It’s not uncommon for babies to develop atopic dermatitis, or eczema, in infancy. In fact, up to 25% of children experience eczema, and roughly 60% of eczema patients show signs of the condition as babies. Some patients will grow out of their eczema by childhood, but others may experience flare-ups into adulthood.
If your little one is showing signs of eczema in infancy, here are a few tips for how to treat baby eczema:
Pay Attention to Your Baby’s Flare-Ups and Triggers
Because eczema is the skin’s reaction to certain triggers, pay attention to when flare-ups occur and what could have caused them. Even the most common items or events can irritate your baby’s skin and cause eczema to appear.
Products that can irritate your baby’s eczema can include:
- Baby powder
- Detergents
- Fabric materials
- Fragrances
- Soaps
- Wipes
Environmental irritants for baby eczema can include:
- Cigarette or cigar smoke
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Dry air
Baby’s skin can also flare up when it comes into contact with their own sweat or saliva.
By studying what your baby’s skin reacts to, you can help identify triggers and eliminate them from your baby’s routine.
Evaluate How You Bathe Your Baby
Figuring out the right bath routine is a fun and crucial part of caring for your baby. From finding the ideal water temperature (lukewarm) to discovering the right soaps and products to use, you can help soothe your baby’s skin and prevent an eczema flare-up.
If your baby is experiencing eczema flare-ups, pay attention to how you currently bathe your baby.
- Are you using a mild and fragrance-free soap?
- Are baths lasting longer than 10 minutes?
- Are you moisturizing your baby’s skin with fragrance-free creams intended for babies?
If not, consider adapting your routine and products. Also, speak with your allergist to gather bath-time product recommendations for babies with eczema.
Apply Topical Ointments
Corticosteroids and other medications are available to help soothe your baby’s skin and stop an eczema flare-up. Your allergist can suggest beneficial over-the-counter lotions, creams, or ointments or prescribe a medical-grade treatment if necessary. A baby’s skin is far more sensitive than an adult’s, so follow your doctor’s orders regarding application amounts and frequency.