Although the itchy skin condition can be challenging to manage, there are natural remedies for infant eczema that can help.
In extreme cases of eczema, a trip to the doctor and some prescription ointment may be in order, but in many other cases, eczema can be alleviated and soothed with a natural remedy you might even have around the house.
From an oatmeal bath to a humidifier to coconut oil and even breast milk (it really does cure it all!), try these remedies when your little one is dealing with the discomfort of eczema.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal baths are one of the most popular natural remedies for infant eczema because they can help alleviate itching. Follow these steps to make an oatmeal bath:
- Blend about 1/3 cup of oats on the highest setting until you have a fine powder.
- Sprinkle the powder into a tub of running water and stir until the water looks cloudy and feels “silky.”
- Let your little one soak for about 20 minutes.
Use a Humidifier
Dry air only makes dry skin (eczema) all the more dry, which can – you guessed it – exacerbate eczema symptoms. Adding a cool mist humidifier to your child’s bedroom air can help add moisture to the skin, which will also cut down on itchiness and other eczema symptoms.
Choose the Right Moisturizers
Moisturizing is key for managing eczema. It’s crucial to time your baby’s moisturizing for after a bath to lock in the moisturizer within three minutes after the bath. Additionally, choosing the best type of moisturizer is important.
The National Eczema Association, or NEA, recommends the following moisturizing agents for eczema:
- Oat or shea butter
- Aloe
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Petrolatum
- Vitamin E
- Humectants
- Niacinamide
Clearly, not all of those moisturizers are natural remedies for infant eczema, so you can choose which types you are comfortable with and which work best for your baby. The association also recommends avoiding fragrances and dyes.
Bathe Baby Less
Aside from giving your baby a few oatmeal baths here and there, try bathing your baby less than you normally do because bathing can dry and strip skin. Also, make baths shorter and cooler than usual. The NEA explains that frequent bathing and hot water can both make eczema worse.
Additionally, avoid harsh soaps, as they can strip the skin of moisture and may damage the skin barrier even more. (The skin barrier is already damaged if someone has eczema.)
Coconut Oil
Some moms swear by rubbing coconut oil on the affected areas when eczema strikes. The NEA also recommends coconut oil, noting that the natural moisturizer can “boost hydration, improve skin elasticity, fight itch and reduce the chances of infection.”
Look for 100% coconut oil and cold-pressed and virgin methods of oil extraction, which will provide the purest form of coconut oil and reduce the chances of irritants being in the oil.
Breast Milk
If you’re nursing or have access to breast milk, applying a few dabs of “liquid gold” on your baby’s dry patches a few times a day can speed recovery and soothe the skin. A 2019 study review even found that human breast milk was equally as effective as applying 1% hydrocortisone cream.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
