• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Shop
  • Blog Coaching
  • Disclosures
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Yesterday kicked off Hurricane season but did you Yesterday kicked off Hurricane season but did you know there are Caribbean islands outside of the Hurricane Belt and ones that rarely ever see hurricanes? (Save and share this post) 

Aruba, pictured here has gorgeous beaches and is one of them! The others are:

1. Curaçao 
2. St. Vincent and The Grenadines
3. Bonaire
4. Trinidad and Tobago 

Click the link in my bio for details on these islands and for my Aruba itinerary.

Personally I think you can still visit other Caribbean islands during this time. Just be sure to have reservations that are changeable in case a hurricane is in the forecast for your scheduled dates. Having grown up around hurricanes I def know they’re scary and cause extreme harm but notice is given for you to be able to adjust your plans. What are your thoughts on traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season? 

#hurricaneseason #traveltips
#ad We recently spent the day exploring Everglades #ad We recently spent the day exploring Everglades National Park. Of course the girls first stop was to the visitor center to pick up a Jr. Ranger workbook so they can earn another Jr. Ranger badge. We got to see lots of alligators (baby ones too), turtles and different species of birds which is exactly what the @kinderus and @nationalparkfoundation partnership is all about, learning more about the wildlife in the national parks along the Explore the Wild Treat + Toy Kinder Joy Eggs. Have you made it to any national parks this year?
Things to do in Riyadh, Saudi (save and share this Things to do in Riyadh, Saudi (save and share this post)!

1. Visit historical Diriyah! This is the birthplace of the first Saudi state, its extremely well preserved and a must see UNESCO site. We did a 2 hour guided tour and I highly recommend.

2. Have lunch at Najd Village which is a restaurant that serves traditional meals in a traditional setting (sitting on the floor, eating with your hands). The entire restaurant is built in the old Nadj lifestyle so you can see the architecture of the past. The food was amazing and the ambiance is equally beautiful.

3. Explore the red sand dunes which I highlighted in my last reel. You can do dunebashing, sandboarding, ATVing and more.

4. Walk around The Boulevard- it’s an outdoor entertainment area with shops, restaurants and more. There’s an area that replicates Times Square and then other parts reminded me on the Vegas strip, perfect place to spend an evening for dinner.

5. Face your fear of heights and walk across the skybridge at the Kingdom Centre Tower. It’s 300 meters above the ground with amazing views of the city. Don’t worry it’s enclosed!

6. Visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

7. Walk around the Masmak Fort, it’s free!

8. See the Edge of the World, one of the most famous spots in Saudi.

I’m very glad I got to see Saudi for myself, next stop, exploring the city of Jeddah! Would you do any of these activities?

📸 @chrispriestley__ and @nadjowa
#Ad This summer I have plans to do a lot of outdoo #Ad This summer I have plans to do a lot of outdoor activities, and protecting my skin while being out in the sun is extremely important! Since I frequently travel with others, having a sunscreen that everyone can use is a must, which is why I’m loving the new @coppertoneusa Complete sunscreen! 

It passed the most important tests for me when looking at sunscreen, it leaves no white cast on my skin, is lightweight, moisturizing, provides UVA and UVB sun protection, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes! 

This new sunscreen allows me to pack light while providing the entire group with the sun protection we need. What sunny summer plans do you have? #Coppertone #ItsGreatOutdoors
Saving money anywhere we can is key to us being ab Saving money anywhere we can is key to us being able to travel frequently. @Priceline makes it easy to save on hotels with their Priceline Express Deals®, which can save us up to 60% off published hotel rates for all the major hotels and more. While you won't be able to see the hotel name until after you've paid, you can filter what you see by choosing your preferred neighborhood and amenities of your choice, then let Priceline do the rest. I used it to get an amazing hotel in La Jolla on one of our trips to San Diego, what trips do you have coming up that you're looking to save on hotels? Tap the link in bio to download the app now to save on your next trip. #PricelineExpressDeals #PricelinePartner
“There’s no dream too big or too small”, tha “There’s no dream too big or too small”, that’s the mantra of the girls favorite gymnast, Simone Biles, and one we personally live by. They’re in gymnastics and swim and outside of these regular activities you’ve all seen them try skiing, surfing, hang-gliding and more. None of these come easy but they know that there is nothing they can’t accomplish as long as they work towards their goals just as Simone Biles does. They were so excited to find out Simone has her own collection at @athleta and are now convinced these outfits give them super powers🤣. Which one of these outfits is your favorite? #PowerOfShe #AthletaGirl #AthletaPartner
There’s more to Jordan than Petra and Wadi Rum! There’s more to Jordan than Petra and Wadi Rum! We got to spend time in Feynan and one morning while there Jordyn and I woke up early to go on a hike through this nature reserve. Our @nike gear from @kohls was perfect for the climate. 

We both loved that we matched from head to toe in our #nikesportswear and we’re able to find attire in beautiful colors. You can actually walk from Petra to Feynan, it only takes 3 days 😅 and lots of people do it. While the two of us did not do that we loved exploring this land of the Bedouin. 

What have been the best/most memorable places you have hiked? #kohlsfinds #kohlspartner

The Traveling Child

If kids live there, kids can visit!

  • Affording Travel
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Kenya
      • Morocco
    • Asia
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
    • Australia
    • Caribbean
      • Aruba
      • The Bahamas
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Grand Cayman
      • Jamaica
      • Puerto Rico
      • Trinidad
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Denmark
      • France
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • The Netherlands
    • North America
      • Alaska
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Hawaii
      • Illinois
      • Kansas
      • Louisiana
      • Mexico
      • Nevada
      • New York
      • South Dakota
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Utah
      • West Virginia
      • Wisconsin
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Colombia
  • Travel Tips
    • Tips on Traveling with Kids
    • Trip Planning Tips
  • Reviews
    • Airline Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Product Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • Blog Coaching

How to Treat Eczema in Children

February 16, 2021      Lifestyle, Lifestyle

I was compensated by Med-IQ through an educational grant from Pfizer, Inc. to write about the signs, symptoms, and treatments available for eczema/atopic dermatitis in communities of color. All opinions are my own.

I previously wrote about what it’s like traveling with a child with eczema and the extra precautions we take. We don’t experience true winter in Miami but our family loves a good winter getaway. Each year we take a ski trip and while we have a lot of fun, eczema often worsens in the winter which can lead to my daughter having more flare ups. This is due in part to the dry, cold air in colder climates and the fact that Vitamin D from the sun helps with the symptoms of eczema but people go outside less in the winter in certain parts of the world.

There are many ways to treat eczema and atopic dermatitis and reduce the discomfort in kids, even during the winter. Jeanette Kaplun of Hispana Global recently did a Facebook Live with Dr. Alexis where they covered treatment of eczema specifically for people of color. The live is still available to watch here but below are some steps you can take.

Initial Steps to Take That Don’t Include Medication

Since our daughter is so young we try to avoid medication as much as possible. Our initial step in combating her eczema flare ups was to start gentle skin care treatments. This meant using soaps and cleansers that are oil-based, do not contain preservatives, and moisturize the skin. For many people, moisturizing the skin can be enough, but the best products can be expensive. We use an ointment like petroleum jelly, Aquaphor® or Hydrolatum® and which has helped.

In addition to switching up your child’s skin care routine, identifying and avoiding possible irritants and allergens that can trigger flares is a great initial step before using medication. Lots of things can trigger flare ups including fragrances, wool, coarse fabrics, certain foods such as dairy products, or transitions/extremes in humidity/temperature. We learned that cheese is a big trigger for my daughter and while she loves it, we’ve had to find alternatives. A healthcare provider can help identify triggers by doing an allergy test.

Additional Steps to Take That Include Medication

When changing your child’s skin care routine or identifying triggers still isn’t enough, it may be time to consider medication. For children that suffer from mild or moderate atopic dermatitis, topical therapies can help greatly. This includes:

  • Short-term use of topical corticosteroids, as long-term use is not recommended due to an increased risk of side effects such as skin thinning, striae (aka stretch marks), rosacea, and other problems.
    • Corticosteroid-sparing therapies can be used longer term and are recommended for sensitive body sites such as the face or diaper area. These include crisaborole (Eucrisa®), topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus ointment (Protopic®) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel®), or generic options.

What to Do If Topical Options Aren’t Working

Unfortunately, if your child has more than a mild case of eczema the topical options may not be effective. In this case more intense treatments may be necessary to see improvements Some options are:

  • Systemic therapies
    • Nonspecific immunosuppressants such as systemic corticosteroids and other immunosuppressing therapies may be prescribed; however, their use may be limited due to side effects, potential for rebound flares, or the need for laboratory work.
    • New systemic agents are emerging that target the underlying causes of atopic dermatitis, including the factors that cause itch and inflammation. Currently, one injectable biologic is FDA approved for use in patients aged 6 years and older, and other targeted agents that can be taken orally are currently in development.
    • Systemic therapies may also be augmented by topical medications.
    • Because atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, a formal written plan or “Eczema Action Plan” can help patients follow their recommended management plan.
      • Remember if your or your child’s symptoms aren’t improving but you’re not following your plan to a T it will be harder fora doctor to determine another treatment option as they can’t pinpoint their needs.

Understanding When It’s Time to Make a Change in Treatment

As parents we all take extreme pride is taking care of our kids. It can be heartbreaking to see them suffer with medical conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis. As a parent I know I try my best to avoid having them constantly test out new treatments because it can be annoying for them but it’s important to understand when it’s time to make a change in treatment.

  • If treatments are not working despite following the management plan, a treatment change may be needed; it is important to seek care from a skin care provider.
    • If needed, consider seeking help from a dermatologist, pediatric dermatologist, or eczema specialist who may be more comfortable moving up the treatment ladder.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and value of telemedicine

Covid-19 has had an impact on many who suffer from eczema due to the increased use of harsh hand sanitizers and increased hand-washing. These can further irritate skin and eczema rashes meaning it’s even more important to follow your treatment plan.

  • For patients of color, eczema can lead to light or dark color spots, or hypopigmentation. By continuing your treatment plan during the pandemic, you can maintain better control of their disease, minimize the hypopigmentation, and reduce the risk of flares.
    • I know many people don’t feel comfortable leaving their homes so be sure to take advantage of telemedicine. It’s an effective, alternative way to ensure easy and timely visits.
    • To optimize a telemedicine visit, follow these tips:
      • Before making an appointment, check with your insurance provider to make sure they cover telemedicine visits.
      • Take photos of the condition before the visit and send the images to the doctor in advance because high-resolution images are better quality than video.
      • Collect any medicines in advance of the appointment and have them nearby.
      • Come prepared to discuss any family history of allergies and asthma.
      • Find a quiet area and make sure there is internet access.
      • Because lighting is very important for dermatology visits, patients should place the light in front of them and face the window; windows should not be behind them.
      • Patients should know their cleansing and moisturizing routines.
    • To find a doctor who treats skin of color, patients can check out the Skin of Color Society or American Academy of Dermatology website and search for areas of specialization, including skin of color.

How Can You Help?

Med-IQ is conducting an anonymous survey and would appreciate your input. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Survey responses are shared only in aggregate. Your responses to these survey questions will provide Med-IQ with important information about your experiences with atopic dermatitis, which will help us develop future educational initiatives. Once you’ve completed the survey, you will have the option of providing your email address to be entered into a drawing administered by SOMA Strategies to win 1 of 10 $100 VISA gift cards. If you choose to enter, your email address will be used only to randomly draw the winners and notify them of their prize and to send a follow-up survey as part of this same initiative. You can take the survey here.

Additional Resources

  • National Eczema Association
    • Eczema treatments: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/
    • Eczema in skin of color: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-in-skin-of-color/
  • Telemedicine and Teledermatology
    • Preparing for a telemedicine visit:
      • www.aad.org/public/fad/telemedicine/telemedicine-prepare-appointment
      • www.skinsight.com/health-topics/teledermatology-basics-making-the-most-of-a-new-situation
    • Photographing your skin for a teledermatology appointment:
      • www.skinsight.com/health-topics/teledermatology-tips-photographing-your-skin-for-your-virtual-visit
      • https://info.visualdx.com/l/11412/2020-03-31/6h4hdz

Links to external sites are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. They are not intended and should not be construed as legal or medical advice, nor are they endorsements of any organization. Med-IQ bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of any external site. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

Share
Tweet
Pin5
Email
Share
5 Shares

BECOME A TTC SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Join more than 3k other folks who want to find travel inspiration, product recommendations, and more!

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hey, I’m Monet!

Hey, I’m Monet!

A full time working woman, wife and mama of two. I use every last one of my vacation days traveling with my kids, hubby, friends or solo. Join me as I share my travel experiences and tips to make travel affordable and easier with the little ones. You can read more about me here.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Join more than 3k other folks who want to find travel inspiration, product recommendations, and more!

Recent Posts

  • Things to do in Austin With Kids
  • Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
  • The Ultimate Kansas Road Trip
  • Winter Weekend in Denver with Kids
  • The Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree (And Near It)

SIGN UP FOR AIRBNB & RECEIVE $40 OFF

SIGN UP FOR AIRBNB & RECEIVE $40 OFF

FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Facebook

FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST

Copyright © 2022 The Traveling Child, LLC.