Natural Treatment for Baby Eczema

Some babies develop chronic rashes over various parts of their body that show up as reddened patches, with or without raised bumps. According to MayoClinic.com, baby eczema or atopic dermatitis, is relatively common in children under seven years of age. Fortunately, natural treatments can be effective at reducing the irritation until the child outgrows the condition.

Diagnosis

• Your pediatrician should initially diagnose any persistent rashes on your child's body to rule out other disorders, such as lupus. Infantile eczema may be brownish-red or reddish-gray and it is likely to be itchy. The skin in the area of the rash may thicken and crack or scale. Hands and feet are common locations for baby eczema, as well as inside the elbows and knees or on the trunk, neck and face.

Environment

• Pediatricians frequently recommend taking natural steps to ease the baby's irritation and itching. Atopic dermatitis is your baby's reaction to allergens, and the most common allergens are found in your own home, your baby's daycare or your vehicle. Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke may trigger a baby eczema attack, as well as breathing in dust, animal dander or pollen. Make sure your house and your babysitter's house are clean and smoke-free.

Humidity

• Turn up the humidifier if your baby develops eczema during the winter months, when the air in your home becomes dry because of overheating. If you don't have a humidifier, a pot of water simmering slowly on the stove will put moisture back into the air. Babies with sensitive skin contract eczema more easily in dry conditions.

Skin Care

• Dry skin is more vulnerable to developing baby eczema. Frequent bathing dries out baby's delicate skin, so opt for a quick sponge bath with plain warm water, if your infant shows signs of a beginning eczema outbreak. Immediately after washing, apply an allergy-free moisturizer to baby's skin to lock in moisture. Fragrance-free baby oil, applied when the skin is still damp, will help prevent new outbreaks.

Topical

• When your baby has a full-blown eczema rash, he needs comfort and a soothing treatment that reduces the itch and irritation. Look for colloidal oatmeal to add to his bath water. Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal that dissolves easily in water. Alternately, you can put a small amount of regular oatmeal into your blender and blend it until it becomes a powder. Use one-half cup of colloidal oatmeal in 1 gallon of warm water.

Prevention/Solution

• Get rid of scratchy fabrics near your baby. Wool causes skin irritations, as does apparel that is too tight and does not allow your baby to bend his arms or legs without pinching and creating a reddened crease. One hundred percent cotton blankets and loose clothing will reduce the risk of your baby developing atopic eczema.