8 tips for soothing baby eczema

In support of National Eczema Week (13-19 September) we’ve scratched beneath the surface of this common, but troublesome, baby skin condition to reveal some top tips for managing it.

If you suspect your baby has eczema, the first port of call should always be your GP or a medical professional, who will advise on the best course of treatment. Yet there are also many small changes you can make to help soothe and even prevent your child’s eczema flare ups.

1.  Smooth it over

Regular moisturising is a must if your little one has eczema. Get into a routine of applying moisturiser, or emollient, at each nappy change, or after every feed, to help prevent skin from drying out and cracking. Always use a product that has been clinically approved for use on eczema prone skin to avoid further irritation.

2.  Healing hands

During eczema flare-ups, the urge to scratch itchy skin will be difficult to resist. While older children can be taught that scratching can lead to bleeding and infection, you may have to buy anti-scratch mittens or clothing for babies. Keep tiny fingernails short to further reduce chances of skin damage.

3.  Soft soap

Replace regular baby soaps and bubble baths, which will dry out your children’s skin, with eczema approved alternatives. Bath emollients are skin softeners or smoothers that help the skin to retain water and can reduce scaling and itching, but a word of caution, these can make babies slippery, so do be careful when bathing.

4.  Keep them cool

According to the National Eczema Society, being too hot or too cold can trigger a bout of itching. Many children with eczema get hot quickly, so dressing them in thin layers can help. Keep rooms, especially baby’s bedrooms, around 18°C.

5. Pool resources

The chlorine in pools can irritate eczema prone or sensitive skin, but there’s no need to completely avoid swimming with your baby. Apply an appropriate moisturiser to act as a barrier about an hour before swimming and shower your baby well after they’ve enjoyed a splash about. Once they’re dry, liberally apply moisturiser again.

6.  Food for thought

 You might notice that certain foods provoke an eczema flare up. The NHS cautions not to make dietary changes before speaking to your GP or midwife, to ensure that your child’s nutritional needs are being adequately met.

7. Stay natural

Some fabrics such as wool and nylon can irritate eczema prone skin. Natural, breathable materials such as cotton may be more comfortable on irritated skin and some parents swear by using washing detergents designed for sensitive skin.

8. Wipe right

Whether used on faces, hands or bottoms, the ingredients in some disposable baby wipes can cause eczema to flare-up. Accredited by Allergy UK and the British Skin Foundation, Pura wipes are clinically approved as safe for use on eczema prone and sensitive skin, right from birth. Made with 99% water, organic aloe vera and with no perfume, alcohol or chlorine, our wipes have received some great feedback from customers. Don’t just take our word for it, click here to see parent reviews on Trustpilot.

Always talk to your GP or a medical professional if you’re worried about your baby’s eczema.