Baby Eczema Products

Eczema is an umbrella term for several different types of skin conditions. Most of the time when people talk about eczema, they're referring to a specific condition scientifically known as atopic dermatitis. This is the definition we'll use for the rest of this FAQ.

Eczema occurs when your skin's barrier is compromised, resulting in outside irritants getting in and moisture being lost. The most common symptoms are dry, itchy skin; swelling; rough skin; and red patches that may ooze slightly.

Doctors believe eczema is caused by a combination of genetics, dehydrated skin, environmental factors, and possibly an autoimmune condition.

Eczema-prone skin is dry skin that periodically flares up with bumps, red patches, flakiness, and sometimes even open sores. It tends to be itchy and uncomfortable, which can disrupt your daily life.

It's not uncommon for babies as young as two or three months old to have eczema-prone skin, but for many children, the condition gradually improves and can sometimes disappear altogether by the time they are school-age.

For others, eczema-prone skin becomes a lifelong condition that they must manage.

While the reason that some people are born with (or develop) eczema-prone skin is not known, doctors believe genetics and the environment can both play a part.

Regardless of the root cause of the condition, eczema-prone skin tends to flare up due to specific triggers, making it worse. These triggers vary based on the individual but are often connected to diet; products like soaps, detergents, and cosmetics; and environmental factors.

Yes, babies can get eczema. In fact, they're more susceptible to it than adults. Babies have extremely delicate and sensitive skin. Because their skin barrier is much weaker than that of adults, they're more susceptible to irritants that can cause eczema flare-ups.

It's estimated as many as 20% of all children under the age of two in the U.S. are affected by eczema.

If your baby's skin is dry and rough to the touch and often develops red patches or flakiness, they likely have eczema-prone skin.

You'll most likely notice flare-ups on their face and in skin folds, especially on their neck, elbows, and the back of their knees. It may also occur on their hands, wrists, and ankles. These red patches tend to be quite itchy and uncomfortable and may disrupt their sleep.

Children with certain conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, or food allergies are more likely to have eczema-prone skin.

If your little one has eczema, it's important to talk to your doctor about the use of medications. Beyond that, there are also plenty of things you can do at home to help reduce flare-ups and soothe your baby's skin.

• Be on the lookout for triggers that might cause your little one's skin to flare up. • Once you've identified the triggers, you'll be able to avoid them.
• Make sure that products like moisturizers, cleansers, diaper creams, and even sunscreens are fragrance-free and formulated specifically for eczema-prone skin.
• Breastfeed for as long as possible and, once your baby transitions to solids, steer clear of allergenic foods like fish or eggs.
• Make sure baths are short no longer than 10 minutes.
• After the bath, pat your baby dry with a towel, taking care not to rub their skin. • Then apply an emollient cream to lock in moisture.
• When it comes to diaper changes, consider using rinse-free cleansing water to avoid additional irritation.

If your home environment is dry, try a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

As soon as you know your child has eczema, establish a daily skincare routine using emollients like products from Mustela's Stelatopia line.

Dry skin from bath time can be a common trigger of flare-ups. Bathe your child with lukewarm (not hot) water, use our Stelatopia Cleansing Oil and Cleansing Gel, and pat (rather than rub) your little one dry.

As much as possible, eliminate environmental flare-up triggers such as rough fabrics, pet dander, and soaps or laundry detergents with harsh chemicals from your home.

Consider dressing your child in long sleeves and pants to protect their skin from irritants, and always apply sunscreen before your child goes outdoors.

All of Mustela's Fragrance-Free Stelatopia oils, cleansers, creams, and even pajamas are specifically formulated to soothe your little one's delicate, sensitive, eczema-prone skin. They are clinically proven to be effective.

This product range is formulated with Avocado Perseose®, which protects and hydrates the skin, as well as Sunflower Oil Distillate, which soothes skin and provides lipids to help maintain a healthy skin barrier.