Resources: National Eczema Association, WebMD

Have you found patches of reddish, dry, itchy skin, similar to a rash, on your child? It might be eczema! Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed.

"There are several types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, also known as “cradle cap” in infants, are the most common types that affect children. Eczema, especially atopic dermatitis, often appears in the first six months to 5 years of a child’s life (National Eczema Association). Babies could get eczema just about anywhere on their body, but it will mostly affect his or her cheeks and joints around the arms and legs (WebMD). Luckily, eczema is not contagious. It won't spread to the rest of the family.

Not to worry, you are not alone in this! So many parents struggle with caring for a baby that suffers from eczema. Whether your child has been dealing with this irritating skin condition for a while, or is newly diagnosed, we've got some helpful tips on how to cope!

Eczema isn't the same for every baby. If your little babe has lighter skin, the tell tale sign of eczema will usually be patches of red skin. If your babe has darker skin, the rash may be seen as more purplish, grayish, or brownish. While it can be a little harder to spot eczema on darker-skinned infants, the texture will be dry and rough (WebMD). Your baby might be scratching at it too! 

What Triggers Baby Eczema?

Common triggers include dry skin, infection, heat and sweating, and allergens such as pet dander, pollen or dust. Known skin irritants like detergents, soaps, solvents, acids, adhesives and wood dust can also cause eczema to flare up. Break outs often become worse in the winter when the air is drier.

Saliva from drool often causes irritation on baby's cheeks, chin and neck. Keeping baby clean and moisturized is a constant battle, but super important for healthy skin.

The trick to prevent skin irritation is to incorporate eczema care into your child's daily routine. Creating a daily bath time routine with warm water, hypoallergenic cleansers and gentle drying, followed by a safe moisturizer will clean skin and soothe painful irritation. 

Get Flare Ups Under Control

To soothe baby's skin, it's important to use products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance free. The Eczema Care Collection was created to help calm eczema outbreaks in young children. It has been recognized by the National Eczema Association and awarded the Seal of Acceptance.

This collection of fragrance-free products offers eczema care for the whole family. It is dermatologist and pediatrician-tested to ensure every product is appropriate for children and those with sensitive skin.

The Eczema Care Collection will safely take baby through their daily skin care routine.

Ultimate Ointment - This fragrance- and steroid-free, over-the-counter (OTC) product helps soothe “the itch.” Developed for eczema and diaper rash, as well as cracked, ultra-dry, and chapped skin. Active ingredient Zinc Oxide helps protect and enhance the natural healing process. Natural anti-inflammatories, bisabolol and allantoin, help to reduce redness and inflammation.

Newborn 2-in-1 Hair & Body Wash - High moisture formula nourishes and conditions delicate skin and hair. Calming formula rebalances skin's pH; provitamin B and vitamin E keep hair healthy and shiny.

Extra Gentle Shampoo - High-moisture, low-suds formula with mild surfactants (bubbling agents). Gently cleans hair and hydrates the delicate skin on the scalp.

Soothing Body Wash - Low suds formula soothes tender skin with allantoin leaving it soft and clean. Mild enough for daily use; can be used on newborns and babies with eczema-prone and sensitive skin.

Super Soft Lotion - Daily care is key for healthy skin – morning and evening routine recommended; moisture maintenance for chronic itchiness helps to avoid the onset of irritation. Mild, fragrance-free formula hydrates compromised skin helping to improve its natural barrier function.

Ultimate Cleansing Cloths - Luxuriously thick, petal-soft cloths are soaked in a mild, fragrance- and alcohol-free, plant-based, no-rinse solution consisting of gentle cleansers and nourishing moisturizers, leaving skin clean and supple. Soothes and hydrates skin with vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile.

Treating Baby Eczema

Even with a sensitive skin care routine, it's important to take precautionary steps to ease your baby's symptoms. Avoid skin irritants such as itchy fabrics, harsh soaps, and extreme temperatures. You may even want to switch to a laundry detergent that is safe for baby's skin and clothing. Noodle & Boo's Laundry & Fabric Care is comprehensive line that will safely take care of all of baby's delicates from clothing to bedding. 

If your child is persistent in scratching at his or her rash, you may want to consider putting on cotton mittens during bed time, and keeping nails clipped. 

There is not a permanent cure for eczema yet, but because it is usually brought on by environmental irritants, we can learn how to successfully manage flare ups. Getting to know your child's symptoms and triggers is the best way to get a flare up under control.