. As always, moisturize your skin immediately afterward.

See the full list of NEA-accepted, scientifically reviewed cleansers and moisturizers

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My Little Coco Curling Custard 599

Best budget cream

Product type: Curl defining product | Used for: Defining curls | Free from: Sulphates, dye, fragrance and paraben

Looking for a pocket-friendly options thats still gentle on the head? My Little Coco’s Curling Custard is an affordable option. As the name suggests, this is useful for helping curly have the moisture and definition it requires. Not only does it smell amazing, but its also very light on the hair, which means if your child has looser curls, it wont be too heavy on the hair and will give the strands a deliciously coconut scent. Its sulphate-free, can be used on babies as well as young children and is ideal for hair types 3 and 4.

Parent tester Karen used this on her son with 3c curl type, “I like the My Little Coco products, they smell lovely from the natural oil and leave a light smell after using them. Theyre simple to use and dont weigh his hair down at all. The detangling spray is effective but there is a risk of using it up quickly so I try to use a spray with water & a bit of conditioner in first so that his hair is already damp before using the spray which definitely detangles better. The curling custard gives real definition to his curls without them looking heavy or feeling crusty!”

How Can I Prevent My Baby From Getting Eczema

Using an emollient balm on a regular basis may help prevent eczema before parents see any external symptoms. An emollient balm helps the skin maintain its moisture which contributes to overall skin barrier function and health. Two popular brands are Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Balm and Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm.

Dr. Libby advises parents and caregivers recognize and try to avoid common triggers that include certain types of soap, shampoo, body wash and cleansers, laundry detergents and fabric softeners with chemical additives, certain fabrics like wool or polyester in clothing and bedding, fragrances, and extended exposure to dry air, extreme heat or cold.

Sometimes these items can cause what’s known as contact dermatitis, which is a particular form of eczema. That’s when a baby or child has a reaction after coming into contact with an allergen or another irritant such as a chemical in a soap or detergent.

Parents should also pay attention to the baby’s fingernails. Keep them short to avoid them scratching the skin while itching and potentially causing an infection. The aim is to avoid further irritation to the skin.

Karrie Locher, RN, BSN CLC, a postpartum and neonatal nurse and lactation counselor, shares some other tips for preventing and managing eczema.

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Balance Me Rose Otto Hand Cream

This luxurious hand cream proves that not all eczema friendly moisturisers need to smell like play-dough and spread like clotted cream. Balance Mes commitment to supporting sensitive skin is evident in their promise to use no parabens, sulphates, petroleum, mineral oils, artificial fragrances and colours. With calming antioxidant-packed Arctic Cloudberry, soothing lanolin and heavenly rose essential oils, scaly hands will be gone for good.

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Mustela Baby Cradle Cap Bundle With Natural Avocado

Mustela has been trusted by parents for its sensitive-skin friendly products since 1950. The cradle cap bundle includes a foaming shampoo and cradle cap cream, both formulated with avocado perseose, a sugar found in avocados that can help strengthen the skins barrier. Several recommend leaving the shampoo on your little ones scalp for a few minutes, then rinsing it out to banish cradle cap for good.

6 of 10 Image Credits: Target

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Should I Use A Product That Earned The National Eczema Foundation Seal Of Approval

The National Eczema Association created the Seal of Approval acceptance program to help sensitive-skinned consumers properly select skincare.

The NEA Seal of Approval criteria includes a list of ingredients that are known for causing irritation, Dr. Mack explains. The Seal of Approval review panel evaluates ingredient and formulation data. Lastly, the Seal of Acceptance makes the products ideal for sensitive skin types easily identifiable.

Cute Curlz Satin Bonnet 1099

Best for preventing frizzy and dry hair

Product type: Satin bonnet | Size: Small, Medium, Large | Used for: Protecting hair at night time | Colour: Pink, Purple, Baby blue, Turquoise, Yellow, Hot pink, Hot pink/tangerine

Looking after coily hair doesn’t stop at wash day and creams, even at night time all that hard work of moisturising can be gone if hair isnt protected at night with silk. For younger babies they can simply sleep on satin sheets where their hair lays but toddlers and older kids can use a satin bonnet.

This keeps hair neat and prevents frizz and drying. Cotton does a good job of absorbing moisture upon contact and keeping your body dry and cool as possible, but this isn’t the desired effect when it comes to afro and curly hair. Silk or satin will help keep the hair retaining moisture and allows all the kinks and curls to simply glide across it without snagging or stripping the hair of its moisture.

Parent tester Fi uses this with her daughter Naima with hair type 4a at the back and 3c at the front, “We dedicate a lot of time to looking after her hair properly. We double up on the silk to give her extra protection. We use a silk pillow case and she uses a silk bonnet. Silk is so much better for curly hair than cotton as it tames frizz and prevents big tangles forming while she sleeps. We get all her pillow cases, bonnets and afro pick from cutecurlz.co.uk, an amazing independent curly haircare brand.”

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Resist The Itch Of Scalp Irritation With Olsson Scandinavian Haircare

We know we shouldnt scratch it, but the temptation is very real. The relief you can get from a little itch and scratch. And the excruciating pain that momentary relief can cause, not to mention the flakes that will fall after â wearing dark colours is definitely out of the question.

If youve visited your GP its likely that theyve recommended anti-dandruff shampoo. Many of which arent suitable for severe cases and for the severe cases corticosteroid gels or lotions **sigh**.

Our goal was to develop a haircare collection that is suitable for those suffering with sensitivities, to help reduce the risk of irritation, provide relief from irritated scalps and cleanse with a salon approved formula, leaving hair shiny and full of vitality, not greasy through emollients. After 3 years of development between salon professionals, chemists and allergy and asthma associations we formulated a no compromise, salon performance haircare range for those suffering with sensitivities. Can you imagine our delight?

ââ¦leaving hair shiny and full of vitality, not greasy through emollients.

Can you imagine our delight?â

Olsson Scandinavian Haircare is less likely to irritate or trigger allergies, as well as helping to prevent further allergic reactions. It also is great for anyone who wants a high-performance collection that isnât highly scented or crammed with additives, yet still effectively cleanses, conditions and renews hair and scalp without a hint of irritation*.

How Do I Fix Eczema On My Scalp

To treat eczema on your scalp, you have two options: at-home treatments, like the shampoos above, or prescription treatments from your doctor. Eczema shampooideally spiked with salicylic acid to remove build-up and oil, or selenium sulfide to reduce flakingis the most effective treatment at home. But you can also opt for a gentle, medication-free shampoo if you have a more mild case of scalp eczema or just want to ward off flare-ups.

If your scalp eczema doesnt go away after a month of using over-the-counter medicated shampoos, your doctor may prescribe steroid treatments in either topical form or oral form . Basically, youve got options, and you dont need to deal with eczema on your own.

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What Causes Cradle Cap

Many parents think that cradle cap is just dry skin. Cradle cap looks like dry skin, but its actually flakes of dead skin stuck together with the natural oil from your babys pores. Those yucky scales are just dead skin trapped in extra oil thats stuck to the scalp like a bunch of postage stamps stuck on a package. In the removal process, youre trying to float those postage stickers upso that you can wash them off.

Curly Kids Curly Creme Leave In Conditioner

Best for mixed texture curls

Product type: Leave-in conditioner | Used for: Locking moisture | Free from: Paraben, sulfate

Curly Kids Curly Creme can be used on dry or wet hair and will keep your child’s hair moisturised for the day. Its creamy texture and combination of south African marula, Moroccan argan and organic jojoba oils work to leave the hair smooth, and tangle-free to make the combing process easier on the strands.

Parent tester Nichelle has 3 children and they are “mixed with Jamaican and Mauritian heritage and their hair ranges from 3a curly and 4a coily hair.” She shared some information on their curl type and how she uses the creme on their hair. “Ethan, 4 the oldest has 4a coily hair which is tightly bound and low porosity. It absorbs water quickly and works well with the product when the hair is wet. Arielle, who is 2, has 3c hair and high porosity. Water and products tend to sit on top of her hair. This product works better with damp hair as opposed to dripping wet. It adds moisture and conditions the roots right down to the ends. I like this product because it is lightweight and has no sulphates or parabens. My youngest, who is 8 months at the moment, seems to have the straightest hair resembling the Asian side of the family. I also use this product as it is mild enough for a baby and a perfect moisturising all-around product.”

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Mustela Baby Skin Care Set

Why its great: This full package contains a cream-like lotion, a gel-like wash, and an airy foam like a light shampoo. All these products are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and safe for newborns. The set promotes uses for all skin types from normal to extra sensitive. Mustela is accepted by the national eczema association and is made with naturally derived ingredients. This set gave our family a good general idea of which form of treatment is most enjoyed by the kids.

Keep in mind: Not all products are received equally. Our kiddo loves the foam and the gel wash. However, says the lotion feels sticky and prefers other creams that dry faster. Again, this is a personal preference and varies with different skin types and other determining factors.

Good for: A wide range of products to determine what each individual child is most receptive too.

How To Treat Scalp Eczema In Babies

Many parents ask How do I treat scalp eczema in babies? Sometimes its confusing because it can be mistaken for other similar medical problems, such as cradle cap. Its important to get the right diagnosis from your childs physician before starting treatment. Unfortunately, scalp eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition and affects many children and babies. Some studies show that up to 20% of children may be affected by eczema.

Eczema in babies is commonly present on the scalp and forehead. It can also affect other areas of the body such as cheeks, arms, legs, etc. In this article, we will talk about eczema on the scalp of babies. Causes of eczema on scalp and treatment will be discussed as well. We will also discuss how eczema can be differentiated from other similar conditions and some ways to prevent it.

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Symptoms Of Eczema On The Scalp

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of eczema on the scalp:

• Patches or areas of skin that are dry, scaly or flaky
• Dandruff on your scalp or in hair
• The skin may also be greasy or waxy
• In more extreme circumstances, oozing or weeping lesions
• Possible discharge from the ear if eczema has affected the ear canal

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you may want to confirm a diagnosis of eczema with your doctor and start looking into medication that could help with your skin problem.

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Best Shampoos For Eczema On The Scalp

Eczema is a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, rashy, and inflamed. There are many different types of eczema, including:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis

Scalp eczema falls under the subtype of seborrheic dermatitis. Eczema on the scalp can cause flaking, thick scales, and make your head itch. One of the best ways to combat this condition is to find a shampoo for scalp eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis. Read on to find out what to look for and to see what MyEczemaTeam members have said about different shampoos.

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D Use A Moisturizer On The Skin

A moisturizer can be used on the area of scalp affected by eczema as well. This will help reduce dryness and redness of the skin. It will also prevent itching at the site of eczema. Unscented moisturizer is the way to go. Sometimes fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. The use of moisturizers is best right after a bath because the scalp of the baby is still moist. This helps lock in the moisture.

Tubby Todd The Extra Tubby Regulars Bundle

Parents swear by Tubby Todds All Over Ointment to treat cradle cap as well as a variety of other skin conditions, including baby acne, diaper rash, and eczema. The fragrance-free, nongreasy cream is full of moisturizing, plant-based ingredients. This bundle combines the All Over Ointment with lavender and rosemary Hair and Body Wash and the lighter Everyday Lotion for all of your babys bathing and skin-care needs. The brand recommends washing the cradle cap area with the body and hair wash before brushing out the hair. Then apply the All Over Ointment and let it soak into their skin overnight.

5 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

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Why Are Certain Ethnic Groups At Higher Risk For Eczema

In the United States, Black children have been found to have a higher risk for eczema than White and Asian children. Black children are 1.7 times more likely to develop atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, than White children.

In the United States, eczema is more common and oftentimes more severe in Black Americans as compared to White Americans,” says Mona Amin, DO, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician. “The increase in severity could oftentimes be that eczema is missed in darker skin tones so skincare management isnt done as soon as it should be.”

The increase in severity could oftentimes be that eczema is missed in darker skin tones so skincare management isnt done as soon as they should.

Eczema can be caused by several things. Primarily, eczema is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and likely may explain the difference in eczema among various ethnic and racial groups,” says Tiffany Jow Libby, MD a board-certified dermatologist, and director of Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery.

The reason why Black Americans may have a higher incidence of eczema is still being studied. “This condition impacts the quality of life of not only the kids, but the parents as well. The is not completely understood, adds Naana Boakye, MD, MPH, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Bergen Dermatology.