What is baby eczema?
Baby eczema usually shows up on the skin as an itchy, dry, red scaly rash.
It often appears in the baby’s first few months and can be located around the eyes, on the insides of the elbows, behind the knees, and/or on the back of the neck. As the skin is so dry, it can develop cracks and sores. This makes it harder to keep the skin hydrated and exposes the delicate skin barrier to potentially developing infections.
As a parent, you may notice eczema on your baby’s forehead while breastfeeding, or around their chest when changing their clothes.
How to recognize newborn baby eczema
Newborn baby eczema typically presents itself as a dry and bumpy red rash, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t look the same on every infant. Here are some of the most common signs:
Redness – skin may appear red and angry-looking.
Dry and itchy skin – skin can appear flaky and itchy; eczema is sometimes referred to as ‘the itch that rashes’.
Scales and bumps – you may notice bumps or scales that appear ‘weepy’ and then crust over. You must keep the skin clean to avoid any infection or further irritation.
Symptoms come and go – your baby’s skin may look worse some days than others. This is known as a flare-up. The symptoms may also be more noticeable at nighttime. On babies with light skin, eczema is usually a patchy red mark. On darker-skinned little ones, baby eczema may be harder to see. The eczema rash may appear purple, brown, or grey.
What causes baby eczema?
There isn't one single cause of baby eczema. Instead, it can stem from your baby’s immune system reacting to a combination of environmental or genetic factors. It can be hereditary, too, so if you or your partner has eczema, your baby may be more likely to develop it as well.
The most common causes of baby eczema include:
Family history – if there is a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma they may be more likely to develop the condition.
Allergens - sensitivity to allergens, including pet fur or dust may trigger eczema in your baby.
Saliva – saliva from drooling is a common trigger for eczema, you may notice this when your baby is teething.
Dry skin – dry skin can be a trigger for eczema. Moisturized skin can help keep flare-ups at bay.
Sweat – sweat can be another trigger for eczema. It may cause your baby’s skin to suddenly appear sore.
Irritants – fragranced or scented soaps, lotions, or laundry detergent could cause your baby’s eczema to flare up.
Winter weather – cold weather can lead to winter eczema in babies and is more common if they already have sensitive skin.
Where is my baby most likely to develop eczema?
Where your baby develops eczema can actually depend on their age. According to the National Eczema Association, babies under six months are more likely to develop baby eczema on their faces. It may also appear on their cheeks, chin, forehead, and scalp.
Little ones from six months to a year old will often experience eczema patches on elbows and knees. Toddlers are also more prone to developing baby eczema on their knee and elbow creases. They may also have it on their hands, ankles, wrists, eyelids, and around their mouth.
How to manage baby eczema in winter
Winter brings dry air and cold temperatures. The cool months also make it harder for your baby’s skin to retain moisture, leading to itchiness and irritation. For babies who suffer from eczema, this sensitivity is heightened.
You need to keep an extra close eye on your baby’s eczema during the winter. The constant switch between the cold, windy conditions outside and the warm air of a heater can affect their sensitive skin. Indoor heating can also cause your little ones’ eczema to flare up.
To help your baby combat winter eczema, consider these tips:
• Continue with your normal baby eczema treatment routine. Bathe your baby as recommended in warm water – not hot.
• Moisturize with a thick cream, after each bath, shower, or hand wash.
• If their skin is really dry, you could use a suitable ointment – this can help their skin retain more water.
• Choose natural and breathable fabrics – try not to dress your baby in anything that will make them too hot. Even certain winter clothing like heavy woolen fabrics can irritate their skin. Instead, dress them in loose layers, made from natural materials where possible.
• Regulate the temperature of their environment. Adjust your heating so it’s at a comfortable temperature to prevent your little one from getting too hot. If the air feels dry, consider using a humidifier.
Best practices for treating baby eczema
There are many ways to soothe your little one's discomfort when dealing with a baby eczema flare-up, which can be incredibly reassuring as a new parent. These tips should help.
Bathe and moisturize your baby daily
Bath your little one every day. The NEA recommends using a gentle cleanser, or you may be advised by your doctor to add an emollient to your baby’s bath. Just make sure that the bath lasts no longer than 15 minutes, as prolonged water exposure can irritate their skin. After their bath, rinse and pat dry them carefully. Don’t rub vigorously with a towel.
While the skin is still moist, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer with ceramides or glycerin from head to toe to help lock in the moisture.
You should moisturize their skin at least twice a day. If you're changing the product you use on your baby's skin, test it on a small area first. Read our guide on how to bathe a newborn for more bath time tips.
Consider a medicated cream
Depending on your baby's eczema, consider talking to your doctor about using a medicated ointment or cream to soothe their symptoms. They may prescribe your baby topical steroids.
Stop them from scratching
As much as your little one may try, you need to stop them scratching as much as possible. Scratching their eczema can damage the skin and make it worse. Try popping cotton anti-scratch mittens on their hands for bedtime, to prevent your baby from scratching their face.
Avoid potential irritants or triggers
Eczema-affected skin is usually more sensitive, so you should be mindful of what wipes you use on your baby during diaper changes. Your baby’s bottom is already sensitive from constant exposure to moisture and the pressure of wiping. The best diapers and wipes for sensitive skin should be free of any extra irritants, like scents or fragrances.
Expert dermatologistDr Joyce Park, the founder and CEO of Skin Refinery, recommends using hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free wipes such as WaterWipes, which contain 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract. WaterWipesare suitable for everyday use on sensitive eczema-prone skin and have been awarded the National Eczema Association of America Seal of Acceptance.
Know when to speak to a dermatologist
If your baby is constantly scratching at their eczema and seems uncomfortable, then it’s worth making an appointment – especially if your baby can’t sleep, or they are scratching to the point of bleeding.
Dermatologists have lots of tools at their disposal for eczema treatment, including topical medications to decrease inflammation, treatments to prevent and treat infections, and antihistamines to help with uncomfortable itching.
Eczema can be difficult to deal with. Uncontrollable factors, like winter weather, can take a toll on everyone’s skin, especially the sensitive skin of a baby. When treating a nasty eczema flare-up, look to the wipes that were designed specifically to help protect your baby’s delicate skin – WaterWipes.
96% of Dermatologists agree that WaterWipes® are the #1 wipe choice for sensitive skin*.
*Source: 272 Dermatologists at AAD, USA, 2024
Made using only purified water and a drop of fruit extract, we ensure your baby’s delicate skin is cared for – with minimal risk of causing an eczema flare-up.
Baby Eczema FAQs
When should I worry about baby eczema?
Mild baby eczema is often treatable at home. However, if your baby is uncomfortable, struggling to sleep, and scratching to the point of bleeding, you should consider taking them to a dermatologist. If your baby has wet or weepy skin, it may be infected, and they could need antibiotics from a doctor.
What can be mistaken for baby eczema?
A skin infection can look a lot like baby eczema. Both can cause swollen and itchy skin, so it can be tough to tell them apart. With a skin infection, you may notice pus-filled blisters and sores that look like cold sores. Your baby may have a fever or flu-like symptoms. Diaper rash can also sometimes be mistaken for eczema.
Can wipes cause baby eczema?
Some everyday culprits of baby eczema triggers include clothing, laundry detergent, fragrances soaps, baby powder, and – yes – certain wipes. That’s why it’s important to use gentle wipes, without any nasty irritants. WaterWipes are made using only purified water and a drop of fruit extract, so are gentle on eczema-prone skin.
