Baby Eczema Routine for South African Babies :A Climate-Based Guide

By Dr. Nirvana Pillay — Neuroscientist, Public Health Epidemiologist & Mom

Baby eczema is never just a skin issue, it’s an interaction between your baby’s biology, the climate you live in, and the products you use every day. In South Africa, our diverse climates can make eczema flare-ups more frequent, and many parents discover that what works in winter fails in summer.

Here is a simple, science-based routine tailored to South African conditions that you can start using today.

Step 1: Keep Baths Short & Lukewarm

Warm, lengthy baths increase trans- epidermal water loss (TEWL), which means your baby’s skin loses moisture faster. For babies with eczema, that can make dryness and itching much worse.

South African consideration: Johannesburg and Pretoria winters, as well as Cape Town’s cold winds, already dry the skin out. Long, hot baths double the problem.

• Keep baths to 5–7 minutes.
• Use lukewarm water (never hot).
• Use a only when needed, not at every bath.

Step 2: Moisturise Within 3 Minutes

The first few minutes after a bath are known as the “golden window” for moisturising. This is when the skin still holds onto water and is most receptive to hydration.

Look for a moisturiser that contains:

• Glycerine – a humectant that draws water into the skin.
• Castor oil – a semi-occlusive oil that helps prevent water loss without trapping heat.
• Aloe vera – helps cool and calm redness.
• Allantoin – supports skin repair and reduces irritation.
• Non-nano zinc – soothes inflammation and protects the skin barrier.

You can read more about these ingredients in our Ingredients & Science Glossary.

Step 3: Add a Protective Layer at Night

Many parents notice that their baby scratches more at night. This is partly because skin temperature rises slightly while we sleep, which can intensify itch in eczema-prone skin.

At night, after moisturising, apply a gentle, breathable barrier cream or balm to:

• Elbow folds
• Knee folds
• Cheeks
• Tummy
• Behind the knees

Avoid heavy, petrolatum-based products that trap heat. Instead, choose petroleum-free baby jelly made with plant-based oils that protect without suffocating the skin.

Step 4: Avoid Fragrance Everywhere

In South Africa, fragranced laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and baby products are a major trigger for eczema. These fragrances cling to clothing fibres and sit on your baby’s skin all day.

• Use a fragrance-free, baby-safe detergent.
• Avoid fabric softeners completely.
• Rinse clothing twice during flare-ups.
• Choose fragrance-free baby washes and creams.

Step 5: Adapt the Routine to Where You Live

Johannesburg & Pretoria

Trigger: Hard water + dry, high-altitude winters.

Routine focus: Thicker creams, moisturising at least twice daily, and gentle, non-drying cleansers.

Cape Town

Trigger: Cold winds and salt exposure from the sea.

Routine focus: Protect cheeks and exposed areas with a barrier balm before going outside, and rinse skin with fresh water after seaside outings.

Durban

Trigger: Humidity + mould.

Routine focus: Keep the skin breathable with lightweight, natural moisturisers. Avoid heavy occlusives that can feel too greasy or clogging in humid air.

When to See a Doctor

Natural routines help, but there are times when medical help is important:

• Yellow crusting or oozing skin.
• Fever combined with a worsening rash.
• Severe, persistent night-time scratching.
• No improvement despite consistent moisturising.

Final Thoughts

Baby eczema can feel overwhelming, but it becomes much easier to manage when you align skincare with your baby’s biology and the climate you live in. With a consistent, gentle routine using evidence-based ingredients, your baby’s skin can become calmer, more comfortable, and more resilient.