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Sea moss may have benefits for inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema. 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. What is baby eczema Share on PinterestJohny Kristensen/Getty ImagesEczema, or atopic dermatitis, is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorder in children. It affects 25% of children, with 60% of cases occurring during a child’s first year. 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. What are the benefits of sea moss for baby skin 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:skin irritationdry and cracking skinslow healing of woundschanges in skin colorburning sensationincrease in hair growth 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, including:anti-inflammatoryantifungalantiviralantioxidantUV-protectiveantidiabeticimmunomodulatory Seaweed also contains many vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers, such as:vitamin Avitamin B1vitamin B12vitamin Cvitamin Dvitamin Evitamin Kironcalciummagnesiumiodinepotassiumzincselenium Seaweed also contains polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Side effects and considerations One potential concern in treating baby eczema with sea moss is exposure to iodine. People need iodine for healthy thyroid function. However, overexposure can be dangerous, particularly in babies. Research has found possible links between exposure to iodine and hypothyroidism in babies under 12 months. While thyroid dysfunction as a result of iodine exposure is typically mild and temporary, it can be life threatening. Excessive intake of iodine can also cause:diarrheavomitingnauseaburning in the stomach, mouth, and throat Large amounts of sea moss may also cause reactions in people who have allergies to shellfish or sulfur. Alternatives A person should always discuss treatment with a medical professional. It is important to note that more research is needed on the use of sea moss as a treatment for baby eczema to determine its safety and suitability. A doctor or dermatologist may recommend: Gentle bathing People may use lukewarm water and gently cleanse dirty areas of the baby using fragrance-free products. People should not scrub the baby’s skin and should moisturize the skin after a bath with fragrance-free products. If the baby has itchy skin during the day, people can use gentle moisturizers. Eliminating triggers Certain things can trigger or worsen baby eczema, such as:scratchingsweatdry airpet danderproducts such as soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, baby powder, or wipes A doctor may recommend removing triggers from a baby’s environment where possible to relieve eczema. Topical corticosteroids A doctor can help choose the safest and most effective medication and advise on safe amounts and the duration and frequency of treatment. Topical corticosteroids are available in lotions, creams, or sprays. Summary Sea moss is a potential alternative remedy for eczema. Seaweed has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may relieve skin conditions such as eczema. However, a person should not use sea moss as a substitute for traditional treatment without the advice of a doctor. Healthcare professionals can work with parents and caregivers to find the best treatment for baby eczema. Last medically reviewed on July 4, 2022Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaPediatrics / Children's Health 16 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Addor, F. A. S. (2017). Antioxidants in dermatology.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514576Circuncisão, A. R., et al. (2018). Minerals from macroalgae origin: health benefits and risks for consumers.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266857Darias-Rosales, J., et al. (2020). 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Prebiotic effects of diet supplemented with the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus or with fructo-oligo-saccharide on host immunity, colonic microbiota and gut microbial metabolites.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4535385Lomartire, S., et al. (2021). An overview to the health benefits of seaweeds consumption.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8232781Possible risk of hypothyroidism in infants exposed to iodine-containing contrast agents. (2017).https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/safety/ews/2017/HypothyroidismInfantsExposedIodine.aspPrescription topicals. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/topicalsUnderstanding eczema in children. (n.d).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/childrenWeiner, M. L. (2014). Food additive carrageenan: Part II: A critical review of carrageenan in vivo safety studies.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24467586Williams, F. L. R., et al. (2016). Thyroid dysfunction in preterm neonates exposed to iodine.https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jpm-2016-0141/html?lang=enFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — By Caitlin Geng on July 4, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat is baby eczema Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a very common skin condition in babies. Learn more.READ MOREToddler eczema: Signs and treatmentMedically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD Eczema in toddlers is common but can cause a lot of discomfort to the child. 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