13 Feb Treating Baby Eczema In The Summer Heat

Are you currently struggling to treat baby eczema? Summer heat may be the reason why. The higher temperatures can play a role in dry skin flare ups – and because of that, it’s important to change up your current treatment routine to ensure your baby’s skin stays comfortably moisturised and free from itchy patches of eczema.

What is baby eczema?

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a dry skin condition that causes patches of dry, inflamed and often itchy skin. It can be so frustrating for the sufferer – and heartbreaking for parents trying to stop their little ones from scratching.

Babies with eczema may experience:

• itching, often worst at night
• patches of red/ brownish skin that may look scaly
• raw, inflamed and crusted patches – especially when scratched

It’s unclear what causes eczema but it is thought to be due to an overactive immune system that is more sensitive to allergens and irritants. If you suffer from eczema, it’s possible your baby will, too.

Why is eczema worse in the summer?

Image via Instagram @ockeydockey

Eczema can occur at any time of the year, but many parents notice their baby’s have an eczema summer flare up during those hotter months. There are a couple of reasons why this may happen.

When the body overheats, it can release histamine which is the body’s immune response to allergens. If your baby is prone to eczema, their immune system may overreact which can trigger an eczema flare up. Sweating can also irritate the skin. Additionally, summer is often a time of increased environmental allergens like grass pollens which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.

There is no cure for eczema. But before your parenting heart frets, there are things you can do to ease discomfort and keep eczema at bay for your precious bub.

Tips for avoiding an eczema summer flare up

Image via Instagram @derived_by_design

Got the blues about baby eczema? Summer heat is no friend of this skin condition, but here are some great tips for preventing a major flare up when the temperature rises.

• Dress baby in natural, breathable fabrics like organic cotton, muslin and bamboo.
• Always bathe baby directly after swimming in the ocean or chlorinated water to avoid irritation
• Choose natural baby skin care, free from harsh fragrances or synthetic ingredients
• Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Try a scent-free lotion made with soothing natural ingredients like goats milk and aloe vera – our Goats Milk Moisture Lotion is ideal for sensitive, eczema-prone skin

• Avoid long, hot baths as these are drying to the skin and dehydrating for baby
• Ensure bub stays well hydrated
• Consider trying an air purifier in the nursery to minimise environmental triggers like dust and pollens
• Moisturise again! It’s the best way to protect the skin barrier which is weakened when skin is dry

Sometimes flare ups can happen despite our best efforts. If this happens to your little one, consult a trusted health professional for support and advice.

Keep baby eczema at baby with pure, natural skin care that nourishes and soothes. Browse our range now.

Featured image via Instagram @susie.vemoa