Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common skin conditions in babies—affecting up to 20% of infants worldwide. If your baby has red, itchy, or dry patches on their skin, you’re not alone—and thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to manage it.
In this post, we’ll walk through the basics of baby eczema, what causes it, how to treat flare-ups, and how to keep your baby’s skin comfortable and healthy.
What Is Baby Eczema?
Baby eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically shows up as:
· Red or pink patches
· Dry or scaly skin
· Itching (which may lead to rubbing or disturbed sleep)
· Crusty or weeping skin (in more severe cases)
It most often appears on the cheeks, scalp, arms, and legs, but can occur anywhere on the body. Symptoms can come and go, with flare-ups triggered by various factors.
What Causes It?
There’s no single cause of eczema, but it’s typically linked to:
· Genetics – If one or both parents have eczema, allergies, or asthma, the risk increases.
· A weakened skin barrier – Baby skin is thinner and more permeable. In eczema, the skin has a harder time holding moisture and protecting against irritants.
· Environmental triggers – Dry air, heat, soaps, rough fabrics, and even saliva or drool can aggravate the skin.
· Immune system sensitivity – Eczema is considered an overactive immune response to normal stimuli.
How to Treat Baby Eczema
There’s no permanent cure yet—but eczema can be managed and improved with the right steps:
1. Moisturize Often (and Gently)
Use a fragrance-free, non-irritating moisturizer at least 2–3 times daily, especially right after baths. Look for products designed for eczema-prone or sensitive baby skin.
2. Use a Gentle Cleanser
Avoid soaps with fragrance, alcohol, or harsh preservatives. Opt for non-soap cleansers or “soap-free” washes that maintain the skin's pH.
3. Limit Baths
Short baths (5–10 minutes) with lukewarm water are ideal. Pat dry—don’t rub—and apply moisturizer immediately.
4. Avoid Triggers
Try to identify and eliminate potential triggers, like:
· Rough clothing (opt for cotton)
· Heat or sweating
· Certain laundry detergents or skin care products
5. Correct the Skin's pH to Support Barrier Repair
Healthy baby skin maintains a slightly acidic pH—ideally between 4.7 and 4.9—which plays a critical role in protecting against dryness, irritation, and infections. However, in babies with eczema, the skin often shifts toward a more alkaline pH, disrupting its natural barrier function and leaving it more vulnerable to flare-ups.
A pH-correcting moisturizer can help restore this delicate balance and reinforce the skin’s natural defenses. Soteri Bebe Skin Treatment is specifically designed to support and maintain optimal skin pH while delivering deep, soothing hydration—making it ideal for sensitive or eczema-prone baby skin.
🌿 Soteri Bebe is fragrance-free, steroid-free, and dermatologist-tested for baby use.
What to Look for in Products
Choose baby products that are:
· Fragrance-free
· pH-balanced
· Hypoallergenic
· Tested for sensitive or eczema-prone skin
Avoid “natural” products that contain essential oils, which can still irritate delicate baby skin.
When Needed, Use Medication
In more severe cases, pediatricians may recommend:
| Class | Generic Name(s) | Approved Age (US) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topical Corticosteroids | Hydrocortisone, Triamcinolone, etc. | Varies (≥2 months for low-potency) | Widely used; potency and duration must be adjusted by age & site |
| Calcineurin Inhibitors | Pimecrolimus (Elidel®) | ≥2 years | Mild-to-moderate AD |
| Tacrolimus (Protopic®) | ≥2 years | Use lower strength (0.03%) in children | |
| Topical JAK Inhibitor | Ruxolitinib (Opzelura®) | ≥12 years | Mild-to-moderate AD, non-immunocompromised |
| Oral JAK Inhibitors | Upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) | ≥12 years | Moderate-to-severe AD; weight and comorbidity restrictions apply |
| Abrocitinib (Cibinqo®) | ≥12 years | Moderate-to-severe AD; approved in US and EU | |
| Tapinarof (Vtama®) | Tapinarof | Not yet approved for children | Under investigation for pediatric use |
| PDE4 Inhibitors | Crisaborole (Eucrisa®) | ≥3 months | Approved for mild-to-moderate AD |
| Roflumilast (Zoryve®) | Not yet approved for AD in children | Approved for psoriasis ≥6 years | |
| Biologics | Dupilumab (Dupixent®) | ≥6 months | Moderate-to-severe AD; approved down to infants |
| Tralokinumab (Adbry®) | ≥18 years (US) | Not yet approved for pediatric use in US; EU approval for ≥12 years |
Always consult your doctor before using any medication.
Final Thoughts
Eczema can be frustrating—but with the right care, most babies improve significantly over time. Keep their skin moisturized, avoid known triggers, and talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for your child.
Your baby’s skin is unique, and finding the right solution may take a little trial and error—but you’re not alone on this journey.
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Soteri Bebe Skin Treatment was developed to support delicate, eczema-prone baby skin by restoring its natural acidity and strengthening the skin barrier.
Learn more or try it today: BÉBÉ SKIN