4 foods for natural treatment of eczema in children
An inflammatory skin condition, eczema causes skin irritation, itchy rashes, and blisters. It commonly affects kids younger than 2 years, but older children may also be affected. There is no permanent cure for eczema, but children tend to grow out of the condition, with the number of flare-ups becoming lesser over time. However, the symptoms and flare-ups can be really bothersome as long as a child has eczema. Here are a few foods that can help in alleviating the intensity of symptoms and flare-ups in children, along with regular eczema treatment:
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas are the most versatile fruits and are loaded with fiber and antioxidants that are essential to treat eczema. Banana ice cream is a favorite snack that can be added to the diet of a child with eczema. Bananas can also be used to make smoothies and pancakes, which can comprise an entire meal for a child. Before adding bananas to their diet, ensure that the child does not have an allergy or intolerance to the fruit. Also, avoid under-ripe bananas, which are very hard to digest and will trigger eczema flare-ups.
- Sweet potato: This root vegetable is enriched with proteins and vitamin C. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, which protect the body from allergic reactions. In addition, sweet potato has high levels of potassium and fiber that strengthen the body’s defense mechanism and improve skin health. Sweet potato chips can make for flavorsome and filling snacks for children with eczema, and sweet potato mash also makes for a healthy meal.
- Rice milk: Children with eczema often experience a flareup of symptoms when they consume dairy products, including cow’s milk or even goat’s milk. A good and healthy substitute can be rice milk as it is low in chemicals and does not trigger eczema symptoms unless the child is already allergic to rice. It is often recommended to drink a glass of warm rice milk just before bedtime as it is known to promote good digestion during sleep.
- Bone broth: Made from animal bones or even meat (including fat, connective tissues, and organs), bone broth is not only delicious but also healthy. It is packed with nutrients that alleviate eczema, prevent flareup, and reduce inflammation. Loaded with minerals, amino acids, and gelatin, bone broth helps the skin heal from eczema symptoms and improves skin health. Home-made broths are the best natural treatment when trying to fight eczema and its symptoms in children and adults.
Before giving any of these foods for the treatment of a child with eczema, ensure that they are not allergic to a specific food. If unsure, do an elimination test and let them try out one of the foods for a few days. In case there are no flare-ups, it can be added to their diet. On the other hand, eliminate the particular food from the child’s diet if the symptoms of eczema persist.
