Equally important to moisturizers is the baby’s bath time regimen, because the most effective way to treat dry skin is to give it the moisture it needs through a relaxing bath.
A good bath time regimen before sleep time helps baby get ready for a good night’s sleep. Eczema skin dries out easily and external allergens (dander, dust, etc) can further irritate the skin if not removed, so I recommend bathing daily for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Twice daily if eczema is severe and flaring.
Bath Tips
Bathe in lukewarm water, 10 min max. Hot water will actually strip the skin of its protective oils and fats.
Avoid scrubbing and excessive rubbing of the skin as it can irritate the skin.
Do not use soap, instead use a gentle cleanser, one without scents, fragrances, dyes and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
During severe flare-ups, bathe in just water, no cleansers!
And don’t forget the golden rule: apply moisturizer within three minutes of baby’s bath to lock in skin’s natural moisture. Gently massage the moisturizer directly onto damp skin.
Check out: Sleep Time Regimen for Baby with Eczema that Works which includes our winning bath regimen that helped improved my baby’s sleep tremendously. Sleep is so critical in helping the body repair and heal itself.
Next: Itch Busters to Help with Scratching and Discomfort