Eczema Knowledge Hub

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, often begins early in life. Many parents first notice signs when their baby is just a few months old—often after about two months of age. In fact, around 60% of children with eczema develop symptoms before their first birthday, and almost 90% before the age of five.^[1]

Early signs of eczema in babies The first signs usually appear on the cheeks, forehead, or scalp. From there, they may spread to the arms, legs, and body. As a parent, here's what you might notice:

• Dry, scaly skin: rough, flaky patches that feel different from the rest of your baby's soft skin.
• Small red bumps: tiny spots that can look like pimples but often join together into a red rash.
• Itchy, scratchy skin: babies may rub against bedding or scratch with their little hands; repeated scratching can make skin raw, oozy, or crusted.
• A spreading pattern: eczema often starts at the top (scalp, forehead, cheeks) and gradually moves downward to the body, arms, and knees.

As children grow, eczema tends to appear in the skin folds—behind the knees, inside the elbows, on the wrists, and around the ankles. For some, it eases with age, but for others, it may continue into teenage years or adulthood.^[2]

Although eczema is most common in childhood, it's not only a childhood disease. Some people develop eczema for the first time as teenagers or adults, often on the hands, eyelids, or skin folds.^[3]

If you're noticing these early changes in your baby's skin, you're not alone. Recognizing eczema early and seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can help you put simple routines in place that keep your child more comfortable and their skin healthier.