Why Does My Baby Have Eczema?

Seeing your baby with dry and itchy skin can leave you wondering what caused it. Eczema is not the result of anything you have done wrong.

Most eczema in babies is atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition that can come and go over time. There is no single answer to what causes infant eczema. Genetic factors can make a baby more prone to eczema, while differences in the skin barrier and immune system can leave their skin dry, sensitive and easily irritated.

A family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever can increase the likelihood of a baby developing eczema. However, eczema can also affect babies with no family history of these conditions.

Common everyday triggers that set off flare-ups

Environmental factors can irritate eczema-prone skin and set off a flare-up. Common triggers include:

• Heat, sweating and sudden changes in temperature
• Soap, bubble bath and perfumed skincare products
• Rough or irritating fabrics
• Dry air and central heating
• Saliva or food left on the skin
• Eating a food your baby is allergic to
• Allergens such as pollen, pets or house-dust mites

Every baby is different, and a flare-up does not always have an obvious explanation. Trying to avoid every possible trigger can quickly become overwhelming. Instead, look for changes that happen repeatedly after your baby eats a particular food or comes into contact with the same product, fabric or environment.

A short diary can help. Note when the flare began, where it appeared and whether anything changed in the previous few days. Change one part of your baby’s routine at a time so you can see whether it makes a difference. If you suspect a food allergy, speak to a healthcare professional before removing the food from your baby’s diet.

Can hard water trigger baby eczema?

Hard water contains higher levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Research has found a link between living in a hard-water area and eczema in babies and children, but this does not prove that hard water causes eczema.

Hard water may contribute to dryness or irritation in some babies whose skin barrier is already delicate. However, a clinical trial found that installing a water softener did not improve established eczema in children, so there is no need to assume that changing your household water will solve your baby’s eczema symptoms.

Whatever type of water you have, avoid hot baths and ordinary soap, as both can dry the skin further. Use lukewarm water and an emollient wash suitable for your baby, then apply their leave-on emollient afterwards. For more tips, read our guide to using emollients on your baby’s skin.

Can laundry detergent trigger eczema?

Laundry detergent can irritate some babies with sensitive skin. Fragrances and other ingredients may remain on clothing, bedding or towels, keeping them in close contact with your baby’s skin.

If you suspect laundry products are contributing to flare-ups, try a fragrance-free detergent and, if you use one, a fragrance-free fabric softener. You may also choose a non-biological detergent, but check the label carefully, as “non-biological” does not necessarily mean fragrance-free.

There is no expected adjustment period when changing detergent. If your baby’s eczema becomes worse after a switch, stop using the new product and rewash anything that touches their skin using a detergent they have previously tolerated.

Use the recommended amount, and consider an additional rinse if you are concerned about residue. Change one laundry product at a time and keep a brief note of your baby’s symptoms, as irritated skin may take time to settle after the product has been removed.

What tends to make eczema worse?

Once a flare-up begins, heat and sweating can make the skin feel itchier. Younger babies may respond by rubbing their face against you or their bedding, while older babies may scratch the affected area.

Scratching can further damage the skin barrier, leading to more irritation and itching. It can also break the skin and leave it more vulnerable to infection. A skin infection may then cause the eczema to spread, become more painful or take longer to settle.

Keeping your baby comfortably cool and their nails short can help protect their skin. Continue using their usual emollient and any prescribed treatment as directed. For more practical advice, read our guide to treating your baby’s eczema day to day.

When to speak to a doctor about your baby’s eczema

Speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether the rash is eczema, flare-ups are becoming more frequent or your baby’s usual treatment is not helping. You should also seek advice if itching is disturbing their sleep or causing considerable discomfort. Babies with severe eczema may need their treatment reviewed.

Seek prompt medical advice if your baby’s skin:

• Becomes blistered, crusted or starts leaking fluid
• Develops spots filled with pus
• Feels painful, swollen or warm
• Suddenly becomes worse or spreads

These may be signs that the skin has become infected and needs treatment. Seek urgent medical advice if the affected area is widespread or your baby has a high temperature, appears lethargic or seems generally unwell. Contact your local urgent-care or out-of-hours medical service for guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can stress or teething make my baby’s eczema worse?

Stress and teething are not direct infant eczema causes. However, an unsettled baby may rub or scratch their skin more often, which can make a flare-up worse. The extra drooling that often comes with teething can also irritate the skin around your baby’s mouth, cheeks and neck.

Gently pat away saliva rather than rubbing, change damp bibs regularly and protect the area with a fragrance-free barrier cream suitable for babies. Learn more in our guide to baby facial rashes.

Does the change of seasons affect baby eczema?

Yes, eczema can change with the seasons. Cold weather, dry air and central heating can make the skin drier during winter. In summer, heat and sweat may increase itching and trigger flare-ups. You may notice that your baby’s skin needs more moisturising at certain times of year or that particular clothing and room temperatures keep them more comfortable.

Can something in breast milk or formula trigger eczema?

Food allergens can sometimes trigger or worsen eczema in babies with a food allergy. For example, cow milk proteins in infant formula may trigger eczema symptoms in babies with cow’s milk protein allergy. However, eczema alone does not mean that your baby is allergic to their formula.

Breastfeeding is recommended and has many benefits for babies and mums, although the evidence on whether it prevents eczema is mixed. In a small number of breastfed babies with a food allergy, proteins from foods eaten by mum can pass into breast milk and trigger symptoms.

If you notice a consistent pattern between feeding and symptoms, record what happened and when. Speak to a healthcare professional before changing your baby’s formula or removing foods from your diet while breastfeeding. Eliminating foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done under professional guidance, with support from a dietitian if needed.

Is baby eczema linked to vaccinations?

Research has not found that routine childhood vaccinations increase the likelihood of developing atopic eczema. Eczema and routine vaccinations both commonly begin during infancy, so their timing can overlap without one causing the other. If your baby develops unexpected symptoms after a vaccination or seems unwell, contact a healthcare provider for advice.

Helping your baby feel more comfortable

Understanding what may be triggering your baby’s eczema can make it easier to decide what to change and when to seek advice. Explore the Capricare® Parent Support Hub for helpful guides on how to recognise symptoms, manage flare-ups and care for sensitive skin day to day.