Is Baby Eczema Worse at Night?

In order to comprehend why eczema is worse at night for babies, you need to first understand what causes the condition. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin issue that can be triggered by a number of things, such as allergens, heat or even stress. 

The skin barrier for babies suffering from eczema is weakened, making it less effective at maintaining balance. The result is moisture loss and a vulnerability to elements in the home, such as mould, dust and even pet dander. The result is irritation and itchiness.

Why Baby Eczema Flares Up at Night

So, why IS baby eczema worse at night? Well, several factors can contribute to your baby’s condition seeming more severe at night.

• Changes in body temperature – Everyone’s body temperature falls at night and babies are no different. This drop can trigger itching, as can overheating caused by warm bedding or pyjamas.
• Increased Itching Awareness – While itchiness can also be a problem for your baby during the day, they spend much more time distracted by daytime activities. However, at night, their focus is often only on the problem, making it seem more bothersome.
• Drier Air – Another factor that can cause your baby’s eczema to flare up is drier air. It’s quite common for people to put their heating on in the evening (particularly in autumn and winter), which can lead to your infant’s skin drying out and becoming itchy.
• Hormones & Circadian Rhythms – The body’s circadian rhythm regulates a whole range of biological processes and it leads to changes in hormone levels that can trigger a skin reaction. For instance, histamine typically increases at night meaning that a flare-up is more likely. 

Cortisone, a hormone known to control inflammation, is also usually lower at night, leading to an increased chance of itchiness.

Keeping a sleep diary can help you identify if there are certain times during the night when your child’s eczema seems to flare up causing them to have disrupted sleep.