Reading time: 6 minutes Age group: from birth Last updated: June 2026

Eczema in babies: how to recognize a flare-up and soothe the skin?

In a nutshell

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes red patches, dry skin, and itching. It is not contagious and can be relieved with a suitable routine and, when necessary, treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Your baby may have eczema if...

• their skin is very dry despite regular application of a moisturizer;
• red patches appear and then disappear in flare-ups;
• they seem to rub or scratch frequently;
• certain areas become rough or thickened over time;
• the patches always reappear in the same places.

Eczema is common in infants and young children. It can be alarming, but it is usually very well managed with appropriate care.

What to do in case of an eczema flare-up?

The first step is to continue to care for the skin while limiting anything that can irritate it.

The most important steps are:

• moisturize the skin several times a day with a suitable product;
• avoid overly hot and long baths;
• use a gentle cleanser, free of harsh soaps;
• dress your baby in soft, breathable clothes;
• prevent your child from scratching as much as possible.

If a treatment (such as an anti-inflammatory cream) has been prescribed by your doctor, follow the recommendations received.

When should you consult a doctor?

Make an appointment with your doctor or pediatrician if:

• the patches spread rapidly;
• your baby seems very uncomfortable or sleeps poorly due to itching;
• the skin is weeping, has yellow scabs, or appears infected;
• usual care is no longer sufficient;
• you have doubts about the diagnosis.

For an infant, it is always best to seek medical advice if the lesions are extensive or appear very early.

What is eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.

It is not caused by a lack of hygiene.

It is not contagious.

In affected children, the skin is more fragile, and its protective barrier functions less effectively. It loses more water, becomes drier, and allows certain irritants or allergens present in the environment to penetrate more easily.

This fragility promotes flare-ups.

Why do some babies develop eczema?

There is no single cause.

Eczema often results from several factors:

• a genetic predisposition;
• naturally more fragile skin;
• an atopic history in the family (eczema, asthma, or hay fever);
• certain environmental factors that trigger or worsen flare-ups.

Every child is different.

For some, flare-ups are infrequent.

For others, they are more frequent during the first few years of life before gradually decreasing.

What does eczema look like in babies?

Lesions can vary from one child to another.

Common findings include:

• red patches;
• very dry skin;
• rough areas;
• itching;
• sometimes small cracks when the skin is very dry.

In infants, patches often appear on:

• the cheeks;
• the forehead;
• the scalp;
• the arms;
• the legs.

As the child grows, the creases of the elbows, knees, wrists, or ankles become more frequently affected.

Eczema, dry skin, or heat rash?

These skin problems can look similar, but they do not correspond to the same situation.

If in doubt, a healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis.

Common mistakes

❌ Thinking eczema is contagious. → False.

❌ Stopping baths completely. → False. Short, lukewarm baths followed by good moisturization are generally recommended.

❌ Constantly changing creams. → A simple, natural, and regular routine is often more effective. We recommend our Baume Douceur here.

❌ Thinking every flare-up is a food allergy. → This is not the case in most situations.

❌ Using perfumed or very harsh products. → They can further irritate already fragile skin.

What daily routine should you adopt?

When eczema is well-controlled, the skin remains more comfortable, and flare-ups are often less frequent.

A simple routine is usually sufficient.

1. Clean gently

Opt for a short bath or shower with lukewarm water.

Use a gentle cleanser, formulated for sensitive skin.

Avoid harsh soaps or heavily fragranced products.

2. Dry without rubbing

After bathing, gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel.

Rubbing can exacerbate irritation.

3. Moisturize daily

Apply a suitable moisturizer to the entire body, even when the skin appears normal.

Daily moisturization helps strengthen the skin barrier and space out flare-ups.

Regularity is often more important than quantity.

Can flare-ups be prevented?

It is not always possible to completely prevent eczema.

However, certain actions can often limit flare-ups.

• moisturize the skin every day;
• avoid very hot baths;
• maintain a comfortable room temperature;
• prevent your child from sweating excessively;
• choose soft and breathable clothing;
• use a suitable detergent and rinse clothes thoroughly.

Every child has their own triggers.

Over time, you will often learn to recognize those that concern your child.

Does the sun improve eczema?

For some children, moderate sun exposure can temporarily improve symptoms.

For others, heat and sweating, on the contrary, worsen flare-ups.

Therefore, it is not recommended to use the sun as a treatment.

In case of exposure, always protect your child's skin with clothing, shade, and appropriate sunscreen.

Can my child go to the swimming pool?

Yes.

However, chlorine can further dry out the skin.

After swimming:

• rinse the skin with clear water;
• dry gently;
• apply a moisturizer.

If swimming always seems to trigger a significant flare-up, consult your doctor.

What clothes should I choose?

Clothes play a more important role than you might think.

Prioritize:

• cotton;
• breathable materials;
• loose-fitting clothing;
• non-irritating seams.

Avoid as much as possible:

• wool directly on the skin;
• very tight clothing;
• materials that promote sweating.

Is diet responsible?

Not in most cases.

Eczema is primarily linked to a fragile skin barrier and a genetic predisposition.

In some children, a food allergy may coexist with eczema, but it is generally not the cause.

It is not recommended to eliminate foods without medical advice.

Does eczema disappear with age?

Yes, often.

In many children, symptoms gradually decrease during childhood.

In others, dry skin or a few flare-ups may persist longer.

Each progression is different.

Key takeaways

Eczema is common in babies.

It is not contagious.

A gentle and regular routine often helps limit flare-ups.

Moisturizing the skin daily is one of the most important steps.

If in doubt or if the patches worsen, seek medical advice.

FAQ

Is eczema contagious?

No. Eczema is not transmitted from one child to another.

Does eczema always itch?

Itching is common, but its intensity varies among children and flare-ups.

Can eczema be permanently cured?

There is no definitive cure, but symptoms can often be very well controlled.

Can my baby have eczema from birth?

Yes, even if the first flare-ups usually appear in the first few months of life.

Is eczema an allergy?

No. These are two different issues, even if they can sometimes be associated.

Is bathing not recommended?

No. Short baths with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser are generally recommended.

Should I moisturize even between flare-ups?

Yes. Daily moisturization helps strengthen the skin barrier.

Does sun cure eczema?

No. Some skin appears to improve temporarily, but the sun is not a treatment.

Is swimming allowed?

Yes. It is simply recommended to rinse the skin after swimming and then apply a moisturizer.

What clothes should be preferred?

Soft, breathable cotton clothes are generally best tolerated.

Are flare-ups always due to a food allergy?

No. The majority of flare-ups are not caused by diet.

Can a child with eczema be vaccinated?

Yes. Eczema is generally not a contraindication to vaccinations.

Do animals worsen eczema?

Not systematically. Each child is different.

Is winter a more difficult period?

Yes. Cold and dry air often worsen skin dryness.

Can heat trigger a flare-up?

Yes. In some children, sweating promotes itching and flare-ups.

When should you consult quickly?

Consult if the skin oozes, becomes very painful, has yellow scabs, if your child seems very bothered, or if you have any doubt about the diagnosis.

 

Why this guide?
At Pioupiou Cosmetics, we believe parents deserve clear, nuanced information based on current scientific knowledge. That's why we created the Pioupiou Resource Center: a library of guides to support families with everyday questions.

Based on: medical recommendations of reference in pediatrics, dermatology and sun prevention
Important: this guide is informative and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pediatrician.

Medical Sources

This article is based on the recommendations of:
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren)
NHS (National Health Service)
DermNet
Société Française de Dermatologie
National Eczema Association
StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf)