How To Use Coconut Oil On Baby Eczema

Sometimes being a baby isn't as great as it sounds. Diaper rash, cradle cap, and not being able to communicate are some of the downsides to being in the under 1 year department. And then there are skin issues like baby eczema. Although this conditions also plague adults, the dry, itchy, skin that accompanies eczema can be difficult for both parents and baby to handle. If you've looking for a simple solution to relieve baby eczema, you might have asked yourself, "does coconut oil help baby eczema?" After all, many adults use it on their skin as a moisturizer, but can it be used on your little one too?

Also know as or atopic dermatitis, Web Md noted that eczema can affect babies within their first few months of life. Like the adult version, the baby version often presents itself as extremely dry, rough, patchy, itchy skin, and can be quite uncomfortable and painful (especially if your little one is itching himself raw). According to an article from Baby Center, baby eczema often appears on the cheeks and scalp, but it can also occur on the arms, legs, or chest. Additionally, after your baby turns 1 year old, it's more likely that eczema will show up in the crooks elbows and knees or on the ankles or wrists. As with most itchy issues, scratching at eczema can cause scarring, which is one of the big reasons why (in addition to the fact that it's horribly uncomfortable) it's important to try to find ways to soothe the angry skin.

Eczema can be tricky because, like many other conditions, what works to treat it in one person may do nothing or even make it worse for another person. According to CafeMom, some people find success with soothing baby eczema with coconut oil. Just slather some on when eczema appears and regularly moisturize at night and after baths. Coconut oil also helps hydrate the skin, which, according to Mom Junction, can help relieve the itchiness characteristic of eczema. According to the website, babydermatitis.com, organic pure fractionated coconut oil can also help soothe psoriasis, in addition to eczema.

Additionally, coconut oil is a good source of lauric acid, a saturated fat that can help treat the flu virus, colds, fever blisters, and a whole host of other viral and bacterial infections, according to WebMD. Lauric acid is also a component of breast milk, which some parents swear by for eczema relief. If you aren't breastfeeding, coconut oil just might be a good option to soothe dry, itchy skin.

Although many children outgrow the condition as they get older, it can sometimes stick around. Regardless of if you're dealing with just baby eczema or longterm eczema throughout childhood and beyond, it's important to know that eczema is not contagious, according to Kid's Health. It's more of a nuisance than anything else, but once you find a way that works to manage your specific symptoms, eczema flare-ups can be kept under control. And it's even better if that cure can be found in your cabinets.