Toddler Rashes

Sometimes rashes are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.  If you are unsure about what type of rash your child has, it is best to consult a qualified medical practitioner.  

Here is a general list of guidelines that indicate there is cause for immediate concern:

• Rashes associated with high fever
• Rashes that are painful
• Rashes that spread quickly
• Rashes in young infants
• Rashes associated with dizziness or fainting
• Rashes associated with difficulty breathing
• Rashes that start immediately after taking a new medication or trying a new food

If you or your child have any of the symptoms above, you should seek qualified medical help immediately. Read more about when to be concerned with a rash, here.

The list below are home remedies that have helped my daughter, who has extremely sensitive skin.  I only use these on rashes I have seen before, and therefore know are not life-threatening or cause for immediate concern. I have taken her to the doctor for rashes before, several times in fact.  Rashes can be scary things sometimes, so I urge you to use extreme caution with them.  Understand that I am not qualified to give medical advice, and the list below is in no way a substitute for it.  These remedies are safe and non-toxic substitutes for commercial creams and lotions that are used for mild and common rashes.

Natural Mamma Dry Itchy Skin Salve

Natural Mamma Dry Itchy Skin Salve works great for eczema rashes.  This skin salve is made from different oil infusions, beeswax, coconut oil, melaleuca essential oil and lavender essential oil.  You can view the recipe here, or you can purchase it directly from her, made by her, for a very reasonable price, here. I personally purchase it, because it ultimately cost a lot more to acquire all of the ingredients than to buy it made.

It usually takes two to three applications of this salve until the eczema is gone, which is much quicker than any other commercial product I’ve tried. Plus, there are no harmful chemicals in it!

Here is a before and after photo of eczema on Elle.  This was after two applications: one in the morning, one in the evening, and the after photo is the following morning:

Whipped Coconut Oil

Whipped Coconut Oil works great on toddler rashes. It contains coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin e oil, and essential oils. The Coconut oil is an antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, which makes it useful in combating a variety of skin rashes. Jojoba oil is moisturizing and it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Vitamin E has antioxidant that protect and repair the skin, and essential oils have tremendous benefits, depending on which ones you add.

You can also apply plain coconut oil to the rash, and it should help with eczema and other rashes, as well!

While, I haven’t found this as effective on eczema as Dry Itchy Skin Salve, it is a good body lotion. If Elle’s eczema has just appeared and isn’t bad, I can apply this and it’ll clear up the eczema before it spreads or gets worse.  It’s also good for preventative measures.

Here is a before and after photo of contact dermatitis.  This was after one application.

Olive Oil

Probably the easiest solution is plain ‘ol Olive Oil.  EVOO provides a barrier against the elements, while adding much needed moisture to severely dry skin.

With the erratic weather that spring brings, poor Elle has had some horrific eczema lately.  Bright, angry patches are showing up all over her knees.  I was finally able to get it to calm down with the use of Olive Oil.  I washed her legs with olive oil and a wash cloth, then applied another dose after she was dry, before putting on pajamas. If it’s particularly bad, I will put it on in the morning as well.  This has helped tremendously, and it’s a common household ingredient, which makes it super easy.

Other Considerations

Eczema is caused by an allergic reaction and inflammatory response to the skin.  It is often caused by lotions, dyes, fragrances, chemicals or diets.  If your child is having chronic eczema, you may consider everything that goes on or into their body.  Here are a few things I have analyzed:

• Clothing: Look at your detergent and fabric softeners.  Do they have artificial dyes and scents? This is easy to fix by switching detergents.  I use Arm & Hammer for Sensitive Skin as my detergent, and Honest dryer cloths as a fabric softener. 
• Lotions and soaps: You would be surprised at the junk they put in soaps and lotions.  I have been using olive oil instead of soap for Elle, but there are many safe and natural soaps to choose from.  Honest Co makes a shampoo & body wash, Everyday Shea makes a Shea body wash for babies, and you may also try Goats Milk Soap, which you can find online, or at your local farmer’s market.  Oatmeal baths are another great thing to try for eczema.  Instead of using lotions, I recommend trying coconut oil or olive oil. 
• Cleaners: Do you use commercial cleaners on your surfaces or floors? It could cause  irritation to your children’s skin.  There are a million reasons to make your own cleaners, so I highly recommend it.  
• Diet: Eczema may be an allergic reaction to something being ingested.  The three top culprits are dairy, nuts and gluten.  You may check with a doctor to see how you can try an elimination diet to see if food is the cause of reoccurring eczema.