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How to apply breast milk to eczema?

Understanding Eczema and the Role of Breast Milk
Eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects many infants and young children. Characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, eczema can be distressing for both the child and the parents. Recent studies have highlighted the potential benefits of using breast milk as a natural remedy for managing eczema symptoms.
The Benefits of Breast Milk for Eczema
Breast milk is not only a source of nutrition but also contains various bioactive components that may aid in skin healing. Research indicates that breast milk can have a positive effect on skin conditions, including eczema. It is rich in antibodies, anti-inflammatory properties, and growth factors that can help soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
A clinical trial has shown that applying human breast milk topically can be as effective as using 1% hydrocortisone ointment, a common treatment for eczema. This suggests that breast milk may serve as a viable alternative for parents seeking non-pharmacological interventions for their child’s eczema. Additionally, breast milk has been noted for its potential to improve gut health, which is increasingly recognized as a factor in skin conditions.
How to Apply Breast Milk for Eczema Relief
Applying breast milk to eczema-affected areas is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Express Fresh Breast Milk: Start by expressing fresh breast milk. This can be done manually or with a breast pump. Ensure that the milk is clean and free from contaminants.
2. Clean the Affected Area: Gently wash the eczema-affected skin with mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat the area dry with a soft towel.
3. Apply the Breast Milk: Using a clean cotton ball or your fingers, apply a small amount of breast milk directly onto the affected skin. Make sure to cover the area thoroughly but gently.
4. Let it Absorb: Allow the breast milk to dry on the skin. This can take a few minutes. There’s no need to rinse it off afterward.
5. Repeat as Necessary: For best results, this application can be done several times a day, especially after bathing or when the skin appears particularly dry or irritated.
Considerations and Precautions
While breast milk can be beneficial, it’s essential to monitor the skin’s response to this treatment. If irritation or worsening of the eczema occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, while breast milk is generally safe, it’s crucial to ensure that the milk is fresh and properly stored to avoid any risk of infection.
Conclusion
Using breast milk as a topical treatment for eczema presents a natural and potentially effective option for parents looking to alleviate their child’s skin discomfort. With its rich composition of nutrients and healing properties, breast milk not only nourishes but may also provide relief from the symptoms of eczema. As always, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician or dermatologist before starting any new treatment regimen, especially for young children.

Can I put breast milk on my skin?

Cuts, minor burns, and small wounds: Breast milk has been used to help heal cuts, burns, and wounds and prevent them from becoming infected.

Is it OK to rub eczema?

Giving in to the urge may bring some oohs and aahs. Yet when you scratch or even rub, you can make the itch and your eczema worse. Some people scratch so much they bleed, and that’s a setup for infection. When sitting on your hands isn’t an option, try these ways to get fast itch relief and soothe your skin.

Do you need to refrigerate breast milk soap?

Take a look to see how you can make breast milk soap start to finish in about an hour! To store this soap, keep bars that are not in use in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to make breast milk soap for eczema?

👉🏾 Add in breast milk to melted liquid soap (you don’t need a lot of breast milk!) 👉🏾 Mix well. 👉🏾 Prepare molds by adding in oats/oils first if you choose (this is optional!) 👉🏾 Pour soap/breast milk mixture into the molds- don’t overfill.

How to make breast milk skin cream?

Heat grapeseed oil and beeswax together in your microwave on low, until the beeswax has just melted. Add your vitamin E oil. Slowly pour your breast milk into the oil and beeswax mixture, while quickly whisking everything together. Let stand to cool – your mixture will also continue to thicken as it cools.

How do you apply breastmilk to baby skin?

Skin treatments
When you add in its moisturizing properties, massaging breast milk onto eczema patches or cradle cap (the scaly, yellowish patches that sometimes develop on a newborn’s scalp) can swiftly clear up the problem spots.

Can breast milk heal dry skin?

A breast milk bath is a natural remedy for skin dryness, irritation, and baby acne.

Do you rinse after breast milk bath?

No need to rinse them off! Make sure you have a warm towel ready for them, their lotion, diaper, pajamas, and sleep bag all ready to go, and that you spend a little extra time giving them an infant massage. You can do milk baths as often as you would like, once or twice a week has great benefits for their skin!

How to do a breast milk bath for eczema?

How do you give a breast milk bath?

  1. Fill your baby’s bath with lukewarm water as usual.
  2. Add 150–300 mL of breast milk.
  3. Let your baby soak for 5–15 minutes while you splash the milky water over their body.
  4. Take your baby out and pat them dry.

Can you rub breast milk on eczema?

Rubbing breast milk into the nipples after breastfeeding may reduce discomfort or skin chafing for nursing parents. When applying breast milk to eczema patches, adults with eczema may follow a similar method. However, adults seeking eczema relief should speak with their doctor before applying breast milk to their skin.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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