Last Updated on March 21, 2025 by NonToxicSwaps
Toxins may be responsible for aggravating baby eczema. Use a non toxic baby eczema cream to help heal baby’s sensitive skin, while also eliminating irritants.
Sources: National Eczema Association
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a condition that causes inflammation of the skin. It can cause dry skin, rashes, itchiness, blisters, and itchiness.
The most common type of eczema is Atopic dermatitis which is caused by an overactive immune system. This leads to the skin barrier becoming dry and itchy.
A “flare-up” is the term often used to describe an episode of increased symptoms.
What is the Main Cause of Eczema?
An eczema flare up occurs when the immune system become overactive. What triggers the immune system to become “overactive”? It can be a result of various factors, which may be genetic or due to environmental irritants.
An irritant or allergen can trigger the immune system to active (or over-activate for those with eczema). This causes inflammation and manifests as eczema on the skin.
Some genetic factors may include:
- Gut imbalance
- Family history
While genetics can certainly play a role, commonly found items in the home and can contribute to eczema flare-ups. Here are a few potential triggers that can be eliminated/avoided:
- Irritants– Ingredients in personal care products and household cleaning products can be considered irritants. Your child may be reacting to consistent exposure to irritating ingredients in the home. For example, laundry detergent is designed to linger and build up on our clothing. Baby lotions can also contain irritants.
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Fragrance/Parfum: umbrella term including hundreds of toxins, including hormone disrupting phthalates, as well as skin irritants and allergens. Chemicals that are hidden behind this term can be carcinogenic, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxins, neurotoxins, and more (PMID: 35669814)
- Household cleaners – Many household cleaners and disinfectants contain toxic ingredients that are known irritants.
- Extreme temperature exposure – extreme heat or cold
- Personal Care products – These often contain toxic chemical ingredients that can irritate the skin. These ingredients are even found in baby products!
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing ingredients: suspected of causing cancer, genetic defects, skin & eye irritant (PubChem CID: 712); potential cognitive damage (PMID: 18333987)
- Wool – Wool may irritate skin.
- Allergies/sensitivities– From food to pet dander, consistent exposure to allergens can trigger an eczema flare up.
How to Manage Eczema
Managing your child’s eczema is a two-pronged approach:
- Eliminate potential triggers.
- Treat eczema flare-ups by soothing and protecting the skin.
Eliminate Potential Triggers
Avoid triggers in common household products by making simple swaps. Pro tip: If you can’t make all these swaps right away, start with the ones that make direct contact with your baby: baby lotion, laundry detergent, clothing, etc. Check out these suggestions for reducing your child’s exposure to triggers in the home:
- Switch to a non toxic laundry detergent. If your regular detergent is non toxic, you don’t need a separate baby detergent. Check out these safer options:
- Swap out your household cleaning products:
- Use non toxic baby products like these:
- Avoid inflammatory foods. Check out these suggestions from The National Eczema Association.
- Avoid potential allergens/sensitivities: dust, pet dander, etc.
- Discuss your child’s gut health with your pediatrician to see if an infant probiotic may be helpful.
- Keep baby’s skin moisturized and avoid dry skin using a Non Toxic Baby Lotion and a Non Toxic Eczema Cream (see below).
Best Non Toxic Ezcema Cream for Babies and Kids
By using one of these safe, non toxic ezcema creams, you can help calm your baby’s ezcema AND do so without toxins.
Check out these safe, non toxic eczema cream options:
Check out more Non Toxic Swaps recommendations in the guides below:
NON TOXIC PERSONAL CARE GUIDES
- Toothpaste
- Hand Lotion
- Deodorant
- Men's Deodorant
- Body Lotion
- Body Wash
- Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites
- Non Toxic Valentines’ Day Self Care Guide
Hair Care
Skin Care
NON TOXIC HOME GUIDES
NON TOXIC MAKEUP GUIDES
NON TOXIC BABY GUIDES
- Baby Laundry Detergent
- Baby Wash
- Baby Sunscreen
- Baby Diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Baby Lotion
- Baby Safe Paint for Cribs
- Eczema Cream for Babies & Kids