Eczema is one of the most common and most frustrating skin challenges little ones face. As nannies we see firsthand how uncomfortable itchy, dry patches can make babies and children feel. While every child’s skin is unique and severe cases may need a pediatrician’s guidance, there are many gentle over-the-counter (OTC) products that can provide real relief. From ultra-hydrating moisturizers to soothing ointments and barrier creams, the right OTC essentials can help calm irritation, restore moisture, and support sensitive skin between flare-ups. In this guide, we walk you through the top trusted options and how to use them safely — so you can keep little skin happy and comfortable.
1. Gentle Bath Time
When: Daily or every other day. Keep it short is sweet.
How: Use lukewarm water (never hot) for 5 to 10 minutes. Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleanser (see below) and only wash sweaty or dirty areas. Avoid bubble baths and scrubbing that can strip natural oils and trigger flare-ups.
Why: Lukewarm water cleans without drying and helps prepare skin for moisturization.
2. Pat, Don’t Rub!
Right after the bath, gently pat skin dry with a soft towel. Leave the skin slightly damp. This sets the stage for locking in moisture.
Why: Rubbing can irritate eczema-prone skin and reduce effectiveness of moisturizers.
3. Seal the Moisture
Within about 3 minutes of drying, apply your chosen eczema-friendly cream or ointment like ceramide-rich or oatmeal formulas (see below).
Tips for nannies:
Use the thickest cream the child can tolerate. Creams and especially ointments beat thin lotions for preventing dryness.
Apply all over, not just on flakes, to strengthen the skin barrier.
Don’t wait for redness to reappear. Apply consistent twice-daily moisturizing helps prevent flare-ups.
Why: Moisturizing while skin is still damp traps hydration under the cream.
4. Watch Triggers and Comfort Cues
Keep nails trimmed or use soft mittens to reduce scratching that worsens eczema. Dress babies in soft, breathable cotton and use fragrance-free laundry detergents since allergens and rough fabrics are common irritants.
Keep the room comfortable (not too hot or dry). Overheating and sweat can trigger itch cycles.
Why: Eczema flares often spike with environmental triggers and friction.
Here are our favorite products for eczema:
Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream
Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream is a go-to staple for relentless dryness and itching that locks in moisture for up to 24 hrs. Eucerin Eczema Baby Relief Body Cream is a go-to for babies with eczema because it’s gentle, effective, and truly comforting on sensitive skin. It has a fragrance-free formula that is enriched with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides, which help calm itching, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier without irritation. The rich cream absorbs well without feeling greasy, making it easy to apply during busy routines, and it’s safe for daily use on little ones. For nannies caring for children with eczema, it’s a reliable, pediatrician-recommended option that helps keep skin soft, soothed, and flare-ups under control. Eucerin is great for quick relief after bath time. I personally love all Eucerin products.
Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream is a fantastic choice for babies and children with eczema because it combines gentle, natural-derived ingredients with powerful soothing benefits. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal and rich emollients, it helps calm dry, itchy skin and supports the skin’s protective barrier without harsh fragrances or dyes, making it ideal for sensitive little ones. The creamy texture absorbs well and provides long-lasting hydration, which helps reduce flare-ups and keep skin comfortable throughout the day. For nannies caring for children with eczema, it’s a trusted, pediatrician-recommended staple that makes daily skincare simple and effective. It is ideal for daily use on arms, legs, and hands.
Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare‑Up Relief Cream
Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare‑Up Relief Cream is a nanny-approved staple for soothing eczema-prone skin in babies and kids because it combines gentle, dermatologically tested care with real relief. Its fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula with soothing colloidal oatmeal helps repair and protect the skin’s barrier while locking in moisture for up to 48 hours, which means dry, itchy patches calm down quickly without a greasy feel. Many caregivers note it absorbs well, won’t sting sensitive skin, and with regular use can lead to fewer noticeable flare-ups, making everyday comfort and playtime much easier for little ones.
Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Eczema Lotion
Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Eczema Lotion is perfect for itch emergencies. Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Eczema Lotion can be helpful for babies and children with eczema when used appropriately and under guidance from a pediatrician because it contains 1% hydrocortisone, a mild topical steroid that temporarily relieves intense itching, redness, and inflammation that often accompany flare-ups. Its lotion base also adds soothing moisture to dry skin, and the fast-acting relief can help kids feel more comfortable, especially at bedtime. Because corticosteroids should be used carefully on young children’s delicate skin, it’s best for nannies to check with a parent or healthcare provider before applying, and to use it only as directed for short periods alongside gentle daily moisturizers.
Extra Soothing and Sensitive Skin Options
La Roche‑Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream is a gentle, option for children struggling with eczema and sensitive skin. Formulated with dermatologist-recommended ingredients, it helps quickly calm itching and irritation while restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The cream is fragrance-free, steroid-free, and safe for sensitive skin, making it ideal for daily use on little ones. Its rich but non-greasy texture absorbs easily, providing long-lasting hydration and comfort — something both kids and caregivers can appreciate during flare-ups and everyday skin care routines.for sensitive skin.
Honest Company Eczema Soothing Therapy Cream
The Honest Company Eczema Soothing Therapy Cream is a great everyday choice for children with eczema because it’s formulated to gently moisturize and calm dry, itchy skin without harsh ingredients that can irritate delicate skin. It uses soothing colloidal oatmeal and prebiotics to help support the skin’s natural barrier and ease flare-up discomfort, and it’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, which is important for little ones with sensitive skin. Many parents find it provides lasting hydration and relief from dryness and irritation, making it a reliable go-to for daily care and flare-up support in babies and kids.
California Baby Therapeutic Relief Eczema Cream
California Baby Therapeutic Relief Eczema Cream is a gentle and effective choice for babies with eczema because it uses organic, gluten-free colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchy, irritated skin and plant-based emollients to lock in moisture without harsh chemicals. The formula also includes calendula and aloe vera to calm inflammation and help strengthen the skin barrier, and it’s free of common irritants like synthetic fragrances, soy, and dairy — making it suitable for delicate, sensitive baby skin from head to toe. Many parents report that it relieves flare-ups and keeps skin hydrated with regular usage.
Skinfix Eczema is a pricier but versatile face and body option which is ideal if standard lotions aren’t enough. Skinfix Eczema+ Ceramide Face + Body Cream is steroid-free, fragrance-minimal, and formulated with ceramides and soothing lipids to help repair the skin barrier and deeply hydrate dry, irritated areas. Clinical testing shows it can relieve itching and redness associated with eczema and support skin barrier health as effectively as a 1% hydrocortisone cream, making it a gentler everyday option for delicate skin.
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