Eczema on babies tends to be a common problem, and it typically worsens when the air and skin are dry. In time, your baby's eczema may gradually go away, but have you ever wondered what you can do in the meantime? There are ways you can treat it and things you can do to prevent it. Here are some tips to help you with this.

Avoid lotions

Applying lotion to your child's skin may seem like a good solution for the eczema, but it really isn't. Lotions are water based and will not offer any relief for dry, bumpy skin. Instead of using lotion, you can buy cream to apply to your baby's skin. With this option, choose one that is unscented and that is made with oil. The oil in the cream will seal your baby's skin, and this will keep the moisture locked in.

Apply cream immediately after bath

Baths are good for babies; however, they can often cause eczema to worsen. To prevent dryness after a bath, you should aim to apply cream to your baby's skin right away. In fact, you should do this within three minutes of taking the baby out of tub.

Try hydrocortisone cream

Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid medication you can purchase from any pharmacy. For a baby's skin, you should try to stick with one that is 1% hydrocortisone cream, and you can apply this directly to the areas that are irritated. This product is safe to use on babies and will soothe dry skin and relieve any itching the baby may be experiencing.

Use oatmeal in your baby's bath

Oatmeal is a soothing ingredient that can be added to your baby's bath. It's best to use colloidal oatmeal, but you can use regular old-fashioned oats if desired. If using regular oatmeal, place it in a blender to grind it before use. Pour about 1/2 cup of the oatmeal into a running bath and let it dissolve before placing your baby in it. Instead of oatmeal, you can also try using a few tablespoons baking soda.

Apply coconut oil

Another option you could try is coconut oil. This is a natural type of oil that is completely safe for your baby's skin. After his or her bath, simply rub this oil over the irritated skin and do not rinse off.

Baby eczema is not harmful for your baby's health, but it can be irritating. If you have questions about your baby's skin, contact a pediatrician today.