Eczema and dry skin is something that many babies suffer from, it’s uncomfortable, sometimes painful and leaves your little one with patches of irritated, cracked dry skin. Here are some tips to help manage it. 

• First see your GP, eczema is not usually down to just one thing and they will be able to help pinpoint some of the causes for your little one. They can also give stronger creams to use. 
• Have a think about allergies that run in the family, and it might be worth keeping a food diary to see if any one food makes it worse. Common triggers are wheat, eggs and dairy products, also pollen, cat and dog dander and mould.
• Have a think about what goes on your child’s skin. My son used to get a nasty rash, it turned out it was the bubble bath we were using. We stopped using it in favour of plain clean water and the rash went away in less than a week. Sometimes bathing your little one less often is the answer (we were horrified at the thought of this but it does work 😉) 
• You can get emollients to add to the bath now, they’re great but they make the bath slippery, it’s a good idea to use a good size bath mat. 
• Lukewarm baths are best, and pat your baby dry, don’t rub them. 
• Check that the shampoo or body wash you’re using doesn’t have chemicals and use it sparingly. There are some brands that are especially made for children with eczema. 
• Also check your washing powder, I used to buy whatever was on offer but some definitely make dry skin worse. Non bio for sensitive skin is best. Sometimes just using less can works wonders, and you might need to stop using fabric conditioner. 
• Avoid perfumed baby wipes, the water ones are great, or use cotton wool with water. If you use water make sure your baby’s bottom and creases are dry before you put their nappy on. 

Lastly if your little one is struggling with eczema it might help you to know that 95% of of children have grown out of having eczema by the time they’re 20.