TL;DR: Children’s eczema is best supported with gentle, fragrance-free skincare that protects the skin barrier. Helpful natural ingredients include calendula, licorice root, comfrey, plantain leaf, colloidal oatmeal, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil. Choose minimally processed salves or oils, avoid undiluted essential oils and synthetic fragrances, and apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in hydration. 

Watching your child struggle with the persistent itch and discomfort of eczema is a heart-wrenching experience for any parent. When conventional treatments feel too harsh for their delicate skin, many mothers seek natural eczema treatments that are both gentle and effective. Understanding how to support your child's skin health starts with recognizing their unique needs and choosing the right natural remedies for eczema in children.

How does eczema differ in children vs adults?

Eczema presents differently depending on age. In infants and young children, a natural eczema treatment for babies often focuses on the face, scalp, and the outer surfaces of the arms and legs. Children’s skin is also significantly thinner and more permeable than adult skin, leaving them more susceptible to environmental irritants, toxins, and the harshness of some herbal extracts found in eczema skincare products. As children grow into adulthood, the rash typically moves to the creases of the elbows and knees.

What are the most effective natural ingredients for soothing child eczema?

When searching for the best eczema treatment for babies and children, certain botanicals stand out for their ability to calm inflammation and support the skin barrier:

• Calendula: Known as "the skin soother," it promotes rapid cell turnover and reduces redness. It has been thoroughly studied for its skin healing properties.

• Licorice Root: A powerful anti-inflammatory that calms facial redness and itching. Glabridin, a compound found in licorice root extract, was studied in Japan for it’s effect on melanoma cells and showed significant anti-inflammatory properties.

• Comfrey: Rich in allantoin, it promotes the regeneration of healthy skin cells. Studies have shown that comfrey is not only beneficial due to the allantonin, but other compounds in whole herb comfrey extracts help soothe inflamed skin.

• Plantain Leaf: Provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits to prevent infection in irritated skin. In one scientific review of various herbs for treating inflammatory skin conditions, plantain leaf’s anti-inflammatory activity was compared to hydrocortisone and other topical steroids.

• Thyme: Helps manage the skin's microbial environment to support a resilient skin barrier.

What natural remedies are effective for treating eczema in children?

The most successful natural treatment for eczema in children involves a multi-layered approach:

1. Herbal Infusions: Using salves or oils that have been slowly infused with whole herbs ensures a balanced, full-spectrum benefit that is gentler than concentrated extracts.

2. Protective Barriers: Utilizing a natural eczema cream for children or a salve with a beeswax base provides a protective layer against environmental stressors.

3. Gentle Cleansing: Using oatmeal for eczema treatment, for example, as a colloidal oatmeal soap, can cleanse without stripping natural oils. It is able to do this through natural plant compounds called saponins, which act as mild surfactants to lift away dirt and oil, while its starches and beta-glucans simultaneously lock in moisture and soothe irritation.

What are the safest natural ingredients for baby eczema?

The safest natural ingredients for baby eczema are those that are minimally processed and free from synthetic additives. Minimalist formulas are key for natural eczema treatments for children to reduce the risk of reactions. Look for non-GMO, solvent-free base oils like cold-pressed premium, Italian grapeseed oil, which is high-quality and free from chemical residues. Other oils that are safe for babies and children include jojoba oil, which mimics the natural oil in human skin, and sunflower oil, another oil that is recommended because of its high linoleic acid content and ability to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

What "natural" remedies should parents not use?

Not all products labeled "natural" are safe for eczema natural treatment in kids. Parents should avoid:

• Synthetic Fragrances: Often listed as "parfum," these are common triggers for reactive skin.

• Harsh Extractions: Ingredients processed with hexane or acetone can leave irritating chemical residues. With oils, search for ingredients that are labeled as “cold pressed” or “expeller pressed”.  This indicates they were not extracted using chemical solvents.

• Concentrated Essential Oils: Highly concentrated oils, like undiluted thyme oil, can cause sensitization; they must be professionally diluted to safe levels (0.5% or less) to avoid irritating the skin.

Why You Can Trust Ora’s Amazing Herbal

Ora’s Amazing Herbal was founded by a mother with degrees in biology and nutrition who was on a mission to find an effective, natural treatment for eczema for her own daughter. Their products are uniquely suited for children's natural eczema treatment because of their traditional "slow infusion" process. Instead of chemical extracts, they infuse whole herbs into base oil for six weeks to capture balanced healing properties.

Ora's Newborn Salve is an exceptional natural treatment for eczema for children of all ages because it uses a minimal, six-ingredient formula that is coconut-free and fragrance-free. It is specifically designed to soothe rashes and dry patches without irritation.

Natural Eczema Treatment Tips

For the best results with a natural eczema treatment, apply salves or oils immediately after  bath while the skin is still moist to lock in hydration. Consistency is vital for natural eczema treatments; establish a routine that prioritizes gentle nourishment and protection to help your child's skin thrive. 

Embracing a gentle, natural approach to managing your child's eczema is about more than just treating a skin condition; it's about supporting their skin barrier, while nurturing their overall well-being with the gentlest ingredients possible. By choosing remedies that respect the delicacy of young skin and maintaining a consistent, loving routine, you are providing your child with the best foundation for healing. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and with patience and natural care, you can help your little one feel comfortable and thrive once again.

About the Author: Dorothy Miguel is a licensed massage therapist, certified Chinese herbalist, and Chinese medicine specialist.  She graduated from Myotherapy College of Utah in 2010, then got her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Academy for Five Element Medicine.  She is the owner of Happy Cat Pain & Stress Relief in Tallahassee, FL. As a mom of two kids with special needs, she is passionate about helping busy moms recharge their internal batteries and become more resilient to stress.

About Ora’s Amazing Herbal: Ora’s Amazing Herbal creates natural, herbal infused skincare for the whole family. We strive to empower women through self care, one minute at a time (because let’s be honest, as moms- often a minute is all we have)! Our current line includes salves, powders, body oils, body butters, face oil serums, powder facial cleansers, beard & hair oils, lip balms, and herbal steams. We also have a natural baby care line which includes gentle newborn and baby salves, powders, and baby oil. We use high quality, non-gmo, fair trade oils and organic herbs to create skin care that is both pure and effective. Our products are crafted in small batches in New Jersey and are free from talc, grain, lanolin, chemical preservatives, synthetic dyes & fragrances, parabens, and animal testing. We also have a huge focus on sustainability, eco-friendly packaging, and kindness to the world around us. If you’d like to learn more, please check out our website: OrasAmazingHerbal.com.