Sleep disturbances are one of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis . When atopic eczema flares up, itching is one of the causes of sleep disturbances. How can we help children sleep better?
Co-authored with dermatologist Clarence De Belilovsky, and a member of the Mustela expert circle.
Sleep disorders and atopic eczema
Did you know? 60% of children with atopic dermatitis experience sleep disturbances, averaging less than 46 minutes of sleep per night !
Atopic dermatitis flare-ups and rashes: Simple ways to help your baby fall asleep better
When itching occurs, the best way to soothe your baby is with a hug and a gentle voice, along with moisturizing care specially designed for infants and young children to prevent or relieve symptoms.
Moisturizing can reduce itching. Some formulas can reduce itching by up to 95% , such as Stellatopia moisturizing cream or lotion . 3
Applying these care products can help calm your child, and you can also use them to give a gentle massage to help them fall asleep .
Even if you moisturize before bed, don't hesitate to apply it again .
Has a rash already appeared?
Like many problems, the earlier it is addressed, the better the results. At this stage, treatment prescribed by a doctor is most effective. Whether it is just mild irritation or there is already "oozing," these symptoms require special care. Topical steroids, which are ointments or creams containing corticosteroids, are usually prescribed and applied directly to the skin.
What does it do? Reduce inflammation. Rash, lesions, itching, swelling, patches—let your skillful hands help soothe and make them disappear in a few days.
The only principle to follow is to use treatment at the time recommended by your doctor.
After treatment, choose non-irritating bedding, such as cotton. The new Stellatopia Soothing Sleepwear (link to be created) is the perfect complement to moisturizing care. Naturally encapsulated active ingredients in the fibers provide continuous soothing, helping children with atopic dermatitis improve their sleep within 7 days. 5
If your child is already able to understand, you can explain what happened and comfort him, telling him that the itching will go away. You can also tell a story to distract him and reduce his discomfort.
Finally, if the room temperature is too high, please lower it. The ideal temperature at night is 18°C (65°F) to avoid dry air. (See home recommendations).
Your child should be able to calm down—especially after a relaxing massage—and will be more likely to get a good night's sleep!
1. Sleep Disorders Research: A Case-Control Study of Children with Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis; Anna B. Fishbein et al.
2. Nighttime itching: Why does it itch at night? Acta Derm Venereol 2007; 87: 295–298.
3. Clinical self-assessment study, 40 infants with atopic skin, 21 days.
4. Clinical study, 66 infants and young children, 28-day evaluation.
5. A consumer study conducted in collaboration with the French Eczema Association, involving 22 infants and young children, with results over 7 days.
