The Ultimate Guide to Baby Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Does your newborn have baby eczema? Also known as atopic dermatitis, it affects about 13 percent of all children under 18 in the United States. The condition is characterized by dry, itchy, bumpy, rashy, and inflamed skin. You may also notice skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation). It’s a helpless feeling, watching your little one struggle with this type of skin condition and wondering how you can help without making the symptoms worse.
In this article, we examine baby eczema and give you the information you need to determine whether your baby has it—and, if so, what you can do to help manage it safely and effectively.
What Is Baby Eczema?
Baby eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that makes baby’s skin dry, itchy, bumpy, and prone to red rashes. It occurs because the skin’s barrier is weakened, which makes the skin more sensitive to irritants and allergens. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of baby eczema.
Genetic Factors
If eczema runs in your family, your baby will be more likely to develop it. Scientists have discovered that a mutation in the filaggrin gene, which helps the skin stay firm and hydrated, is strongly associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema). Research shows that 20 to 30 percent of people with eczema have a filaggrin gene mutation compared to 8 to 10 percent of the general population without eczema. Other genes and environmental factors also play a role.
Other Causes
Problems in the skin barrier—not related to gene mutations—can also cause eczema. In some cases, it occurs when the body makes too few fatty cells called ceramides. Other potential causes include immune system malfunctions, mother’s age at the time of birth, endocrine disorders like thyroid disease, and certain environments.
Environmental Factors
Even if eczema isn’t in your family, environmental factors can trigger it. These may include irritants like soaps, detergents, scented lotions, and rough fabrics, allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods, weather changes, heat and sweat, and saliva.
How Can I Tell if My Baby Has Eczema?
Common signs of baby eczema include dry, rough, or scaly skin, red or pink patches on light skin or purplish, brownish, or grayish patches on darker skin, itchy skin, small raised bumps that may ooze or crust over, and thickened or leathery skin from scratching. Your doctor can help diagnose the condition through tests like blood tests, allergy tests, and skin biopsies.
What Causes Baby Eczema to Wax and Wane?
Different triggers can make eczema worse, including dry air, fragrances, certain fabrics, saliva, certain foods, and dust, pollen, or pet dander. Keeping a baby eczema diary can help identify triggers and patterns.
What Are the Best Treatments for Baby Eczema?
Treatments for baby eczema include using a moisturizer throughout the day to keep the skin hydrated. Your doctor may recommend a steroid cream or antihistamine, but natural treatments like moisturizers and ointments can also help prevent and soothe flare-ups. CV Skinlabs formulas are safe for babies and clinically proven to reduce itching, redness, and irritation.
1. Keep Skin Moisturized (All the Time!)
Apply a fragrance-free cream at least twice a day, especially right after bath time, to help restore the skin’s delicate natural moisture barrier.
All of CV Skinlabs formulas are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, petroleum-free, steroid-free, and free from any potentially harmful ingredients. Managing baby eczema can be challenging, but with the right information and treatment, you can help your little one find relief and comfort.
When it comes to managing baby eczema, it’s essential to look for products that are fragrance-free and contain ceramides and natural oils to help strengthen the skin barrier. Fragrances can often irritate sensitive skin and exacerbate eczema symptoms, so opting for gentle, non-toxic skincare options is key.
One safe and soothing choice for baby eczema is CV Skinlabs. Their non-toxic, hypoallergenic skincare products are safe even for babies and help heal irritated skin without harsh chemicals or irritants. With ingredients like oat extract and other plant-based elements, these products can soothe and heal eczema flare-ups effectively. For the face, the Calming Moisture can be used, while the Body Repair Lotion is ideal for the rest of the body.
Choosing fragrance-free and gentle products for your baby can also help prevent flare-ups. Harsh soaps, detergents, and other products can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to further irritation. Opt for fragrance-free body washes, hypoallergenic laundry detergents, and soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.
When it comes to bathing your baby, opt for short, lukewarm baths instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out the skin. Use a gentle, moisture-rich cleanser and apply moisturizer immediately after drying to lock in hydration. Consider using oatmeal-based bath products, limiting bath time to 5-10 minutes, and patting the skin dry instead of rubbing.
To prevent scratching, keep your baby’s hands covered, trim their nails short, and apply cool compresses to itchy areas. CV Skinlabs’ Rescue & Relief Spray can help soothe itchy spots and reduce inflammation, providing instant relief for your baby’s discomfort.
If your baby’s skin starts oozing or cracking, use a healing balm or ointment to protect the area and promote healing. CV Skinlabs’ Restorative Skin Balm is a safe and soothing choice for oozing or cracked skin, as it helps calm inflammation, repair sensitive skin, and keep moisture locked in without harsh chemicals.
While most babies will outgrow their eczema by the age of 3 to 5, some may continue to experience it into adulthood. By learning how to manage and treat baby eczema early on, you can help your child develop a skincare routine that will support healthy skin throughout their life.
Overall, choosing gentle, fragrance-free products with ceramides and natural oils, like those offered by CV Skinlabs, can help strengthen the skin barrier and alleviate eczema symptoms in babies. By following these tips and using safe and soothing skincare products, you can help your baby find relief from eczema and enjoy healthier, more comfortable skin. the topic of mindfulness and its benefits in daily life.
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