Jo (Eczema Clothing MD) talks to Katie AKA @Mackies_Moments (eczema blogger, instagrammer and podcaster) about her experience of parenting a child with severe eczema and how clothing can support everyday comfort.
Click here for the podcast.
The reason I got into this business was to help people going through what I went through when my daughter was little and had severe eczema.
One of the best pieces of advice I was given was to try some special cotton eczema scratch mitten pyjamas from Cotton Comfort. These transformed her sleep - reducing her scratching and helping her skin recover. This meant we slept better too – making the whole family happier and healthier.
So 18 years on, I’ve made it my mission at Eczema Clothing to help people with eczema and other itchy skin conditions live more comfortable, fuller and happier lives by providing not just the best nightwear for itchy skin but comfy stylish clothes to wear in the day as well.
Explore our eczema clothing for children for daytime and bedtime options.
Why Does Sleep Matter for Itchy Kids?
When my daughter’s itching disrupted her sleep, it affected the whole family. Finding ways to make her more comfortable at night became an important part of our routine.
Broken sleep can leave children and parents tired and make everyday life harder to manage. Clothing cannot treat eczema, but comfortable nightwear and suitable scratch protection can support your child alongside their usual skin care.
A good night's sleep can also help your skin repair... less scratching when in deep sleep means less damage plus the opportunity to recover.
Good sleep can also have an impact on our mental health - attention, learning and memory are all massively enhanced by sleep. So poor sleep makes it much more difficult to cope with even minor stresses, let alone eczema!
How Can Clothing Help Children with Eczema?
Choose Comfortable Fabrics
Soft cotton is often a comfortable choice for sensitive skin, but every child is different. Check how the finished garment feels rather than relying on descriptions such as “natural” or “pure”.
Read the fabric composition label so you know what the garment contains. Look for a soft texture and avoid materials your child finds scratchy or too warm.
Check Seams, Labels and Fastenings
Small details can make a difference to comfort. Look for:
- Smooth or flat seams that minimise rubbing.
- No scratchy labels against sensitive areas.
- Covered elastic and comfortable fastenings.
- Cuffs and waistbands that do not feel tight.
- A fit that allows movement without fabric bunching or rubbing.
Use Layers Without Overheating
A soft layer next to the skin can help separate sensitive areas from a rougher outer garment. Keep layers light enough that your child does not become too warm.
Consider Scratch Protection at Night
Nightwear with built-in mittens can provide a fabric barrier between fingernails and skin. This may help reduce scratching damage, although it does not guarantee that scratching will stop or replace eczema treatment. Browse our kids’ eczema nightwear, including styles with built-in mittens.
Wash New Clothing Before First Wear
Wash new clothes and bedding before using them, following the care label and choosing laundry products your child already tolerates. Rinse thoroughly.
Some cotton garments can be washed at 60°C, but others need cooler washes. Check each item’s instructions rather than assuming all cotton can be hot-washed.
Find Clothing for Your Child
Explore our clothing for kids and babies and kids’ eczema nightwear to find options for your child’s age and size.
For scratch protection, browse the Kids’ Eczema Scratch Mitten T or kids’ eczema gloves. Check the sizing and product details before choosing.
We are delighted that Katie LOVES wearing our stripey adult PJ’s and they're now her ‘go to’ on her itchy days!
Click here for our Striped PJ top and matching bottoms
Jo’s top tip for parents of itchy kids
Katie also asked me for a top tip for parents struggling with kids – like I did with Bonnie.
"I found that giving Bonnie some responsibility and empowering her to do things to help herself was good for her and good for me. You want to wrap your precious sore itchy child in cotton wool and do everything you can for them to make it better. But giving them some autonomy and responsibility helps them to feel more in control and helps give you the confidence to put them in new situations without you."
Listen to my podcast with Katie to find out more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What clothing is best for a child with eczema?
Look for soft fabrics, smooth seams, minimal irritating labels and a comfortable fit. Cotton is often a good starting point, but your child’s comfort matters more than the material name alone.
How can nightwear help reduce scratching?
Comfortable nightwear can minimise rubbing and overheating. Built-in scratch mittens provide a barrier between fingernails and skin, which may help reduce damage from scratching. They do not treat eczema or guarantee that scratching will stop.
Should new clothes be washed before wearing?
Yes. Wash them according to the care label, using laundry products your child tolerates, and rinse thoroughly.
