If your child suffers from eczema, you know how difficult it can be to find clothing that does not cause them skin irritation. Traditional cotton clothing can be very harsh on eczema-prone skin, but there is a better option: merino wool clothing.
It was one of the many reasons I chose to make my baby wear and kids clothes from merino wool.
When choosing merino wool clothing for your child, it is important to choose items that are made from 100% pure merino wool. This will ensure that your child's skin comes into contact only with soft, natural fibres.
You've probably heard me rave about how merino wool is a natural fibre so it's not damaging for the environment, no harsh chemicals, it's temperature controlling and moisture-wicking (no sweaty babies or feeling the chill).
But you maybe haven't heard how soft and gentle it is on the skin, making it perfect for kids with eczema. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of merino wool clothing for kids with eczema and provide some tips on how to choose the right clothes for your child.
merino wool, nature's gentle fibre
The Eczema Association of Australasia recommends merino wool clothing for people with eczema, saying that "clothing made from Merino wool is an excellent choice for people with eczema." They go on to say that "Merino wool is a natural fibre and therefore does not contain any of the harsh chemicals that can irritate eczema-prone skin".
So what is it about merino wool that makes it so gentle on the skin? Is merino wool Itchy?
Merino wool fibre is much finer than traditional wool fibre, which makes it much softer. In addition, the natural oil in merino wool helps to lubricate the skin and lock in moisture, providing a barrier against irritants.
For these reasons, merino wool clothing is an excellent choice for kids with eczema. It is soft and gentle on the skin, and helps to protect against irritants.
Merino wool has a natural crimp which helps it retain its shape and elasticity. This means that clothing made from merino wool will be less likely to irritate your child's skin. In addition, the natural oils in wool are beneficial for people with eczema as they help to keep the skin moisturised.
Eczema and temperature
One of the great things about merino wool is that it is a temperature-regulating fibre. This means that it will keep your child's skin warm in winter and cool in summer. In summer, the natural moisture-wicking properties of wool will help to keep your child's skin dry and comfortable.
If you have a kid who has eczema, you know just how itchy and uncomfortable they can get in hot or cold places.
Eczema and bedtime nightwear
One of the hardest things about eczema is that it can make sleep difficult. itchiness can make it hard to fall asleep, and eczema flare-ups can be triggered by night sweats.
Merino wool is an excellent choice for bedtime clothing as it will help to regulate your child's body temperature and prevent night sweats. And the natural lubricating oils in wool that I mentioned will help to soothe and protect the skin.
Choosing the right merino wool clothes for your child
When choosing merino wool clothes for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Look for clothes that are made from 100% pure merino wool. This will ensure that they are gentle on the skin and do not contain any harsh chemicals.
- Avoid clothes that are tight-fitting or have rough seams. Tight-fitting clothes can irritate the skin, and rough seams can scratch and aggravate eczema.
- Choose natural colours. Synthetic dyes can sometimes cause skin irritation.
- Look for clothes that are labelled "superfine" or "ultrafine". These are the softest and most gentle types of wool fibre.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find merino wool clothes that are perfect for your child's eczema. Merino wool clothing is a great way to protect your child's skin from irritants and keep them comfortable all year round.
Feeling inspired to try our merino.baby clothing? We recommend our sleepwear merino pyjamas and our merino sleepsuits for the smallest babies.
Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful :)