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Editor Tip: Since this is recommended for toddlers over two years old, check with your pediatrician first to make sure it’s okay to use. (Some might prefer to write their own prescription instead, too.)
Key Ingredients: Hydrocortisone, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Best Drugstore: Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
Why It’s Worth It: The Aveeno Baby Eczema goes all-in on oats, which is why Dr. Chang is a fan. Along with oat oil and oat extract, “it’s formulated with colloidal oatmeal to moisturize
and calm down irritated, itchy skin due to eczema,” she says. Plus, she likes that it’s unscented and doesn’t contain common allergens like parabens, phthalates, and fragrances, making it a good option if other formulas tend to set off or worsen flares.
Editor Tip: The brand also has an Overnight Balm to seal in moisture overnight for healthier, more comfortable skin by the A.M.
Key Ingredients: Oat oil, colloidal oatmeal, panthenol
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the root cause of eczema in babies?
There’s no one cause of eczema in babies, but it’s “likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors,” says Dr. Melnick. Eczema can also be triggered by external factors such as common allergens (like fragrance in skin-care products and laundry detergents), dry air, saliva or sweat, or long, hot baths, says Dr. Chang. The good news? Getting rid of these triggers can help alleviate or even prevent an eczema flare-up.
What can I put on my baby’s eczema to stop itching?
For itching, your baby’s pediatrician might prescribe a steroid cream, which is “often prescribed to treat eczema flares and to use intermittently for relief of itch symptoms,” says Dr. Chang. The key word here is “intermittently,” since these shouldn’t be used continuously for months on end. In fact, when used regularly over an extended period of time, steroids can actually weaken or thin skin, causing skin irritation and leaving it more vulnerable to infection. “A simple rule I use is two weeks on and two weeks off, and only as needed,” Dr. Chang notes.
Can you use moisturizer with steroid creams?
Consider moisturizer as your baseline, with or without a steroid cream. “One of the most important parts of treating eczema is maintaining a strong skin barrier by using frequent and liberal applications of emollients,” says Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “Healthy skin is less prone to flares,” Dr. Greenfield attests.
But not all moisturizers are created equal, and your go-to face lotion won’t cut it. “For babies with eczema, I recommend using a gentle, non-fragranced, and hypoallergenic moisturizer,” says Dr. Chang, noting that she also keeps an eye out for common allergens and irritants. “I typically recommend using thicker creams over more lightweight gels and lotions, which are more effective at moisturizing the skin due to a higher oil content,” Dr. Chang adds.