Baby Eczema: When Should You See a Doctor?
Eczema affects around one in five children, and it often starts in the first months of life. It can be upsetting to see your baby uncomfortable and scratching, but with the right care most babies' eczema can be well controlled.
What baby eczema looks like
Dry, rough patches, often starting on the cheeks and scalp
Red or darker patches on the face, neck, arms, legs or trunk
The nappy area is usually spared
Weeping or crusting in more severe cases
Rubbing the face against bedding or clothes, restlessness and poor sleep
Caring for your baby's skin at home
Use a fragrance-free emollient several times a day, including at every nappy change if needed.
Bath in lukewarm water with an emollient wash instead of soap or bubble bath.
Pat dry gently and apply emollient straight after the bath.
Dress your baby in soft cotton and avoid overheating.
Keep nails short; scratch mittens can help at night.
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
your baby's eczema is not improving with regular emollients
the itch is disturbing their sleep or feeding
the rash is spreading or becoming more inflamed
you are unsure whether it is eczema
you are worried about using steroid creams and want guidance
the eczema keeps returning after treatment
eczema flares after certain foods, or you have concerns about food allergy
Food allergy and baby eczema
Babies with early, moderate or severe eczema are more likely to have food allergies. If your baby reacts to a food – with hives, swelling, vomiting or a sudden flare – speak to a doctor. Please do not cut out foods, or change formula, without medical advice, as unnecessary restriction can affect growth and nutrition.
Seek urgent care immediately if:
your baby has clusters of painful blisters or punched-out sores
the skin is weeping heavily, crusted and spreading
your baby has a fever, is floppy, drowsy, not feeding or seems unwell
there is any swelling of the lips, face or tongue, or difficulty breathing (call emergency services)
Are steroid creams safe for babies?
Used correctly, at the right strength, for the right length of time, topical steroids are a safe and effective part of treating baby eczema. Under-treating eczema out of worry can leave babies itchy and at greater risk of infection.
How eczema-doc can help
We see babies and children by video consultation, with a parent present. We create a gentle, age-appropriate treatment plan and review progress at two and four weeks.
Book a video consultation for your baby.
This article is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice.