Eczema Mittens vs Sleeves—Which Is Better for Babies?

Eczema isn't just dry skin—it's an inflammatory condition that causes intense itching, especially at night when the body's natural cortisol levels drop. This itching triggers what dermatologists call the "itch-scratch cycle": scratching damages the skin barrier, which increases inflammation, which increases itching, which leads to more scratching.

For babies, this cycle is particularly devastating because:

• They can't control the urge to scratch. Even newborns have a scratch reflex when their skin feels uncomfortable.
• Their nails are surprisingly sharp. Even freshly trimmed baby nails can cause significant damage to inflamed skin.
• Scratching often happens during sleep. Parents report finding blood on sheets, scratches on faces, and open wounds by morning—all from unconscious nighttime scratching.
• Open scratches increase infection risk. Broken skin is vulnerable to bacterial infections like staph, which can make eczema exponentially worse.

According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), preventing scratching is a critical component of eczema management—not just for comfort, but for allowing the skin barrier to actually heal.

The question is: what's the most effective way to protect your baby's skin while still supporting their development?

Regular scratch mittens are separate hand coverings—think of them like tiny cotton gloves designed to cover baby's hands and prevent scratching.

✅ The Benefits of Regular Mittens

• Affordable and widely available. You can find them at most baby stores.
• Easy to put on. Simply slip them over baby's hands.
• Can be used occasionally. Helpful for short periods when you notice active scratching.

❌ The Drawbacks of Regular Mittens

Here's where things get frustrating:

• They come off easily. Most babies (even very young ones) can shake, pull, or rub regular mittens off within minutes. Some parents report mittens lasting less than 10 minutes on active babies.
• They don't stay on during sleep. This is the biggest issue—nighttime is when scratching is most severe, and mittens that fall off offer zero protection.
• Limited coverage. Regular mittens only protect the hands. If your baby has eczema on their arms, elbows, or upper body, mittens don't prevent scratching in those areas.
• Constant reapplication is exhausting. Putting mittens back on every 15 minutes (or multiple times per night) adds stress to an already overwhelming situation.
• They can hinder hand development. Babies need access to their hands for sensory exploration, learning to grasp objects, and developing fine motor skills. Constantly keeping hands covered can delay these milestones.
• Inconsistent fabric quality. Some mittens are made from materials that trap heat, cause sweating, or aren't gentle enough for severely inflamed skin.

The reality? Regular eczema scratch mittens might provide temporary relief, but they're not a long-term solution for babies who scratch persistently—especially at night.

Eczema sleeves are purpose-designed garments that cover the entire arm—from shoulder to fingertips—with built-in or flip-open mittens at the end. They're specifically engineered to stay securely in place and provide comprehensive scratch protection.

✅ Why Eczema Sleeves Work Better

1. They Stay On Securely

Unlike separate mittens, eczema sleeves are designed with snug (but not tight) arm coverage that babies can't easily remove—even during active sleep. Many feature elastic or gentle binding at the shoulder to keep them in place throughout the night.

2. Full-Arm Protection

Eczema sleeves cover not just the hands, but the entire arm—protecting common eczema hotspots like inner elbows, forearms, and wrists. This also helps keep topical creams and moisturisers in place longer, giving them more time to work.

3. Flip-Open Mitten Design

The best eczema sleeves feature flip-back or fold-over mittens that can be opened during the day for play, eating, and learning—then closed at night or during naps for full protection. This design supports normal hand development while still preventing scratching damage when it matters most.

4. Breathable, Hypoallergenic Fabrics

Quality eczema sleeves are made from soft, temperature-regulating materials like bamboo, organic cotton, or silk blends. These fabrics:

• Reduce heat and sweating (major eczema triggers)
• Minimise friction against inflamed skin
• Wick away moisture to keep skin dry
• Feel gentle even on severely sensitive skin

5. Designed for Day and Night Use

Eczema sleeves can be worn continuously—under or over clothing during the day, and as part of the bedtime routine at night. This consistency helps break the itch-scratch cycle more effectively than intermittent mitten use.

6. Peace of Mind for Parents

Knowing your baby's skin is protected throughout the night means better sleep for the whole family—and less anxiety about finding new scratches each morning.

While eczema sleeves are generally more effective, there are situations where regular mittens might suffice:

• Very young newborns (under 4 weeks) who aren't yet actively pulling at things
• Occasional scratching that isn't severe or persistent
• Short-term use during particularly itchy moments (like right after a bath)
• Budget constraints while you're waiting to invest in quality sleeves

However, if you're dealing with moderate to severe eczema, persistent nighttime scratching, or scratches that won't heal, eczema sleeves are worth the investment.

Not all eczema sleeves are created equal. Here's what makes a real difference:

1. Fabric Quality

Look for:

• Bamboo viscose (naturally antibacterial, moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating)
• Organic cotton (soft, breathable, hypoallergenic)
• Silk blends (incredibly gentle, reduces friction)

Avoid: Synthetic materials that trap heat, rough textures, or fabrics with chemical finishes.

2. Secure but Comfortable Fit

Sleeves should stay in place without cutting into skin or restricting movement. Look for gentle elastic at the shoulder (not tight bands that leave marks) and a snug but stretchy fit along the arm.

3. Flip-Open or Fold-Back Mittens

This feature is crucial for supporting development. Your baby needs hand access during awake hours—flip mittens make this possible without removing the entire sleeve.

4. Flat Seams or Seamless Construction

Raised seams can irritate inflamed skin. The best eczema sleeves use flat-lock seams or seamless knitting to minimise friction.

5. Easy to Wash

Eczema management requires frequent washing. Choose sleeves that hold up well in the wash and dry quickly (bamboo is excellent for this).

6. Size Options for Growing Babies

Babies grow fast. Look for brands that offer multiple size options so you can continue using sleeves as your little one gets bigger.

For Daytime:

• Keep mittens flipped open so baby can explore, play, and develop fine motor skills
• Close mittens temporarily if you notice active scratching
• Layer under or over clothing depending on temperature

For Nighttime:

• Apply moisturiser or prescribed eczema cream to arms and hands
• Put sleeves on with mittens closed before placing baby in cot
• Ensure sleeves are snug but not tight (you should be able to fit one finger between sleeve and skin)
• Check that sleeves haven't ridden up or twisted during the night

General Tips:

• Have at least 2-3 pairs so you always have clean sleeves available
• Wash in fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent
• Avoid fabric softener (it leaves residue that can irritate eczema)
• Introduce sleeves gradually if your baby is older and not used to them

For babies with persistent eczema and scratching issues—especially nighttime scratching that prevents healing—eczema sleeves with integrated mittens are significantly more effective than regular separate mittens.

Here's why:

✅ They stay on when it matters most (during sleep)
✅ They provide full-arm protection (not just hands)
✅ They support normal development (flip-open design)
✅ They're made from better fabrics (breathable, hypoallergenic)
✅ They help creams work better (coverage keeps treatments in place)
✅ They reduce parent stress (peace of mind = better sleep for everyone)

Regular mittens can serve as a temporary or occasional solution, but they're not designed for the comprehensive protection that moderate to severe eczema requires.

If you're ready to move beyond mittens that fall off every 10 minutes, explore our eczema scratch mitten sleeves collection—designed specifically for Australian babies with sensitive skin.

• Eczema sleeves are more secure than regular mittens and stay on during sleep—the most critical time for scratch protection
• Flip-open mittens support development by allowing hand access during the day while providing full protection at night
• Full-arm coverage protects more skin and helps topical treatments stay in place longer
• Breathable fabrics like bamboo reduce heat and sweating, which are common eczema triggers
• Regular mittens may work for very young babies or occasional use, but persistent scratching requires more comprehensive protection
• Quality matters: Look for soft, hypoallergenic fabrics, secure fit, and flat seams

Sources:

• Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) - Eczema Management Guidelines
• Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne - Eczema Care Recommendations
• National Eczema Association - Itch-Scratch Cycle Research
• Australian Journal of Dermatology - Pediatric Eczema Treatment Protocols