Silky-smooth skin - is that automatic for every baby? Not quite: around 5 to 10 percent of babies have eczema, and as many as 40 percent experience baby acne. What exactly are eczema and baby acne, what causes them, and how do you deal with them?
Eczema in babies
A baby with eczema is usually easy to spot: their face, arms, and/or legs are red and covered in itchy, dry patches. The skin is often flaky and feels warm and swollen. Your baby will want to scratch - understandably, since eczema itches a lot. Unfortunately, scratching only makes it worse. Eczema is often chronic, though shorter-lived forms can also occur in young children. Thankfully, it isn't contagious.
What causes eczema?
Eczema is usually hereditary, often passed down from a parent. Certain external factors can also make it worse in some babies, such as:
- Warm weather and sweating.
- Detergents or fabric softeners with added fragrance.
- Bathing too often - water dries out the skin, and non-mild soaps or shampoos can irritate it.
- Clothing made from non-natural or rough materials, like wool.
Most babies go through so-called eczema flare-ups, where the skin suddenly becomes covered in dry, itchy patches - without your baby always being bothered by it themselves.
Not all eczema is the same
Eczema comes in several forms. The most common - and also the most troublesome - is constitutional (atopic) eczema: a hereditary inflammatory skin condition that can appear within the first few days of life. It can't be cured, but most children grow out of it over time. Other forms include contact eczema (after contact with a substance your child is sensitive to) and seborrhoeic eczema, also known as cradle cap, which appears on the scalp.
Eczema caused by allergies
Besides the factors above, eczema can also be a reaction to certain foods, such as cow's milk. Suspect your baby's mild eczema might be linked to their current feeding? Consider a different type of feeding, always in consultation with your doctor or health visitor.
Preventing and easing eczema
Eczema unfortunately can't be cured, but it clears up on its own in most children - this can take until they're three or four years old. In the meantime, you can ease the symptoms:
- Keep your baby's skin well moisturised: eczema-prone skin is often dry and flaky, and regular moisturising helps prevent dryness and reduces the urge to scratch.
- Keep the house clean: dust mites can trigger eczema flare-ups.
- Choose natural, breathable, non-irritating fabrics like cotton.
- Don't bathe your baby more than twice a week, using mild cleansers without soap, fragrance, or alcohol. Pat the skin dry afterwards rather than rubbing it.
- Keep nails trimmed short, so scratching does less damage to the skin. Does your little one scratch a lot? Special anti-scratch mittens can help.
The information in this article has been carefully put together to support new parents dealing with eczema. Every child is different: if symptoms are severe or persistent, always contact your doctor or health visitor.
About Kabrita
Kabrita goat milk-based formula is a Dutch product that combines mild Dutch goat milk with a modern composition based on the latest scientific insights, resulting in a complete formula that delivers key nutrients gently.
Kabrita: gentle on little tummies.