How to Treat Babies with Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that is common in a baby's first year. Characteristics may include tiny bumps, scaly skin, dryness, redness and thickened skin. You may hear it referred to as "atopic dermatitis". It isn't contagious, but it can be itchy! Eczema in babies is most commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead and scalp, but it can spread over the body.

According to BabyCenter, about 20% of infants and young children have eczema. The exact cause is unknown, but it is commonly inherited. Triggers like temperature changes and irritants in products can affect eczema symptoms, and many children's symptoms improve by age 2.

A few tips may help improve your baby's eczema conditions:

Shampoo and wash your baby at the end of their bath.
Letting them sit in the soapy water may irritate skin.

Don't use skin care products with fragrance or artificial colors.
These provide no benefit to the skin, and are common irritants. Also check your labels for lanolin...this ingredient is known to exacerbate eczema.

Use fragrance-free laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
You don't want your baby's clothes and sheets to be covered in an irritating scent. A single fragrance may be made up of thousands of different components, which is why many people have reactions to fragrance...chances are, you may have an allergy to one of those components.

After bath time, pat off water (don't rub).
Rubbing can cause irritation.

Try a dechlorinating bath ball.
The chlorine in bathwater can sometimes be an eczema trigger. A dechlorinating bath ball has a filter that can neutralize up to 90% of chlorine.

Moisturize within 3 minutes after bathing.
This helps to lock in moisture better. Use a calming lotion like California Baby Calendula Cream...it is hypo-allergenic, and receives great reviews.

Keep their room dust-free.
Dust-mites are a common eczema trigger.

Stick to breathable clothing.
Cotton is best. Try to avoid itchy materials like wool when it's cold.

Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Try to avoid going from a cold to a warm environment, and vice versa. The abrupt change can irritate skin and make eczema worse.

Keep your baby's nails trimmed.
Eczema can be itchy, so keep their nails short to avoid scratches.

Of course, consult your family physician to confirm that the rash-like symptoms are indeed eczema, or if symptoms become worse. While there is no definite cure for eczema, keep in mind that it typically gets better with age!