Have you started to notice that your little munchkin can’t stop scratching? Although it might seem normal, such a constant habit can indicate an underlying disease. With unbearable itchiness and painful blisters that ooze clear liquid, these are actually the common signs of skin problem that your children might be experiencing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for certain skin problems, but there are treatments which can help to prevent flare-ups. Ahead, we have scoured high and low for the best products with natural extracts for kids with skin problem. 

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that often affects children with signs of itchiness and inflammation. There are different types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. However, atopic dermatitis is a common disease that begins in infancy as early as six months. Generally, such skin conditions resolve on their own once the children start to grow older.

Why did Kids Develop Eczema?

The researcher can’t determine the exact causes of eczema, but it might be largely due to environmental allergens and genetics. Additionally, the individual’s immune system reacts to such triggers, causing flare-ups on the skin. Particularly for children, environmental factors like soaps, shampoos,  dust mites, tree pollen, ointments, detergents and even dry air are the causes of eczema.

Aside from genetics, children with a family history of asthma or hay fever are also more likely to develop eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis. Children with known symptoms of eczema usually tend to have high skin sensitivity, which makes them more susceptible to irritation when exposed to heat, sweat and rough clothes. 

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Eczema?

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The symptoms of eczema vary between children, however the common signs that you need to look out for include:

  • Dry patches on the face, hands, neck and legs
  • Severe itchiness
  • Inflamed or scaly skin
  • Rough bumps that ooze clear fluid
  • Blisters and sores
  • Rough skin texture with a leathery and darker colour

However, do note that children usually develop eczema on their elbows, behind knees and sometimes on the entire body. Whereas infants are commonly affected on their face, legs and arms. 

How Is Eczema Diagnosed?

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As there is no specific test available to diagnose eczema, the doctor will examine the skin condition and health history, including previous symptoms and family history, to evaluate the disease. Once the doctor has ruled out other conditions, they will recommend the most suitable treatment for you. What’s more, they will also advise changing the lifestyle to minimise the risk of flare-ups like switching detergents or certain types of foods. 

Eczema Treatment For Kids In Malaysia

As we have mentioned earlier there is no cure for eczema, but there are treatments for kids that parents can opt for including topical or medication.

Medication

The doctor might prescribe medication which ranges from antibiotics to treat infection, antihistamines to counter the allergy and corticosteroids which can help to suppress the immune system. 

Topical Treatment 

The topical eczema treatment for kids will be recommended based on skin conditions. Among the available treatments are topical moisturisers and topical corticosteroids, of which the latter is a steroid-based cream or ointment. As these products feature different strengths, they can cause some substantial damage to the infant’s skin if it’s too strong. Another treatment worth mentioning is topical anti-inflammatory medicines, which minimise the skin’s immune system reaction. For those who prefer topical moisturisers, there are a plethora of products that are sold on the market. Plus, we even listed our personal pick below. 

The Best Products For Kids In Malaysia With Skin Problem

1. Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel

If you’re looking for the best eczema treatment for your kids, look no further as Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel is the one for you. It features a breakthrough formula that makes it effective for treating dry skin. Unlike other products which contain 70% water, Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel utilises a new innovative formulation to substitute such inactive properties. 

As water evaporates when it comes into contact with the skin, it only delivers a cooling sensation without benefiting the dry skin. In contrast, Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel contains four times more oil to intensely hydrate the skin. Aside from retaining moisture, it can relieve eczema symptoms, including itching, skin tightness, and flaky skin. You only need a small amount of the gel to cover your face and body. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Relieves eczema symptoms 

Price: RM19.90 (50ml), RM34.95 (100ml) and RM58.25 (200ml)

Where to buy: Shopee, Lazada, Guardian and Watsons

2. EUBOS Haut Ruhe Intensive Cream

The EUBOS Haut Ruhe Intensive Cream checks all of the boxes on the things we’re looking for in the best treatment of dry, cracked and peeling skin for your kid. It is powered by evening primrose oil, which is rich in omega-6 fatty acids to fortify the skin’s protective barrier, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss. The combination of allantoin and panthenol delivers multiple benefits, including soothing irritation, retaining hydration and stimulating skin regeneration. While St. John’s wort and bisabolol extracts deliver skin-soothing benefits. This highly rated product features a luxurious rich and creamy texture that instantly hydrates and nourishes the skin for long-lasting results.

Why we love it:

  • Alleviates dry, cracked and peeling skin problems
  • Strengthens the skin barrier
  • Suitable for rough skin areas
  • Ideal for face and body

Price: RM40.00

Where to buy: EUBOS’ official website

3. Buds Soothing Organics 

Buds Soothing Organics is a perfect option whenever your little munchkin needs extra TLC. Its range of products is formulated specifically for babies with sensitive skin, hence it is free from all of the nastiest ingredients that you want to avoid. The products harness the power of prebiotic and EASYclear™ formulation to minimise the symptoms of eczema. It delivers multiple benefits to accelerate the skin healing process while preventing future flare-ups. The range includes Super Soothing Hydrating Cleanser, Super Soothing Rescue Lotion, Super Soothing Intensive Repair Cream and Super Soothing Deep Moisturising Cream. 

Why we love it:

  • Prevents flare-ups
  • Free from harmful and irritating ingredients
  • Keeps skin hydrated 

Price: Starts from RM55.30

Where to buy: Buds Organics’ official website 

4. Aveeno Baby Dermexa Moisturising Cream

Aveeno Baby Dermexa Moisturising Cream harnesses the power of natural colloidal oatmeal to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier while preventing dryness. It is also enriched with dimethicone to soothe inflamed skin. Its clinically proven formulation works wonders to relieve irritation and itchiness caused by dry skin and rashes. Most importantly, it is free from irritating ingredients including fragrance, dye, paraben and phthalate. 

Why we love it:

  • Ideal for daily use 
  • Strengthen skin’s moisture barrier
  • Hydrates extra dry skin

Price: RM68.90

Where to buy: Watsons 

5. Suu Balm™ Kids Dual Rapid Itch Relieving & Restoring Ceramide Moisturiser 

Suu Balm™ Kids Dual Rapid Itch Relieving & Restoring Ceramide Moisturiser is specifically formulated to provide fast relief for sensitive skin. Infused with menthol, it imparts a cooling sensation that can soothe the unbearable itch. Thanks to ceramides, it replenishes the skin’s moisture level. The texture is ultra-lightweight and non-sticky, allowing the product to absorb easily into the skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Delivers cooling sensation to calm itchiness
  • Replenishes skin moisture
  • Free from parabens, preservatives and fragrances

Price: RM84.80

Where to buy: Suu Balm’s official website 

6. CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream features a stamp from the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Developed by paediatric dermatologists, it is expertly formulated with three types of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.  It has a thick and creamy texture that provides long-lasting hydration. What’s more, it replenishes moisture loss which can relieve discomfort for those with chapped, cracked and chafed skin, making it one of the go-to products for kids with skin problem.

Why we love it:

  • Thick texture
  • Oil-free and fragrance-free
  • Features National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance

Price: RM75.00

Where to buy: Shopee 

7. Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

With petroleum as its star ingredient, the Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment can seal all of the moisture on the skin effectively. It can treat dry, irritated and chapped skin including diaper rash for up to six hours. In fact, you can use this ointment to treat other skin issues apart from eczema. With just one application, it will instantly soothe and hydrate the skin from symptoms of skin issues.

Why we love it:

  • Provides immediate relief
  • Can protect diaper rash for up to six hours
  • Multipurpose 

Price: RM49.00 – RM125.00

Where to buy: Shopee 

8. Weleda Baby Sensitive Care Face Cream

Our next pick of one of the best products with natural extracts for kids with skin problem is Weleda Baby Sensitive Care Face Cream. It features a concoction of white mallow, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and sunflower seed oil. These ingredients work together to improve the skin’s barrier function and relieve itchiness. As the name suggests, it is suitable if your little munchkin is suffering from eczema on the face. 

Why we love it:

  • Pleasant scent
  • Created from plant-based ingredients
  • Ideal for face eczema 

Price: RM95.00

Where to buy: Lazada 

Have you tried any of these products as an eczema treatment for your kids? Make sure to follow Beauty Insider on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates.