Natural Cures for Infant Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that comes in many forms. One of the most common is known as acute dermatitis. It usually appears as patches of small red bumps on your baby's skin. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. Finding the right treatment can help alleviate the symptoms. Eczema usually goes away on its own by the time your child turns two. If you think your baby has eczema, speak to your pediatrician.

Moisturize

Eczema is caused by dry skin so it is important to moisturize. Be careful about what moisturizers you are selecting. Moisturizers with little or no fragrance should be used because the fragrance can irritate your baby's eczema. Most doctors recommend Curel, Eucerin or Aquaphor as safe to treat eczema. The best time to apply lotion is right after the bath when your baby's skin is still slightly damp.

Bath Time

Short, frequent baths are great treatment for eczema. You can bathe your baby as often you like. It is important to limit the time that he spends in the bath. A short bath will actually help to moisturize the skin. Do not use any soap unless your baby is dirty. Use a gentle cleanser that is fragrance free if she is dirty because soap can make eczema worse. Keep the water temperature lukewarm. Hot water can irritate your baby's skin, making the eczema worse.

Diet

Eczema can be triggered by allergies, including food. Cow's milk and soy can be common allergies in infants with eczema. If you are using cow's milk formula, try switching to a soy-based or a hypoallergenic formula. If you are breastfeeding, try eliminating milk and dairy products from your diet to see if it helps your baby's eczema. Speak to your pediatrician about when to start solids. Your doctor may have a specific time plan and order as to when to introduce solids.

Clothing

Be sure to put your baby in breathable fabrics. Cotton and polyester are great choices. Avoid clothing that is too tight or heavy, which can make the eczema worse. Nickel on pants, buttons and wool can also irritate his eczema. Choose a hypoallergenic, scent-free and dye-free detergent. Detergents with heavy scents can also make eczema worse. Be sure to wash everything, including towels and washcloths, in that detergent.

Allergy Triggers

If your doctor has determined that your baby's eczema is due to allergies, try figuring out what your baby is allergic to. Allergies can make eczema worse. Talk to your pediatrician. She can give you a list of common allergens to cut out of your child's diet. She can also give you a list of common seasonal allergens. Try to avoid being outside during early morning hours when the allergy count is high. By doing this, you can help relieve your baby's eczema.

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