Dry skin and baby eczema:

what is it and how to treat it

Dry skin is a universal issue, especially for those living in hotter and drier climates like our region. So, there’s no surprise that babies and infants develop dry skin and eczema. While dryness is common for all babies, eczema tends to be more common in children with a family history of skin conditions.

What is baby eczema?

Eczema is, in simple words, an acute dryness of the skin. You’ll recognize it from the rough red patches on your baby’s skin. They’re usually dry, itchy, and scaly to the touch.

Infants are more likely to develop eczema on their faces, legs, and arms, while toddlers usually show those patches in the folds of their knees and elbows.

Causes of baby eczema

  1. Genetics
  2. Allergies
  3. Heat and sweating
  4. Prolonged sun exposure
  5. Low humidity
  6. Alcohol in skin products

How to treat dry skin and baby eczema

  1. Choosing the right products
    When choosing skincare products for your baby, look for those without alcohol or essential oils, as those tend to be irritating for their sensitive skin and can cause additional allergies or rashes besides eczema.
  2. Moisturizer
    One of the essential products you need is a good moisturizer like NIVEA BABY My First Cream, which can keep your baby’s skin moisturized.
  3. SPF
    Don’t forget to use a sunscreen with high SPF like NIVEA KIDS Ultra Protect & Play Lotion SPF 50+ to keep your baby’s skin safe from UV rays and protect it from losing too much moisture when out in the sun. 
    Limiting sun exposure is a good idea for babies by either avoiding the strong midday sun or making sure the baby is at least covered or shielded from direct sunlight when out and about.
  4. Bath
    Sweat and dust contribute to a baby’s dry skin and eczema, so bath time is the perfect opportunity to get all cleaned up.
    To avoid drying out your baby’s skin during their bath, keep the bath short (about 5 minutes), make sure the water isn’t too hot (lukewarm is more than enough), and use a small amount of mild shampoo like NIVEA BABY Pure & Mild Shampoo. When drying your baby, always pat them dry instead of rubbing them to not over-irritate their skin.
  5. Diapers
    Diapers should be regularly changed to avoid bacteria and moisture on your baby’s skin for a long time and keep that area clean and dry. 
  6. Humidifiers
    Lastly, if you live in a dry climate, consider investing in a humidifier to keep the air around your baby (and yourself) more humid and suitable for their sensitive skin.
If eczema persists, you should consult your baby’s doctor to determine if these treatments are enough for them. 

As always, take care of your baby and yourself, beautiful mama!

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