I still remember the first time I saw the tiny red patches on my daughter’s soft baby cheeks. She was barely one year old—so small, so delicate—and the irritation quickly spread to her arms, her legs, behind her knees. Her once-smooth baby skin became rough, itchy, and inflamed.
I was a new mom, and although I had over 15 years of experience as a pharmacist, nothing prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster of watching my own child suffer from eczema.
The Steroid Dilemma: A Band-Aid, Not a Cure
Our pediatrician confirmed what I feared: atopic dermatitis, or baby eczema. Like many first-time moms, I followed the doctor’s instructions and started using a low-potency steroid cream on her flare-ups.
And at first—it worked.
The redness calmed down, the itching subsided, and we finally got a peaceful night of sleep. But soon, the eczema came back. A change in weather, a new detergent, a small illness—it didn’t take much to trigger another flare-up.
Each time, the steroid cream was a little less effective. We used it again. And again. But it started to feel like I was just putting a patch on a deeper issue. It didn’t prevent the eczema. It didn’t improve her skin’s long-term health. It just temporarily masked the symptoms.
That’s when my professional instincts kicked in. I knew steroids had limitations—especially on baby skin. And I started to dig deeper.
Can Babies Use Steroid Creams for Eczema?
Yes, topical corticosteroids can be prescribed to babies to manage moderate-to-severe eczema. They work by reducing inflammation and calming immune responses, providing fast relief during flare-ups.
However, leading pediatric organizations advise caution:
-
The American Academy of Pediatrics and NHS guidelines recommend using only low-potency steroids and only for short periods in children under age 2.
-
Prolonged use of steroid creams in infants can lead to:
-
Skin thinning
-
Increased skin sensitivity
-
Hormonal disruption
-
Rebound flare-ups where the eczema returns worse than before
-
A 2021 review in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that while topical corticosteroids are effective when used under supervision, long-term reliance can increase dependency and skin complications—particularly in children.
So yes, steroid creams can be useful, especially during acute eczema outbreaks. But they are not a long-term solution. And for most babies—especially those under 2, steroid-free, daily moisturization with clean, botanical-based products, is a safer and more sustainable option.
Botanical-Based Eczema Creams: A Gentle Daily Alternative
As a pharmacist, I went back to the drawing board. I reviewed clinical journals, studied plant-based anti-inflammatories, and tested formulations that could offer relief without harsh chemicals or steroids.
The result? A cream that works not just in crisis but every day.
For babies 6 months and older, there are several excellent botanical-based eczema creams that soothe the skin naturally, reduce redness, and help prevent flare-ups before they begin.
What to Look for in a Steroid-Free Eczema Cream
If you’re just starting your search, here’s what to focus on:
-
No Steroids, Fragrances, or Harsh Preservatives: Avoid anything that could further irritate sensitive skin
-
Soothing Botanicals: Look for ingredients like kawakawa, colloidal oatmeal, chamomile, shea butter, and calendula
-
Rich, Barrier-Building Texture: A cream should lock in moisture and protect the skin from irritants
-
Dermatologist-Tested and safe for sensitive skin
The Best Steroid-Free Eczema Creams for Babies
Faith & Sage Baby Eczema Cream
Developed by a former pharmacist who’s also a mom (yes, that’s me), this cream takes a slightly different approach. While most creams focus on colloidal oatmeal or calendula, Faith & Sage is powered by kawakawa, a New Zealand botanical used by the Māori for generations to calm inflammation.
It’s designed for babies 6 months and older, with a focus on daily skin strengthening, not just soothing symptoms. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a gentle, science-meets-nature formula that goes beyond the usual ingredients.
Natural Eczema Care Tips I Swear By
Over the years, I’ve learned that managing eczema isn’t about just what you put on the skin. It’s also about the care surrounding it.
-
Moisturize daily, especially after baths (within 3 minutes!)
-
Use only fragrance-free, dye-free detergents and soaps
-
Dress your baby in soft, breathable clothing—avoid wool or synthetic fabrics
-
Keep baths short and lukewarm, not hot
-
Pat the skin dry—never rub
-
Keep baby's nails trimmed to avoid scratching and infection
Final Thoughts: From My Family to Yours
Watching my daughter suffer from eczema broke my heart, but it also taught me to dig deeper, trust my instincts, and combine science with care.
Steroid creams offered short-term relief, but they never solved the problem. What changed everything was embracing a gentler, consistent skincare routine with the right ingredients—free of steroids, full of healing botanicals, and made with love.
Whether you’re in the early stages or have been through months of flare-ups, I hope this guide helps you breathe a little easier.
Because you deserve more than a band-aid, you deserve a long-term solution you can trust.
With care, A pharmacist. A mother. A believer in healing.