mother kissing baby on cheek

How to Treat Infant Cheek Eczema

Baby skin is known for being soft and silky smooth. When a baby has infant cheek eczema, however, you may notice crusty, red, and flaky patches on your little one’s skin. This may appear in their first few months of birth. Let’s take a closer look at infant face eczema and how to treat it using natural remedies.

Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

Understanding Infant Face Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects approximately 10-20% of the global population. While it usually develops during childhood, it can appear at any age. According to statistics, 60% of people develop eczema during their first year of life.

It will typically appear when a newborn is between two and four months old. Fortunately, eczema is not contagious. Baby eczema can persist through childhood but many people outgrow the condition as they age. However, for some people, the condition may persist into adulthood.

What does Baby Eczema Look Like?

It’s important to note that baby eczema can look different for everyone. For example, in lighter-skinned babies, it may appear as patches of red skin while in darker-skinned babies, it may look purplish or grayish. These eczema patches are typically dry, rough, and itchy. Although eczema can appear anywhere on the body, babies are usually affected on the cheeks and joints of arms and legs.

What Causes Infant Cheek Eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is unknown but researchers believe that it’s linked to a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. This means that babies who come from a family with a history of eczema, are more likely to develop eczema themselves. Flare-ups can be triggered by substances such as pet fur, dust, sweat, smoke, chemicals found in laundry detergents, ingredients in soaps, and certain fabrics. Cheek eczema is often exacerbated by moisture from drool.

Gentle Remedies for Treating Newborn Eczema

We believe that your skin deserves to be nourished with products made with gentle, wholesome, and natural ingredients. But this is particularly important when treating little ones due to the delicate nature of their skin. Here are some of our favorite natural treatment options for babies:

Moisture with Natural Creams

This Baby & Adult Soother is perfect for calming itchy, dry rashes and reducing rosacea-like redness. It contains just three Chinese herbs in a base of olive oil and beeswax, making it a safe and gentle solution for the sensitive skin of babies.

Wash with a Gentle Soap

This Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar contains three gentle ingredients sensitive skin will adore. It’s safe to use from head to toe, including the face. Even the fragile skin of babies can benefit from this nourishing and cleansing lather that is antibacterial, moisturizing, and calming.

Protect from Scratching

These ScratchSleeves with Scratch Mittens help protect delicate skin from harmful and relentless scratching. They’re made with 100% stretch cotton sleeves and silk mittens which help keep the skin cool and comfortable. They’re perfect for wearing while playing during the day or while your little one is sleeping at night.

Wash with Natural Detergent

This SmartKlean Laundry Ball is a non-toxic detergent that’s eco-friendly, gentle on the skin, and free of harsh chemicals and fragrance. 100% hypoallergenic, it’s a great choice for delicate baby skin. 

References

https://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/guide/baby-eczema/

https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/children/#:~:text=Infants%20(first%206%20months),more%20red%20and%20%E2%80%9Cweepy.%E2%80%9D

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-eczema-questions-answers

Bio: Kazandra is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company with a flair for creative storytelling rooted in strategy. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.