Firstly what is Eczema?
Eczema is a non-contagious itchy inflammation of the skin, often seen on small children. The main symptom is a rash that typically appears on the arms, neck, and behind the knees but can also appear anywhere on the body. Unfortunately, Australia has some of the highest numbers of childhood eczema cases in the world.
If your little one is a sufferer, it can be a worrying time for you both but know that there are plenty of options out there to help combat this condition and support you. You can find some great info by visiting the EAA - The Eczema Association Australia.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but It's widely believed to be linked to the large number of chemicals and additives that we unknowingly use in our day to day lives. Below are some tips we have picked up along the way with our own experiences with eczema.
Ways to reduce symptoms for your little one
If your little one is battling a flare-up and it is causing them discomfort and stress, following these tips can help relive & calm the problem slightly if not altogether.
- Establish a bath and skincare routine to restore moisture to the skin, including an Eczema safe moisturizer.
- Wearing organic cotton clothing can help combat your little one's eczema as this material is free from any nasties such as chemicals, pesticides & harsh dyes.
- Keeping your little one's nails short will help to work towards unnecessary damage when their skin is very itchy. It's sometimes worth investing in a pair of mittens for sleep time also.
- Regulate their environment temperature as best as you can. Stay cool on hotter days and trying to avoid harsh winter wind.
- Invest in a chemical-free, Eco laundry detergent & dish-washing liquid.
- Wool can sometimes scratch the skin, so avoid harsh chemical-laden products.
It is important to seek professional medical advice before using any medications or creams targeted at eczema.
So why is organic cotton the best option for my child’s Eczema?
Because organic cotton was made exactly the way nature intended. Organic cotton is grown in a natural, chemical and pesticide-free environment. It is free from harmful pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers that negatively impact the skin.Your little one will reap the benefits of removing these toxic chemicals from their clothing.
We are so excited to be able to offer a small solution to the ever-growing problems caused by eczema. All our clothing is made using the purest 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, making them gentle on your baby's skin and even gentler on our environment. Each collection is packed full of character as well as playful designs, so you'll not only know you're giving your baby the best, you're also giving them a touch of luxury with every piece. Each design is individually illustrated by hand and colored using natural based dyes.
Why are we so passionate about helping parents struggling with this condition?
Battling eczema is one of the driving forces behind Aster & Oak. When both my children were smaller, they both struggled with severe eczema. We tried all the lotions and potions recommended to us, and nothing seemed to work. Even the creams prescribed by doctors only eased symptoms slightly, I was incredibly frustrated and not sure where to turn.
At the time, we lived in a small town in northern WA, meaning it was incredibly hot and humid, which added to the children's struggle with eczema. Being in a small town also meant we didn't have many retail options at our disposal to try out different clothing alternatives. I decided to do a little research myself and headed to an online fabric store to invest in some organic cotton to sew some clothing for them.
When doing my research, one thing that kept popping up was how much organic cotton could ease eczema symptoms, so I set to work sewing a few bibs and t-shirts, using YouTube as a guide. I was willing to try anything at this stage and was genuinely shocked that removing the chemical-laded clothing they had been spending nine plus hours a day in had helped ease their symptoms!
How Aster & Oak was born
I've always had a passion for drawing. You'll find little sketches across most surfaces in my home! One of my friends suggested making a few tees with some of my drawings on them. I had no idea what my next move would be, but I knew I had to make it happen. I spent months upon months researching before finally finding a company that was 100% certified organic and used no nasty dyes for printing on textiles, and well, the rest is history.
So when we say we support you and want the best for your family, we meant it, we've lived it, and we're here for you.
