Helping your child get better sleep can involve a range of strategies that address both skin health and sleep hygiene.
Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Create a Soothing Sleep Environment
Pay attention to what’s in your child’s room and get rid of things may disrupt sleep, like noise, light, and irritants such as dry air or rough sheets, says Tanya Evans, MD, a dermatologist and medical director of the skin cancer program at the Melanoma Clinic at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.
“Children can be particularly sensitive to environmental factors, so for sleep, you want to make sure everything in the bedroom is geared toward minimizing potential eczema triggers and promoting comfort,” she explains. That might involve using a humidifier, keeping the bedroom cool, opting for hypoallergenic bed linens, and using room-darkening shades.
“If itching persists, you may need to take further steps to modify a room, such as removing carpet that may have dust mites,” she adds.
Have a Skin-Care Routine Before Bedtime
As part of an evening wind-down routine, prioritizing skin health can reduce nighttime itching, says Dr. Evans. Your child can have a nightly bath, but limit it to 10 to 15 minutes maximum, she says, because staying in the water longer may dry out the skin and actually make itching worse. In addition a short-duration bath, other tips include:
- Keep bath water lukewarm instead of hot or too cool
- Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and shampoos to reduce risk of irritation
- Pat skin dry instead of rubbing
- Moisturize immediately after a bath with emollients or topical ointments
“Taking the time to moisturize thoroughly as a way to lock in the moisture from the bath can go a long way toward helping with nighttime comfort,” says Evans. “Also, it will improve the skin barrier in the long term.”
Focus on Adequate Hydration and Nutrition
Aside from an evening routine, what you do during the day can have an impact on kids with eczema, particularly nutrition and hydration.
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
One essential note, Evans adds: Avoid too much liquid right before bed, such as a large glass of water. If your child wakes up because they have to use the bathroom, they may start scratching.
Use Medications Wisely
Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children is similar to what’s used for adults, says Dr. Mallick. That means a dermatologist will first recommend over-the-counter moisturizers that are unscented and dye-free to repair the impaired skin barrier.
“Parents and caregivers should consult a dermatologist when treatments such as moisturizers and topical corticosteroids aren’t working, because that usually means moving on to prescription options,” says Mallick.