Can Teething Cause Eczema Flare-ups?

Teething - it can be an uncomfortable and unhappy time for our little ones, and as parents, it can take a toll on our sleep and sanity! And if you’ve ever noticed that your baby’s eczema flares up when they’re teething, it might not be a coincidence. While the underlying cause of eczema is usually a combination of genetic and environmental factors, many things can trigger a flare-up, including teething in babies and toddlers. Today, we explore the link between teething and eczema and ways you can manage flare-ups on the face. 

How does teething trigger eczema flare-ups?

While teething is not the root cause of eczema (which differs from person to person, but is usually a combination of genetics, immune system dysfunction and environmental factors), it can trigger a flare-up of uncomfortable eczema symptoms in some little ones who already have eczema. There are a couple of reasons why, including:

• More drooling and saliva on the skin. When babies are teething, one of the telltale signs is that they start drooling more than usual. This excess moisture and saliva on the skin can cause irritation and trigger symptoms in little ones with pre-existing eczema. It’s important to note that eczema triggered by saliva is not the same as drool rash - we’ll share more on this later.

• Stress and sleep disturbance. The extra stress and disrupted sleep that can be associated with teething can result in a flare-up of symptoms in little ones whose eczema is sensitive to stress. 

What’s the difference between teething rash and eczema?

Drool rash (or teething rash) can look similar to eczema, so these two conditions are sometimes confused. However, knowing the difference is crucial, as each requires a different approach to treatment. 

Drool rash typically looks like raised, red patches of skin that may have tiny red bumps or look chapped. It often shows up in areas where your little one’s dribble accumulates, like around the mouth, chin, cheeks, neck or chest. You can read more about drool rash and how to manage it here.

Eczema, on the other hand, is usually red, itchy or dry and might have small fluid-filled bumps. It can show up in areas with excessive saliva sitting on the skin, but it can also show up on other parts of the body. 

While both conditions can be a response to saliva on the skin, eczema is a chronic condition with more complex underlying causes. It can have serious negative impacts on your little one if left untreated. If you aren’t sure whether your little one has drool rash or something more serious like eczema, you should seek advice and diagnosis from a medical professional so you can follow the right treatment plan. 

How to help eczema on the face

If teething is making your little one’s eczema flare up on their face, here are some things that may be helpful to support their skin: 

• Keep their face free from excessive saliva if it is triggering their eczema. Use a soft, clean cloth to gently dab their face during the day, use bibs and change their bib or clothing if it becomes too wet. 

• Give them a daily lukewarm bath with some Itchy Baby Co. Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak, and use a soft washcloth or cotton wool to cleanse their face gently.

• Take an extra-gentle approach to wiping their face during the day, and consider opting for a soft, clean wash cloth and water instead of packaged baby wipes, which can irritate eczema-prone skin.  

• Apply a nourishing moisturiser immediately after bath time (with top-ups during the day if necessary) to prevent the skin from drying out, being mindful to avoid getting in in the mouth.

• Be sure to use only gentle, fragrance-free skincare products that won’t further irritate their skin.

It’s always best to ask your medical professional for advice on managing your little one’s condition. 

How to ease teething discomfort

If your little one is distressed from teething and you suspect it might be causing their eczema to flare, there are some ways to help calm them, such as: 

• Having lots of cuddles (who doesn’t love that!)

• Offering them a cool (but not frozen) teething ring made of non-toxic and baby-safe materials

• Giving them a teething rusk to gnaw on if they have started to eat solids

We know teething is rough, but the good news is that it doesn’t last forever! If teething is making your little one’s eczema flare, reducing their exposure to triggers (in this case, saliva and stress) as much as possible and nourishing their skin with gentle skincare products like those from Itchy Baby Co. can make a world of difference.

This blog post was brought to you and your baby with love by the Itchy Baby Co. team. X

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.