Dry skin and more: Baby lotion and eczema creams
:format(webp))
The bottom line
Baby lotions are a mixture of water, moisturizers, and thickeners (emulsifiers). Eczema creams contain colloidal oatmeal and ceramides or hydrocortisone with moisturizers and vitamins. Use lotions that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes. They are safe for infants. If a baby swallows lotion or eczema cream, they may have a mild upset stomach, loose stools, or diarrhea.
Prevention tips
Store lotions and creams up, away, and out of reach of children.
Use fragrance-free moisturizers.
For eczema, use lukewarm water to bathe your baby, avoid scrubbing skin, and then apply moisturizer.
Treat eczema as soon as you notice it.
Identify and avoid eczema triggers. These include sweating, scratching, smoke, pet dander, pollen, and products such as clothing, detergent, fabric softeners, shampoos, baby powder, and wipes.
Apply topical corticosteroids before applying moisturizer.
This really happened
A 4-month-old girl with atopic dermatitis became fussy and feverish and developed painful open sores surrounded by dead tissue on her face. Her mother had been putting an improvised cream on her face, arms, and legs. An alternative medicine pharmacist had made the cream from crushed fresh walnuts and olive oil.
In the emergency department, blood tests showed signs of a serious infection. Staph bacteria were growing in her blood. She was treated with an intravenous antibiotic and wet-to-dry dressings. The sores healed over a few days, and she was discharged with a prescription for a topical corticosteroid. She was diagnosed with dead skin tissue on her face and a bloodstream infection (sepsis) after using a homemade eczema cream.
Poisoned? Get expert help.
Don't guess what you should do. Get accurate answers online or by phone. Both ways are free and confidential.
OR
call 1-800-222-1222
What is in baby lotions and eczema creams?
Baby lotions are a mixture of water, moisturizers, and thickeners (emulsifiers). Examples of ingredients in moisturizers include mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum, coconut oil, glycerin, and aloe vera. Sometimes an antioxidant such as vitamin E is added.
Moisturizers and barrier lotions (Aveeno Baby, CeraVe): Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion contains dimethicone, which seals in moisture. CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion has ceramides NP, AP, and EOP to maintain a natural protective barrier, as well as hyaluronic acid (retains moisture), vitamins B3 and E, allantoin (soothes and protects), and dimethicone.
Baby eczema creams usually contain colloidal oatmeal, ceramides (lipids that restore skin barrier), petrolatum and mineral oil, glycerin and hyaluronic acid (to hydrate skin), shea butter and other plant-based emollients, and a vitamin such as B3, B5, or E (to soothe skin and act as antioxidants).
Colloidal oatmeal eczema creams (Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy, Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief): Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy contains colloidal oatmeal, triple oat complex (colloidal oatmeal, oat kernel extract, and oat oil), dimethicone, vitamin B5, and glycerin. Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief contains colloidal oatmeal, ceramide-3, and licorice root extract (helps red, irritated skin).
Medicated creams containing 1% hydrocortisone: These are used short term (under 7 days for eczema flare-ups). They should be applied after the baby’s bath and before moisturizers.
Are baby lotions and eczema creams safe for infants?
Yes, baby lotions and eczema creams are safe for infants. It is best to use lotions that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes. Thick creams and ointments are more effective because they trap moisture better than watery lotions.
What to do if a child swallows baby lotion or eczema cream
Take the cream away from the baby, wipe out the mouth, and give the baby a small amount of water to drink. For babies younger than 6 months, offer human milk or infant formula instead of water. The baby may have a mild upset stomach, loose stools, or diarrhea.
Get expert help
If someone swallows baby lotion or eczema cream, gets it in their eyes, or you have questions about using these products safely, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
What happens if lotion or cream gets in the eyes?
If lotion or cream gets in the eyes, rinse with water for 15 minutes. The lotion or cream may be irritating and cause redness, stinging, or tearing.
Can baby lotion cause a rash or skin reaction?
Yes, baby lotion can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Symptoms include redness, bumps or hives, dry or peeling skin, and itching. This is more likely if the lotion contains fragrances, dyes, preservatives, or natural ingredients such as plant oils, nut extracts, and beeswax.
If you suspect a skin reaction, wash the area and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer. If symptoms get worse, or if the baby has swelling or trouble breathing, get medical care right away.