Baby eczema is showing as red and crusty patches on the baby’s skin, which usually happens during their first few months. It is a very common condition and it is treatable. Many infants outgrow baby eczema. If you are not sure if your baby’s rash is caused by eczema, then you should talk with your doctor to diagnose the condition of your baby. Baby eczema appears as patches of red or dry skin. The Baby’s skin is almost always itchy and rough. Babies can get this condition anywhere on their bodies.
In most cases, this condition affects the cheeks and joints of their arms and legs. Many people confuse baby eczema with cradle cap, but there are some key differences, for example, cradle cap is much less red and scaly. Baby eczema can run in families. If some parent has eczema, then the baby has more chances of getting it too. Also, problems in the skin barrier, which is allowing moisture out and germs in, could be a cause for baby eczema. [1,2]
Baby eczema happens when the body makes too few fatty cells (known as ceramides). If someone does not have enough of them, then his or her skin will lose water and becomes very dry. Often, baby eczema goes on its own. Most children outgrow baby eczema before they start school. It is not very common, but some kids can have baby eczema into adulthood. They may have this condition for years without symptoms. But, they still have dry skin.
Treatments for Baby Eczema:
It is very important to talk with your doctor before you start treating your baby with some type of treatment for baby eczema, no matter if it is home treatment or medicine. In this way, you will know that chosen remedy will not harm your baby’s skin.
Dress for comfy days: You need to dress your baby in loose clothes made of cotton, so in this way, he or she will avoid the irritation of clothing rubbing your skin. You should always wash new clothes before you put them on your baby. You should use a mild and fragrance–free detergent. You should not overdress your baby or use too many blankets because in this way you will keep your baby comfortable. If your baby gets hot and sweaty, then this can trigger an eczema flare.
Dry off: When you bathe your baby, then pat your skin dry. You should rub your baby’s skin.
A warm bath with moisturizer: One of the most effective things which you can do to treat and manage eczema at home is to give your baby a short warm bath. Usually, a daily warm bath for no more than five to ten minutes is beneficial, as long as you immediately apply moisturizer to your baby’s skin after the bath. You should use lukewarm water to bathe your baby. You should keep your baby away from any synthetic soaps or cleansing agents which are perfumed or harsh. [3,4]
Every baby is different, so you need to pay attention to how your baby’s skin is responding to the frequency of baths. Some babies may respond better to baths when they are bath every other day. It is very important to gently pat your baby dry after their bath, which will leave a little moisture on their skin. Then you should apply moisturizer to damp skin to help prevent the skin from drying out.
Clean carefully: You should use soap only where your baby may be dirty, such as feet, hands and genitals. You should simply rinse off the rest of your baby’s body.
Use an ointment: There are some studies in which are said that skin ointments are more effective for treating baby eczema, because they keep moisture in compared with lighter moisturizing lotion. Also, thicker creams are helpful. You should always choose the most natural form available, because fragrances and preservatives can be irritating for babies who suffer from eczema. [4]
There are some studies in which have not been found that prescription creams are more effective than over – the – counter moisturizers for eczema. You can save your money and choose moisturizing ointment or cream which works for your budget.
Cold pressed coconut oil: Many people have used coconut oil as natural treatment for their baby’s eczema and they noticed positive results. It is very effective moisturizer, so there is a good scientific study that coconut oil has anti – bacterial properties which can substantially reduce the risk of infected eczema. It is valuable trying coconut oil as an eczema remedy, notably if your baby is prone to infections. [5]
Vitamin B12 cream: In some studies are shown that creams containing Vitamin B12 can be very effective in controlling baby eczema symptoms. [6]
Cold pressed sunflower oil: Sunflower oil is another effective natural moisturizer. It is rich in essential fatty acids which are readily absorbed through the skin. It is believed that a lack of essential fatty acids can lead to some cases of baby eczema. It is said that sunflower oil helps to improve the barrier function of the skin and it has anti – inflammatory properties which can help your baby to get a relief from the symptoms of baby eczema due to moisturizing properties.
If your baby has baby eczema, but also colic at the same time, then you should try massaging his or her tummy using sunflower oil or coconut oil. When your baby has moisturized skin and comfortable belly, then he or she will be okay. You need to pay extra attention to your baby when you are applying any kind of oil to their skin.
Identify your baby’s triggers: You should look for things in your environment that seem to trigger your baby’s flare – ups or make them worse. Some products in your home can contribute or cause baby eczema. Things that touch baby’s skin are the most common triggers in babies. Also there can be other known triggers, which are rare, such as stress and infections. The most common triggers for babies are excess saliva, sweat, rough or non-breathable clothing fabrics, fragrances and harsh soaps and detergents.
Oral antihistamines: One of the hardest things about baby eczema is itching. For parents who have babies who suffer from baby eczema it may seem impossible to stop them from scratching the affected areas. Scratching is injuring the skin and this can allow the bacteria to enter and cause an infection. You need to keep your baby’s skin covered with loose and cotton clotting which can help them prevent from scratching.
You should be aware that applying an antihistamine cream, such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride (like Benadryl), directly to the skin can make the baby eczema worse. When you give your baby an oral antihistamine, then this can help to decrease the sensation of itchiness.
The non – drowsy antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) do not help with the itchiness. The diphenhydraime (Benadryl), which is the type that help, and other older antihistamines will make your baby sleepy. This can be very helpful, especially at night, but antihistamines should not be given to babies that are under 2 years without talking with a doctor. [7]
Calendula cream: Calendula flowers have been used to promote healing and treat skin conditions for centuries, including eczema. It is believed that calendula cream is benefit for eczema, because it can reduce inflammation, eliminating bacteria and helping the skin to heal. The usage of calendula cream for baby eczema has not been scientifically proven, but it is indicated that it can help to reduce inflammation and encourage healing.
Apply a wet dressing: You can try with wet dressing or wet wrap therapy if your baby is having particularly severe eczema flare – up, but talk with a pediatrician if it will work for your baby. Sometimes, this treatment is used with prescription steroid cream under close medical supervision. The wrap will ensure that the topical treatment will stay moist and get better absorbed into the skin. Firstly, give your baby a bath and then gently dry the skin. Then, apply moisturizer or cream.
Then, wet gauze or cotton clothing with clean and warm water and apply it to the affected area. You should cover the wet layer with another layer of dry clothing and leave the dressing on for 3 – 8 hours. You can continue applying this natural treatment for 24 – 72 hours or overnight. You need to continue for a maximum of one week. Before you start using wet therapy, you should always talk about it with your pediatrician.
Use mild, unscented body and laundry soaps: Antibacterial, deodorant, and perfumed soaps can be rough on a baby’s sensitive skin, so you should not use them. You should only mild and unscented body and laundry soaps.
References:
[1] Saunes M, Øien T, Storrø O, Johnsen R. Family eczema-history in 2-year olds with eczema; a prospective, population-based study. The PACT-study, Norway. BMC Dermatology. 2011;11.
[2] Fennessy M, Coupland S, Popay J, Naysmith K. The epidemiology and experience of atopic eczema during childhood: a discussion paper on the implications of current knowledge for health care, public health policy and research. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. 2000;54:581-9.
[3] Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, Saefudin T. The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: A review. Clinical Medicine & Research. 2017;15(3-4):75–87. doi:10.3121/cmr.2017.1363
[4] Chalmers JR, Haines RH, Bradshaw LE, et al. Daily emollient during infancy for prevention of eczema: the BEEP randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2020;395(10228):962-72.
[5] Olshanskaya K. Does coconut oil aid in improving the outcome of dermatologic conditions, particularly acute tungiasis and atopic dermatitis, by improving lesions and lessening discomfort? Master’s Thesis: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. 2017.
[6] University of Southampton. Vitamin B levels during pregnancy linked to eczema risk in child. Science Daily. 2016. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160923092924.htm
[7] Apfelbacher CJ, van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, et al. Oral H1 antihistamines as monotherapy for eczema. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013;2013(2):CD007770.
