Baby Or Infant Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Health ConditionsSkin ConditionsEczemaShare this articleShare on FacebookShare on XShare on PinterestCopy LinkAn Essential Guide to Baby Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Adobe StockByJoseph Bennington-CastroUpdated on January 28, 2022Medically Reviewed byJacquelyn Dosal, MDON THIS PAGE

• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Progression
• Triggers
• Treatment

ON THIS PAGE

• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Progression
• Triggers
• Treatment

Although eczema affects many adults, it is more common in children.

Eczema is a general term to describe a number of inflammatory skin conditions. Aside from atopic dermatitis (the most prevalent), other types of eczema that commonly affect children include contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema (foot-and-hand eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp eczema (known as cradle cap in infants).

Nearly 13 percent of children younger than 18 in the United States have eczema, including atopic dermatitis, according to research published in JAMA Dermatology.

[1]

What’s more, 90 percent of people with eczema experience it before age 5. An estimated 60 percent of people with atopic dermatitis develop it before age 1, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

[2]

This so-called baby eczema, or infantile eczema, can persist through childhood and adolescence — and even adulthood in some cases.

FEATURED

A Caregiver’s Guide to Biologics for Atopic Dermatitis in Children

If your child has atopic dermatitis, here’s what you should know about this latest treatment.…Learn More

What Causes Eczema in Children?

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes baby eczema, but they believe it’s most likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Eczema is not contagious, according to Cleveland Clinic.

[3]

Infants are more likely to develop eczema if family members have a history of eczema, hay fever, or asthma, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA).

[4]

While these conditions don’t cause one another, the AAD notes that infants are more likely to develop hay fever or asthma if they already have baby eczema.

[5]

And, according to the NEA, a baby with atopic dermatitis has an increased risk of other atopic (allergic) conditions, including asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.

[6]

According to Cleveland Clinic, scientists believe eczema results from an immune system dysfunction that affects the skin barrier and its ability to hold in moisture.

Most Recent in Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis in Skin of Color: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

eczemaAtopic Dermatitis in Skin of Color: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and TreatmentMedically Reviewed by Mohiba Tareen, MD | February 16, 2026Eczema Resource Center

eczemaEczema Resource CenterMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD | February 16, 2026Is Your Atopic Dermatitis Well-Controlled? 3 Red Flags You Should Watch For

eczemaIs Your Atopic Dermatitis Well-Controlled? 3 Red Flags You Should Watch ForMedically Reviewed by Sanober Pezad Doctor, MD | February 13, 2026How to Help Your Teen Navigate Atopic Dermatitis and Social Anxiety

eczemaHow to Help Your Teen Navigate Atopic Dermatitis and Social AnxietyMedically Reviewed by Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN | February 13, 2026

Baby Eczema Risk Factors and the Environment

Although baby eczema is the result of immune system dysfunction, likely from a genetic predisposition, studies have found a number of risk factors.

For example, one study suggested that children have a higher risk of developing eczema if their mothers experienced high-stress situations during pregnancy.

[7]

There also appear to be differences in atopic dermatitis risk by ethnicity, with Black American children more likely to develop the condition than white children in the US, according to a review.

[8]

The outdoor environment — specifically, air pollutants and meteorological conditions — may also have an impact on eczema risk in children. One study concluded that high levels of carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, lead, ozone, and particulate matter may all affect the development of infantile eczema.

[9]

And a review found evidence of a link between exposure to air pollution and atopic dermatitis.

[10]

Weather may also play a role in eczema management. According to the NEA, there is some evidence that a hot and sunny climate may help improve eczema symptoms. And in one study, hot weather improved eczema symptoms or reduced flares, which the authors noted is consistent with previous research findings.

[11]

Editor’s Picks in Eczema

What to Eat and Avoid to Manage Eczema

EczemaWhat to Eat and Avoid to Manage EczemaHow to Target Triggers of Eczema

EczemaHow to Target Triggers of EczemaThe Eczema and Stress Connection

EczemaThe Eczema and Stress ConnectionA Detailed Guide to Treating Eczema

EczemaA Detailed Guide to Treating Eczema

Baby Eczema and Cradle Cap Symptoms

Baby eczema causes symptoms such as a rash that makes the skin dry, itchy, and scaly. The rash can also have small bumps, which may ooze or weep fluid, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

[12]

Other symptoms may include:

• Thickened skin
• Discoloration and swelling
• Darkened skin on the eyelids and around the eyes
• Changes to the skin around the mouth, eyes, or ears

Cradle cap causes symptoms not commonly seen in other types of infantile eczema, such as greasy yellow scales on the scalp that sometimes appear in a thick layer covering the entire top of the head. Over time, the scales become flaky and can rub off.

Most babies do not appear to be bothered by cradle cap, though it sometimes itches, according to the AAD.

[13]

A Guide to the Different Types of Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, but there are others to be aware of, too. Find photos of seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and more.

Article

Progression of Eczema in Infants and Children

Baby eczema is most prominent on the cheeks, forehead, and scalp of an infant within the first few months of life. It often makes the skin look more irritated and “weepy” than at other ages, according to the NEA.

The eczema can appear on other parts of the body, as well, though usually not the diaper area.

When the infant begins to crawl, usually between 6 and 12 months, eczema will typically affect the elbows and knees, which rub on the ground. The eczema rash can become infected, resulting in a yellowish crust or tiny bumps of pus, notes the NEA.

When the child is around age 2, eczema may begin to appear on the insides of the elbows and behind the knees, as well as on the wrists, ankles, and hands. It may also appear around the mouth and eyelids, according to the NEA. This eczema tends to be drier, scalier, and thicker (known as lichenification).

What Are the Triggers of Eczema Symptoms?

Eczema usually isn’t a persistent condition, but rather one marked by long, symptom-free periods, followed by flare-ups.

Environmental factors may cause the immune system to respond as if the body has encountered a harmful substance, resulting in inflammation and worsening eczema symptoms, according to the NEA.

[14]

These triggers may include a variety of allergens and irritants, such as:

• Pet dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen
• Allergenic foods (such as eggs, peanuts, and soy)
• Clothing made of wool or synthetic fibers
• Cigarette smoke
• Scented products, such as laundry detergents, perfume, and air fresheners, especially ones that contain alcohol
• Excessive heat or dryness
• Dry winter air with little moisture
• Skin infections
• Sweating
• Stress

Additionally, drool can irritate a baby’s cheeks, chin, and neck.

Treatment for Baby Eczema

There’s no cure for baby eczema, but the severity usually lessens over time.

Treatment focuses on managing skin dryness to prevent flare-ups and reducing skin inflammation.

According to the NEA and AAD, doctors recommend the following strategies:

[15]

[16]

• Avoid giving your baby long, hot baths (use cool or lukewarm water instead) or rubbing your baby’s skin too much, especially with rough washcloths, loofahs, or towels.
• Consider twice-weekly diluted-bleach baths, which can help babies older than three months with eczema that gets infected frequently. But discuss it with the doctor first.
• Moisturize your baby’s skin frequently with fragrance- and dye-free creams, lotions, and ointments, especially right after a bath.
• Dress your baby in soft, breathable cotton clothing.
• Avoid using scented products.
• Keep your baby’s fingernails short to prevent scratching, which can damage the skin and lead to further inflammation and infection.
• Remove irritants and known allergens from the house as much as possible.
• Keep your baby cool to avoid excessive sweating, possibly by using cool compresses (a wet, cool, soft washcloth), especially on irritated areas.
• Consider putting mittens on your small child’s hands if you need to leave them alone for a short period of time, such as when you’re using the bathroom. This will help prevent the child from scratching their skin when you are out of sight.

According to the Nemours Foundation and the American Academy of Pediatrics, your doctor may also recommend other eczema treatments for your child, including:

[17]

[18]

• Topical corticosteroids
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral drugs for skin infections
• Oral medication that suppresses the immune system
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors, which are nonsteroidal drugs that control inflammation
• Topical crisaborole, another nonsteroid medication approved for ages 3 months and up
• The biologic dupilumab, an injection that is approved for ages 6 months and up for more severe atopic dermatitis

EDITORIAL SOURCESEveryday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.SourcesResources

1. Choragudi S et al. Trends in the Prevalence of Eczema Among US Children by Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity From 1997 to 2018. JAMA Dermatology. February 2023.
2. Skin Conditions by the Numbers. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
3. Baby Eczema. Cleveland Clinic. July 5, 2022.
4. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and More. National Eczema Association.
5. Can Eczema Increase Risk of Asthma, Hay Fever, and Food Allergies? American Academy of Dermatology Association.
6. Atopic Dermatitis in Children. National Eczema Association.
7. Chan CWH et al. The Association Between Maternal Stress and Childhood Eczema: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. February 25, 2018.
8. Brunner PM et al. Racial Differences in Atopic Dermatitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. May 2019.
9. Belugina IN et al. Outdoor Environment, Ozone, Radionuclide-Associated Aerosols and Incidences of Infantile Eczema in Minsk, Belarus. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. November 2018.
10. Fadadu RP et al. Air Pollution and Atopic Dermatitis, From Molecular Mechanisms to Population-Level Evidence: A Review.  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. February 2023.
11. Chan J et al. Do Temperature Changes Cause Eczema Flares? An English Cohort Study. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. September 2023.
12. Atopic Dermatitis in Children. University of Rochester Medical Center.
13. Spearman D et al. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology Association. December 6, 2022.
14. Eczema Causes and Triggers. National Eczema Association.
15. 8 Survival Tips for Caring for an Eczema Baby. National Eczema Association. July 15, 2021.
16. Atopic Dermatitis: Self-Care. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
17. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis). Nemours Children’s Health. May 2023.
18. Stein S et al. How to Treat & Control Eczema Rashes in Children. American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org. November 2, 2023.

Additional Sources

• Silverberg J et al. Associations of Childhood Eczema Severity: A US Population Based Study. Dermatitis. May–June 2014.
• Kathuria P et al. Association of Pollution and Climate With Atopic Eczema in US Children. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. August 2016.
• Rueter K et al. Direct Infant UV Light Exposure Is Associated with Eczema and Immune Development. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. March 2019.
• Eczema. Nemours KidsHealth. May 2023.
• Lyons J et al. Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Clinical Features, Pathophysiology and Treatment. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America. February 2015.
• AskDrSears.com.
• Geddes JK. How to Care for Newborn Skin. What to Expect. March 31, 2023.

Sign up for our Healthy Skin Newsletter!Enter your emailSubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. RELATED ARTICLESSee all in EczemaSevere Eczema Is No Match for This Mother’s Love

EczemaSevere Eczema Is No Match for This Mother’s LoveMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD | Dec 16, 2025Does Itching Keep Them Up at Night? Here’s How to Manage Your Child’s Nighttime Atopic Dermatitis Flares

EczemaDoes Itching Keep Them Up at Night? Here’s How to Manage Your Child’s Nighttime Atopic Dermatitis FlaresMedically Reviewed by Sanober Pezad Doctor, MD | Dec 15, 2025Management of Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Essential Tips for Parents

EczemaManagement of Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Essential Tips for ParentsMedically Reviewed by Susan Bard, MD | Dec 01, 2025Can Changing Your Child’s Bathing Routine Help Their Atopic Dermatitis?

EczemaCan Changing Your Child’s Bathing Routine Help Their Atopic Dermatitis?Medically Reviewed by Susan Bard, MD | Nov 30, 2025Study Shows People With Eczema Can Bathe as Often as They Want

EczemaStudy Shows People With Eczema Can Bathe as Often as They WantPublished on Nov 13, 2025How to Recognize and Avoid Common Eczema Triggers

EczemaHow to Recognize and Avoid Common Eczema TriggersMedically Reviewed by Susan Bard, MD | Jul 16, 2025Eczema and Diet: The Foods to Eat and Avoid to Prevent and Manage Flare-Ups

EczemaEczema and Diet: The Foods to Eat and Avoid to Prevent and Manage Flare-UpsMedically Reviewed by Jacquelyn Dosal, MD | Jun 12, 2025How Long Does Eczema or an Eczema Flare Last?

EczemaHow Long Does Eczema or an Eczema Flare Last?Medically Reviewed by Susan Bard, MD | May 16, 20258 Things Not to Say to Someone With Eczema (and What to Say Instead)

Eczema8 Things Not to Say to Someone With Eczema (and What to Say Instead)Medically Reviewed by Amy Spizuoco, DO | Aug 06, 2024Atopic Dermatitis: A Glossary of Terms Used to Describe Triggers, Treatments, and More

EczemaAtopic Dermatitis: A Glossary of Terms Used to Describe Triggers, Treatments, and MoreMedically Reviewed by Susan Bard, MD | Jul 09, 2024What Is Atopic Dermatitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

EczemaWhat Is Atopic Dermatitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionMedically Reviewed by Susan Bard, MD | Jul 08, 20247 Surprising Triggers for Atopic Dermatitis Flares

Eczema7 Surprising Triggers for Atopic Dermatitis FlaresMedically Reviewed by Susan Bard, MD | Jun 06, 20248 Ways to Avoid Atopic Dermatitis Flare-Ups in the Summer

Eczema8 Ways to Avoid Atopic Dermatitis Flare-Ups in the SummerMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD | May 29, 2024Your Everyday Guide to Living Well With Atopic Dermatitis

EczemaYour Everyday Guide to Living Well With Atopic DermatitisMedically Reviewed by Susan Bard, MD | May 24, 2024Atopic Dermatitis in Skin of Color: Your Questions Answered

EczemaAtopic Dermatitis in Skin of Color: Your Questions AnsweredUpdated on May 13, 2024A Mom Prepares Her College-Bound Daughter to Manage Atopic Dermatitis on Her Own

EczemaA Mom Prepares Her College-Bound Daughter to Manage Atopic Dermatitis on Her Own Medically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD | Apr 12, 20248 Ways You Might Be Making Your Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms Worse

Eczema8 Ways You Might Be Making Your Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms WorseMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD | Feb 05, 2024Your Season-by-Season Guide to Managing Atopic Dermatitis

EczemaYour Season-by-Season Guide to Managing Atopic DermatitisMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD | Jan 02, 2024FDA Approves Dupixent (Dupilumab) as First Biologic Atopic Dermatitis Treatment for Kids 5 and Under

EczemaFDA Approves Dupixent (Dupilumab) as First Biologic Atopic Dermatitis Treatment for Kids 5 and UnderPublished on Jun 22, 2022Can Wet Wrap Therapy Help Severe Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Flares?

EczemaCan Wet Wrap Therapy Help Severe Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Flares?Medically Reviewed by Jacquelyn Dosal, MD | Jun 10, 2022