Treat Eczema on a baby.
How to Treat Eczema on a Baby: Causes, Symptoms & Simple Ways to Soothe Their Skin
Fast Answer: How to Treat Eczema on a Baby
To treat eczema on a baby, keep their skin moisturised, avoid triggers like detergents and heat, use lukewarm baths and apply a gentle, fragrance-free cream daily. Supporting the skin barrier early helps calm redness, itching and irritation quickly.If you’re unsure whether your baby’s symptoms are eczema, here’s how to recognise the early signs of eczema in babies.
Quick Summary
- Baby eczema is common and is often triggered by dryness, detergents, heat, saliva or allergens.
- The best way to treat eczema on a baby is with daily moisturising, gentle baths and trigger avoidance.
- Fragrance-free creams, such as Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream, can help soothe irritation and protect delicate skin
Understanding Eczema in Babies
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes redness, itching and irritation. It often begins within the first six months of life and can appear in a few different forms. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, but babies can also develop contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema or cradle cap.
When you want to treat eczema on a baby, it helps to understand why it happens, what it looks like and how to soothe flare-ups gently and safely.
This article is part of our complete guide to infant eczema care.
Read the full Infant Eczema Treatment guide
Why Babies Develop Eczema
Eczema doesn’t have one single cause. Most experts believe it develops because of a mix of genetics and environmental triggers. A baby’s skin barrier is naturally delicate, so when it reacts to irritants, inflammation begins.
Typical triggers include:
- Scented or harsh soaps
- Certain baby shampoos
- Dry, cold weather
- Overheating or sweating
- Strong laundry detergents
- Fabrics like wool
When the skin barrier becomes irritated, it dries out quickly and becomes itchy. That is why learning how to treat eczema on a baby early on is so important.
How to Treat Eczema on a Baby: What Really Helps
Eczema is not contagious. And with the right approach, most babies find relief quickly.
To treat eczema on a baby, focus on three key steps:
1. Identify and Avoid Triggers
Watch how your baby’s skin reacts to everyday routines. Sometimes the trigger is as simple as a body wash, a detergent or saliva from teething.
Removing triggers often reduces irritation before it starts.
2. Use a Daily Bathing & Moisturising Routine
A predictable routine strengthens the skin barrier.
Try this gentle method:
- Bathe your baby in lukewarm water
- Use a fragrance-free, mild cleanser
- Pat the skin dry — don’t rub
- Apply a moisturiser immediately after bathing to lock in hydration
This is one of the most effective ways to treat eczema on a baby naturally.
3. Choose the Right Soothing Cream
Your doctor may recommend:
- Over-the-counter moisturisers
- Prescription topical creams
- Steroid creams (only as directed)
Many families also prefer barrier creams that are fragrance-free and created for sensitive skin.
Gentle Support with Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream
Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream, made with naturally soothing snail mucin, is designed for delicate, reactive baby skin. It is fragrance-free, deeply hydrating and helps calm dryness — which makes it a great option for parents looking for a gentle way to treat eczema on a baby.
It supports the skin barrier, reduces dryness and provides soft, lasting comfort.
How Baby Eczema Looks at Each Age
Baby Eczema Symptoms by Age (SEO Table)
| Age Group | Common Eczema Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 0–6 Months | Red cheeks, chin irritation, forehead patches, weepy skin |
| 6–12 Months | Elbow and knee rashes, crusting from scratching, dry patches |
| 2–5 Years | Crease irritation (knees/elbows), wrist & ankle patches, thickened skin |
| 5+ Years | Hand eczema, elbow/knee folds, irritation behind ears or scalp |
0–6 Months
Red, irritated patches often appear on the cheeks, chin and forehead. Skin may sometimes look weepy or swollen.
6–12 Months
As babies crawl, eczema commonly shows up on the elbows and knees. If scratched, crusts or small bumps may appear.
Toddlers (2–5 Years)
Patches develop inside the elbows, behind the knees and on wrists or ankles. Dryness and thickened skin may be more noticeable.
Older Children
Eczema often settles in elbow or knee creases or appears on the hands. Some may also get irritation behind the ears or on the scalp.
Common Flare-Up Triggers in Babies
Knowing these helps you treat eczema on a baby more effectively:
- Dry winter weather
- Heat, sweat or rough fabrics
- Dust mites, pet dander or pollen
- Strong soaps or cleaning products
- Teething drool irritating the cheeks and chin
- Over-washing the skin
The more you understand your baby’s patterns, the easier eczema becomes to manage.
How Long Does Baby Eczema Take to Improve?
Every baby is different, but most parents notice improvement within 1–2 weeks when moisturising daily and avoiding triggers. Deeply irritated or long-lasting flare-ups may take longer. If the skin isn’t improving after two weeks, speak with a paediatrician.
✅ What NOT to Do When Treating Baby Eczema
When you’re trying to treat eczema on a baby, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what helps. These simple “don’ts” can prevent flare-ups and protect your baby’s delicate skin:
❌ Don’t use scented or perfumed products
Avoid bubble baths, fragranced baby lotions, strong detergents and anything with added perfume. These can irritate the skin barrier and trigger flare-ups.
❌ Don’t bathe your baby in hot water
Hot water dries the skin quickly. Always use lukewarm water instead.
❌ Don’t scrub the skin or rub with rough towels
Scrubbing increases inflammation. Gently pat the skin dry after bathing.
❌ Don’t over-wash the skin
Too much washing removes natural oils. Stick to short, daily baths with mild, fragrance-free cleansers.
❌ Don’t layer too many products
Using several creams at once can overload sensitive skin. Keep things simple with one gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser.
❌ Don’t use steroid creams longer than advised
If prescribed, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Overuse can thin the skin, especially in babies.
❌ Don’t let eczema go untreated
If the skin becomes weepy, infected, very sore, or if flare-ups worsen, always consult a paediatrician.
Eczema vs Atopic Dermatitis
“Eczema” is a general term for itchy, inflamed skin.
“Atopic dermatitis” is one specific type — and the type most babies experience. It is long-lasting, often genetic and linked to a sensitive immune system.
Understanding the difference helps guide treatment choices.
Final Thoughts
When you’re trying to treat eczema on a baby, simple steps can make a big difference. Avoid triggers, protect their skin every day and use soothing, gentle products designed for sensitive skin. With consistent care, most babies experience fewer flare-ups and much calmer skin over time.
Need Gentle Support for Your Baby’s Eczema?
If your baby’s skin is dry, irritated or reacting to daily triggers, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser can make a big difference. Most babies respond quickly when their skin is protected consistently, so don’t lose heart.
Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream, made with soothing snail mucin, is designed to hydrate, calm and protect delicate baby skin. It’s simple, gentle and perfect for everyday use.
👉 Learn more here:
https://braganskincare.com/snail-range/atopic-cream-for-sensitive-skin/
Give your baby’s skin the soft, comforting care it deserves.
FAQs: How to Treat Eczema on a Baby
1. What is the best way to treat eczema on a baby?
The best way to treat eczema on a baby is to keep their skin moisturised, avoid known triggers and use gentle, fragrance-free skincare. Daily bathing followed by applying a soothing cream helps protect and repair the skin barrier.
2. Can I treat eczema on a baby naturally?
Yes. Many parents prefer natural approaches such as fragrance-free moisturisers, oatmeal baths and gentle barrier creams designed for sensitive skin. Natural options can work well when combined with avoiding triggers like harsh detergents and scented products.
3. What does eczema look like on a baby?
Baby eczema usually appears as red, itchy patches on the cheeks, chin and forehead. Older infants may develop irritation on elbows, knees and skin folds. Sometimes the skin looks dry, rough or slightly weepy.
4. What triggers eczema flare-ups in babies?
Common triggers include dry weather, heat, sweating, teething drool, rough fabrics, harsh soaps and allergens like dust or pet dander. Identifying these triggers makes it easier to treat eczema on a baby effectively.
5. Can certain creams help treat eczema on a baby?
Yes. Paediatricians often recommend gentle moisturisers, prescription creams or short-term steroid treatments when needed. Many parents also use fragrance-free products such as Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream to support and hydrate delicate baby skin.
6. When should I see a doctor about my baby’s eczema?
You should speak to a doctor if the eczema worsens, becomes infected, doesn’t improve with home care or is causing significant discomfort. A paediatrician or paediatric dermatologist can recommend safe and effective treatments.
Related Articles
If you found this guide helpful, you may also like:
- Eczema in Small Babies
https://braganskincare.com/eczema-in-small-babies/ - Eczema Cream for Infants
https://braganskincare.com/eczema-cream-for-infants/
This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a paediatrician for personalised medical advice.
Updated: November 2025
About the Author
Kieran Corley is the founder of Bragan Skincare, based in Co. Monaghan, Ireland. He works closely with families dealing with eczema, sensitive skin and childhood skin conditions, combining natural formulations with real-world experience from parents across Ireland. He has helped thousands of parents across Ireland find gentle, fragrance-free solutions for sensitive baby skin.