Both my babies have eczema. I have always wondered (or to be more exact, agonised), why my babies? why do they have it and other babies don’t.

Being a pharmacist, I am constantly surrounded by health professionals. I have asked this question to so many health professionals, ranging from naturopaths to paediatricians. In response, I always get the same question – have you or your partner ever had eczema? Chances are you have come across a similar response in your journey to conquer your baby’s eczema.

What do they mean? I have never had eczema… but if you dig deep enough someone related to your child probably has. Or they are asthma or seasonal allergy sufferers, and these two conditions have also been genetically linked to babies who have eczema. So, it’s more than likely a genetic thing, something we have been dealing with through the generations.

A likely explanation for this link between eczema and asthma is our environment. The increased number of pollutants around us may be playing a role in the rising numbers of babies with eczema. So what do we do about it? For many of us a coastal change isn’t on the agenda. Like most things the only option we have is to manage it with the best resources and products available to us.

What can you do to help manage your baby’s eczema

There are lots of things you can do to help manage your baby’s eczema but one of the most important things you can do is to keep the skin well moisturised with a non-cosmetic moisturiser. The best time to moisturise your baby is immediately after bath time as this is when the skin is best able to absorb moisture.

Our home routine for managing eczema

Back at my home, after my toddlers experience the nourishing goodness from their itchy baby bath soak, I then apply moisturiser. By moisturising your baby’s skin, you are helping to provide a barrier to keep the moisture in and irritants out. This will help to keep your baby’s skin better managed.

A great website for more information on managing baby eczema is the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. They offer great information as well as action plans. In the coming weeks I’ll be sharing my own baby eczema action plan on the blog.

PS – My older toddlers favourite itchy baby co soak is ‘Natural Bath Soak with goats milk’, whilst my younger toddler loves the smell of the coconut in ‘Natural Bath Soak with goats milk and organic coconut’.

This post is brought to you and your baby with love by Julia and the Itchy Baby Co. team x

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.