Baby Eczema Triggers
Irritants
Many soaps, disinfectants and fragrances can make eczema worse for baby’s skin. Common products that may cause a flare-up include: detergents and dryer sheets; bubble bath and some shampoos; disinfectants like chlorine; dyes, and coarse fabrics like wool. Always wash new clothes before they are worn, use dye-free and fragrance-free detergents, and choose sunscreen made for sensitive skin.
Allergens
Typical allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold can cause itchy, inflamed skin. Make your home an allergy-free zone by vacuuming and wet-dusting frequently, keeping soft toys (which trap dust) to a minimum and washing them often, and grooming pets regularly.
Environment
Extremes in temperature and humidity may trigger an eczema flare-up. Environmental triggers include very hot or very cold temperatures, high or low humidity, cigarette smoke and pollution. Keep the baby’s bedroom between 68 and 72° F and maintain even humidity in your home.
Food
It’s relatively rare in infants, but one in 10 children with eczema experience symptoms caused by food allergies. In general, children under age 5 with severe eczema also may have a food allergy, most commonly triggered by milk, eggs, nuts, seeds or wheat.
Stress
While stress doesn’t cause eczema, symptoms may worsen as the result of tension, anger or frustration. If your child is having problems at daycare, you may notice more eczema flare-ups than usual. Stress also can cause habit scratching, which perpetuates the itch-scratch cycle. In that case, keep your child’s fingernails short and consider cotton gloves or mittens if your child tends to scratch while sleeping.