You know better than anyone that your baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive but if your baby has eczema that sweet delicate skin may suddenly have red, dry and itchy patches. At WMP Boutique Pediatric Care in Tribeca, I see many babies with eczema so, if you are a new parent and your child is experiencing this condition, it’s important to know that this is a very common skin condition, especially among newborns, and there are ways to treat it.
In brief, what is Eczema?
Eczema (also called “atopic dermatitis”) is a chronic/recurring, inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by itchiness. The skin appears red, dry, flaky and “rough” or bumpy. Occasionally the rash appears circular, and it can be scattered or located in target areas. In infants, the most common areas this occurs are the face and scalp, but it can also occur on the legs, arms and body. Older children typically get eczema behind their elbows and knees. Eczema is not contagious. You can’t catch it from your baby and your baby can’t give it to anyone else. If you are looking for more information about eczema, your healthcare provider can certainly answer your questions or you may want to review the National Eczema Association’s website as it’s a great resource for learning more.
But what causes Eczema?
Studies suggest that those who suffer from eczema do so because of a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. An infant may be more prone to developing eczema if there is eczema, allergies or asthma in close family members. Irritants in laundry soaps, bath soaps and wool or synthetic clothing materials can trigger eczema flare-ups, as well as allergens from certain foods. Exacerbating factors also include excessive bathing without moisturizing afterward, low-humidity environments, and dry or overheated skin. In older children and adults, stress can also be a trigger for eczema flare-ups.
How should I treat my baby’s Eczema?
First and foremost, you should consult your own pediatrician but here are the 8 tips I share with my new parents:
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! But make sure to use a fragrance-free moisturizer or, even better, coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil or oatmeal baths. Mommy’s Bliss just launched an eczema line of products with the most effective natural ingredients for treating infant eczema. The Mommy’s Bliss Eczema Ease Daily Moisturizer keeps skin hydrated daily and for when baby eczema flare-ups arise, the Mommy’s Bliss Eczema Ease Spot Treatment with colloidal oatmeal works to relieve dry skin patches. Both of these products are approved by the National Eczema Association.
- Maintain humidity in the air by turning on a cool mist humidifier in the baby’s room. Perhaps consider Crane’s Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.
- Avoid temperature extremes because too hot or too cold temperatures tend to trigger eczema.
- Keep bath time under 10 minutes, use a mild baby soap, and pat your baby dry after the bath versus rubbing their skin with the towel.
- Dress your infant in loose-fitting cotton clothing, and use a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergent such as Seventh Generation EasyDose™ Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear.
- Keep your baby’s fingernails short so that when they are experiencing flare-ups and feel itchy, they will be less likely to break the skin when scratching. This will also help to avoid introducing bacteria under the skin and starting an infection.
- Consider trying a probiotic like Mommy’s Bliss Skin Support Probiotic Drops. Probiotics can help to maintain a healthy gut balance which can have an impact on all aspects of health, including skin.
- Depending on the severity of your baby’s condition, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments such as antihistamines, topical steroid creams and corticosteroids.
With just a few tips and the right products, you can keep your baby’s eczema under control.
Dr. Tiffany Otto Knipe, MD is a board-certified pediatrician and the founder of WMP Boutique Pediatric Care - a new concierge, membership-based practice in Tribeca, NYC. She is also the author of a children’s book about going to the doctor entitled, My Doctor Book: The Not-So-Scary Adventures of Brothers: Anderson and Riley.
