Daily moisturizing of infants until they reach six months old could significantly reduce their chances of developing eczema. Eczema affects more than 20% of children, with atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent form that often appears in infancy. While it may resolve on its own for some, it can persist throughout a child’s life, leading to complications such as sleep disturbances, weight issues, allergies, hay fever, and asthma.
However, emerging research indicates a simple and budget-friendly solution to potentially prevent the onset of atopic dermatitis in babies. Surprisingly, this solution may already be in your medicine cabinet: petroleum jelly, commonly known as Vaseline.
The Key to Prevention
The key to prevention is to apply moisturizer to your baby’s skin—except for the scalp—at least five times a week during the first six months of their life. A study conducted in 2014 by researchers at Oregon State University revealed that parents who followed this regimen reduced their newborns’ risk of developing atopic dermatitis by 50%.
This is fantastic news! Taking just five minutes a day to moisturize your baby could drastically lower their risk of eczema. Moreover, this method is incredibly affordable. If you’ve ever purchased eczema creams, you know they often come with a hefty price tag, with families spending up to 35% of their discretionary income on care for a child with eczema each month. In response, Dr. Jason Lee, a resident physician at the University of Medicine, and his team analyzed the costs of moisturizers used in the research, aiming to highlight the most economical yet effective option. They found that petroleum jelly emerged as the top choice, costing approximately $7.30 for a six-month supply. This is a remarkably economical solution to what could otherwise be a lifelong health concern.
Dr. Lee remarked, “We could significantly alleviate the suffering of many newborns and ease the burden on families.” In contrast, the most expensive moisturizer in the study, Vaniply ointment, cost a staggering $173.39 for the same six-month supply.
Why Choose Petroleum Jelly?
While there are pricier moisturizers available, you do not need to opt for them when a simple tub of Vaseline can suffice. The National Eczema Association recognizes petroleum jelly as one of the recommended treatments for eczema, although it is not typically suggested as a preventative measure. The American Academy of Pediatrics also endorses petroleum jelly as one of the best moisturizing options for treating eczema, including atopic dermatitis, due to its exceptional hydrating properties.
“Plus, it’s safe,” Dr. Lee noted. “Petroleum jelly is free of fragrances and preservatives that could potentially irritate or cause allergic reactions.” If you prefer to reserve it for another use, such as removing makeup, sunflower seed oil is the second most affordable moisturizer, priced at $18.25 for a six-month supply.
Consult Your Pediatrician
Before starting any moisturizing routine, consulting with your pediatrician is advisable, especially since the infants in the study were considered high-risk for eczema due to having a parent or sibling with allergies, hay fever, or eczema. Long-term studies are still needed to determine if these infants continue to remain eczema-free and whether moisturizing has any impact on related conditions like allergies and hay fever. Nevertheless, it’s promising news with minimal risk for at-risk infants whose parents choose to try this approach. “Gentle, basic moisturizers pose little to no risk for newborns,” Dr. Lee added.
For those interested in more insights on parenting and family health, you can explore our article on at-home insemination kits, which provides valuable information on starting a family.
Summary
Moisturizing infants daily until they are six months old can dramatically decrease the likelihood of developing eczema. Using petroleum jelly as a budget-friendly moisturizer can be an effective preventive measure, costing significantly less than other treatments. Always consult a pediatrician before starting any new routine, especially for high-risk infants.