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Updated on June 19, 2024
Created on July 17, 2019
Using an emollient cream, such as Stelatopia+ Lipid Replenishing Cream, can significantly reduce the discomfort of eczema flareups by soothing itching and irritation. 90%* of parents agree it limits the frequency of severe dryness peaks to improve the child's sleep and the family's well-being.
We recommend applying a generous amount of emollient cream all over your baby's body before naptime or bedtime. If your baby is fussy at night, re-applying may help soothe and settle back to sleep. If the condition persists for more than a week, you should consult your paediatrician.
*Clinical study conducted under dermatological and paediatric control on 63 subjects ages three months to 8 years with eczema-prone skin, with 1 to 2 applications per day for 28 days (self-assessment).
In addition to using an emollient product, adjusting the temperature in your home can significantly reduce eczema flare-ups that disrupt your baby's sleep. Both high temperatures and low humidity can aggravate skin conditions such as eczema. The combination of high temperatures and dry air accelerates moisture evaporation from the baby's skin, compromising the hydrolipidic barrier and causing irritation and itching.
Mustela experts recommend maintaining a temperature of around 18°C with humidity above 30% throughout the night, either in your baby's room or throughout the house. This helps your baby's body cool down during sleep, improving sleep quality and minimising eczema. Higher humidity helps retain moisture on the baby's skin, reducing the likelihood of irritation during flare-ups.
If you don't have a humidifier, you can increase humidity by placing a water bowl on a heating fan or hanging a damp towel. Both methods will effectively raise the humidity level, helping to create a more comfortable environment for your baby.
Cuddling with your baby is a great way to help them fall asleep. It may not directly relieve the discomfort, but it helps them relax. Babies find comfort in being held close to you, feeling safe and secure, and this allows them to relax far more effectively than being left alone in a crib.
If your baby struggles to sleep because of an eczema flare-up, holding them can work wonders. You can stand and gently bounce them or choose a soothing rocking motion while sitting in a rocking chair. Babies love these gentle movements; it's one reliable way to help your baby fall asleep.
Think about how you feel after a massage: relaxed, calm, or suitable. Your baby will feel the same. A gentle massage will distract them from their dry, itchy skin and help them relax and prepare for a peaceful night's sleep.
Start your baby's massage by concentrating on the feet and ankles, using gentle but firm strokes to avoid tickling. As babies are sensitive, use less pressure than you would when massaging an adult. Before moving on, spend about thirty seconds to a minute on each major muscle group.
After the feet and ankles, gradually work up the legs, massaging the calves, then the front and back of the thighs. Then, move to the hands and wrists before gently rubbing the arms to the shoulders. The massage can be five to ten minutes short but adapt to your baby's comfort. A thorough massage can significantly improve their sleep quality and yours.
Eczema can affect any part of the body, but certain areas are more prone to developing red, itchy patches, depending on your baby's age. While applying an emollient cream all over your baby's body is essential, paying extra attention to eczema-prone areas can provide additional relief and help improve sleep quality. Here's a breakdown of where to expect eczema flare-ups depending on your baby's age:
Birth to 12 months: Plumper areas such as the cheeks, forehead, arms and tummy are often concerned.
12 months to 3 years: Skin folds such as the elbows, back of the knees and behind the ears tend to be more prone to eczema at this stage.
3 to 6 years: In this age group, eczema often appears on the hands and face, especially around the mouth and eyelids.
Paying extra attention to these areas and using products like Stelatopia+ Lipid Replenishing Cream can help your baby's skin repair. Emollient creams also help to restore the skin's natural protective layer, reducing the frequency of flare-ups and providing a deeper, more restful sleep for both you and your baby. Although eczema is a genetic condition that cannot be cured entirely, managing the symptoms (red, swollen, itchy patches) with products from our Stelatopia range can help prevent flare-ups, even in older children, teenagers and adults.
