The Hypoallergenic Skincare Regimen
Types of Rashes
1. Eczema
2. Heat Rash
3. Baby Acne
4. Diaper Rash
5. Cradle cap
6. Hives
7. Milia
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1. Eczema
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
- Moisturize the skin areas prone to rashes with each diaper change (at least 4 times a day)
- The more often you moisturize the better as it helps to heal the skin
- Limit bathing to under 10 minutes, softly pat dry with towel, and use creams to seal the moisture inside
- For maintenance moisturizer for day to day dry skin: I use Cetaphil Pro or CeraVe
- For cracked skin: I use Aquaphor or Vaseline, which is a thicker ointment
- For severe dry red inflammed skin: I apply both CeraVe as emollient first to soften the skin followed by Vaseline as barrier to seal the moisture
Having both types of moisturizers give you flexibility in improving the eczema
These are my favorite lighter moisturizers that I love:
- Cetaphil for eczema feels very good and light on the skin. It has ceramides which is essential for skin barrier as it helps coat and protect the skin. It has been a lifesaver for us and an excellent maintenance cream.
- There are several lines of Cetaphil moisturizer and they are all not the same. I only recommend Cetaphil for eczema (see below for link).
- Cerave is also an excellent choice. It too has ceramides which help coat the skin. In addition, it is thicker than Cetaphil Pro and tends to stay on longer.
Heavy Duty Moisturizers
- Aquaphor is very pure and thick ointment which is very good as a barrier cream when rashes are severe. I use this when there are large breaks or cracks in the skin.
- Vaseline is the purest product as it is simply petroleum jelly. If your child’s skin is extremely sensitive to most creams or lotions, turn to Vaseline. Unfortunately because it is so thick, it can be hard to spread and feel very sticky. But is is also an excellent barrier cream!
Minimize Infection!
- Use a baby spatula or clean spoon and not your fingers to apply the moisturizer
Switch all fragrance products to non-fragrance products!
- Products include soaps, shampoos, detergents, moisturizers, and detergents
- Avoid using scented dryer sheets
- These are the baby body washes that work really well on my son’s skin:
- Note: Aveeno baby cleansing therapy is the only Aveeno soap I recommend as the other lines of Aveeno Baby have embedded fragrance
- Use only a pea size amount and target only body areas more prone to sweating/smells since too much soap can be drying
- Out of the shampoos I have tried, Cerave and Aveeno baby shampoo both contains ceramides which are important for maintaining skin integrity
- Use the smallest amount able to cover the hair as too much shampoo can be drying
- Just because a product says fragrance free, it can still contain fragrance so always look at the ingredients!
- All detergent is the only detergent that I use for my son and our whole family since it is pure and has absolutely no fragrance
- Machine wash with extra rinse to help eliminate extra suds
Humidifier helps!
- Look for simple and easy to clean humidifiers
- Use humidifier at night and air it out during the day to prevent mold
- Our humidifier helps my son’s eczema a lot since the days I forget to turn it on are the days his rash worsens
- Always use distilled water to help your humidifier stay clean
- This is important especially for ultrasonic humidifiers since tap water may leave a white film
For rashes on hands, wrists, feet, ankles, Unna Wraps are super helpful!
- First put on moisturizer thick like cake frosting, then put on Unna Wraps (wet)
- Next:
- For whole arms/legs or extensive areas: put on 2 sets of PJs (1 regular size and 1 larger size on top)
- For 1 arm or leg: cut a hole in a cotton adult long sock so this fits over an arm or leg
- For hands: put on cotton gloves (1 regular size and 1 larger size on top), can also use adult socks for the outer layer
- For feet: put on cotton socks (1 regular size and 1 larger size on top), can also use adult socks for the outer layer
- 100% cotton socks are nearly impossible to find, so try to find something close ~95% cotton like these ones here!
- Another option would be to use gauze (infants or toddlers) or Ace bandage (older kids)
- Leave the Unna Wraps on at night and take them off the next morning
- Note: Unna Wraps can be used without or with topical steroids. Your doctor may recommend that you use topical steroids first before applying Unna Wrap.
**It is so important to find out which environmental triggers may be worsening the eczema. Infants can start becoming allergic to indoor allergens. Read More About Environmental Allergen Avoidance.
**I have also created a guide on clothing tips for eczema. To stop the itch scratch cycle: Read More About Clothing Tips.
**Bleach baths also work to reduce inflammation. However, only do it when there are no breaks or skin wounds to prevent irritation. Read in more detail.
**If you suspect your child has a food allergy, please see your pediatric allergist so they can help you. Food allergy tests only looks at sensitivities, and true food allergies are diagnosed clinically. Your pediatric allergist will help you navigate through the complexities.
If you find our skincare regimen useful, follow our instagram for updates!
If the above regimen does not help, consider seeing your pediatrician, pediatric allergist, or pediatric dermatologist for further care.
2. Heat Rash
Check to see how many layers of clothing your baby is wearing
- Babies only need 1 extra layer of clothing than you do!
Wear only 100% cotton clothing!
Go for Separate Set PJs (see below!) as opposed to zip up Sleep and Play PJs to help airflow
Carter’s Girls’ 6- Piece Bodysuits and Pants Set
100% Cotton (Sizes preemie to 24 months)
Carter’s Boys’ 6- Piece Bodysuits and Pants Set
100% Cotton (Sizes preemie to 24 months)
If the above regimen does not help, consider seeing your pediatrician, pediatric allergist, or pediatric dermatologist for further care.
3. Baby Acne
Wash your baby’s face with gentle non-scented soap and water once a day
- These are the facial soaps that I love and always use:
- Cetaphil baby soothing wash has colloidal oatmeal
- Aveeno baby cleansing therapy has ceramides which are so important for the skin
Pat face dry after washing and do not scrub the acne
Avoiding putting thick ointments or oil on your baby’s face
If the above regimen does not help, consider seeing your pediatrician, pediatric allergist, or pediatric dermatologist for further care.
4. Diaper Rash
Change diapers very frequently!
- Change diapers at least every 3-4 hours or as soon as possible, depending on how frequently your baby urinates or poops
Sizing of diapers is very important
- Always use the diaper size where your baby’s weight is at the lower end
- My son started getting a hip rash (where diaper was tightest) in Size 3 even though his weight was 25 (in the 16-28 lb range)
- When I changed to Size 4, rash disappeared
Switch fragranted diapers to pure fragrance free diapers
- Initially my son had multiple diaper rashes with Huggies diapers so I switched to Pampers
- These are my favorite hypoallergenic diapers that helped my son’s diaper rash:
Pampers Pure Protection Sensitive Disposable Diapers
Paraben free, Hypoallergenic
Switch harsh wipes to pure fragrance free wipes!
- I tried multiple: Kirkland too dry and harsh, Huggies too harsh, Pampers just right
- These are the hypoallergenic wipes that I currently use and currently have a whole stack for my son
If skin breakdown is very bad, use only warm water to wash and dry with towel until diaper rash improves
- Afterward, switch to using hypoallergenic fragrance free wipes and diapers (see above)
Moisturize with each diaper change!
- Moisturize with each diaper change (at least 4 times a day)
- I first use Vaseline then coat Desitin on top for further protection
- These are the top barrier creams that I always use and love:
If you find our skincare regimen useful, follow our instagram for updates!
If the above regimen does not help, consider seeing your pediatrician, pediatric allergist, or pediatric dermatologist for further care.
5. Cradle Cap
Wash hair with gentle fragrance free shampoo daily
Put coconut oil on the area for 10 minutes before shampooing
- Gently brush away the scale with a rough washcloth, soft brush, or your fingers
- This coconut oil is amazing and worked wonders for my baby:
If the above regimen does not help, consider seeing your pediatrician, pediatric allergist, or pediatric dermatologist for further care.
6. Hives
Start with antihistamines!
- Antihistamines such as Benadryl or Zyrtec are more effective than topical steroids
- Write down any new food exposures, medications, illnesses, insect bites, or new products 2 hours before the hives started
If your baby has hives, consider seeing your pediatrician, pediatric allergist, or pediatric dermatologist for further care.
7. Milia
Will self resolve
Avoid ointments or creams since they can block more skin pores
If rash does not self resolve, consider seeing your pediatrician, pediatric allergist, or pediatric dermatologist for further care.
If you find our skincare regimen useful, follow our instagram for updates!
All health related content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for seeking medical care. Please see your doctor for actual diagnosis and medical care. The information on the website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.