Things You'll Need:
- Oil-based moisturizing lotion
- Cool-mist humidifier
- Topical corticosteroid cream
- Over-the-counter antihistamine
- Infant mittens
- Oatmeal bath flakes
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Step 1
Bathe your infant in lukewarm water, and remove him from the water before his skin prunes. Long baths, hot water and harsh soaps may irritate eczema and increase the frequency of flare-ups.
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Step 2
Apply a moisturizing lotion to your baby's skin. The Nemours Foundation cautions against using moisturizers that contain alcohol, as these may dry a baby's skin and worsen eczema.
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Step 3
Use a cool-mist humidifier at night and offer your child plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day. This will help keep her skin hydrated and reduce the severity of inflammation and itching.
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Step 4
Watch for allergies that may be causing or contributing to your infant's eczema. Cow's milk, soy, wheat, fish, and citrus are all potential triggers for infantile eczema. If you are breastfeeding, you must remove these and any other suspect foods from your diet to determine if they are causing your baby's eczema. Pet dander and dust may also cause eczema in infants.
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Step 5
Do not use scented dryer sheets or perfumed laundry detergent when washing your baby's clothing. Don't dress your baby in rough or potentially allergenic materials, such as wool.
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Step 6
Apply topical corticosteroids to inflamed areas of your child's skin twice daily. These medications can help reduce redness and relieve itching. Use the lowest effective dose on your infant: using the wrong strength can damage fragile infant skin.
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Step 7
Try an antihistamine medication to combat allergic reactions and reduce inflammation and itching. Ask your doctor about the proper dose for your infant, based on his weight and age.
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Step 8
Prevent your baby from scratching itchy eczema patches by keeping her nails trimmed short, putting mittens on her hands at night and covering the affected areas when necessary. Oatmeal baths and cool compresses may also help relieve itching and prevent scratching. Scratching eczema increases the risk of infection and delays healing.
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Step 9
Watch for signs of skin infection, and use a topical antibiotic cream on raw areas of skin to prevent infection. Signs of infection include fever, warmth and redness on the skin, and pus-filled blisters. Call your doctor immediately if you believe your infant may have a skin infection.
