Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, can appear between 2 and 6 months of age in infants. It is a very common skin condition that appears as dry and red skin. Common locations on infants include the forehead, cheeks, scalp and trunk. Scratching can worsen the condition, making it crust over and sometimes ooze. There is no known cure for this ailment, but there are methods of treating the symptoms to make a baby more comfortable and improve the appearance of the rash.
Hydration Products
One of the symptoms of eczema is excessively dry skin that flakes or scales. Treating this symptom in babies can be done with the use of moisturizers and strong hydrating creams. Products with minimal additives such as fragrance, dyes and alcohols are best. Ointments, lubricants and other lotions can be effective. Examples include Eucerin, Nivea, Cetaphil or Lubriderm. Aquaphor ointment or Hydrolatum and Vanicream lubricants can be applied for added hydration. Hydration products should be applied at least twice per day and immediately after a bath while the skin is still wet to lock in moisture.
Steroids
Topical steroids are useful in reducing eczema flareups and redness. Steroid use in babies must be done under a pediatrician's supervision only. Steroids are often used to treat an immediate flareup and then stopped once the eczema improves. Continued use is not recommended, as the skin can become accustomed to the medication, making it ineffective. Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatrician and founder of DrGreene.com, recommends the smallest dose of cortisone cream available over the counter, unless prescribed something else by a doctor.
Bath Products
Natural and mild bath products can be used often on infants. Such examples include mild soaps that are considered to be non-drying. Oatmeal baths can help soothe discomfort. Dr. Greene recommends brief baths with little to no use of soaps such as Dove or Neutrogena. Babies with extremely sensitive skin may benefit from Cetaphil cleanser.
Topical Antihistamine
Antihistamine blocks the sensation that prompts scratching. A thin layer of a topical antihistamine may help reduce a baby's need to scratch the eczema. This product should only be used under the supervision or recommendation of a doctor.
