Best Treatments for Baby Eczema

Babies have very sensitive skin, which can get easily irritated. A rash caused by eczema can be very itchy and red, but can usually be taken care of easily. With some simple steps, her eczema should be short-lived.

Moisturizing Skin

• Using baby lotion right after giving him a bath will help to prevent his skin from drying out. You should also avoid using bubble bath or any kind of soap or bath product that irritates his skin. Keeping baths short can also help keep his skin moist, since a long bath can result in drier skin, which contributes to eczema.

Avoid Scratching

• Scratching can make the rash worse, as well as increasing the risk of infection. It is impossible to explain to a baby that she needs to avoid scratching, so you must find ways to keep her from scratching and breaking the skin. If you keep her fingernails cut short enough, she should be unable to harm herself by scratching. Mittens are also available to cover her fingers and prevent her from scratching herself.

Appropriate Clothing

• You should avoid dressing your baby in any clothing that is scratchy or close-fitting. These clothes will rub against the rash and may irritate it further. In addition, your baby's clothes should be light enough to prevent him from getting too hot and sweating. The best choice for your baby during an eczema attack is light, loose-fitting cotton clothing.

Considerations

• Your baby's doctor should evaluate a rash that doesn't go away or that gets worse. Some babies require medication to control the dry, scaly and itchy rash that occurs with eczema. Cortisone ointments are available in both non-prescription and prescription forms, but you should consult your doctor before applying even non-prescription medication.