Baby eczema remedies that actually help

When my daughter's eczema was at its worst, I tried almost every remedy parents recommend. These are the ones that made a real difference, and the ones I'd skip.

1. Soak and seal, every day

This is the foundation of every baby eczema remedy. Give a short, lukewarm bath (5 to 10 minutes), pat the skin almost dry, and apply a thick moisturizer over the whole body within 3 minutes. Plain petroleum jelly works beautifully and costs very little.

2. Lower staph on the skin

Staph bacteria live on most flaring eczema skin, and their toxins drive redness, itch and infection. This was the missing piece for my daughter. I use a hypochlorous acid spray 3 to 4 times a day and let it air dry, and a CLn BodyWash in the bath. Read more about staph and eczema.

3. Treat flares early

A red, itchy patch is inflamed skin, and moisturizer alone won't calm it. Use the ointment your pediatrician prescribes, such as a mild steroid or an anti-infective ointment, as soon as a spot appears. Don't be afraid of this step. The longer skin stays inflamed, the more sensitized it becomes and the longer the eczema lasts.

4. Remove fragrance from the whole house

Switch to fragrance-free laundry detergent and unscented hand soap for everyone, not just your baby. Skip scented wipes, lotions and dryer sheets.

5. Dress and sleep for calm skin

• Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo, including a bamboo crib sheet.
• Scratch sleeves or mittens at night, and short nails.
• A cool bedroom. Overheating and sweat make itch worse.

Popular remedies I'd be careful with

• Essential oils (tea tree, lavender and others) can irritate eczema skin or cause allergic reactions.
• Apple cider vinegar can sting and burn broken skin. Skip it for babies.
• "Natural" balms with many plant extracts can trigger reactions. Patch test first.
• Removing foods without a doctor's guidance. Food allergy can occur alongside eczema, but cutting out foods on your own can lead to nutrition problems. Talk to your pediatrician first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best home remedy for baby eczema?

The most effective home remedy is a daily soak-and-seal routine: a short lukewarm bath, then a thick fragrance-free moisturizer such as petroleum jelly over the whole body within 3 minutes. For eczema that keeps flaring or gets infected, lowering staph on the skin helps too.

Are oatmeal baths good for baby eczema?

Colloidal oatmeal baths can soothe itchy skin for some babies. Keep the bath short and lukewarm, and moisturize right after.

Is coconut oil good for baby eczema?

Some families find it helpful, but it isn't better than plain petroleum jelly, and a few children react to it. If you try it, patch test a small spot first.

When should I see a doctor for baby eczema?

See your pediatrician if home remedies aren't controlling the itch, if eczema is keeping your baby up at night, or the same day for oozing, yellow crusts, fever, or painful blisters or sores.

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