Eczema
It is not uncommon for a baby to develop eczema or other minor skin irritations. The most common treatment for eczema is a steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone. However, these creams can be damaging to the skin, especially if they are used for prolonged periods of time. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that work just as well as steroids at alleviating eczema, if not better.
Prevention
Prevention is the best remedy when it comes to eczema and other skin irritations. So if your baby is prone to these conditions, try making a few changes to minimize her exposure to irritations.
Diet: Rashes and eczema are often caused by a reaction to one of these foods: cow's milk, soy, peanuts, eggs, fish, or wheat. Remove these foods from your baby's diet (or your diet if you are nursing) for a week to see if the irritation clears up. If it does, then slowly reintroduce each food one by one watching carefully for further outbreaks.
Chemical exposure: If your baby has sensitive skin, try to minimize her exposure to fragrances, preservatives, and other chemicals that may be present in personal care products, laundry detergents, or household cleaning agents.
Dryness: Eczema and other skin irritations are often caused by dry skin. Help keep your baby's skin soft and supple by cleansing in warm water only and applying a gentle moisturizer while her skin is still damp to lock in moisture. If your home is particularly dry, consider using a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture.
Hopefully, these tips will prevent the onset or aggravation of skin irritations. If your baby does develop a rash or outbreak of eczema, try applying a nontoxic moisturizing lotion to the affected area several times each day. Talk to your health care provider if the condition worsens or persists.
