How Get Rid Of My Baby's Eczema

by Faye
(Rota, MP)

My one year old baby has eczema all over her body. Her skin is dry and it obviously itches. I have tried to moisturize it, but it doesn't really help. It almost looks more red when I do.

Any ideas on how to keep it under control?

Baby Help Line:

Dry Eczema Treatment In Babies

First of all, I think you should consult a doctor to make sure that the eczema is not due to some allergy, if you haven't already done that. For example, allergy to cow's milk can lead to rashes - although most often in combination with belly issues.

If you know it is an eczema related to dryness - quite common - then here are a few things you can do mitigate your baby's eczema:

Avoid all soap and shampoo. Babies really don't need that and they add a lot to making their skin dry.

Use a good moisturizing lotion on your baby's eczema at least three times per day or more. Either buy one that is made for babies (but it has to be for very dry skin) or ask at the pharmacy or the doctor. Some good brand are Eucerin and Lubriderm. A good, organic moisturizer with aloe vera, like this one on Amazon (though not a gel) can also be very efficient, but make sure it is for babies, or very mild. You should be aware that the eczema may very well look more red for a while when you start applying lotion, but that doesn't mean that the cream is not good for her, unless the eczema actually gets worse by it, of course.

If the eczema is really bad, it might be that you won't get rid of it without using a mild cortisone cream, like Hydrocortisone (the mildest you can find). If it was me, I would consult a doctor first, though, to make sure you use an ointment that is not too strong and also to get directions for how often to apply it.

Other things to remember are to completely avoid pool baths (with chlorine) and make all baths short (and with a dash of baby oil in the water).

Strong detergents, moist from saliva or sweat, wool and cigarette smoke should also be avoided.

I hope this helps!

Paula

Comments for
How Get Rid Of My Baby's Eczema

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Jun 18, 2008

eczema
by: Anonymous

I've heard petroleum jelly can be used, but check with your dr. first. Also, don't wear tight-fitting clothing on the affected area.

Jul 14, 2008

Some things to try.....
by: Anonymous

My one year old has had eczema since he was born....it progressed from milk spots....to dermatitis to eczema. I went to the doctor and then onto a dermatologist. I have tried many different things and found that the things that work the best for us are:

-Keep baby cool, don't over dress, same as you or less if hot baby.
-Mild cortisone cream (best ones on script from dermatologist)on the bad bits.
-Barrier cream twice a day - we have two baths and put on just after. I use a big jar of soft parrafin - just from the chemist - it is cheaper than alot of the creams because we use so much and less sticky than vaseline.
-I avoid soaps as they do tend to dry out the skin.
-Also gets worse if he has some foods so keep an eye on that too.

Good luck...fingers crossed they both grow out of it.

Dec 01, 2009

Baby Eczema - Cotton Clothing
by: Sock Monkeys Clothing

I am so sorry to hear about your baby's eczema! One tool that is recommended by pediatrician's is cotton clothing that is breathable. Sock Monkeys Clothing is made of super soft organic cotton and has padded, covered hands to protect babies from scratching themselves. This can be a very useful tool in dealing with infant eczema.

Best of luck - we wish you and your little one peace and comfort!

Oct 13, 2011

eczema
by: Anonymous

My son is 11 months has eczema since 2 months, i have tried so many different creams it is different for every child. I recently tried Bepanten nappy cream and it works really well i havn't had to use steroid creams since. I also use Oilatum in his bath. His peditrician says he should grow out of it by 2/3.

Nov 15, 2011

crisco NEW
by: honey

My ten month old had a rash on her feet so thick and crusty it was heartbreaking. Two dermatoligist later, who never even touched her, lots of chemicals and no relieve. She couldn't sleep and she rub her feet together till they bleed. We were treated for eczema, scabies, contact dematitis. Changed soap, detergent, sheets, isolated all bedding and clothing for thirty days, pulled up carpet, you name it we did it. I work in the local ER and one of the docs said soak her in the tub for fifteen to 20 minutes until the water has gotten her reaaly wet. We cleaned her with teatree wash and before she was even dry we put crisco shortning on her feet. We also used the crisco on her entire body from neck down, within seventy-two hours the crust on her feet was gone and little shinny feet were showing through. Within a week she was clear as a bell. Now we use crisco if we notice a patch showing up but normally we put shea butter on her wet body. everyday !!! Now we only bath her every other day but keep her nice and creamy. On a revisit tu useless dermo i told heim about crisco and he said oh yes, very good for the skin, ten months to late

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