Baby eczema: signs, symptoms, and treatment

Eczema is a skin condition that many babies are born with or that appears sometime between two and six months of age. It is also known as atopic dermatitis. The condition may be scary for parents, especially first-time moms and dads, but it’s generally harmless and in many cases clears up as a child gets older. Other children may suffer with bouts of baby eczema off and on for years. Most of the time, home treatment is appropriate, but if you’re ever concerned, contact your baby’s pediatrician.

Eczema is a rash that produces dry, red, itchy and scaly skin. It might start with a small patch here or there and then spread over other parts of your baby’s body. The most common places for eczema patches to appear are on the cheeks and scalp. However, some babies will also get it on their chest, elbows, ankles, knees and wrists, though it might also show up other places as well. Baby eczema isn’t contagious so don’t worry about touching the rash because it won’t spread to other people.

Many tweaks to your routine at home can help alleviate your baby’s eczema. When you bathe him, use lukewarm water rather than hot water because it is soothing to the itchy areas and helps prevent the skin from getting so dry that the eczema gets worse. Use mild soap and hair products, which are less likely to exacerbate irritated skin. Look for those free of perfumes and dyes for the most benefit. Once out of the tub, apply a thick moisturizer while your baby’s skin is still damp. This helps seal in the moisture and keep the skin supple and hydrated. Apply an anti-itch or hydrocortisone cream as well, with a pediatrician’s approval, because it helps keep your baby comfortable so he doesn’t scratch his skin and make it worse.

Whenever possible, dress your baby in lightweight clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton. Avoid things like wool, which rub against his tender skin and could make his baby eczema worse. Sweat can also work against the healing process, so don’t overdress your baby. Of course you want him warm outside, but when your indoors, keep the extra layers off. Use natural materials in his bedding as well so he is comfortable when he sleeps.

When your baby’s skin itches, his natural reaction is to scratch at it, especially as he gets older and gains more control over his limbs. To prevent him from breaking open the rash, which increases the risk of infection, clip his nails short. If you feel comfortable with it, place mittens or socks over his hands when he sleeps so he doesn’t scratch.

In some babies, eczema may be linked to food allergies or intolerances. If you worry that this is the case, talk to your doctor about eliminating certain foods to find the culprit. This might be dairy, wheat, nuts, or soy. It is important to work with a doctor, though, because you need good nutrition to breast feed and recover from pregnancy and delivery.