Unfortunately, Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in babies and young infants. Over half of people suffering from the condition develop it before they are one year old.

Currently, there is no cure for eczema. However, there are a range of treatments and techniques that can be used to reduce the Symptoms and the discomfort caused by the condition. Seeing their child in distress is a nightmare situation for any parent, so we’ve put together a guide with some top tips for treating eczema in babies. Read on to find out more.

Find the triggers

Typically, eczema is a relapsing and remitting condition. Symptoms can abate and lay dormant for periods of time, before flaring up again and exhibiting symptoms.

While it is not fully understood what causes an eczema flare up, there are a number of common triggers that can cause sufferers of the condition to see a resurgence of symptoms.

Skin irritants including soaps, shampoos, and detergents can often cause flare ups, as can allergens such as pollen, pet hair, or environmental factors like heat or the weather. Sensitivity to triggers differs from person to person, so it’s important you identify what is triggering your baby’s eczema and make an effort to remove the source from the household.

Bathe your baby properly

Bathing your baby properly is vital for removing dirt and other irritating materials from their skin. Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free cleansers. Limit the amount of time you spend bathing your baby, don’t exceed more than 10 minutes. Don’t scrub your baby’s skin, as this can work to further irritate it.

After bathing, use a fragrance-free moisturising lotion on your baby’s skin. This can help to keep your baby’s skin from drying out, and will provide relief from some symptoms, including itching.

Consider using corticosteroids

While many parents may be hesitant to use any medical treatments on their baby, sometimes this can be an effective way to reduce symptoms and discomfort.

Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat eczema; they can reduce inflammation and help with itching. They can come in a range of forms, including creams and sprays, and can be applied directly after bathing before using moisturiser.

Babies can be highly sensitive to treatments like corticosteroids, so ensure you are communicating with your doctor to ensure you are choosing the right product.

Be vigilant

Eczema sufferers can be more susceptible to bacterial infections on their affected skin. Watch out for brown or yellow crusting or blisters, these can be indicative of infection and should be treated by medical professionals.

Conclusion

Seeing your baby in discomfort or distress is a very difficult situation for parents. Eczema can be tough to treat, as it can be triggered by a range of different factors and external influences. Identifying these triggers is the first step to treating your baby’s eczema, and ensuring you are bathing them correctly and applying treatments to their skin can help alleviate some of the symptoms.