Baby Eczema Guide: Causes, Relief & When to Seek Help

Seeing patches of dry, itchy skin on your baby can be worrying. Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in infants, affecting up to 20% of children worldwide according to data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Three study (Odhiambo et al., 2009).

While it’s not contagious, it can be uncomfortable for your baby — and stressful for you as a mum. Early and consistent moisturisation — including with rich emollients like our rich tallow balm — can strengthen the skin barrier and may even help prevent eczema development in high-risk infants (Simpson et al., 2014).

The truth is, baby eczema doesn’t have a single cause. It can be linked to sensitive skin, family history of allergies, or everyday triggers like soaps, washing powders, or even a change in the weather. For some babies, eczema comes and goes quickly. For others, it can be a longer journey.

This guide is here to give you down-to-earth, mum-to-mum advice: what baby eczema looks like, what might trigger it, and the gentle steps you can take to soothe your baby’s skin. No jargon, no fear — just real, practical support.

What Baby Eczema Looks Like

Baby eczema can look different depending on your child’s age, skin tone, and where the patches appear. The most common signs are dry, red, or inflamed patches of skin that may feel rough to the touch. In some babies, the skin looks flaky; in others, it can appear weepy or form small bumps.

One question mums often ask is: “Is baby eczema always red?” The answer is no. On lighter skin, eczema often looks pink or red, but eczema can present differently depending on skin tone, with darker skin often showing purplish, brown, or grey patches rather than classic redness (Silverberg & Hanifin, 2013). What’s consistent is that the skin looks irritated and may cause your baby to scratch or rub for relief.

Another worry is: “Is baby eczema always itchy?” Most of the time, yes — itchiness is one of the key signs. But babies can’t always tell us when they’re uncomfortable. Instead, you might notice them rubbing their face against bedding, tugging at their ears, or seeming restless.

By age, eczema can look slightly different:

Eczema in a 2-month-old: Often appears on the cheeks, forehead, or scalp as dry, patchy skin.
Eczema in a 6-month-old: May spread to arms, legs, or tummy as your baby starts rolling and weaning.
Eczema in a 9-month-old: Patches can become rougher or more widespread, especially in skin folds (like elbows and knees) as your baby crawls and sweats more.

It’s easy to confuse baby eczema with newborn acne or heat rash. The difference? Newborn acne looks more like tiny red pimples and usually clears on its own in the first few weeks. Eczema, on the other hand, is dry, scaly, and tends to stick around longer — often needing a bit of daily care.

Causes and Triggers

One of the most confusing parts of baby eczema is figuring out why it happens. Research confirms that atopic dermatitis results from a complex interaction between genetic predisposition, environmental irritants, and immune system dysregulation (Weidinger & Novak, 2016). Some babies only have a short spell of it, while for others it flares up from time to time.

Common triggers mums notice include:

Dry air or changes in weather – cold winds and central heating can pull moisture out of delicate skin.
Soaps, bubble baths, and detergents – even “baby-friendly” versions can be harsh if your child’s skin barrier is already sensitive.
Sweating and heat – warm baby grows, blankets, or a hot day can make patches flare.
Dust, pollen, or pet dander – sometimes everyday allergens irritate the skin.

Is Baby Eczema Caused by Allergies?

Many mums worry: “Is baby eczema a sign of allergies?” Not always. Some babies with eczema do also have food sensitivities or seasonal allergies, but not all. While eczema isn’t caused by food allergies, damaged skin barriers may increase the risk of food sensitisation, especially in early life (Tsakok et al., 2016).

Baby Eczema and Food Allergies

Research shows that infants with early signs of skin barrier dysfunction are more likely to develop both eczema and food sensitivities later on (Kelleher et al., 2016), making daily skin support even more important. This doesn’t mean every child with eczema has a food allergy. But if you notice a clear pattern (like flare-ups right after a new food), it’s worth keeping a food diary and speaking with your GP or a dietitian before cutting anything out.

Baby Eczema and Breastfeeding

Mums often ask whether their own diet while breastfeeding can affect their baby’s eczema. For some families, avoiding specific foods in mum’s diet may help, especially if there’s a known allergy. Breastfeeding has been shown to provide protective immune benefits and may reduce the risk of eczema in early infancy (Lodge et al., 2015). It also provides comfort for your little one and shouldn’t be stopped unless advised by a health professional.

Some mums also find flare-ups calm with richer products, like our best cream for nappy rash or a nourishing beef tallow balm. Exploring tallow balms can help you choose something that suits your baby’s skin.

Is Baby Eczema Painful or Dangerous?

Eczema can look sore, but the good news is it usually isn’t dangerous. The main concern is the itch–scratch cycle. Your baby feels itchy, scratches (or rubs against sheets and clothes), and the skin gets more irritated. Over time, this can cause small cuts or even mild infections if bacteria get in.

Is Baby Eczema Painful?

Even mild eczema can impact sleep and quality of life for both infants and their caregivers (Kim et al., 2016). However, eczema itself isn’t usually painful — it’s mostly itchy and uncomfortable. But if scratching breaks the skin, it can become tender or sting, especially if creams or bath water touch the open area. That’s why keeping the skin moisturised and nails trimmed helps so much.

Is Baby Eczema Contagious?

No. Baby eczema is not contagious. You don’t need to worry about it spreading to siblings, cousins, or other children at playgroup. It’s simply your baby’s skin reacting to certain triggers — not something that can be passed on.

Helping Your Baby’s Skin Feel Better

The daily routine you build around your baby’s skin makes the biggest difference. While there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” cure, small, consistent steps can help ease discomfort and reduce flare-ups.

Keep Skin Moisturised

Moisturising is the number one tool for baby eczema relief. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free cream or balm at least twice a day — and more often if the skin looks dry. A beef tallow balm or tallow moisturiser is a simple, natural option that locks in moisture without fillers.

Bathing Tips

Studies suggest that short daily baths, followed by emollient application, can improve skin hydration without worsening eczema symptoms (Tsakok et al., 2019):

Keep baths short (5–10 minutes) and use lukewarm water, not hot.
Skip the bubble bath — plain water is enough, or add a small splash of natural oil if your baby’s skin is very dry.
Pat skin dry gently with a soft towel, then apply cream straight away to seal in moisture.

Clothing and Fabrics

Choose soft, breathable layers — cotton or bamboo work best. Avoid scratchy fabrics like wool directly on the skin, and wash clothes in fragrance-free, non-bio detergent.

Baby Eczema and Swimming

Swimming can be a worry, especially with chlorine. A simple tip: apply a layer of balm before the pool to create a barrier, and rinse your baby’s skin with fresh water afterwards. For saltwater, a quick rinse after swimming usually prevents dryness.

Baby Eczema and Bleach Bath

You may hear about diluted “bleach baths” for eczema. In more severe cases, diluted bleach baths may help reduce bacterial colonisation and improve symptoms — but they should only be used under medical supervision (Huang et al., 2009). Never try this at home without speaking to your GP first.

Eczema at Different Ages

Eczema in a 2-Month-Old

At this age, patches often show up on the cheeks, scalp, or forehead. The skin may look dry, red, or flaky. Because babies this young spend so much time lying down, rubbing against bedding can make the irritation worse.

Eczema in a 6-Month-Old

Around six months, many babies start weaning, rolling more, and spending extra time on the floor. Eczema patches may spread to the arms, legs, or tummy. This is also when parents start asking, “Why does my 6-month-old have eczema?” — the answer is usually a mix of developing skin barrier, new foods, and more exposure to environmental triggers.

Eczema in a 9-Month-Old

Once crawling begins, flare-ups often show in the elbows, knees, and skin folds. Friction, sweating, and teething can all play a role. Some parents also notice patches getting rougher or more stubborn at this stage.

Why Does Eczema Flare at Milestones?

Babies with a genetic predisposition are more likely to experience eczema flare-ups during transitional phases (Brown & McLean, 2012). That’s why you often see eczema worsening during big changes: teething, weaning, crawling, or even moving into a different season. These transitions stress the skin barrier and immune system a little, which is why flare-ups can seem to come out of nowhere.

When to Get Extra Help

Most cases of baby eczema can be managed at home with gentle daily care. But sometimes, it’s best to get a professional opinion. Trust your instincts — if you’re worried, it’s always okay to ask.

See your GP or health visitor if:

The eczema looks infected (yellow crusts, oozing, or swelling).
Your baby seems very uncomfortable, losing sleep, or scratching until bleeding.
Over-the-counter creams don’t seem to help after a couple of weeks.
You suspect a food allergy link, especially if flare-ups come with tummy upset, swelling, or other allergic reactions.

Clinical guidelines advise seeking medical input if eczema becomes infected, severely impacts sleep, or doesn’t improve with regular moisturisation (Sidbury et al., 2014). In some cases, a GP may prescribe a mild steroid cream or refer you to a dermatologist for extra support. If food allergies are suspected, you may also be guided to keep a food diary or see a specialist dietitian.

For more reading, you may find it useful to explore our guide on the benefits of beef tallow for skin.

Remember: asking for help doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Eczema is common, and sometimes professional care is simply part of the journey.

Conclusion

Eczema in babies is more common than most of us realise, and it can feel overwhelming when you first see those red, dry patches on your little one’s skin. But remember: it isn’t your fault, and you’re certainly not alone. In summary, most infant eczema cases respond well to a simple routine of moisturising and avoiding known irritants, without the need for prescription treatment (Paller et al., 2019). Therefore, with a gentle daily care, the right soothing products (such as our BUM+BODY balm), and support from your GP when needed, most babies find relief as their skin barrier grows stronger.

At Matylda Baby, we believe in simple, time-proven care — no fillers, no fluff, no compromises. Our balms are made by mums, for mums, using high-quality natural ingredients that comfort delicate skin. They’re not a cure for eczema, but they can be part of a soothing routine that helps your baby feel more comfortable day to day.

If you’re navigating eczema alongside other common baby skin issues, our natural nappy rash guide is a good place to start. For trickier flare-ups, this article on severe nappy rash support may also reassure you. And if you’re searching for product options, see our round-up of the most popular nappy rash creams.

Because at the end of the day, your baby deserves the best — and so do you.