atopic eczema who gets it - this common eczema is linked with asthma and usually runs in familes how to spot it - itchy, dry, red and inflamed skin. If infected may crack and weep

contact dermatitis who gets it - something that comes into contact with the skin irritates it or causes an allergic reaction how to spot it- dry, inflamed skin where the irritating substance has had contact how to treat it - avoid contact with irritating substance common offenders - certain metals, chemicals, toiletries, perfumes and detergents

infantile seborrhoeic eczema (cradle cap) who gets it - common in babies under the age of one how to spot it - starts on nappy area and scalp then spreads. Dry, flaky skin but no soreness or itchiness. how to treat it - tends to go on its own over time. Bathing baby in organic almond oil or Mother Earth's Cradle Cap Oil will help speed the healing. Also massaging in a simple, fragrance free baby lotion, balm or butter such as Mother Earth's Mother & Baby New Baby Balm.

• Avoid shampoos, bubble bath and shower gels containing sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Its caustic cleansing properties can irritate sensitive skins. Opt for milder natural alternatives, specially blended for children.

• Keep dry, flaky skin moisturised with plant oil based baby oils or fragrance & petrochemical free body balms and lotions. If used regularly, petrochemicals (eg mineral oil, petrolatum, propylene glycol) can trigger eczema flare ups.

• Chickweed is very effective in soothing and helping to heal itchy eczema. Add fresh chickweed to your child's bath water.

• If you don't have access to fresh chickweed try Viridian's Organic Chickweed ointment which also contains marshmallow and calendula (marigold), famous for their healing and soothing properties. Aloe vera gel, Viridian's Organic Calendula Ointment and Mother Earth's Problem Skin Cream are also very soothing. Aloe vera gel is especially effective on raised rashes whilst the problem skin cream & calendula ointment work wonderfully on dry and flaky or broken skin.
  

• Some sufferers have reported that essential fatty acid supplements can help. Evening Primrose Oil contains GLA (gamma linolenic acid) which is often deficient in atopic eczema sufferers. Give children 2 capsules twice a day. Applying evening primrose oil directly onto the skin is also helpful.

• Clothes made with natural and untreated fibres are always preferable, especially for garments that go near to your child's skin such as underwear or baby grows. Always wash clothes in a mild detergent before using.
  

• Sometimes food allergies, particularly dairy allergies, can trigger eczema. However always consult a professional before removing any foods from a child's diet, particularly in the long term. Foods should only be avoided if the child is found to be allergic and the eczema clears up on eliminating the offending food from the diet. It is important that a child has a balanced diet with as wide a range of foods as possible.
  

• Homoeopathy boasts great success in treating eczema. Visit www.homeopathy-soh.org to find a registered homoeopath in your area. Others have found relief with Chinese Medicine. Ask friends and fellow parents if they can recommend a local practitioner.
  

• Keep your child's finger nails short to help prevent scratching and keep your child cool to avoid overheating.
  
  
  *always consult your doctor before under taking any treatment programme for eczema. These tips are intended as a supplement to a supervised treatment plan.