Baby Eczema 101: A Complete Guide

All of your questions about baby eczema answered, and how you can bring some relief to your little one’s itchy, eczema-prone skin. We know how annoying eczema can be as adults, and that’s even with all of the tools and know-how at our disposal to help soothe it. Imagine, then, a baby going through the same thing. Baby eczema is extremely common, and it can be incredibly tough for little ones because they have no way of telling us what feels wrong or seeking out relief. One of the most troubling things for parents is how few gentle options are out there. Many products and medications are made for adults, and as parents, there’s no way we’d want to put anything harsh on the sensitive skin of our kids.

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Baby Eczema

Baby eczema is actually quite common in this age group, and the first signs usually show up before your child turns two years old. Although it can show up quite a bit when they’re younger, it doesn’t mean they’re doomed to a life of itching, so there’s definitely hope. The signs of baby eczema are fairly easy to spot, but parents often guess for themselves what the problem could be. Here are some things to look out for:

• Itching or scratching
• Red, scaly patches of skin
• Marks on elbows, cheeks and knees
• Weeping, cracking or bleeding skin as flare-ups progress

Because it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what’s going on, it’s always best to take your child to a medical professional for a checkup and diagnosis. From there, you’ll be able to choose the right care plan with your doctor.

The Causes Of Baby Eczema

Eczema can be linked to many different triggers, so finding just one is challenging. We can try to reduce their contact with certain things or, with a doctor’s guidance, limit possible food allergens, but it’s also wise to care for their skin and help soothe the itching in the meantime. Children with eczema often come from families that have experienced it too, and it’s thought to have a genetic basis. Children with other allergies also tend to be more prone to eczema, so it’s not always due to an outside cause. Here are some common triggers that could be behind your child’s flare-ups:

• Being too hot, or feeling stressed and upset
• Foods they might be allergic to, including dairy or nuts
• Irritating chemicals in laundry detergent or perfumes
• Sun exposure, viral or bacterial infections, and animal fur

As you can see, there’s no single trigger for eczema flare-ups, which is why they’re tough to pinpoint. That’s why finding gentle relief that eases the itching is so important for us as parents.

What Options Are Available For Babies?

Because a baby’s skin is so soft and sensitive, the harsher creams and medicines made for adults aren’t a good fit. Finding something that’s gentle and soothing is ideal when looking for baby eczema care. Adults are often prescribed strong steroid creams for eczema, and in recent years these creams have been prescribed to babies too. Although they can seem harmless when applied, long-term use can thin the skin, which is a real concern for the already sensitive skin of babies and toddlers. Always talk to your pediatrician before starting or stopping any medication.

So, what to use for baby eczema? A gentle approach like the one offered by Eczema Honey Co ticks all of the boxes for what’s soothing on our little ones’ skin. Our cream features skin-nurturing ingredients including organic honey, almond oil and magnesium, so you don’t have to worry about hidden harsh ingredients on your baby’s skin. If your family needs to avoid tree nuts, see our guide to the best nut-free eczema cream.

Helping Our Little Ones Find Relief

There’s nothing worse than seeing your child uncomfortable, and if you’ve experienced eczema yourself, you know how painful it can be. Many options out there for adults involve harsh chemicals and ingredients that simply aren’t suitable for children and babies. Choosing a gentle approach like Eczema Honey Co means you can have peace of mind that you’re soothing their skin without putting harsh chemicals on their body. As they grow older and hopefully outgrow their eczema, you’ll know you did your best to care for their precious skin and ease the itching that eczema brings.

Conclusion

Eczema can’t always be avoided, but we can choose nurturing products made with gentle ingredients. When it comes to our kids’ well-being, there’s nothing we won’t do to make sure they’re taken care of to the best of our ability.

Resources

• National Eczema Association: Eczema in Children
• BabyCenter: Baby Eczema

Further reading: 25 Ways to Soothe Baby Eczema