Why you shouldn’t ignore red, itchy baby skin

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Red, itchy, scaly patches on your baby’s beautiful face are not just a problem for all those fall pictures you have planned. They can signal a serious, yet common skin condition: atopic dermatitis, also called eczema. 

Up to 18 percent of children under two years old suffer from this type of skin inflammation. It is most common in families with a history of eczema, allergies, or asthma. It often first appears as dry skin, but can progress to look like a rash. If left untreated, skin can ooze or bleed and develop a crust, particularly when scratched. 

Eczema can appear anywhere on the body and be extremely uncomfortable. Because there’s no real cure, it can be difficult to control. It’s up to parents and doctors to manage the condition through careful skin care. 

Even if your baby’s eczema isn’t that serious, it’s important to relieve the symptoms. Itchy skin can be extremely uncomfortable, and scratching opens the skin to allergens and infections. 

Here are a few tips I give moms and dads in my practice: 

Avoid fragrances and chemicals. Certain laundry detergents, dyes, and chemicals can irritate your baby’s skin, so it’s best to use gentle, non-soap cleansers that are fragrance- and dye-free. 

Choose 100 percent cotton clothing. Cotton fibers are breathable and can keep your little one from getting too hot. Heat (as well as sweat) can trigger eczema flares. 



Bathe you baby frequently. Up until recently, dermatologists suggested avoiding baths because they can dry the skin. Today, we see them as a way to reintroduce moisture to the skin’s surface. Just be careful to use cleansers designed for sensitive skin. It’s also very important to moisturize your baby’s skin immediately after bathing. 

Slather on creams or ointments. They seal in moisture after baths. Don’t forget to reapply creams throughout the day, too. It can be messy, but it’s one of the best ways to keep skin hydrated. Experts agree that creams and ointments are more effective than lotions. 

While these measures can help control many mild eczema cases, moderate to severe flares may require more aggressive treatment, such as vinegar baths, prescription steroid creams and even immunosuppressant drugs. Additionally, parents of babies with severe eczema may want to talk to an allergist about introducing eggs and peanuts, as eczema raises the risk of having an allergic reaction. 

If you suspect your child has eczema or are having trouble treating their dry skin, talk to your pediatrician about whether it’s time to see a dermatologist. 

While there is no way to get rid of eczema, you can minimize the discomfort. Many babies end up outgrowing the condition, or have flares that are spaced further apart. Researchers are continuing to develop new drugs, and dermatology providers are hopeful that new and better options will ultimately become available. 

Dr. Jason Boyd is a board-certified dermatologist caring for patients of all ages at The Vancouver Clinic.