One of the most beloved activities for kids to enjoy is a creative adventure in the sandpit. Sand boxes are like a giant canvas just waiting for kids to create, build, imagine, and pretend – but for kids with eczema they can have some pretty negative side effects. While sand itself isn’t a bad thing, it can cause enough irritation to the skin to cause some serious issues. Moisture and bacteria that are usually no issue for kids can also hide out in the sand and target those with sensitive skin, sores, scrapes, or flare ups. Here’s a few ways that you can keep your kids in the sandbox without the threat of eczema flare ups or infections afterwards.

Why Sand Stirs Up Eczema

There are a number of reasons why sand in play boxes seems to get on the bad side of eczema. First, the grains of sand can actually cause micro tearing and abrasion against sensitive skin which can create an immune response that triggers eczema. Next, sandpits often contain trapped moisture that can irritate and aggravate the skin leading to a flare up. While sand is usually antibacterial thanks to its high mineral content, some pits can contain bacteria and germs that challenge the immunity of a child and cause an eczema reaction. Finally, sand left on the skin can result in drying, irritation, and scratching.

All of these issues make sandpits a very common and often aggressive trigger for kids with eczema, but the good news is that there are some simple things you can do to help keep the play happening without the itch.

A Good Rinse

Many parents find that a shower after sandpit play helps soothe the skin and prevent eczema flare ups. Others find that water only aggravates the situation and turn to corn flour instead. Corn flour is a light, gentle material that can help soothe the skin, wick excess moisture from the surface, and protect the skin from any remaining sand grains that get stuck.

If a shower is used, make sure to end it with cool water for a minute or so and follow up with a deep moisturizer right afterwards.

The Right Clothing

It’s possible to keep sand from getting on the skin in the first place with the right kind of clothing and some stealthy layering techniques. Many parents find that tights worn under pants and tucked into socks makes an effective barrier against grains of harsh sand getting to sensitive skin. The same technique can be applied with an under shirt that is form fitting and cool work beneath a regular play shirt. Many parents also find ScratchMeNot flip mitten sleeves great to keep sand off arms too during play times.

The less contact sensitive skin like inner arms, thighs, and torso have with sand, the lower your chances are of seeing a flare up.

Keep It Clean

If you’re in control of the sandpit, there are some extra precautions you can take to make it a safe place to play. Changing the sand out each year can help bring on a fresh start and end any bacterial situations that may be living in your sandbox. Making sure that sand has time to get enough sun for complete drying after play can also help. Many sand varieties can now be purchased that are tumbled to make the grains smooth, and kiln dried to ensure they are clean.

Do you have tips on helping your kids enjoy healthy sandpit play? Share them with us in the comments section below!