Itchy skin: Baby eczema

Patches of skin that are dry, scaly, itchy, and red or purplish, depending on skin color, may be a common type of skin rash called eczema.

In babies a common form of eczema affects the face, scalp, and the arms and legs.

To treat baby eczema, keep the skin from drying out and avoid things that irritate the baby's skin:

• When bathing, use a gentle soap and pat the baby's skin dry.
• After bathing and regularly, use moisturizing products made for sensitive skin. This is especially important during cold weather.
• Avoid chemicals or fabrics that cause irritation. Examples are soaps, detergents or types of fabrics, such as wool or synthetic materials.
• Keep the baby's room cool and make sure there's good air flow.

Talk to your baby's healthcare professional if the rash doesn't improve or gets worse. Medicines can treat eczema, but often the first thing to try is moisturizing.