The Most Affordable Method to Help Prevent Eczema in Infants Might Already Be in Your Bathroom

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Moisturizing your baby on a daily basis until they reach six months old could significantly reduce their chances of developing eczema. Eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, affects over 20% of children and often begins in infancy. While some children may outgrow it, for others, it can persist throughout their lives, leading to complications like sleep disturbances, weight issues, allergies, and asthma.

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution that may keep eczema at bay: good old Vaseline. Research indicates that applying moisturizer to your baby—except for the scalp—at least five times a week during those crucial first six months can cut their risk of developing atopic dermatitis by 50%. A study conducted by a team from Oregon Health & Science University in 2014 found that parents who followed this routine saw remarkable results.

Taking a few minutes each day to apply lotion on your baby is a small price to pay for such a significant reduction in eczema risk. Even better, this preventive measure is incredibly budget-friendly. If you’ve ever shopped for eczema creams, you know they can cost a small fortune. On average, families managing a child’s eczema can spend up to 35% of their discretionary income on treatments each month.

Dr. Mark Jensen, a dermatologist at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, and his team analyzed the costs of the moisturizers used in the study and identified the most affordable yet effective option: petroleum jelly, or Vaseline, which costs about $7.30 for a six-month supply. That’s a bargain compared to other treatments that can soar into the hundreds.

“We have a real opportunity to alleviate suffering for many newborns and their families,” Dr. Jensen shared with The Huffington Post. In the study, more expensive options, such as Vaniply ointment, reached a staggering price of $173.39 for the same duration.

While Vaseline may seem like a simple solution, it’s recommended by the National Eczema Association for treating eczema, even if not explicitly for prevention. The American Academy of Pediatrics also endorses petroleum jelly as a top moisturizer for managing eczema, including atopic dermatitis, because of its effective hydrating properties.

Additionally, it’s safe! “Petroleum jelly is free of fragrances and preservatives that could irritate or provoke allergies,” Dr. Jensen pointed out. If Vaseline isn’t your go-to for moisturizing, sunflower seed oil is another economical alternative costing around $18.25 for six months.

Before starting any new routine, it’s wise to consult your pediatrician, especially since the infants in the study were considered at high risk for developing eczema due to family histories of allergies or related conditions.

Long-term studies will help clarify whether these babies remain eczema-free as they grow and if the moisturizers impact related issues like allergies and hay fever. However, the good news is that gentle, simple moisturizers pose very little risk to newborns.

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In summary, regular moisturizing during infancy is a cost-effective and beneficial way to potentially prevent eczema. With options like petroleum jelly, parents can protect their little ones without breaking the bank.