Egg Free Waffles
by | posted in: Allergy friendly recipes | 0

waffles

A yummy treat for weekend brekkie or brunch!

 

Ingredients:

280g (10 oz) plain flour

4 tsp baking powder

2 tsp sugar

450 mls milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 tbsp melted butter

 

Method:

In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder and sugar.

Add in the remaining ingredients – milk, vegetable oil, water, vanilla and melted butter.

Whisk together until batter is mixed, it will be slightly lumpy.

Spray waffle maker with non-stick spray. Pour on enough batter and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes depending on your waffle maker instructions.

Serve warm and sprinkle with icing sugar (or any other topping you wish).

Mmm…perfect for a weekend treat!

Travelling with kids who have eczema and/or allergies
by | posted in: Tips for itchy skin | 0

Travelling with kids_2

Having a little one who suffers from eczema as well as severe food allergies, travelling abroad can be daunting.  Our daughter was diagnosed with her nut allergy days before going on an overseas holiday – it was an anxious time to say the least!  So we have put together some tips for travelling/holidaying to help you prepare for that well deserved trip away!

Eczema:

  1. Routine: Don’t let your little one’s daily skin care routine suffer when on holidays.  It will make for a more enjoyable time for everyone if you can keep up the management of your kids eczema.
  2. Airplane: Make sure you have moisturiser on board and re-apply often as flying dehydrates the skin.
  3. Bedding: Bring your own where you can – hotels may use strong laundry detergents on theirs that may irritate skin.
  4. Flannels/Face cloths: Bring your own and multiple.
  5. Emulsifying ointment: Bring enough for bathing each day and for moisturising more often than usual if going to a warm climate.
  6. Prescribed creams/ointments/medications: Err on the side of caution and take as many as you would use at home – usually coming in small size packaging they don’t take up too much room and worth it in case of need. Keep them with carry-on luggage.
  7. Scissors: Don’t forget your nail scissors (in checked luggage), little ones nails grow faster in the sunshine!
  8. Refrigerator: Ask for a fridge in the hotel room/apartment before you travel to store medication but also to keep creams cool.
  9. Swimming: Be careful how chlorinated the swimming pools are if this affects your child’s eczema.  Make sure to apply emulsifying ointment before swimming to protect them.  Sea water can be great for eczema, but you must also be careful if your child has broken skin in the salt water.
  10. Shruggi: Don’t forget your Itchy Little Monkeys Shruggi – especially for bed-time and if travelling long distances in the car.

 

Allergies:

  1. Start simply: If you feel too anxious about travelling abroad, look for stay-cation options for allergy safe travel. An enjoyable, manageable first holiday experience with your little one will boost your confidence and you may want to venture further afield next time.
  2. Language: Find out the translation for your little one’s allergies in the language of the country you are traveling to.
  3. Adrenaline pens: Make sure you bring a letter from your doctor, you may be asked for this at the airport.
  4. Airplane staff: For severe nut allergy sufferers, when boarding the airplane ask for who is in charge and ask them to make a PA announcement saying that there is a child on board with a severe nut allergy, for passengers not to eat nuts on board and that they won’t be selling products that are nut based.
  5. Snacks: Bring some snacks from home to ensure that you have reliable reserves for on the go.
  6. Food: Before you travel, contact a few restaurants in the area you will be staying in and ask them if they can accommodate your child’s allergies. Many times, we have found that pasta abroad is made from egg rather than wheat, so we regularly bring our own and ask the chef to cook it for us if theirs is not egg-free.
  7. Find out where the nearest doctor/24 hour emergency clinic is before you travel or when you arrive.
  8. Relax and enjoy!

Eczema & Christmas
by | posted in: Tips for itchy skin | 0

Christmas Tree with a Christmas Star and Gifts on a blue/white

 

This time of year the weather can be a problem for little ones with eczema as it dries out the skin – and so does central heating.
Here are some top tips for looking after your child’s eczema during this festive time!

Cotton
Especially around Christmas time, there are plenty of festive jumpers for kids in the shops – but if they are not cotton, they will be uncomfortable and make your little one very itchy. If wearing party dresses, wear cotton tops underneath.

Central heating
Instead of turning up the heat, pile on the (cotton) layers. Central heating can cause havoc with sensitive skin.

Wrap up
Don’t forget your little ones exposed areas when they’re outside in the biting wind – hands and cheeks can all feel the full force of the elements. Cover up to help protect vulnerable skin.

Party food
With all the festive and indulgent food available during the Christmas period, make sure to keep healthy snacks with you – too much sugar can trigger flare ups!

Warm baths
Having a daily bath helps with your child’s itchy skin, but remember not to let them stay in for longer than 5 minutes. When its cold outside don’t be tempted to turn up the temperature of the water, your little ones skin wont thank you for it.

Moisturise
Don’t forget to take care your child’s moisturiser/emollient with you when out and about and apply often.

Egg-free Pancakes
by | posted in: Allergy friendly recipes | 0

photo

Yummy pancakes for the whole family – who needs eggs?

 

Ingredients:

175g (6 oz) plain flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tbsp sugar

½ tsp salt

225 mls milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

 

Method:

In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.

Add in the remaining ingredients – milk, vegetable oil, water and vanilla.

Stir until just moistened.

Spray pan with non-stick spray or lightly wipe with oil. Pour desired amount of batter per pancake.

Pancakes are ready to turn when bottom is turning golden brown.

Flip pancakes with spatula (or if you feel adventurous, go for the free-hander!). Turn only once.

Remove when bottom is golden brown and dry.

Serve warm and sprinkle with your favourite topping!

Mmmm…fluffy & delicious!

Halloween – Kids with eczema and/or allergies
by | posted in: Tips for itchy skin | 0

 

Halloween figurine isolated on white background

Halloween can be one of the most fun times of the year for little ones, but it can also be stressful if you have a child with eczema and/or food allergies. Trick or treating exposes kids to unknown foods, and Halloween parties at school or friends’ houses can be a source of concern if you’re not sure that the goodies will be allergy friendly.

Halloween outfits and an excess of party food can also exacerbate your little ones eczema.

With some planning & preparation, you can have a stress-free Halloween!

 

Costumes – When it comes to costumes, cotton is best. Avoid purchasing costumes made of plastic and synthetics. If you cannot find a costume made from 100% cotton, make sure to wear 100% cotton light undergarments to prevent itching – long sleeved cotton tops are great.  If you are creative, you could also create your own costumes!

Masks – Avoid masks and costumes that cover the face. If the skin becomes overheated, sweating can irritate the skin and cause an eczema flare.

Face paint – Face paint is not good for little ones with sensitive skin and is certainly a no-go if your child has eczema on their face.  If they have eczema on their face but not on arms for example, you could paint that area that is not sensitive so they don’t feel they are completely missing out.  A little lipstick can also be enough to enhance a princess costume!

Triggers – Heat and sweat are known eczema triggers.

Food – Sugar, especially refined sugar can increase skin inflammation, so go easy on the sweets!

Trick or treating – When it comes to trick or treating and food allergies and your child is young enough for you to go with them, you can monitor what treats are being handed out before your child is given them.

Purchase allergy friendly treats in advance and swap them for any inappropriate treats after the trick or treating has finished.

Wearing cotton gloves protects them from coming into contact with items they are allergic to.

It is also good to have your child wash their hands thoroughly after trick or treating.

Parties – Coordinate with the organiser of any Halloween parties to inform them about your child’s allergy and consider volunteering at the Halloween party to make sure your child isn’t exposed to any allergen foods.

Medication – As always make sure to bring their emergency medication with you.

 

Have a safe, happy and healthy Halloween!

 

 

Back to School – Kids with Eczema
by | posted in: Tips for itchy skin | 0

Back to school_edit 2

 

Starting school and Back to school time can be met with both excitement and nerves.  If your little one has eczema, it’s the parents that can be more nervous than the child!  But with some planning, preparation and communication, it can be a lot easier than you think!  Here are some top tips.  Some may apply more than others, depending on the age of your child.

 

Communication – Meet with your child’s teacher and explain to them what the requirements are for best looking after their eczema. This may include some of the following:

Triggers – Discuss what your child’s triggers are, how to best avoid them, how your child behaves when having an eczema flare and how to best handle it. 

Medication – Make an Eczema Relief Kit for your child to keep at school or to bring with them each day. Talk through the kit with your child’s teacher to make sure they understand what each item is for. Things to include can range from moisturiser, antihistamine, bandages, eczema clothing (such as the Itchy Little Monkeys Shruggi™).  

Heat – Request that the windows in the classroom are kept open to allow fresh air to circulate and that your child is seated away from heat sources.

Uniform – Many school uniforms unfortunately can be very heavy and made from synthetic fabrics.  Where possible, your child should be dressed in 100% cotton clothing to prevent itching.  Discuss the necessity of having your child wear natural fabrics as part of their uniform – there are usually similar cotton alternatives available.

Moisturiser – Your child should carry a tub of moisturiser with them to school.  Depending on the age of your child, they may be able to apply themselves or the teacher can assist them.  Make sure that you have applied moisturiser to their skin before sending them off to school each morning.

Education – Educate your child about eczema, their triggers and how to best manage the symptoms. This will help them prevent and treat their symptoms when they are not with you. Validate feelings and insecurities they may have about coping with eczema, especially social insecurities. Children with eczema can feel isolated in social settings.

Stress – Stress is a trigger for eczema whether it stems from the symptoms and treatment of eczema or the academic and social pressures brought on by the school year. It is important to find ways to help your child prevent and cope with the stress brought on by school.  Make sure your child takes part in activities they enjoy and talk to your child about their feelings regularly.