Approximately 20 percent of babies and young children have eczema, according to the medical advisory board at BabyCenter.com. The skin rash usually starts in the first year of life and many cases will improve on their own by the age of two. Parents can ease the discomfort of eczema by making certain lifestyle changes and following the recommendations of their doctor.
Frequent Bathing
Daily bathing can help some babies with eczema, but it depends on the circumstances and parents should talk to a pediatrician about how often to bathe their baby. Keep the water at a lukewarm temperature, as hot water can dry out the skin and exacerbate the condition. Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and shampoos when possible. The medical advisory board of BabyCenter.com recommends washing and shampooing the baby at the end of bath time so the baby doesn't have to sit long in soapy water. After bathing, pat the baby dry instead of rubbing her with a towel.
Bleach Baths
A special kind of bath that includes diluted bleach water can also help treat chronic eczema, according to Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., a contributor to the Mayo Clinic website. Place 1/2 cup of bleach in about 40 gallons of water to make this bath. Generally, babies will soak in this bath for about five to 10 minutes, approximately twice a week. However, parents should always talk to a doctor before giving a bleach bath and follow doctor recommendations for specific instructions for a bleach bath for their baby.
Moisturizers or Emolliants
Any cream or lotion that works by protecting the baby's own moisture is useful at treating eczema. Some babies will respond to specific brands better than others, so finding the right lotion can require a trial-and-error approach. Apply the lotion liberally each time the baby finishes his bathing. For severe cases of eczema, several applications of lotion each day might work better.
Preventing Scratching
Monitor the baby while awake to ensure he does not scratch his skin, as this usually irritates or inflames the skin and makes eczema worse. Parents should keep the baby's nails as short as possible and consider covering his hands with cotton mittens or socks while he sleeps.
Corticosteriods
Corticosteriods, also referred to as cortisone creams, are applied directly to the areas of the skin affected with eczema. These creams are available over the counter and by prescription, depending upon the strength needed. The Nemours Foundation's website KidsHealth.org warns that using the wrong strength could damage sensitive skin, so parents should ask a doctor for recommendations before using a corticosteroid cream.
Supplementary Treatments
Doctor may prescribe additional treatments to treat eczema. Antihistamines relieve the itching associated with eczema, which makes the baby more comfortable. Secondary infections are common in children with eczema, explains KidsHealth.org, so doctors may also prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to prevent or treat these infections.
