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For caregivers of babies with eczema, it can be challenging to find products that not only protect a baby’s skin but also soothe eczema symptoms. With so many products out there — and so many ingredients — it can be difficult to narrow down which are safe for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Using a moisturizer is important for keeping your baby’s skin hydrated, easing eczema symptoms, and reducing flare-ups. Moisturizing creams help protect the skin from getting too dry, which can lead to eczema. However, it can be tricky to pick a cream that’s safe and effective for your baby.
Read on to learn more about how to choose a product that soothes and prevents eczema, which ingredients to steer clear of, and what products are recommended for babies with eczema. In addition, be sure to check in with your child’s dermatologist about the creams you use and the products they recommend.
A few types of skin care products can be used on a baby’s skin to prevent and treat eczema. Some, such as creams and ointments, can be purchased over the counter (OTC). Your baby’s doctor may also prescribe products.
Emollients are substances such as creams, lotions, gels, sprays, and ointments that are used to hydrate and soften skin. Applying emollients should be a part of your baby’s daily routine if they have eczema. Many creams are specifically designed for babies to be gentle on the skin.
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and other ointments, such as Aquaphor, have a thick consistency and create a layer to keep skin from becoming dry. Ointments also protect the skin barrier from irritants or allergens and help prevent eczema flares.
You can use petroleum jelly to protect your baby’s skin from substances such as saliva, which can trigger eczema in some babies. Applying petroleum jelly around their mouth before they eat or nap can help shield their skin.
Corticosteroids come in creams, sprays, lotions, and ointments, and they’re commonly used to treat eczema in babies. This medication helps reduce itching and inflammation, and you apply it directly to your baby’s skin where there’s an eczema flare-up.
You can buy OTC corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone for mild eczema symptoms. For more severe symptoms, you may need a prescription product. Be sure to discuss your child’s symptoms with their doctor before using a corticosteroid.
It can be hard to know which eczema products are suitable for your baby. Keeping a few factors in mind can help guide your search.
The National Eczema Association (NEA) reviews products to narrow down which products are safe for people with eczema. If a product fits the NEA’s criteria, it receives their Seal of Acceptance so people know it should be safe to use. The NEA tests products like baby wipes, cleansers, shampoos, moisturizers, sunscreens, and lip balms, as well as household products. The NEA websites also states whether those products are safe for children.
The following are examples of products for babies that have the NEA Seal of Acceptance:
“For about two months, nothing worked for my son until recently,” one MyEczemaTeam member said. “His doctor put him on a steroid cream and Aveeno eczema lotion. He’s a different child now.”
For eczema, thicker creams are best because they lock in more moisture to protect against dry skin. Thick creams contain less water than thinner products, like lotions, so they’ll be more effective for treating your baby’s eczema.
The ingredients list on the packaging can help you determine whether a product might be suitable for a baby with eczema. Examples of ingredients that can be beneficial for eczema-prone skin include:
When looking for thick creams that have the NEA Seal of Acceptance and contain beneficial ingredients, you should also keep your eyes peeled for ingredients that may worsen or trigger your baby’s eczema symptoms.
Although fragrance adds a pleasant smell to soaps, shampoos, and creams, it may not be good for babies with eczema. Fragrance contains chemicals that can cause irritation, which may trigger eczema or make it worse.
To prevent irritated skin, it’s best to avoid products that contain fragrance. Check labels and read ingredients list to see if “fragrance” is mentioned. Terms like “essential oils” and “perfume” also indicate fragrance.
Even products labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented” may have scents known as masking fragrance — a small amount that covers up other ingredients’ unpleasant smells. If you’re unsure about a product, you can contact the manufacturer to ask if it contains any fragrance or masking fragrance.
Many potential triggers can cause flares in babies with eczema. Some triggers may be in the environment, like pet dander or tobacco smoke, and others may be in skin care and household products. Triggers may also be found in baby products such as creams, baby wipes, bodywash, and detergents.
Dye is another potential trigger. If you know your baby is sensitive to dye, choose a dye-free cream. If you aren’t sure if your baby’s skin is sensitive to dyes, their doctor can run tests to find out. The doctor can also test for additional triggers that you should avoid.
Applying a cream may sound simple, but timing, frequency, and method can make a big difference. The following tips can help you keep your baby's skin moisturized and healthy.
It’s important to wash your hands before putting a cream or an ointment on your baby’s skin. This step helps keep germs away and prevents infection.
Some products come in jars, requiring you to dip your fingers inside to get the cream. This can spread bacteria and increase the risk of infection. If the product you choose comes in a jar, try using a small cosmetic spatula. Make sure to clean the spatula between uses to lower the chance of infection.
You can use a cream or an ointment to moisturize your baby’s skin as often as needed to prevent dryness. It’s generally recommended to do this twice a day, but you can apply more often if their skin still looks dry between applications.
One of the best times to moisturize your baby’s skin is right after a bath, while their skin is still a little moist. This helps lock in moisture and keeps their skin from drying out.
One MyEczemaTeam member said the following in regard to their daughter’s nightly bathing routine: “Whether she gets washed with soap or not, it’s more for the warm water to hydrate her skin and then keep that moisture in with Aquaphor.”
If your child has eczema symptoms, it’s important to check with a doctor. They can recommend the best products or medications for your baby’s specific needs.
If the doctor suggests using corticosteroids, you should apply them right after your baby’s bath and before using a cream or moisturizer. Make sure to ask the doctor how much to use and how often to apply it. Babies can be sensitive to corticosteroids, so it’s important to follow their doctor’s instructions.
MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema, and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 53,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.
What creams do you use for your baby with eczema? Are there any creams you avoid? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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Puttatida Chetwong, M.D.
earned her medical degree from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Learn more about her here.
Mikayla Morell
is an editor at MyHealthTeam.
Learn more about her here.
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