Natural Remedies For Baby Eczema: What Every Parent Should Know

Any parent will tell you how dreadful it is to find crusty, itchy, and flaky patches or rashes on their baby’s skin. It is even worse when you are unsure what it is, what caused it, and how to stop it. Before you panic, you will be glad to know that baby eczema is manageable.

Understanding Baby Eczema and Its Challenge

Skin conditions in babies are pretty common, with65% of baby eczema cases occurring among babies below a year old. Since you want to protect your child, the first step is knowing the symptoms of eczema, the common triggers, and what to expect after diagnosis. 

Overview of Baby Eczema and Common Triggers

Baby eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that usually appears as red or purplish patches that look dry and flaky. Luckily, babies outgrow it, and several ways exist to treat andmanage the symptoms. 

But what triggers baby eczema? 

Low humidity and other unfavorable conditions cause the skin to dry, which only gets worse when there is excessive sweating or heat. Allergens from the air and food are also believed to cause eczema, poor gut health, stress, and other irritants like harsh chemicals in soap, lotion, and shampoo.

Recognizing Early Signs and Symptoms of Eczema

How do you tell apart eczema? 

You will notice dry, inflamed skin patches, often red/ purple or gray, which typically cause a nasty itch. However, the appearance depends on the baby’s age, location, and how severe the condition is. To be certain, consider contacting your baby’s doctor, who will run blood and allergy tests and a biopsy to determine thecondition and the cause. 

Emotional Impact on Parents and Babies

Baby eczema emotionally affects both the child and the parents. It causes stress as the parents struggle to find treatment, which can be exhausting. In addition, the discomfort from the itch affects the baby’s sleep schedule. It is expected to constantly worry like this when your child is sick, especially when looking for remedies. Still, luckily, eczema symptoms are manageable, and your child will likely grow out of it.

Effective Natural Remedies for Eczema Relief

Did you know that there areat-home remedies for baby eczema? The following are effective solutions for eczema relief that can help treat it. 

1) The Power of Natural Oils and Moisturizers

Coconut and sunflower seed oil are thebest natural remedies for eczema. They are gentle on the baby’s delicate skin and contain antibacterial properties that prevent the symptoms. Also, consider using a moisturizer after bath time to keep the baby’s skin hydrated. 

2) Crafting a Gentle Bath Routine 

You can also establish a gentle bath routine for the baby. Make sure that the water is lukewarm, and for best results, infuse the water with oatmeal and chamomile to prevent itching and offer relief. Lastly, use mild and unscented soaps to avoid eczema flare-ups. 

3) Benefits of Gentle Massages for Soothing Irritation

Gently massaging your baby has several benefits to help soothe them. It is relaxing, prevents itching, and helps them sleep better. The doctor will recommend an effective cream based on your baby’s condition that you can apply on your fingertips and gently massage the affected areas. 

4) Cooling Techniques to Manage Eczema

Heat and sweat only make eczema worse, so you want to find cooling techniques to keep your baby comfortable. If it is warm outside, keep your baby away from direct heat, and even while indoors, dress them in light clothes made of breathable materials like cotton. 

 

Building a Calming Environment for Eczema-Prone Babies

Baby eczema causes discomfort due to itchiness, and since you want your child to be as comfortable as possible, consider creating a very calming environment. You can achieve a calming environment in the following ways. 

1) Managing Room Temperature and Humidity

Dry skin makes eczema worse and more irritating, so you need a humidifier indoors, especially in dry winter weather. Also, ensure your baby stays hydrated and cool in the extreme heat by staying indoors or under a shade when going outside. 

2) Tips for Reducing Skin-Aggravating Allergen 

If your baby’s eczema is caused by an allergen, avoiding the triggers will help. Avoid contact with dust, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens; otherwise, they will make the condition worse. This is the best time to spring clean, remove the carpet in their room, check your AC, and lock the windows to avoid dust and pollen particles. Clear air keeps your baby’s skin comfortable and aids in faster recovery. 

3) The Impact of Parental Calmness on Eczema Flare-Ups

Did you know that staying calm and stress-free positively impacts your child? If you can manage your stress, it creates a calm and comfortable environment for the baby, too. Therefore, try engaging in activities that relax you, like yoga, meditation, exercise, or talking to others. This way, you can take better care of your baby, which is crucial in managing the symptoms. 

Clothing Choices for Comfort and Relief

Uncomfortable and irritating clothes can also trigger eczema in babies. This doesn’t only mean dressing them in the right clothes; your clothing choices also matter since you will be in contact with them while cuddling or breastfeeding. Therefore, your choice of clothing matters. Opt for loose andcomfortable clothing for easy removal to allow skin-skin contact when breastfeeding or cuddling, as this soothes the baby. Read on for more tips.

1) Ideal Fabrics for Baby’s Sensitive Skin

Your baby needs clothes made of natural fabrics like fibers and cotton to reduce the urge to scratch. The mild materials won’t affect them even when they rub against their skin, so you don’t have to worry about flare-ups. 

2) Benefits of Loose, Comfortable Clothing

If the baby’s skin is too sensitive, consider dressing them in loose clothing made of natural materials. By avoiding the clothes’ contact with the skin, you reduce the chances of irritation and itching, and the baby can stay cool, dry, and comfortable. 

3) Choosing Safe, Hypoallergenic Detergents

Harsh and perfumed soaps and detergents for washing clothes also worsen eczema. You should avoid chemicals that can be harsh on the baby’s sensitive skin and choose safe, mild, and hypoallergenic detergents. Instead, opt fornatural ingredients for baby skin care.

Tips for Staying Patient and Observant

Bath time is the right time to carefully observe your baby’s skin and watch out for any irritation or inflammation. If the symptoms are consistent with eczema, it is time to take the necessary precautions and use at-home remedies. However, if you don’t see any improvement in weeks and the condition is worsening, it is time to call your baby’s doctor for prescription medicine. 

 

- Written by Guest Blogger Mariam Simmons -