Understanding and treating baby eczema

Does your baby suffer from eczema ? This skin condition is affecting more and more infants and is extremely stressful for parents. Indeed, even if it is benign, this disease is problematic in the long term, because it recurs in flare-ups!

To combat it, it is important to understand its origin and how it manifests itself in babies. Discover in this article the causes of baby eczema, such as genetic predispositions and allergens, as well as natural and effective solutions to treat it while respecting your skin.

Causes of baby eczema

What is baby eczema?

Baby eczema or atopic eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that can appear in children as young as one month old. And yes, so early...

It is a chronic condition which not only begins very early in the child's life, but progresses in outbreaks. Although it usually eventually disappears before adolescence, it sometimes reappears in the adult phase of life. We are therefore never sure of getting rid of it completely.

What causes baby eczema?

There are multiple causes of baby eczema.

First, there are genetic predispositions , also called family background . Indeed, a child whose one parent has atopic skin risks suffering from eczema.

This is explained by an external skin barrier that is too permeable . This fails to retain the water necessary for the good health of the skin and allows external elements such as allergens and bacteria to pass through, which will trigger a defense reaction: eczema.

Secondly, still linked to genetics, atopy is accompanied by an immune system that overreacts to the slightest attack. In the presence of an external element, sometimes harmless, the immune system will defend itself in an exaggerated manner. The result: inflammation under the skin barrier which results in eczematous outbreaks!

Third, baby eczema often manifests after contact with triggers . These can be food allergens (e.g. nuts), environmental allergens (e.g. pollen, wool, insect bites, etc.), chemical products (shampoos, shower gels, etc.), drooling (because of too high a pH compared to the skin), vaccinations (Allergy / Response).

Pollen May Be an Eczema Trigger

Finally, aggravating factors such as stress (separation, arrival of a little brother or sister, etc.), teething, childhood illnesses, scratching and rubbing can trigger and/or worsen attacks. .

What are the symptoms of eczema in babies?

Dear parents, vigilance is required: if you see a rash of red patches which make your child's skin dry , scaly , or even cracked , and which causes itching , it is probably eczema.

In babies, this skin condition most often starts from the forehead, then progresses to the cheeks, chin or thighs. As mentioned above, it can appear in the first months after birth.

Also pay attention to areas of the body like the back, arms, and thighs, where it can also sneak in!

How to treat baby eczema?

Strengthen your skin barrier with natural oils

Unfortunately, there are currently no medications that can completely cure infant eczema. Eczema is a chronic pathology , the treatment of which is long-term. It will therefore be necessary to maintain baby's skin on a daily basis !

To strengthen the skin barrier and thus prevent various triggers from penetrating it, rely on products based on natural, organic oils and butters , and from a first cold pressing . They will keep your child's skin constantly hydrated , while respecting it.

Exit cortisone and other chemical molecules which attack the skin and can induce an even stronger reaction!

We recommend, for example, shea butter, sweet almond oil, rosehip vegetable oil, hemp vegetable oil, etc.

Shea butter is particularly known for its nourishing, soothing and above all moisturizing qualities. It will reduce the drying of baby's skin and help it heal.

Apply these treatments daily to the areas affected by breakouts. Above all, be regular , it's the key to a healthy skin barrier and eczema that disappears!

Soothe baby's skin

It is also important to soothe your child's skin to avoid scratching and rubbing which worsens eczema, but also for their own comfort!

Opt for example for Roman chamomile hydrosol or Calendula officinalis macerate, which are natural, anti-inflammatory, soothing and skin-friendly ingredients.

Habits to adopt

Certain habits, in addition to the treatments mentioned above, greatly contribute to combating baby eczema.

This involves avoiding chemical products as much as possible (shower gels, shampoos, etc. Be careful, even in pharmacies, certain baby products contain controversial synthetic molecules!), having a good lifestyle (a healthy diet, make him drink enough...), food supplements if necessary (e.g. organic evening primrose oil for babies), salt baths, be careful that the bath water is not too hard ( oats help soften it).

And of course, put things into perspective , don't stress too much: eczema can take time to disappear, the most important thing is regularity and lots of love for baby!

Finally, know that our Olie Neela products contain all these natural and healthy ingredients which help strengthen the skin barrier as well as soothe eczematous and atopic-prone skin. All our ranges are suitable for babies as well as parents and pregnant mothers! Also find our complete guide with even more tips for regaining control.