The 6 best baby washes for eczema, according to doctors

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You only want the best when it comes to skin products for your baby, and that’s especially true when your little one has eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema “is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy and inflamed patches.” Dr. Calvin Williamsdermatologist at Essential Dermatology Groupsays SheKnows. These eczema outbreaks can occur anywhere on the body, but in babies, they tend to appear on the face, knees, elbows, scalp, or neck folds, pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin explains. Affected skin can be irritated, painful, itchy and rough – nothing you want to see your baby deal with. But there’s good news: from baby eczema washes to creams, ointments and balms, there are plenty of products to help.

Eczema is more common than you might think, affecting about 25 percent of children, Dr. Amin tells SheKnows, and it’s especially common in the first 12 months of life. And while some cases of eczema go away as the child gets older, there’s no reason to cross your fingers and wait for it when your child is suffering. After all, Dr. Amin points out, a baby with eczema requires special care. “If a child doesn’t have eczema, it’s okay to miss a day of lotion,” she explains. “But if your child has eczema, it’s so important to know that’s what it is [and get a diagnosis]because hydration and a good ointment can really help reduce the frequency of breakouts. Gentle skin care and generous use of ointments or moisturizers can reduce eczema.”

That’s where baby eczema products come in. Not sure where to start? We spoke to three experts to round up the top doctor-recommended baby eczema washes and care tips to help keep your baby soothed, hydrated and on the road to feeling better.

Caring for your baby with eczema

In babies, eczema symptoms can include inflammation, skin discoloration, itching, and possibly even oozing or crusting in severe cases. In babies with darker, tanned skin, notes Dr. Amin, you may not notice as much redness. In this case, she recommends looking more closely at the texture of the skin, paying attention to rough spots and noting if your child itches more often.

When it comes to treating your baby’s eczema, your first step is to take your baby to the dermatologist or pediatrician. “It’s very important for the child’s parent to advocate if they are concerned,” says Dr. Amen. Treatment options usually include ointments, moisturizers, and in some cases prescription steroids. If you use one of these topical treatments, Dr. Amin emphasized the importance of reapplying when you notice your baby’s skin becoming dry or irritated.

“What we want to do is prevent that itch-scratch cycle where they get dry, start scratching it, and then that causes more inflammation in the skin which leads to more scratching,” she explains. “My goal is to keep their skin hydrated.”

How to use Baby Wash for Eczema

Eczema develops due to damage to the skin’s protective barrier caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. “People with eczema may lack certain proteins in their skin that allow moisture to stay in,” explains Dr. Amin. “They’re more likely to lose moisture from the skin, creating the kind of dry patches we usually see with eczema.” When this happens to your baby, the products you put on their skin – and how you use them – become even more important.

Both Dr. Amin and Dr. Williams recommended bathing your baby in water no warmer than lukewarm, as hot water can further dry the skin. It’s also important to watch the clock, as longer baths can also lead to drier skin. “For babies, bath time can be playtime, but it’s important to keep baths short,” notes Dr. Williams.

After you’ve gently applied the eczema-safe baby wash (more on those in a minute!) and rinsed it off, be sure to pat your baby’s skin dry. You should also note what swimming frequency works best for them. “It really depends on the child and their eczema,” says Dr. Amin. “Some children with eczema respond really well to daily baths. Some need every few days.”

When it comes to applying the ointment, lotion or balm for your baby’s eczema, the sweet spot is right after they bathe. “The best time to apply a moisturizer is shortly after bathing, when skin is still damp after towel drying.” Dr. Brendan Campa dual board certified dermatologist physician assistant at MDCS Dermatology in New York, tells SheKnows. “Applying a moisturizer when skin is damp helps trap water in the skin for improved hydration.”

What to Look for in Baby Eczema Washes

Our experts agreed that eczema baby washes should always be hypoallergenic and either low fragrance or fragrance free. It’s also important to choose cleansers with moisturizing ingredients, which “can prevent the skin from drying out and triggering an eczema flare-up,” explains Dr. Camp.

Specifically, look for moisturizing ingredients such as:

Colloidal Oatmeal, that helps replace lost moisture and “restores the moisture barrier that is lost in many eczema patients,” says Dr. Amin. Colloidal oatmeal can also help “repair or relieve breakouts.”

Tilesa type of lipid (also known as fat) that improves the skin barrier

Glycerinwhich helps in skin hydration and elasticity

Hyaluronic acid to improve the overall health, flexibility and texture of the skin

Shea butter to help calm inflammation

It is equally important to avoid baby washes with potentially drying or irritating ingredients. “Avoid cleansers with fragrances and dyes, which can sometimes cause a contact dermatitis reaction in people with more sensitive skin,” says Dr. Camp. She also recommends using liquid baby wash instead of soap, which tends to be harsher and more prone to drying out the skin. Dr. Williams recommends avoiding cleansers with “harsh surfactants,” which can lead to further irritation.

And of course, it’s always best to talk to a pediatrician or dermatologist if you’re concerned about treating your baby’s skin or eczema, especially if you notice that a certain routine or product isn’t soothing his symptoms.

The best baby washes for eczema at a glance

All that being said – what baby washes should you try for your baby’s eczema? See what our experts recommend:

The Best Foaming Cleanser: Vanicream Foaming Wash For Baby

The best combination of wash and shampoo: CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

Best Colloidal Oatmeal Cleanser: Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Soothing Oatmeal Bath Therapy

Best Oil Cleaner: Stelatopia cleansing oil

Best Soothing Wash: Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing wash

The best solution for the night: Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Moisturizing Balm