After-Bath Care for kids with Itchy, Dry, or Easily Irritated Skin

Try these bathing tips for your child^2,3:

• Skip bath night if your child isn’t overly dirty, as excessive bathing dries skin out faster

• Gently pat your child’s skin dry using a soft towel — don’t rub too hard and leave a little moisture

• Apply a gentle cream to their slightly damp skin within three minutes of drying to help lock in moisture

• Put them in clean, dry, cotton pajamas — polyester clothing may cause sweating, which can irritate the skin

The National Eczema Association (NEA) recommends bathing babies with eczema at least once a day for five to 10 minutes in lukewarm water⁴. They also recommend a wet wrap after a bath to help lock in moisture. After you’ve applied moisturizer or medication to your baby’s skin, run a dressing under warm water to dampen it and place it over the affected area. Wrap the damp dressing with a dry one and put your baby’s pajamas on, taking care not to disturb the dressings⁵.

“When looking for products to use during your child’s bath, keep an eye out for any harsh ingredients. If not formulated properly for kids’ skin, they may irritate their delicate skin and make it itchy and dry. In children with eczema, these ingredients can also lead to flares. Look for gentle products that are free of harsh cleansers.

Aveeno^® Kids Face & Body Wash and Aveeno^® Kids 2-in-1 Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner is designed for kids with sensitive skin. Formulated with oat extract and formulated without dyes, sulfates, and other harsh cleansers, they gently remove dirt and germs without irritating your child’s sensitive scalp, face, and body.

If you notice your child’s skin is extremely dry, cracking, or itchy, talk to their pediatrician. They can perform a physical examination and an eczema evaluation to find out what’s causing your child’s dry, itchy, irritated skin and how to best treat it⁶.