Eczema: Top 5 Tips in Preventing and Treating a Breakout

Seeing your sweet angel baby covered with angry-looking red patches is super worrying. Questions race through your mind. What is it? Is it my fault? Is it dangerous?  Ahhh so much stress and anxiety…but worry not! It’s completely normal and common…it’s eczema. Eczema is a skin problem that appears when a baby is two to six months old, usually on the cheeks, elbows, knees and scalp.  Although it’s quite a typical skin disease, it’s a miserable time for both parents and babies.  Your baby gets upset, you’re stressed, and nothing seems to help!! However, it doesn't have to be hopeless because we’re going to break down the most helpful things you can do to prevent and treat a breakout!

1. Keep your Child’s Skin Moisturised

Moisturising is key and it must be fragrance free!  Slather on gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser several times a day, especially right after baths. After bathing your baby, gently pat the skin with a towel and apply moisturiser to the damp skin. It’s a quick, easy step that can be added to your baby’s bedtime routine.  We asked around and several mommies recommended Aquaphor by Eurecin, Aveeno and California Baby. Check these brands out and let me know if you have other suggestions. 

2. Avoid Irritants

No, we’re not referring to people but common household products such as soap, shampoo and detergent. As mommies, we know a baby’s skin is sensitive, but we might not know to what extent. Many babies have allergies to perfumes, dyes and chemicals that can be found in everyday household products we use. The key is to use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products.  Minimise flare ups and itching by using fragrance-free detergent and fabric softener. Take shorter baths with room temperature water and use mild, fragrance-free body cleansers.

3. No Scratching Allowed 

Easier said than done! Of course babies want to scratch but the more your baby scratches, the itchier the area becomes. This is a vicious cycle that needs to be broken! We recommend you keep your baby’s fingernails short, smooth and clean. Best practice is to cover them, especially at night by using some lightweight mittens. Also try distracting your baby with visual stimulation, nursery rhymes, mommy time, etc.  This can take their little minds off the irritating itching sensation. 

4. Be Temperature Aware 

Sometimes we forget little baby bodies react differently to temperature compared to our big adult bodies. Special attention must be paid to the temperature and humidity of the environment. It’s super important to keep room temperature at a comfortable level and to avoid exposing your baby to cold wind and strong sunlight. If your baby is sweaty, wipe off sweat to avoid irritation. Also dress them in light layers rather than super thick materials piled on top of each other. This prevents overheating which is known to worsen eczema. 

5. Natural Fabrics Only

Natural is always best and surely you want the best for your baby so time to go au natural.....with fabrics that is! No more synthetic materials, no more chemicals and no more unbreathable layers. It’s time to embrace natural fabrics especially organic cotton, bamboo and linen. These super soft fabrics keep your baby feeling comfortable and prevents flare ups from occurring in the first place. Be on the lookout for smooth, pliable and pleasant to touch baby essentials that are breathable. Natural fabrics are good for both you and your baby because when your baby is comfortable, you’re comfortable. Check out The Wee Bean's collection of organic swaddles and organic onesies.

We know eczema can be stressful and worrisome to all parents and sincerely hope that our top five tips help your loved ones out!  To learn more about the causes and treatments of eczema, check out this eczema 101 blog article.

We would love to hear about your experiences and tips below so please sound off in the comments box.