Baby eczema: what you need to know

It itches, it's irritating, it really is aggravating… your little one is clearly very uncomfortable. Baby eczema is no fun at all. Fortunately, it is a well-known inflammatory condition. Which means that the causes, possible progressions, and above all the treatments are well understood.

At Maman et Bébé Nature, we go into more detail in this article. And above all, we share a few natural tips for fighting atopic dermatitis in infants.

Everything you need to know about baby eczema

Also known as atopic eczema, it generally appears between the ages of 3 months and 2 years. It is an inflammatory condition characterised by evolving flare-up phases, and it tends to disappear before adolescence.

Many children are prone to this skin condition. Although common, eczema in infants can still come as a surprise to parents… who suddenly see the soft, unblemished skin of their little cherub transform into red patches and eczema-like lesions.

In other words, crusts can form, along with redness, and even small blisters, all accompanied by itching.

You may well notice a change in your little one's behaviour as a result, which is understandable. It itches, it hurts, and they cannot express themselves or even soothe themselves. They may become grumpy and cry more than usual.

It is worth knowing that baby eczema generally appears when there is an atopic family history. In other words, the child has a predisposition to this allergy. Their immune system over-reacts to things in their environment, such as pollen or pollution. But it can also react against soaps, clothing fabrics, washing detergent, and even certain foods. These are common triggers that cannot, as a result, always be avoided.

How does it manifest itself?

You will generally spot eczema in a baby very quickly because of the itching visible on their skin. It can be widespread around the face, particularly on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. But it can also appear on the arms, thighs, and around the nappy area.

In children over 2 years old, atopic dermatitis is often found in skin folds. For example, in the creases of the elbows and knees.

You will notice red patches, topped with small bumps, giving the skin a rough texture. There is also a degree of dryness around these patches, which are paradoxically accompanied by blisters that can burst. A weeping of clear fluid then appears, which eventually gives way to yellow-coloured patches.

Tackling baby eczema: natural solutions

As we mentioned earlier in this article, there are natural solutions to help soothe your baby.

However, first and foremost, we can only advise you to consult your paediatrician to have these patches checked.

Here are a few ideas to help relieve your baby's atopic eczema:

• Aleppo soap: as well as being eco-friendly, economical, and natural, this solid bar is enriched with olive and laurel oils. It will moisturise your baby's skin whilst respecting its pH.

• Breast milk: using a compress, soak it in your breast milk, then dab it onto the area to be treated. If it is the nappy area, it is advisable to leave the skin exposed to air as much as possible, and to clean and dry it immediately after each change.

• Liniment: whether home-made or bought organic, oleo-calcareous liniment is excellent for moisturising and relieving itching.

• Oat milk bath: renowned for being very soothing, oat milk calms sensitive skin and nourishes it.

And you — which solution have you already tried?