By Rebecca Wicks
eHow.com

Excema in babies is common. Most symptoms subside substantially around two years, but until then can be a headache for parents. Here are some tips on regular care that can help calm breakouts.

Step 1 – Regular Cleansing.
Saliva, mucus, food and dirt can be irritants to your baby’s skin. Wipes can also have harsh effects, so use a washcloth with water. At least three times a day, wipe your baby’s face down with warm water and follow with lotion.

Step 2 – Lotion, Lotion, Lotion.
Lotion acts a skin protectant from dirt and other irritants. Aquafor is one of the best skin protectants, but it’s greasy and can stain clothing. A good alternative is Cetaphil cream. If your baby’s skin is currently okay, then Cetaphil lotion is a good product to use multiple times a day as daily “maintenance.”

Step 3 – Hydrocortisone and Other Medications.
See your doctor about these. Most doctors will prescribe a higher dosage of hydrocortisone cream than available at the drug store. They work well on break outs but many doctors warn that the cream thins the skin and don’t recommend using it on a regular basis (multiple times a day for more than a couple of weeks.)

Step 4 – Bath & Other Products.
Think about everything that touches your baby’s skin. The obvious ones, shampoo, body wash and the like can make a difference. Chose a product that is all natural as it is less likely to irritate your baby’s skin. Try products like California Baby, or Cetaphil. You’ll notice natural products don’t foam as much as other products. Also take a look at the detergents you use. You probably want to cut fabric softener out all together.