How can I tell if my baby has eczema?
Babies often get rashes on their face, around their cheeks and chin areas, as well as at the joint points like inside elbow and knee creases. Don’t worry! This is a common scenario and although it can look bad, with the right care it’s perfectly manageable.
How can I care for my baby’s eczema?
New parents are understandably anxious when it comes down to caring for their GP or and you can also follow these 5 simple tips:GP or and you can also follow these 5 simple tips:
1. Keep moisturising
Keeping the skin nourished and moisturised is the first step. Apply a balm or emollient every day right after the bath or shower, as damp skin absorbs the most moisture. Studies show that moisturising babies from a young age can help prevent them from developing eczema, as you are helping to keep their skin barrier strong against allergens from day one.
2. Stay away from allergens
If you know what type of eczema your baby has and what triggers it, keep away from the causes. Scratchy wool clothing, strong or fragranced detergents and dust can all be common culprits. You should also prefer white or light-coloured cotton clothing, as dark dyes can irritate the skin.
3. Go fragrance free
Check all skincare products you use on your baby to make sure they are fragrance-free. In fact, the fewer ingredients, the better!
4. Use an emollient in the bath
Simply adding an emollient oil to the bath can be soothing. Dermatologist Dr. Stefanie Williams also recommends shorter bath times and avoiding water that is too hot or cold - a comfortably warm temperature is best.
5. Go for Glycerin
When choosing moisturiser for your baby, skip any with preservatives. Opt for a glycerin base that can help relieve the itching and rough skin patches that are so common with eczema. Additionally, skin expert and dermatologist, Dr Justine Kluk recommends avoiding certain products. She says: “Avoid urea or lactic acid - they may irritate the skin of very young children.”
La Roche-Posay: Lipikar Range
The LIPIKAR AP+ range is fragrance free and suitable for babies over 3 months. It also helps to repair the skin’s natural barrier, respecting the skin’s microbiome and providing long-lasting hydration while also soothing skin and reducing dryness and discomfort immediately.