How to Treat Really Difficult Eczema in a Baby

Baby eczema is characterized by easily irritated skin and the tendency to have flare-ups of rashes with red or dry skin. This common condition affects up to 10 percent of babies and requires a doctor's care. Work with the doctor to develop a multi approach plan to treat your baby's really difficult eczema. In addition to any prescriptions, you will want to use natural remedies to limit flare-ups and ease baby's discomfort. Also, it is important to identify any possible causes of flare-ups. Most babies will outgrow this condition.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription cream
• Moisturizing cream
• Gentle soap
• Oatmeal bath mixture
• Cold compress
• Finger nail clippers
• Baby mittens
• Cotton clothing and bedding
• Hypoallergenic and fragrance free toiletry items
• Humidifier
• Humidity gauge
• Food log

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Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist. Try to have the doctor examine baby while a flare-up is occurring. A cream may be prescribed to limit the itching and inflammation caused by eczema. These creams often contain hydrocortisone or another steroid. Only use a cream that is prescribed by a doctor as similar medications may be too powerful for your baby's delicate skin.

• 2

  Moisturize baby's skin. Renowned pediatrician William Sears, M. D. recommends using a moisturizer on baby, especially the affected areas, two to four times a day. He shares that moisturized skin is key in the treatment of baby eczema.

• 3

  Give baby a lukewarm bath and avoid any harsh soaps. For especially difficult eczema, your doctor may advise to limit the number of baths per week. Parenting expert Elizabeth Pantley suggests giving baby an oatmeal bath if he is itchy from an outbreak. There are oatmeal products specifically formulated for dry skin. Gently pat baby dry after a bath and apply a moisturizer to lock in moisture.

• 4

  Clip baby's finger nails short. This will keep baby from scratching himself and spreading the rash. Consider using mittens specially designed for babies to wear during sleep to prevent scratching. Also use clothing that covers arms and legs when possible.

• 5

  Use a cold compress to ease baby's discomfort from itching.

• 6

  Avoid possible irritants that may cause flare ups. Synthetic bedding and clothing can irritate baby's skin, so use cotton instead. Also, watch out for items like scented lotions, soaps, detergents, bubble baths, and suntan lotion. Opt for fragrance free and hypoallergenic products. Sweat and other liquids can also irritate baby. Make sure she does not overheat and provide a lukewarm bath if she becomes sweaty. Keep her chin and neck dry from saliva, milk, and any other liquids. Dust, animals, and feather comforters are other common triggers.

• 7

  Provide a comfortable environment. Limit baby's exposure to extreme temperatures as either the heat or cold can both cause skin to dry out. Instead, make sure baby has a moist environment through the use of a humidifier. According to Sears, a home's relative humidity should be between 25-40 percent. Buy a humidity gauge to make sure your home is at an appropriate level.

• 8

  Breastfeed baby as long as possible as breast milk contains antibodies that can lessen the severity of baby eczema. Pantley shares that some mothers actually use breast milk as a topical salve and find that it is antibacterial and healing for the effects of eczema.

• 9

  Monitor baby's diet. Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect the First Year, recommends doing this under the supervision of your doctor. The goal is to eliminate any foods that may cause a flare up. Keep a food log to help track eczema breakouts compared to baby's diet. Likewise, a breastfeeding mother can keep track of her diet to see if any foods she eats are triggering flare ups. Also, wait at least six months before introducing solids, especially if your family has a history of food allergies.