According to the US Eczema Association, eczema is so common that it affects around 10 percent of the children’s population around the world and this usually begins during the first year of life. This skin condition marked by red, cracked, and, itchy skin often appears in babies’ cheeks, chin, or chest. And an allergic reaction to certain things in the environment can cause flare-ups which can make the area more inflamed.
You might have noticed these itchy patches around your baby’s face. When irritated these can turn into unsightly leathery patches with oozing and crusting.
But did you know that oatmeal has been used for centuries as far back as the Roman times to soothe, and relieve dry itchy skin caused by various skin problems like eczema? In the form of colloidal oats, the power of this amazing ingredient is mixed with modern-day products to help babies suffering from this skin ailment.
Numerous studies have shown how colloidal oats help relieve baby’s irritated skin and help prevent eczema flare-ups. From restoring the PH balance of your baby’s skin to relieving itchiness, this wonder ingredient is the answer to your baby’s skin problem.
1. Colloidal oats have anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties
The Avenanthramides found in colloidal oats have anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties according to a study by Dr. Lyn Guenther of the University of Western Ontario, Division of Dermatology. This substance soothes inflamed skin and reduces itchiness, therefore, preventing scratch-induced irritations. In fact, the US Food and Drug Authority has officially approved colloidal oatmeal as an effective ingredient to treat itchy and inflamed skin caused by various skin ailments.
2. It restores normal PH of the skin
“Colloidal oatmeal has been shown to act as a buffer system, helping restore the normal PH of the skin,” says Dr. Ellen S. Kurtz in her paper for the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology. “The different moisturizing properties of colloidal oatmeal help maintain [the skin’s] barrier integrity,” she adds. Even a slight deviation from the skin’s normal PH can cause skin ailments and irritation so maintaining it is crucial to protect the skin from irritants.
3. Colloidal Oats have water-binding properties to keep baby’s skin moisturized
According to Dr. Kurtz, colloidal oats contain lipids with water-binding properties. “The water-binding film [in oats] holds moisture in, thus improving dry skin conditions,” she says. Substances in oats are known to absorb water and bind the water to the skin therefore relieving pain, itchiness, and discomfort caused by the loss of moisture.
4. Colloidal Oatmeal is safe to use for your baby’s sensitive and allergy-prone skin
A recent study conducted by Dr. Paolo Pigatto and his colleagues at the Instituto di Dermatologia, Università di Milano, in Milano, Italy, have found that the use of colloidal oats for the treatment and management of mild atomic dermatitis is safe even for children under 2 years of age. In Dr. Pigatto’s study, 65 children (aged 6 months to 2 years old) were tested for allergic reactions to colloidal oats. The results showed no allergic reactions to any of the subjects tested. This only proves the age-old belief that colloidal oats is safe for use in children of all ages.
Though there is still no direct cure for eczema, dermatologists recommend following a skin-care regimen using products with clinically-proven solution like AVEENO®. Aveeno Baby® Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash, Aveeno Baby® Soothing Relief Moisture Cream, and Aveeno Baby® Soothing Bath Solution are all clinically-proven to relieve babies’ dry, itchy, irritated skin with eczema. It’s formulated with ACTIVE NATURALS® Oat or Colloidal Oatmeal that helps maintain skin’s natural barrier to keep baby’s skin moisturized and free from irritation.
