The Best Ways to Treat Baby Eczema

Taking care of a baby with eczema can be challenging for any parent or caregiver. Atopic dermatitis, often known as eczema, is a common skin disorder that results in abnormally dry, cracked, red, and itchy skin.

While there is no cure for eczema, you’ll be glad to know that there are many effective ways to treat baby eczema and help relieve your little one’s irritated skin. This article will go through the best approaches to treat baby eczema naturally.

These evidence-based methods can help you better care for your baby’s eczema and improve their comfort.

1. Using Eczema Cream

The cornerstone of treating baby eczema is using a fragrance-free moisturizing cream or ointment specially designed for eczema-prone skin. These creams form a protective shield on the skin to prevent excessive moisture loss, which frequently causes itching and eczema flares.

You’ll want to look for a cream containing ceramides- lipids that help restore the skin’s natural barrier. One highly-rated miracle eczema cream contains a patented Plantago lanceolata leaf extract of 10%.

Studies show this extract effectively relieves eczema symptoms by reducing inflammation. With regular use two to three times per day, you should see a noticeable improvement in your baby’s irritated, itchy skin within one to two weeks.

This product is dermatologist-recommended and has received the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval. So you can feel confident trying it without any risk. Its non-oily composition absorbs swiftly into the skin and leaves no residue behind.

2. Daily Baths

Gently bathing your baby daily in lukewarm water helps remove bacteria, dirt, pollutants, and allergens from their skin that could potentially worsen their eczema condition. When bathing, you’ll want to use a fragrance-free cleanser.

It is best to avoid antibacterial soaps, which might be too harsh for sensitive eczema skin. To avoid drying out the skin, bathe the baby for no longer than 10 minutes.

After the bath, it’s important to immediately apply your baby’s eczema cream while their skin is still damp. This allows the moisturizer to better absorb and seal in hydration. You’ll find that bathing followed by moisturizing helps soothe your baby’s itchy skin.

3. Moisturizing Multiple Times a Day

In addition to applying cream after each bath, you should moisturize your baby’s entire body, including the neck and behind the ears, several times throughout the day for best results.

This frequent moisturizing helps replenish lipids in the skin barrier and prevents it from becoming excessively dry and cracked. A good rule of thumb is moisturizing at least after each diaper change and before bedtime.

During eczema flares or if the skin seems more irritated than usual, you may need to moisturize more often – every 1-2 hours as needed for relief. The plantain extract in your cream has anti-inflammatory properties to calm inflamed skin on contact.

Sticking to a regular moisturizing schedule is key to keeping eczema symptoms managed.

4. Wearing Loose Cotton Clothing

When dressing your baby, you’ll want to choose loose, breathable fabrics like cotton that won’t further aggravate sensitive eczema skin. Tight or rough materials may cause discomfort. You’ll also want to avoid wool or synthetic blends, which can overheat the skin.

The best clothes for eczema babies are 100% cotton onesies, sleepers, and baby gowns. Look for tags indicating the clothing is suitable for eczema-prone skin.

Loose fitting allows the skin to “breathe” and prevents friction that may worsen itchiness. Proper clothing selection is an important part of eczema care.

5. Avoiding Eczema Triggers

It’s a good idea to carefully identify potential allergens or irritants that exacerbate your baby’s eczema flares, such as dust, pet dander, smoke, or certain fabrics. You’ll want to make an effort to minimize exposure to known triggers as much as possible.

Keeping the home clean and well-ventilated and keeping your baby away from triggers may help reduce the severity and frequency of flares. Common food allergens like dairy, eggs, peanuts, and wheat are also possible triggers.

Consult your pediatrician about introducing solids if concerned about food allergies. Identifying and avoiding triggers can make eczema much easier to manage.

6. Using a Humidifier

Low humidity levels in indoor air can dry out skin and trigger eczema symptoms. Running a cool mist humidifier in your baby’s bedroom at night helps add moisture back to the air they breathe while sleeping.

Keeping the humidity level between 40-50% is recommended for best results. Be sure to clean the humidifier reservoir and filters regularly, such as once per week, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This prevents mold and bacteria growth. Proper humidification through the use of a cool mist device may provide some relief of eczema symptoms.

7. Using Cold Compresses

Gently applying a cold compress can temporarily reduce swelling, itching, and inflammation associated with eczema. To use this method, soak a clean washcloth in cool (not cold) water, wring it out, and place it on your baby’s affected areas for 10-15 minutes.

This soothing treatment constricts blood vessels to ease symptoms. Cold compresses are best used sparingly during flare-ups when eczema seems very angry under medical supervision. The cooling sensation can also be calming for fussy babies.

Final Thoughts

With consistent use of these natural, recommended methods, you should see steady improvement in your baby’s eczema condition over time. Be patient – managing eczema is a long-term process.

If symptoms worsen or are not improving after several weeks of using your prescribed treatment plan, consult your pediatrician for further guidance.

With the correct skincare routine and lifestyle changes, you can help your baby feel more relaxed in their skin.