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Eczema often affects young skin, which is more sensitive to irritation. However, using eczema creams on a baby can help relieve symptoms.

Different types of products can treat eczema. According to a 2017 article, there is no scientific evidence that ranks one product above another. The products that a person chooses are typically down to personal preference.

However, there are many creams and lotions available for sensitive infant skin. This article lists ten over-the-counter (OTC) creams to help treat eczema in babies.

Please note that all information below is research-based, and the article does not recommend certain products over others. The author has not personally tested the products.

According to a 2017 literature review, there is no single best cream for treating eczema, as the effectiveness of a product varies according to the frequency and severity of a person’s skin irritations.

However, products containing hydrocortisone and colloidal oatmeal are two active ingredients that may benefit eczema relief. Colloidal oatmeal contains active compounds that provide moisturizing, protective, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Hydrocortisone can help reduce swelling, itching, and irritation in eczema. However, a person should only use hydrocortisone creams on children under the age of 10 years after following consultations with a doctor.

Cream preferences will also depend on individual skin types. For example, lotions have a higher water content than creams and ointments. This makes lotions easier to apply but less suitable for dry skin, as they evaporate faster than ointments or creams.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

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Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream

According to Aveeno, this product can help care for dry, irritated, and itchy skin in infants.

The moisturizing cream is rich in texture and contains natural colloidal oatmeal and vitamin B5 to reduce inflammation.

Its rich texture can temporarily protect skin and relieve irritation due to eczema and other rashes.

Additionally, the product is free from:

  • synthetic fragrances
  • parabens
  • phthalates

California Baby Calendula Moisturizing Cream

California Baby states that this vegan-friendly cream is suitable for moisturizing sensitive skin.

It contains natural calendula flower and aloe vera preparations and has a light lavender scent.

Manufacturers have formulated this product to be thicker and more concentrated than its lotions. This makes the cream suitable for use on dry eczema or severely irritated areas.

The manufacturer adds that this cream is free from:

  • synthetic fragrances
  • harsh chemicals
  • petroleum-derived ingredients

Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Body Cream

The main ingredients of this product include colloidal oatmeal, water, and glycerin.

The manufacturer states that this cream is free from:

  • synthetic fragrances
  • artificial colorings
  • steroids

Eucerin also claims that this rich cream can provide 24 hours of skin hydration and relieve minor irritation and dryness from eczema.

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Baby

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Baby contains mostly water and petroleum.

It also includes glycerol compounds, which can help draw and retain moisture in the skin.

Vanicream states that the product features a special formulation for sensitive skin and contains no common chemical irritants.

It also adds that this cream is free from:

  • synthetic fragrances
  • artificial colorings
  • gluten
  • lanolin

Baby Dove Eczema Care

The main active ingredient of Dove’s Baby Eczema Care cream is colloidal oatmeal. Its formulation also includes a prebiotic moisturizer.

The cream reportedly provides rapid eczema relief and creates a 24-hour moisture barrier for the skin.

The manufacturer states that this product is free from:

  • synthetic fragrances
  • artificial colorings
  • parabens
  • steroids

According to Dove, this product is specifically for use in infants, following input from pediatric dermatologists.

YoRo Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream

YoRo Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream is appropriate for all ages.

The manufacturer states that this product contains 100% natural ingredients, including water, honey, beeswax, and natural oils.

This oil-based balm has a soft texture that is suitable for application even on sensitive areas, according to YoRo.

The cream is also free from:

  • genetically modified organisms
  • artificial additives
  • allergens
  • nuts
  • gluten

Era Organics Eczema Honey Cream Treatment

Era Organics says this moisturizer contains only natural ingredients, including water, chamomile, cocoa butter, beeswax, and natural oils.

The company adds that this cream is free from:

  • synthetic fragrances
  • sulfates
  • parabens
  • mineral oil
  • alcohol

This creamy balm is vegan and not a product of animal testing. Additionally, it is suitable for use on infant eczema and other rashes.

Made Of Moisturizing Organic Baby Lotion

This plant-based product contains water, aloe vera, and natural oils.

The manufacturer states that this cream is free from:

  • synthetic fragrances
  • parabens
  • sulfates
  • artificial ingredients

The company also adds that this product is a nongreasy and fast-absorbing lotion.

It can reportedly help soothe skin irritation from eczema and maintain a protective barrier against chafing and other irritations.

Cetaphil Baby Eczema Soothing Lotion

According to Cetaphil, this product can help reduce eczema symptoms, such as dryness, irritation, or redness.

The main active ingredient is allantoin. Other ingredients include colloidal oatmeal and shea butter.

The National Eczema Association has awarded this product with its Seal of Acceptance.

According to the manufacturer, this lotion is free from:

  • parabens
  • artificial fragrances
  • steroids

Suitable infant eczema creams are generally odorless and less likely to contain properties that irritate sensitive skin.

When trying a new cream, parents and caregivers should test a small amount on an area of skin to check for an allergic reaction or sensitivity.

If they know their baby is sensitive to certain compounds, they can check product labels to ensure they are free from these ingredients.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), factors that can worsen eczema include:

  • exposure to tobacco smoke
  • pollution in the air
  • certain soap or skin products, for example, those containing sodium laurel sulfate

Parents and caregivers can also avoid clothing the baby in fabrics that irritate the skin, instead opting for soft cotton garments that can help protect the skin. Additionally, trimming an infant’s nails can help protect against skin injuries due to scratching.

According to the National Eczema Society, there is no cure for eczema, but treatments can help ease symptoms.

Parents and caregivers should also try not to let a baby scratch irritated areas, which can worsen eczema. They can try covering the skin to help reduce scratching.

Additionally, immersing skin during a bath can remove dead areas of skin. With this in mind, moisturizing immediately after bathing can help keep the skin soft and prevent dryness afterward.

It is important to note that some OTC creams contain steroids, such as hydrocortisone. Always check with a doctor or pediatrician before applying these creams on a baby’s skin.

A person should seek medical attention if a baby’s eczema becomes severe, looks like it might have an infection, or does not respond to OTC treatment.

According to NIAMS, a doctor will assess the triggers and severity of rashes and identify how the baby’s skin responds to treatments when devising therapy plans.

To manage eczema, a healthcare professional may suggest:

  • prescription creams
  • skin care strategies, including moisturizing treatment
  • phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet A or B exposure to relieve symptoms
  • antibiotic treatment, which may be oral or topical

Eczema is the collective name for several skin conditions that cause red, itchy rashes on the skin. These rashes may appear differently depending on the individual. According to the National Eczema Society, eczema may cause blistering or peeling skin for some people but might be less apparent for others.

If a baby has any known allergies, a parent or caregiver can check that the product’s ingredients do not include them.

Choosing an eczema cream with a formulation specific for babies or infants can reduce the risk of reactions.

However, many nonmedicated eczema creams that do not specifically state they are suitable for babies are typically safe to use, work just as well, and may cost less.