Posts Tagged eczema
Brilliant Bamboo and How it Relieves Eczema!
Posted by in Babies on February 10th, 2010
Cheshire businesswoman Kelly Mitchell suffered with eczema as a child and sadly, both her little daughters suffer too. Their flare-ups come and go, but she is very much aware of the soreness and despair the itching can cause. She is careful about their skincare routines and has at all times tried to manage their conditions in a holistic way.
Kelly would not to put the girls down on the carpet because wool is so irritating to eczema sufferers. She’d always put Isabella down on a cotton play mat and being an arty type of person, it was usually a patchwork one she’d made herself. It was while she was searching the internet one day for new fabrics that she came across bamboo.
The more Kelly read about bamboo, the more she began to observe how it could be used to help with eczema. Here are some of the properties of the wonder fabric:
- Bamboo readily absorbs moisture. Four times more absorbent than cotton, bamboo maintains the body temperature by hastily wicking away moisture from the skin, which then evaporates leaving baby dry and comfortable. Limiting the skin’s contact with water is a key factor in relieving eczema.
- Bamboo fabric has natural ‘air conditioning’ built in enabling the skin to breathe and helping to relieve irritated skin.
- Unlike any other fabric, it remains cool to the touch, even when its warm, bringing immediate comfort and relief. How? The bamboo fibre is packed with micro-gaps and holes, giving it incredible aeration properties. In hot weather, it will keep the user cooler than standard fabrics in the comparable knit or weave.
- Variations in temperature can set off eczema flare ups; most often hot humid or cold dry conditions. Bamboo fabric is a natural temperature regulator with fantastic insulating properties.
- Antibacterial by nature, Bamboo fibre has natural elements to help kill and prevent the spread of bacteria. This property is retained in the fabric, even after several washes at regular temperature.
- Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, mild and gentle – ideal for babies’ sensitive skin; therefore there will be no allergic reactions as with other natural fibres such as cotton or hemp. This is because bamboo fibres are naturally smooth and round without any chemical treatment, meaning there are no sharp spurs to irritate the skin.
- It is mould and mildew resistant, both of which are common allergens and can often trigger an eczema flare up.
- It does not hold on to odour from common irritants such as fragrances, perfumes, chemicals and other products.
- Bamboo is also environmentally kind and sustainable.
And so Kelly’s concept grew from making a play mat into thoughts of creating a special range of clothing. She expressed her idea to a friend, and between them they formed Ickle Eco – a company specialising in bamboo baby wear expressly designed for children with eczema and skin allergies!
In addition to capturing the amazing properties of bamboo fabric, Kelly & her business partner Victoria wanted to take the designs further. They guarantee that there are no man made fibres in the clothes: the fabric is a mix of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton, our fibre is 100% cotton, they use nickel free poppers and 100% cotton labels.
The fabric is certified OEKO-Tex 100, which means it is entirely chemical free. They also use the most sophisticated eco-friendly, water-based inks for their hand screen-prints. They have also incorporated a number of design features that make the clothes even comfier; all the seams on the under garments and sleepwear are external. The clothes are cut to fit closely to the skin, to maximise the benefits of the fabric. They introduced optional mittens on the sleep suits and pyjama tops, to help stop scratching and the sleep suits also have a double fabric layer around the knee and ankle, as this area is prone to eczema.
Kelly & Victoria are now planning to develop the Ickle Eco range to comprise cot sheets and sleeping bags, to compliment the existing sleepwear. As bamboo also contains natural UV protection, their summer range includes romper, shorts, tunic and sunhat – all ideal to help guard that delicate skin.
Ickle Eco presents a unique range of stylish eco-friendly baby wear made from bamboo, a naturally hypoallergenic material that is mild and gentle – perfect for babies sensitive skin. Bamboo is environmentally kind and sustainable and is also proven to help relieve eczema. Needless to say Ickle Eco clothing is a Godsend to parents of little ones that suffer with the irritating skin condition.
http://www.ickleeco.co.uk
Article Source: Brilliant Bamboo and How it Relieves Eczema!
Organic Gifts for a New Mom
Posted by in Pregnancy on December 19th, 2009
A goal in life for many women is to have children, and once they do all their dreams come true. It is a joyous occasion for all friends and family members in the new baby’s life. Moms are filled with unconditional and endless love for the little life they welcomed into the world. It is a time for thanks that such a beautiful life was born to loving parents. It is also a time for relaxation and bonding with your newborn baby and your significant other. Giving some relaxing organic gifts such as lotions and candles for a new mom to use is a great way for her to relax and enjoy her time at home. Here are some organic gift ideas to give a new mom.
Making a basket full of foot spa necessities is perfect. Their feet may still be swollen from carrying their baby for 9 months. Soaking their feet in warm water with organic oils with lavender or peppermint scents would be a great relaxation method. Including a pumice scrub stone would be smart because she, or someone else, could scrub the dead skin off which will make her feet soft. It can feel very ticklish or relaxing and sometimes both. In addition to using a pumice stone, using a foot scrub will also make her feet soft. Organic foot scrubs heal dry skin and replenish moisture because they are made with organic shea butter and dead sea salt. Foot lotions have a great peppermint or eucalyptus smell usually and are made organically. They smell nice and are very relaxing.
You could also give a gift that was for the mom and the new baby. If you assemble a gift basket or package, be sure to use all organic products because babies’ skin is so sensitive that products with chemicals in them could be irritating. Lotions for adults can contain synthetic materials which can make she skin more dry which can lead to eczema or an increase in eczema flare ups. What should you include in your gift for a baby and a new mom? I would include some type of eczema oil. Eczema is common with babies and the oil can be used on any type of dry skin or as a preventative measure. Baby wipes can cause diaper rash, and a great alternative would be to use an organic baby wipe companion. You could include an assortment of baby and mom lotions and oils.
If the new mom doesn’t like foot scrubs or lotions, you could give regular lotions or skin care products. Plumeria or cucumber body butters are soft and smell good. After taking a relaxing bath, which every ne mom has been dying to do for 9 months, they can moisturize with the organic body butter. Instead of giving foot scrub, you can give her body scrubs instead which don’t smell like peppermint. The body scrubs will remove any dry or dead skin and leave the skin feeling fresh and moisturized. Any type of natural skin care product will moisturize and make her skin look beautiful and glowing. If the product isn’t organic, her skin may be left feeling more dry or irritated.
Melanie Nader is the founder of the Homestead Company which makes premium quality natural skin care products including eczema oil and diaper ointment made with the finest 100% natural ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.homesteadcompany.com.
Article Source: Organic Gifts for a New Mom
Protecting Your Baby’s Skin in Winter
Posted by in Babies on December 19th, 2009
Winter conditions such as dry winds, cold temperatures, snow, and rain can be harmful for your baby. It is common for babies and young children to get sick in the winter because of decreasing temperatures and the flu season. The harsh winter weather alone can cause damage to your baby’s skin. Their skin is so sensitive and can become irritated more so than adults’ skin. Cold winter air and dry, heated indoor air can cause irritation and dryness of the skin making eczema flare ups more frequent. Here are some ways to protect your baby’s skin during the winter.
When bathing your baby, be extra cautious of the water temperature. You should always practice safe bathing techniques, not just in the winter. The temperature should be lukewarm, a mixture of hot and cold water. Cold water will making your baby uncomfortable and water that is too hot can dry the skin out more or burn their sensitive skin. Also, use soap made from natural products that aren’t too heavily scented. Unnatural products can contain harsh chemicals that could make a winter rash worse. Moisturizing after bathing is smart because the skin is clean. It is common for babies to suffer from eczema, so using eczema oil will help to prevent that.
You may be surprised to know that babies can regulate their body temperature just as well as adults can. Don’t dress your baby in too many layers trying to keep them warm. If your baby becomes overheated they may develop an irritating heat rash. Keep your baby warm with jackets and blankets. Dress your baby in material that can breathe a little such as cotton. Dress your baby as you would dress yourself. It is common to add an extra layer of clothing to your outfit to stay warm, but only layer up once.
Adults and babies are often irritated by chapped lips during the winter. It may not seem like your baby’s lips could get chapped because they appear moist from drooling, teething, or having a pacifier. You can use a lip balm on your baby but make sure it isn’t the kind that has a tint of color. Find an organic brand that won’t cause irritation. Using lip balm will add a protective layer that will heal or prevent chapped lips.
To protect your baby’s hands and feet, which are often exposed to the outside elements, you can use gloves and socks. Wearing gloves will protect your baby’s hands from cold winter winds. When skin is exposed to wind, cold air, and other elements, the skin can become very dry. A lot of heat is also lost through the tops of our heads. Find a cute, little beanie or hat for your baby to wear. Unlike adults, some babies don’t have a lot of hair to keep the tops of their heads warm.
Melanie Nader is the founder of the Homestead Company which makes premium quality natural skin care products including eczema oil and diaper ointment made with the finest 100% natural ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.homesteadcompany.com.
Article Source: Protecting Your Baby’s Skin in Winter
Cotton – Best Choice For Babies
Posted by in Babies on September 2nd, 2009
One of the main benefits of cotton clothing is the softness of the fabric. With a babies newborn skin it is sensitive, anything harsh will rub and irritate their new skin. Cotton is a super soft natural fabric that allows for better air circulation, which helps remove and absorb body moisture, drawing heat away from the skin and keeping the body cool and dry providing an ideal sleeping environment for baby. Also, because cotton clothing “breathes” better, it’s the best choice to keep your baby cool in hot, humid weather. The ends of cotton fibers are
spun very tightly into the yarn so that the fabric doesn’t irritate skin or cause static electricity making it very comfortable to be swaddled, dressed or diapered for babies.
Cotton is the preferred choice in hospitals and birthing centers, you will notice your newborn being swaddled in cotton receiving blankets after birth. Being non-allergenic, it is an excellent choice of material for anyone who suffers from asthma or allergies, or those who have sensitive skin prone to irritation. Pediatricians will sometimes suggest using cotton clothing and blankets for babies that have eczema or other skin maladies, before they will encourage using harsh steriod creams. Dermatologists also recommend wearing and using cotton products.
The fabric is durable, versatile and easy to care for. It can be washed in the washing machine and either hung to dry or put in the tumble dryer. It releases soil easily to retain appearance and be hygienically clean to be the ideal wash-and-wear-fabric – for you and for your family. Cotton has high tensile strength therefore can endure high temperatures and be sterilized. It is the only fiber that becomes stronger when wet being highly absorbent for drawing moisture out, providing premium comfort and softness for a happier baby.
For people concerned with environmental issues, cotton clothing makes a lot of sense. Cotton is biodegradable and a renewable resource. Cotton does not contain any chemicals and therefore is a natural product. In addition, cotton products are “finish free,” whereas synthetic fibers are often chemically treated to make the fiber suitable for processing. Organic cotton differs from regular cotton in the fact that no pesticides are used to grow it, which means less chemicals in the environment and less exposure for the people growing it.
Cotton absorbs moisture easily and can take up to one fifth of its weight in water before it actually feels damp, this being a great benefit if you diaper your baby in cotton diapers. Baby boys benefit from cotton diapers — The Kiel study found that excess heat in the groin area of boy babies wearing disposable diapers may be a cause of the reduced sperm count among males in recent years. Not only is baby more comfortable in cotton, this natural fiber is heathier for them!
Bottom line, the benefits of cotton are numerous, when having a new baby we as parents strive to do the best for our children, doesn’t it make sense to clothe, wrap and diaper them naturally? After all a happy baby makes a happy mama and if cotton helps……… why not?
Have any questions? Ask Nina at snugglemesoftly@ourfamilyebiz.com or visit our website
http://ourfamilyebiz.com. The author grants full reprint rights to this article. You may reprint and electronically distribute this article
so long as its contents remain unchanged and the authors’ byline remains in place.
Kiel Study – www.archdischild.com
Article Source: Cotton – Best Choice For Babies
Tips to Avoid Baby Food Alergies
Posted by in Babies on August 15th, 2009
It is considered by many parents that baby food allergies are one of the most worrying aspects of introducing new tastes to their babies. But food allergies can be avoided. There are some easy rules you can follow to reduce potential problems and make it easier for your baby to move on to solids.
Allergy occurs because your immune system mistakenly treats harmless substance as a harmful one. Food allergies have symptoms which include nausea, diarrhea, eczema, red or watery eyes. Sometimes food allergy may lead to allergic shock but rather rarely. Allergy shock can cause the throat and tongue to swell dangerously. Contact your doctor immediately if it happens.
Baby food allergies are sometimes mistaken with food intolerance. But remember that baby with food intolerance has difficulties with digesting a particular food and it can be caused by many other things but not caused by allergen.
How to avoid baby food allergies?
Here are some simple steps to follow in order to avoid baby food allergies or to identify the food to which your baby reacts.
First of all, hold on with introducing solids to early. Wait at least till 6 months of age. By this time your baby will develop better immune system.
Wait four days between introducing new food. Introduce new food and wait at least four days to see if the reaction occurs. It is easier to notice and identify the allergen when you wait some time with giving other food.
Try to avoid products which are known to cause allergy. For example eggs, gluten, shellfish or citrus.
Try to decide is your baby is at a particular high risk of developing allergy? It can be a simple answer. Did you or your close family suffer from allergy? If yes, it can lead to higher risk of allergy for your little one. But it can be other allergen.
You have to be cautious. Remember to introduce new foods individually and observe your baby to see possible reactions. These steps will help you to safely introduce new tastes of solid foods. Your baby will be more willing to discover new fruits, vegetables, purees and other things.
If you see and symptoms of allergy, consult it with the doctor.
FRUIT SHAKE – Recipe for babies with dairy food allergy
Ingredients for fruit shake:
2 cups of rice milk
2 cups of fruits
2 frozen overripe bananas
How to make fruit shake?
Blend fruit and rice milk in blender, add bananas. Blend until smooth. You can add more banana for extra thickness. Fruit shake can be made with any fruit.
More information on this topic can be found in the extensive guide to healthy baby food.
Article Source: Tips to Avoid Baby Food Alergies
Baby Eczema – How to Help Your Child With a Dermatitis Rash
Posted by in Babies on August 1st, 2009
See your baby’s eczema innocent child’s face and body can be difficult to bear. What are the causes and triggers of dermatitis in infants and young children? How is it best treated? What can you do to help your child resist scratching?
The rash of Eczema your child May be dry patches, red bumps and anger scales. May it also be red lines due to the scratch, which is a natural response to severe itching. May your baby be having trouble sleeping and cry more because of increasing irritation.
Make sure that the ingredients of laundry, bath and baby moisturizers used are anti-allergenic and dye. May your baby having an allergic reaction, and it is preferable to reduce or eliminate this problem. Atopic eczema in the family goes to check if there is a history of asthma, dermatitis and rash in the family. Hydration is very important, but you want to use the products that your child can tolerate nourish the skin to health. Find products on the market that have no scent so. We love all the scents used in personal care products, but May not be pleasant to our systems.
Replace blankets, linen and cotton garments which are not products of cotton fiber. Put something that is on your child’s breathing is important for good circulation. When you wash your child’s clothing and bedding use hot water as this will also kill the germs and dust mites, if they are at home.
Look for possible environmental triggers for Baby eczema. This may include cleaning products, animal fur, pesticides used in the vicinity of the house and renovation of equipment in the garage. Make a survey of foods your child eats and keep a diary as allergies to milk, eggs and wheat can cause a rash or asthma.
Because scratching can cause infection, consult your doctor about the use of antihistamines to reduce the sensation of itch. Moisturizer will help this problem. Little cotton gloves can be placed on the fingers of your child before bedtime to help prevent scratches.
Read your child stories, sing, to play games and participate in your child in activities that are good distractions while the baby eczema is triggered understood and solved.
Fore more information vist this site:http://www.kydde.com
Article Source: Baby Eczema – How to Help Your Child With a Dermatitis Rash
