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Eczema is a common - yet often frustrating - condition for babies and their parents. It can appear in various forms, but at its core, it is a skin condition that leads to dry, itchy, and irritated patches of skin.
As a parent, seeing your baby struggle with eczema can be challenging, but understanding its causes, triggers, and how to manage it effectively can help you bring relief to your little one.
At Bright Body Baby, we’re committed to offering nontoxic and effective solutions for your baby’s skin care needs. In this post, we’ll explore the most common causes and triggers of baby eczema, lifestyle changes to reduce flare-ups, and how our line of baby products can help soothe and manage eczema every day.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that often starts in infancy. It can cause the skin to become dry, red, and irritated. While eczema can appear for various reasons, several common triggers and causes are often found in babies:
Eczema tends to run in families. If a parent or sibling has eczema, asthma, or hay fever, your baby may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. Genetics play a significant role in the skin’s ability to retain moisture and defend against irritants, which can lead to eczema flare-ups.
Eczema is often linked to an overactive immune system. In babies with eczema, their immune system may react to harmless substances as though they are harmful invaders. This overreaction can lead to inflammation and irritation of the skin.
One of the main causes of eczema flare-ups is dry skin. Babies have more delicate skin than adults, and it can lose moisture easily. Without enough moisture, the skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation and environmental stressors, making it prone to eczema flare-ups.
Babies with eczema often react to changes in their environment. Common environmental triggers include:
Approximately 30-40% of children with eczema have a food allergy. Food allergies are more common in kids with moderate to severe eczema. The most common eczema-related allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, and soy. These foods can trigger an immune response that leads to skin irritation and flare-ups. If your child does not have a known allergy, be mindful of the timing of flares with your baby's nutrition. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about a food allergy in your baby.
Certain bacterial or viral infections can aggravate eczema. The most common example is a skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can thrive in the damaged skin caused by eczema. Infections can make eczema worse and prolong flare-ups.
While genetics may play a role in eczema, there are several lifestyle changes that can help minimize flare-ups and reduce the severity of symptoms:
Keeping your baby’s skin well-moisturized is one of the most effective ways to prevent eczema flare-ups. Moisturizing helps restore the skin's protective barrier, locking in moisture and keeping irritants out. Use a gentle, nontoxic moisturizer that is free of harsh ingredients and fragrances. Apply moisturizers like Bright Body Baby Everywhere Lotion (in Unscented) immediately after a bath while the skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
Many soaps, especially those containing artificial fragrances or harsh cleaning agents, can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers like Bright Body Baby Head To Toe Wash (in Unscented), which is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients to cleanse without stripping away moisture.
The clothes your baby wears can also have an impact on eczema. Avoid fabrics that are rough or scratchy, instead opting for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo.
Extreme temperatures and changes in humidity can trigger eczema flare-ups. Try to keep your baby’s environment comfortable by maintaining a moderate room temperature and using a humidifier during dry fall and winter months. Avoid overdressing your baby, as overheating can worsen eczema.
Bathing your baby in hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, use lukewarm water and limit baths to 5-10 minutes. Follow up with a gentle moisturizer like Bright Body Baby Everywhere Lotion (in Unscented) to keep your baby’s skin hydrated.
If your baby has food allergies or sensitivities, eliminating the allergen from their diet can significantly reduce eczema flare-ups. Always consult your pediatrician and/or pediatric allergist before making any major dietary changes to ensure your baby’s nutritional needs are met.
Steroid creams are often prescribed to manage eczema, and intermittent steroid use is unavoidable for some families. There's absolutely no shame in doing what's best for your baby!
The biggest risks with topical steroids come with long-term, prescription-strength usage. A few of these longer-term risks include:
1. Skin Thinning (Atrophy)
One of the most common side effects of prolonged steroid use is skin thinning. Steroids can reduce the production of collagen in the skin, making it more fragile and prone to bruising, tearing, and scarring. This can be especially concerning in areas with thinner skin, such as the face, groin, and underarms.
Long-term use of steroids, especially on the face, can lead to a condition known as steroid-induced rosacea. This condition is characterized by redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels on the face, mimicking rosacea, a chronic skin condition.
Steroids can slow down the natural healing process of the skin. When applied for long periods, they may impair the skin’s ability to regenerate, causing wounds or skin irritations to take longer to heal.
Steroids can cause a lightening of the skin, especially in darker-skinned individuals. This occurs because steroids can affect melanin production in the skin, resulting in uneven pigmentation and visible discoloration.
Topical steroids can suppress the immune response in the skin, increasing the risk of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. In particular, areas with eczema may become more susceptible to infections like Staphylococcus aureus or herpes simplex virus.
In rare cases, long-term use of topical steroids around the mouth and nose can cause perioral dermatitis, which presents as red, bumpy rashes around the mouth, nose, and eyes.
When topical steroids are used for extended periods, especially potent ones, stopping their use abruptly can cause a rebound effect, worsening the eczema and causing severe itching, redness, and flare-ups. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as topical steroid addiction or withdrawal.
To manage these risks, use topical steroids in the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, apply steroids only to the affected areas, and consider using non-steroid products for maintenance once flares are under control.
Steroid creams are often prescribed to manage eczema, but many parents prefer to avoid steroid-based treatments due to potential side effects from long-term, high-dose usage. Fortunately, there are effective non-steroid alternatives that can soothe and manage eczema symptoms without the use of harsh chemicals. Some of the most commonly used non-steroid ingredients include:
Colloidal oatmeal is an effective, natural ingredient that helps to relieve itching and soothe irritated skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can form a barrier that locks in moisture, providing relief for eczema-prone skin.
Jojoba oil is a popular choice for eczema because it closely resembles the natural oils produced by the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in vitamins and minerals that help hydrate and repair the skin’s barrier. Jojoba oil can soothe irritation, reduce redness, and lock in moisture, making it an excellent option for eczema-prone skin.
Chamomile, especially German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing qualities. It contains active compounds like bisabolol and chamazulene, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation. Chamomile also has mild antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent infections in eczema-prone skin, especially when skin is cracked or irritated.
Zinc oxide has a soothing effect on the skin and helps to reduce inflammation. It is often found in baby creams and ointments used to treat eczema, especially in areas where skin is prone to chafing or irritation.
Shea butter is a natural emollient known for its ability to deeply moisturize the skin. It’s an excellent option for soothing dry, cracked, and irritated skin caused by eczema. Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties make it ideal for sensitive skin.
At Bright Body Baby, we understand the challenges of managing baby eczema (our Founder + CEO dealt with her twin's eczema in their early days), and that’s why we’ve created a line of products specifically designed to nurture and protect your baby’s delicate skin.
Our products are made with nontoxic, gentle ingredients that are perfect for everyday eczema management. All our products are available in Unscented formulations, which we highly recommend for eczema-prone skin.
Our Head To Toe Wash is the perfect cleanser for babies with eczema. It’s made with calming ingredients like aloe and olive oil derivatives, which soothe the skin while cleansing. It’s free of harsh ingredients, sulfates, and fragrances that can irritate eczema-prone skin. With this gentle wash, you can cleanse your baby’s skin without worrying about stripping away its natural moisture. Plus, hydrolyzed quinoa protein helps repair dry, damaged skin (and hair).
This lotion is a must-have for keeping your baby’s skin moisturized throughout the day. Formulated with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, jojoba esters, olive oil derivatives, and and aloe vera, it helps lock in moisture and prevent dryness. The lotion is lightweight yet effective, leaving your baby’s skin feeling soft and nourished without any greasy residue.
Our All Purpose Wonder Balm is a versatile solution for soothing dry, irritated skin. Whether it’s on your baby’s face, hands, or other areas prone to eczema flare-ups, this balm helps to provide targeted relief. The nourishing ingredients, like shea butter, jojoba esters, combined with a base of soothing chamomile and skin-repairing quinoa protein offer instant hydration while promoting the skin’s natural healing process.
Eczema can be frustrating (and painful) for both babies and parents, but understanding its causes and triggers, making simple lifestyle changes, and using the right products can help manage and soothe the skin.
Bright Body Baby’s Head To Toe Wash, Everywhere Lotion, and All Purpose Wonder Balm are all excellent options for providing your baby with gentle, nontoxic care that promotes healthy, comfortable skin. By incorporating these products into your baby’s daily routine, you can help manage eczema and support your baby’s skin health using the highest quality nontoxic ingredients.
If your baby is suffering from eczema, don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician to ensure you’re addressing the condition appropriately. In the meantime, you can rely on Bright Body Baby’s soothing products to make a real difference in your baby’s skin care routine. Use code NEW to get 15% off your first purchase.
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