What to know about sea moss for baby eczema
, by Lindsey Carrier, 3 min reading time
, by Lindsey Carrier, 3 min reading time
Sea moss is a red seaweed that grows in tide pools and waters along rocky coasts. It is edible and present in some cosmetic products for topical use. Some people believe it can improve hair and skin health, although reports of cosmetic benefits are largely anecdotal.
This article discusses baby eczema, the possible benefits of sea moss for baby skin, and considerations for potential side effects. We also consider alternative treatments for baby eczema.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is the
Baby eczema causes dry skin, itchiness, and scratching, and presents as itchy lesions on the skin.
The lesions typically appear in distinct areas which differ between age groups.
In infants up to 6 months, eczema most often appears on the face, chin, forehead, and scalp. The skin may appear red and may ooze from the lesions.
In infants between 6–12 months, eczema typically presents on the knees and elbows. If the lesions become infected, they may form small pus-filled bumps or a yellow crust.
Parents and caregivers should always seek advice from a medical expert on how to treat baby eczema.
Treating baby eczema as early as possible is important to prevent the condition from worsening. Babies with eczema may be more prone to skin infections, as eczema may make it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter through the skin.
A common treatment for eczema is corticosteroids or cortisone cream. Some doctors recommend parents and caregivers not treat children younger than 2 years with hydrocortisone.
According to the National Eczema Association, children who have exposure to excessive amounts of hydrocortisone cream may experience delayed weight gain and slower growth.
Other side effects from hydrocortisone cream can include:
If a healthcare professional recommends using sea moss as an alternative to corticosteroids, people may either feed this plant to an infant or use it as a topical treatment.
While there are currently no clinical studies on the benefits of sea moss, seaweed has several potentially beneficial properties,
Seaweed also contains many vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers, such as:
Seaweed also contains polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.