6 Tips To Help Manage and Identify Eczema in Babies and Children

Eczema in babies is more common than you might think! Around 20% of children under two experience eczema, also known as infantile eczema, and it usually begins in the first six months of life. As a parent, managing your baby’s eczema can feel overwhelming and challenging, especially if it’s your first time dealing with it.

To make it easier, we’ve compiled six key tips to help you identify and manage eczema in babies and children, giving your little one the relief and comfort they deserve.

How Do I Know My Baby Has Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed, and it’s especially common in infants and young children. In babies, eczema often appears as a red, dry rash on their face, but it can also develop on the scalp and on their neck, arms, legs, and trunk.

Identifying eczema early can be tricky, particularly for new parents. Babies aged 6-12 months are more prone to flare-ups, especially while teething which can often appear on their chin, elbows, knees, and ankles. You may notice dryness, redness, or scaly patches in these areas, and your little one may scratch them.

While eczema can improve as your child grows, it’s important to seek advice from your healthcare professional for early treatment and effective management to help reduce flare-ups and ensure your little one’s comfort.

6 Eczema Management Tips for Little Ones

Managing eczema in babies requires patience, gentle care, and the right strategies. Here are six practical tips to help you manage and ease your baby’s eczema symptoms.

1. Moisturise Frequently

One of the best ways to manage eczema in babies is to keep their skin moisturised. Applying a sensitive skin friendly moisturiser helps lock in moisture and prevent dry skin, which can trigger flare-ups. Make sure to apply the moisturiser onto dry skin shortly after bathing, as this is when their skin is most receptive to hydration.

• Tip: Use gentle, eczema-friendly products like fragrance-free creams, ointments or lotions and apply liberally to areas prone to eczema.
• Why it helps: Moisturising helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and can reduce the severity of eczema flare-ups.

2. Use Lukewarm Water for Baths and Showers

Hot water can irritate the skin and worsen your little one’s eczema. Instead, a daily bath in lukewarm water will be gentler on their sensitive skin.

Avoid long baths (no longer than 10 – 15 minutes), as too much time in the water can strip the skin of its natural oils.

• Tip: Add baby-friendly bath oil, baby wash or a bath soak designed for eczema or sensitive skins to help cleanse and soothe your baby’s skin.
• Why it helps: Lukewarm water is gentle and prevents further skin irritation, helping to keep eczema under control.

3. Distract and Prevent Scratching

Keeping your baby from scratching their itchy skin can be tricky, especially during flare-ups. Scratching can break the skin, leading to infections and worsening eczema. One of the best ways to manage eczema flare-ups is to distract your baby from scratching.

• Tip: Make the moisturising process fun by using toys and turning this time into a fun game. This keeps them engaged and distracted while you take care of their skin.
• Why it helps: Distraction and moisturising prevent scratching and further skin damage, providing comfort for your baby.

4. Keep Fingernails Short

Short nails are the key to preventing your baby from scratching their skin, which can lead to infections and worsen their eczema symptoms. Keeping your baby’s nails trimmed helps avoid this, and it’s an essential step in managing eczema. For tips on how to safely cut your baby’s nails, check out this helpful guide from Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: How to cut your baby’s nails.

• Tip: Regularly trim your baby’s nails. Choose suits with fold over cuffs or use baby mittens at night to prevent scratching while they sleep.
• Why it helps: Short nails and mittens help reduce the risk of skin damage, preventing potential infections and further irritation.

5. Avoid Irritating Products

Many skincare products contain perfumes, dyes, and other chemicals that can irritate eczema-prone skin. Stick to fragrance-free, gentle products that are specifically tested for eczema. Baby soaps and shampoos should be free of harsh chemicals that could trigger a flare-up.

• Tip: Choose a sensitive fragrance-free, hypoallergenic wash and lotion or cream for your baby to avoid irritation. They do not have to be labelled specifically for babies.
• Why it helps: Using mild, eczema-friendly products prevents further irritation and helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

6. Monitor Temperature and Sweating

Many parents aren’t aware that extreme temperature changes, either too hot or too cold, can also trigger eczema flare-ups. Additionally, activities that cause your baby to sweat can exacerbate symptoms. Maintaining a comfortable, moderate temperature and avoiding overheating is essential.

• Tip: Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing that helps regulate their temperature, and avoid heavy blankets.
• Why it helps: Keeping your baby comfortable and cool can prevent sweating and overheating, which may trigger eczema flare-ups.

What Else Can You Do?

Eczema in babies and children can be challenging to manage, but with patience and the right strategies, it’s possible to keep symptoms under control.

Regular visits to your baby’s pediatrician or dermatologist can help you stay on top of their eczema treatment plan. If the eczema persists or worsens, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments, such as topical steroids or prescribed moisturisers.

Understanding Eczema in Babies

Eczema in babies is a common condition, but with the proper care and strategies, you can help your little one manage their symptoms and find relief. From moisturising and using gentle bath products to distracting your baby from scratching and keeping their nails short, these steps can help keep eczema flare-ups under control.

Remember that managing eczema is a gradual process, and consistency is key. If you’re unsure about your baby’s eczema treatment plan, always consult with your healthcare professional for personalised advice. And, don’t forget that we’re here to help. You can talk to our caring team at the EAA directly by calling 1300 300 182 or email via help@eczema.org.au