Moms, can we talk about these 9 easy ways to treat infant eczema naturally? That’s right, naturally. No toxins, chemicals, steroid creams, or complicated processes, just Mother Nature-provided ingredients and easy things you can do at home.
First, let’s talk about why Lesuif exists today because it ties in significantly with what we are about to uncover regarding infant eczema.
Lesuif was created to help people heal their skin naturally with simple, high-quality, nature-made grass-fed, grass-finished beef tallow, herbs, and oils. Not complicated formulas or ingredients.
Why? Because I’ve been there, a mom who desperately searched high and low for a solution to help give my tiny baby relief from this horrible condition called eczema.
If you’re reading this article, you are there too. I see you nodding. You are often googling, searching, buying, worrying, and tenderly caring for that sweet baby in your arms. Believe me when I say I sincerely feel your aching heart. And I’m here to help!
What is eczema?
Eczema is a pesky, inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, dryness, and itching. It appears in patches that quickly become uncomfortable and distressing for babies and parents. Unfortunately, eczema is becoming increasingly common among infants. However, due to the sensitive nature of infant skin, options should be carefully considered when seeking treatment.
Believe me when I say infant eczema can be challenging to manage. We struggled with it in our home for what seemed like an eternity. Through experience, I’ve learned treating infant eczema needs delicate, comforting care and attention to avoid further irritation. Thankfully, these 9 easy ways to treat infant eczema are natural remedies and offer gentle solutions to help soothe your sweet baby’s sensitive skin without the potential side effects from pharmaceutical drugs.
- Keep skin Moisturized: Regularly moisturizing baby’s skin is crucial for managing eczema. Always opt for a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizer to prevent further irritation. Balms like our Calma Tallow Balm contain only grass-fed, grass-finished tallow, herbal oil, and essential oils. Another example is the June Tallow Balm, which does not contain essential oils and is for people with hyper-sensitive skin, like infants, pregnant moms, breastfeeding moms, and those sensitive to smell. After bathing baby, always apply moisturizer immediately to lock in hydration.
- Oatmeal Baths: Adding oatmeal to baby’s bathwater can help soothe irritated skin and reduce itching. Oatmeal contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help restore the skin’s natural barrier function by forming a protective barrier. TIP: You can grind plain, unflavored oats into a fine powder or add whole oats to a sash bag and add it to your baby’s bathwater.
- Avoid Harsh Soaps and Detergents: Harsh soaps and detergents can strip the skin of natural oils and exacerbate eczema symptoms. Even when your baby has no breakout, use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and detergents specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Brands like this one, and this one, are excellent choices.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier in a baby’s room can help maintain optimal humidity levels, especially during dry winters. Moist air can prevent the skin from becoming too dry and reduce eczema flare-ups.
- Probiotics: Some research suggests that probiotics, commonly found in yogurt and other fermented foods, may help improve eczema symptoms by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Probiotics, whether consumed through breast milk or supplements, may help reduce the severity of eczema symptoms, support your baby’s immune system, and improve their gut health.
- Cotton Clothing: I’ve found that dressing babies in soft, breathable cotton clothing helps minimize irritation and allows the skin to breathe. Avoiding synthetic fabrics, wool, and tight-fitting clothing, which aggravates eczema symptoms, is preferable.
- Wet Wrap Therapy: Wet wrap therapy involves applying moisturizer to damp skin and covering it with dampened bandages or clothing. This technique helps lock in moisture and soothe irritated skin. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help alleviate eczema symptoms. Brew chamomile tea, allow it to cool, and apply it to the affected areas with a soft cloth as a gentle compress.
- Avoid Overheating: Overheating can trigger eczema flare-ups in infants. Keep baby’s room temperature comfortable and dress them in lightweight, breathable clothing. Use lightweight blankets for sleep to prevent overheating; however, keep in mind babies can’t regulate their temperature till they are approximately six months of age. When playing outside in the summer, be mindful of hot temperatures. The skin that rubs together, such as the back of the knees, or that gets agitated with clothing, such as the waist, tends to flare up more in the summer.
- Identify and Avoid Triggers: Consider potential triggers exacerbating your baby’s eczema symptoms. If possible, minimize exposure to these triggers to reduce flare-ups. Common triggers include certain foods, fruits, fabrics, harsh soaps, fragrances, and environmental factors like pollen or pet dander. Strawberries or acidic fruits always triggered a flare-up for our daughter.
Keep in mind these gentle bathing practices for an infant suffering from eczema:
- Use lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free cleansers during your baby’s baths.
- Avoid hot water, which can rip the skin off its natural oils and worsen eczema symptoms.
- Limit bath time to 10 minutes or less to prevent skin dryness.
BONUS
- Honey – PLEASE NOTE: ONLY INFANTS OLDER THAN 1 YEAR DUE TO THE RISK OF BOTULISM. Raw honey possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for soothing irritated skin. Apply a thin layer of honey on affected areas and briefly leave it on before rinsing it with warm water.
Infant eczema can be challenging to manage, and unfortunately, I’m sorry to say, there is no cure. However, these natural remedies offer gentle and effective solutions for soothing your baby’s sensitive skin. Trust me when I say I’ve tried them all. What worked best for our baby girl was the handmade balms I started to make, which became our company, Lesuif.
Lesuif provides parents a soothing alternative for the family’s smallest, most fragile members. Our herbally infused tallow balms consist of only the highest-quality natural ingredients. For babies suffering from eczema and older than six months, we recommend the Calma Tallow Balm for spot treatments. We recommend the June Tallow Balm for babies younger than six months or hyper-sensitive babies.
From wet compresses to herbally infused tallow balms, these remedies relieve itching, inflammation, and dryness without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical lotions and treatments. Yep, an all-natural remedy. Incorporating these natural remedies into your baby’s skincare routine and practicing proper skincare habits can help alleviate discomfort and promote healthier skin for your little one. With patience, consistency, and gentle care, you can help comfort your little ones as they navigate their skin journey with this terrible skin condition called eczema.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. This article, the tips and the products recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare physician as needed.