Bed time and heat rashes
Babies, children, and even adults with dry skin conditions and eczema often find it hard to have a good night’s sleep. Itchiness causes extreme discomfort and it can be hard to sleep especially when the weather changes and it becomes warmer. Eczema can be triggered or become worse because of:
- Pollens
- Certain foods
- Pollution
- Infections, sickness, and flu
- Stress
- Dust mites
- Animal hair
- Exposure to heat, sun, and cold
- Harsh soaps and detergents
- Woollen clothing
- Bacteria on the skin
Bed time is an essential part of your daily routine and it should be more relaxing and less stressful. For that reason we’ve provided some tips that you can use to help avoid these eczema triggers and help your child settle down for a good night’s rest.
- Avoid playing energetic games just before bed.
- Provide a relaxing, calming atmosphere. Use familiar actions, like a bed time story, routinely to help prepare the way for bed time.
- Keep pets away from the bedroom as dogs and cats can worsen eczema.
- Allow for plenty of natural ventilation and an airy but not cold atmosphere.
- Use light cotton sheets and covers. Make sure your child doesn’t get too over heated while sleeping under heavy covers as it may make eczema worse.
- Long sleeve pyjamas that are made of lighter fabric can provide sufficient ventilation for the skin and also protect the skin from exposure and the urge to scratch.
- Sleeping on a hypoallergenic mattress can help in some cases to soothe eczema.
- Apply moisturiser at least 20 minutes before bedtime to allow it to soak in.