By: Jamie Turner
Updated: Feb. 12, 2017
Originally Published: Dec. 19, 2016
Moisturizing your baby daily for the first six months may help stave off eczema. With over 20% of kids affected by this pesky condition, atopic dermatitis is the most common form, often emerging in infants. While it can disappear on its own, it sometimes sticks around longer than that unwanted house guest who just won’t leave. Beyond skin irritations, eczema can lead to sleep disturbances, weight issues, allergies, and asthma. But what if the answer to preventing this skin woe lies in your very own medicine cabinet? Spoiler alert: it does, and it’s none other than trusty petroleum jelly—yes, Vaseline.
The Magic Number
The magic number? Moisturize your baby’s skin—except the scalp—at least five times a week during those crucial first six months. A study from 2014 by researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University found that parents who followed this regimen slashed their newborns’ risk of atopic dermatitis by half. That’s pretty incredible! Spending just five minutes a day to apply lotion could significantly reduce the likelihood of your baby developing eczema.
Budget-Friendly Solution
And here’s the kicker: this preventative treatment is super budget-friendly. If you’ve ever browsed the prices of eczema creams, you know they come with a hefty price tag. Families dealing with a child’s eczema can spend up to 35% of their discretionary income on care each month. Dr. Alex Foster, a resident at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, conducted research to find the most economical moisturizer that still fights eczema effectively. Enter petroleum jelly, which costs just about $7.30 for a six-month supply. That’s a steal for something that could help avoid a lifelong health issue.
Dr. Foster remarked, “We could really save a lot of newborns—and spare families a lot of distress.” In contrast, the priciest moisturizer in the study, Vaniply ointment, set parents back a whopping $173.39 for six months. So while you could splurge on a fancier lotion, why bother? Vaseline is already recommended by the National Eczema Association for eczema treatment, even if not specifically as a preventative measure. The American Academy of Pediatrics also rates petroleum jelly highly among moisturizers for treating eczema due to its powerful moisturizing properties.
Safety First
And it’s safe too! “Petroleum jelly is fragrance-free and free from preservatives or additives that might irritate or trigger allergies,” Dr. Foster explained. However, if you’re saving that jar for your makeup removal routine, sunflower seed oil is another affordable option, costing about $18.25 for six months.
Consult Your Pediatrician
Before diving in, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician, especially since the infants in the study were considered high-risk for developing eczema. They all had a parent or sibling with allergies, hay fever, or eczema. Long-term studies need to be conducted to see if these babies continue to remain eczema-free or if the moisturizers impact other conditions often associated with eczema, like allergies. But for at-risk babies, this news is certainly uplifting with minimal risks involved. “Gentle, bland moisturizers are generally safe for newborns,” Dr. Foster added.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, keeping your baby moisturized with something as simple and affordable as Vaseline can significantly reduce the risk of developing eczema, helping to ease both skin and family stress.