How can I treat baby eczema?

Answer From Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Bathing and moisturizing are key to treating baby eczema, which also is called infantile atopic dermatitis. Give your child a short lukewarm bath or shower every day or every other day. Use a mild, nonsoap cleanser that's labeled fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

After a bath of 5 to 10 minutes, rinse completely, gently pat your baby dry and apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) while the skin is still damp. Moisturize at least twice a day, perhaps at diaper changes. When trying a new moisturizer, test it on a small area of the child's skin first to make sure it's well tolerated. Keep using this skin care routine even if your child's skin looks and feels better.

The symptoms of baby eczema also may be eased by avoiding irritants — such as itchy fabric and harsh soaps — and extremes in temperature. To prevent your child's scratching the rash, it may help to keep your baby's nails clipped short or to put on cotton mittens during sleep.

Have your baby examined if the condition persists or the rash is crusty and weepy or has blisters. A child who has a fever and rash also may need to be seen by a healthcare professional. Talk with your child’s healthcare professional about using a medicated cream or ointment or trying bleach baths to ease symptoms.

Most children outgrow baby eczema by 3 to 5 years of age.

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Jan. 29, 2025 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Allergies
  2. Allergy medications: Know your options
  3. Allergy-proof your home
  4. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  5. Atopic dermatitis: 6 ways to manage itchy skin
  6. Atopic dermatitis: Proper bathing can reduce itching
  7. Atopic dermatitis: Understand your triggers
  8. Biofeedback
  9. Can I exercise if I have atopic dermatitis?
  10. Common baby rashes
  11. Dry skin
  12. Ease stress to reduce eczema symptoms
  13. Eczema bleach bath: Can it improve my symptoms?
  14. How to heal cracked heels
  15. How to heal cracked skin at thumb tip
  16. I have atopic dermatitis. How can I sleep better?
  17. Living better with atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  18. Mayo Clinic Minute: Eczema occurs in people of all ages
  19. Mayo Clinic Minute: Moisturizer tips from a dermatologist
  20. Nasal Cleaning
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  23. Types of dermatitis