Soothe Your Baby’s Skin: Dealing with Baby Eczema on Face

What Is Baby Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of eczema in babies. It is also referred to as infantile eczema. People of ALL ages can experience eczema. But it is more common in babies, and children under the age of 5. 

It is a chronic skin condition that causes dryness, irritation, redness, and itchy skin. It can appear anywhere on the body but in babies, it most commonly appears on the face, cheeks, forehead, hands, wrists, elbows, and knees.

Baby eczema on the face can be very irritating for the baby. They even might scratch the area, which will lead to scratch marks and can cause infection on the face.

What Causes Eczema in Babies?

Eczema in babies is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that include

• Genetics

Genetics play an important role in causing eczema, babies who have a family history of eczema, asthma, and allergies are more likely to develop it in their childhood.

• Allergens

Certain allergens such as pollen, poison ivy, pet dander, nickel, and metal can trigger an eczema flare on a baby’s skin. When the skin comes in contact with these allergens the immune system triggers a reaction in the form of rashes, redness, irritation, and itching. 

• Skin barrier dysfunction

Eczema is believed to be caused by skin barrier dysfunction. The cells on the topmost layer of the skin are responsible for protecting the skin against irritants and locking in moisture. But when this barrier is disrupted the skin starts losing moisture and the irritants can penetrate easily into the skin.

• Bacterial infection

An eczema flare can be worsened if infected by bacteria. Bacteria can invade the skin when the skin barrier is disturbed.

Signs And Symptoms Of Eczema On Baby’s Face?

Some of the eczema symptoms that can help you identify whether your baby is experiencing eczema are

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Scaly patches of skin
• Swelling or puffiness
• Red rash
• Blisters
• Skin oozing pus

In babies with lighter skin tones, the skin patches and rashes show up as red or pink while in babies with darker skin tones, they may appear as brown or purple. 

• In mild eczema, the symptoms are less irritating for the baby and may not affect their daily life.
• In severe eczema, the itching is very intense which can disrupt the baby’s sleep and mood. 

These symptoms may look similar to the ones of cradle cap in babies, which can cause some confusion amongst parents. But in reality, these are two different skin conditions. Take a look at our blog about cradle cap vs eczema to know their differences.

Common Triggers Of Eczema On Face

Certain factors can trigger eczema in babies and trigger eczema flare-ups afterward in their lives.

• Pet dander
• Extremes in weather
• Allergy to food
• Chemicals in skincare products
• Dry air
• Skin infection
• Stress
• Irritating fabric like wool and synthetic.

How Will Face Eczema Affect My Child’s Skin?

Infant eczema on the face is irritating for the baby and the parents as well who have to find a solution for calming their loved one. The skin on their face can look cracked, scaly, and dry. It appears as red rashes with small bumps.

The rash of eczema may cause small blisters on the skin that may ooze in severe cases, and cause temporary scars on the face–usually a lighter or darker pigmentation. It is important to protect the baby from scratching their face as this may lead to scratch marks on their face. 

As a parent, we know that you want your baby to look perfect but eczema is a condition that may be out of your control. However, you can reduce the recurrence of itching, irritation, and redness associated with eczema by taking proper care of your baby’s skin.

How To Get Rid Of Baby Eczema On Face?

No one likes seeing their baby uncomfortable with painful looking eczema spots on their face. This is why we have listed down some of the most effective ways to manage the itching, and irritation associated with eczema.

• Nail Trimming

Itching is nearly impossible to control when the skin is irritated and dry. Especially for babies who can’t understand how detrimental scratching their eczema can be. 

It is often overlooked, but if your baby’s nails are long, their scratching can cause serious damage to the skin. The technical name for self induced scratch marks is excoriations.  Older children can sometimes cause permanent scarring if they dig too deep with their scratching. 

Bacteria can live under the nails. Long nails are unfortunately very effective at helping bacteria burrow under the skin’s surface and cause infection. 

• TRIM NAILS at least once if not twice a week to protect your baby from scratching their skin and worsening eczema on the face.

• Gentle Cleansing

Cleansing is an essential part of your baby’s skincare routine whether they are experiencing eczema or not. But if they are experiencing infantile eczema then it becomes a must-do thing. 

Cleaning the baby’s face with a gentle face wash can help clean the affected area, and help remove excess bacteria from the skin. It also helps in removing dead skin cells and paves the way for moisturizing.

1. Wash your baby’s face at least once daily with a cleanser.
2. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to wash their face.
3. Pat dry their face with a soft towel. 

Any baby face wash can be used to clean the baby’s face. But babies with eczema have extra sensitive skin. This is why harsh chemicals in those face washes can make the condition worse.

Better is using a face wash or cleanser that is free from harsh chemicals like fragrances, dyes, parabens, and sulfates and is gluten-free. Try using Daily Shampoo and Body Wash for Dry, Itchy, Eczema Prone Skin it works as a shampoo, face wash, and body wash at the same time. It is enriched with hydrating properties like Oatmeal Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Aloe Vera, Provitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid. 

• Moisturizing

Eczema causes dry skin on a baby’s face that may lead to itching and irritation. To protect the skin from becoming dry and making the condition worse it is important to moisturize their face. 

1. Moisturize the baby’s face every time after washing it.
2. Moisturize their face and body after bathing them. When the skin is damp it is the best time to moisturize.
3. Anytime you suspect that your baby’s face or body is becoming dry, moisturize it. 

Use a baby moisturizing lotion or cream to keep their skin moist. The best moisturizer for eczema-prone skin is the one that is hypoallergenic, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy. 

Moisturizers like Happy Cappy Moisturizing Eczema Cream are a great option to choose from. It contains the natural ingredient Licorice Root Extract and glycerin to soothe redness, and dry, itchy, irritated, sensitive eczema-prone skin for children of all ages.

• OTC Medications

If eczema shampoo and eczema cream are not helping and your baby’s face and body are still dry then consult a doctor. Your baby may be experiencing severe eczema or perhaps another condition like psoriasis, ringworm, or scabies. 

The doctor may prescribe topical steroids or prescription non-steroidal creams or even antibiotics,  and oral antihistamines to control the itching, inflammation, and redness associated with eczema. 

Conclusion

You love your baby’s soft gentle skin and are worried about the red, itchy rashes on their face. Baby eczema on the face can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

It appears as red, itchy, dry, patches of skin. On the face, it is more common on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. 

You can easily manage eczema by following a proper skincare routine that includes cleaning your baby’s face with an eczema face wash and moisturizing the skin with an eczema cream. If the condition does not get better with it consult a doctor who may prescribe OTC or prescription medications.

If you are unsure about what products to use on your baby’s eczema-prone skin. Try the Happy Cappy Two-Step Eczema Skincare Routine. It is specially formulated for dry, itchy, sensitive eczema-prone skin in babies. It can help soothe itching, redness, and irritation on the baby’s face.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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