Why Does My Baby Have Eczema? What Parents Need to Know About This Common Skin Condition

By: Angela McPhillips, DNP, RN

You notice rough patches, redness, or dry, itchy skin on your baby’s cheeks, arms, or legs. Maybe they’re scratching at it, rubbing their face against their crib sheets, or fussing more than usual.

Is it just dry skin? A reaction to something? Or could it be eczema?

If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Baby eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is incredibly common, affecting up to 1 in 4 infants. It often appears in the first year of life and can leave parents wondering:

• Why does my baby have eczema?

• Is it something I did?

• Will they outgrow it?

• How can I stop the itching and flare-ups?

The good news? You didn’t do anything wrong, and there are ways to manage eczema and keep your baby’s skin comfortable.

In this guide, we’ll break down why eczema happens, what triggers it, and how to soothe your baby’s skin—so you can feel confident in helping them through this (itchy) phase.

What Is Baby Eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy patches on a baby’s skin. It happens when the skin barrier doesn’t work as well as it should, making it more prone to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

Where Does Eczema Typically Appear?

Eczema can show up anywhere, but it’s most common on:

• Cheeks and chin – One of the first places it appears in infants.

• Behind the knees and elbows – These areas tend to be sensitive to moisture and friction.

• Scalp and torso – Can sometimes be confused with cradle cap.

What Does Baby Eczema Look Like?

Eczema doesn’t always look the same in every baby. Some may have mild dry patches, while others experience flare-ups with more pronounced symptoms, such as:

• Dry, rough, or scaly skin that feels coarse to the touch.

• Red or inflamed patches that may come and go.

• Oozing or crusting areas during flare-ups.

• Extreme itchiness, which can lead to scratching and irritation.

Will My Baby Grow Out of It?

Studies show that some babies completely outgrow eczema, while others experience less severe symptoms and remission periods into late childhood. The good news for kids with persistent eczema: symptoms often become more manageable over time.

While there’s no cure for eczema, understanding triggers and using gentle skincare can help minimize flare-ups and keep your baby’s skin healthy.

Why Does My Baby Have Eczema? (And Did I Do Something Wrong?)

If your baby has eczema, it’s natural to wonder if you could have done something differently to prevent it. But here’s the truth: It’s not your fault.

Eczema isn’t caused by poor hygiene, using the wrong products, or anything you did or didn’t do. Some babies are just more prone to it than others. Understanding the underlying causes can help you manage it—and ease any guilt you may be feeling.

Genetics

Eczema often runs in families. If you or a close relative have eczema, asthma, or allergies—a trio known as the “atopic triad”—your baby has a higher chance of developing eczema, too.

A Weaker Skin Barrier

Babies with eczema have a naturally weaker skin barrier, meaning their skin doesn’t hold in moisture as well as it should. This makes it more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and environmental triggers (like harsh soaps, fabrics, or allergens).

Immune System Factor

Eczema isn’t just a skin condition—it’s linked to the immune system. In babies with eczema, the immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, leading to inflammation and itchiness. Even things like heat, sweat, or dry air can cause the skin to flare up.

Key Takeaway

Eczema isn’t something you caused, and it’s not something you can “fix” overnight. But the good news is, with the right care, you can help protect your baby’s skin, minimize flare-ups, and keep them comfortable. The next step? Learning how to identify and manage common eczema triggers.

Common Eczema Triggers (And How to Minimize Them)

While eczema isn’t caused by allergies, certain environmental and lifestyle factors can trigger or worsen flare-ups. Identifying these triggers can help keep your baby’s skin as calm and comfortable as possible.

Dry Air & Weather Changes – Cold, dry air in winter or excess heat and sweating in summer can lead to flare-ups. 

Pro tip: Use a humidifier in dry months and dress your baby in breathable layers.

Harsh Soaps & Detergents – Many mainstream baby products contain fragrances and harsh chemicals that strip moisture from the skin. 

Pro tip: Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products instead and focus only on sweaty areas: neck, groin, armpits.

Frequent Bathing – Over-bathing can dry out the skin.

Pro tip: Keep baths short (5-10 minutes) every other day and use lukewarm water with gentle cleansers.

Irritating Fabrics – Wool, rough materials, and even some synthetic fibers can irritate sensitive skin. 

Pro tip: Opt for soft, breathable cotton.

Food Sensitivities (In Some Cases) – While food allergies don’t cause eczema, some babies with eczema may react to dairy, eggs, or other common allergens. If you notice worsening flare-ups after certain foods, talk to your pediatrician.

Key Takeaway

Not every baby has the same eczema triggers, so it may take some trial and error to figure out what worsens your baby’s symptoms. 

The best approach? 

Focus on gentle, fragrance-free skincare, protect against dryness, and pay attention to potential irritants.

Next, let’s talk about how to build an effective baby eczema skincare routine that actually works.

How to Manage Baby Eczema (What Actually Works?)

Eczema requires consistent care—but with the right approach, you can help reduce flare-ups and keep your baby comfortable.

1. Lock in Moisture (Every Single Day!)

• Thick, fragrance-free emollients (like petroleum jelly or cream-based moisturizers) should be applied at least twice daily, especially after baths.

• Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or colloidal oatmeal, which help strengthen the skin barrier.

• Avoid lotions (they contain too much water and don’t provide enough protection).

2. Gentle Bath Time Routine

• Bathe your baby no more than once per day (every other day is ideal), using lukewarm water and fragrance-free cleansers.

• Pat (don’t rub) their skin dry and apply moisturizer immediately while their skin is still damp.

3. Manage Itching & Discomfort

• Keep nails short or use baby mittens to prevent scratching and skin infections.

• If itching is severe, talk to your pediatrician about anti-itch creams or wet wrap therapy to soothe inflamed skin.

4. Know When to Use Medicated Treatments

• Mild eczema: Managed with consistent moisturizing and avoiding triggers.

• Moderate to severe eczema: May require prescription creams (like hydrocortisone or steroid alternatives) for flare-ups. New treatments include biologic therapies and oral medicines known as JAK inhibitors. These medicines target or help regulate the immune system to treat moderate-to-severe eczema symptoms that don’t respond to conventional treatment.

• Always use medicated creams as directed by your doctor and moisturize generously to prevent future flare-ups.

A note on bleach baths (Yes, BLEACH baths)

As a parent concerned about your baby’s eczema, you’ve likely scoured the internet for answers on how to manage this chronic skin condition. And you’ve probably encountered some “interesting” recommendations with questionable scientific backing. Are bleach baths one of those questionable recommendations? The answer may surprise you… 

A 2017 systematic review and met-analysis (the highest quality of scientific evidence) found that diluted bleach baths are a scientifically proven method to reduce the severity of eczema symptoms! 

The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses diluted bleach baths to manage severe eczema symptoms and prevent skin infections. 

Of course, reach out to your pediatrician for guidance on the best eczema treatments to meet your baby’s needs. 

When to See a Pediatrician or Dermatologist

Sometimes, at-home treatments aren’t enough. Call your pediatrician if:

• Your baby’s eczema isn’t improving despite regular moisturizing and trigger management.

• The rash is oozing, crusting, swollen, or has red streaks (this may require antibiotics).

• Your baby is extremely uncomfortable or scratching constantly, leading to broken skin.

• You suspect a food allergy is making eczema worse.

Your doctor can help identify additional triggers and recommend the right treatment plan to keep your baby’s skin healthy.

Eczema Is Manageable 

If your baby has eczema, you’re not alone—millions of parents navigate this every day. 

The key is consistent, gentle skincare and knowing what makes eczema worse (and what helps keep it under control).

With the right care and patience, most babies see improvement. And many have less severe symptoms or outgrow eczema as they get older. 

In the meantime, you’re doing an amazing job helping your little one stay comfortable and healthy! You got this.