Baby Eczema

Eczema is generally an itchy rash that appears as red patches on your baby’s skin. Learn about baby eczema and how you can soothe your baby when she is suffering from this very uncomfortable skin condition.

An estimated 10% to 20% of babies and young children develop eczema. This condition usually begins in infancy. Baby eczema is not contagious but it’s still a chronic condition that causes intense itch, which makes babies very uncomfortable. This condition often appears during the first six months after birth and may last into childhood and adolescence

Baby eczema is also known as infant eczema or atopic dermatitis. This skin problem appears as patches of skin that is usually red, itchy, dry, and coarse. This rash can also consist of little red lumps that get infected when scratched. When the rash is scratched, the rash thickens and forms a darkened scar. The eczema patches are commonly found on a baby’s cheeks, scalp and the joints of their arms and legs, but may also be found anywhere on the body.

Heredity plays an important factor as to whether your baby will develop eczema or not. If you or your spouse has a medical history of eczema, chances are that your baby will most likely develop eczema as well. Apart from that, defects in the skin barrier can also cause eczema – for instance, insufficient production of ceramides in the body. Ceramides are fatty cells responsible for the protection barrier of the skin. Skin that lacks ceramides tends to lose water and dry out, which may trigger eczema.

Many children outgrow eczema by the age of 2 or before school age. This condition becomes less severe with age, but there are cases where eczema continues into adulthood. Remissions can also happen occasionally and may last for years.

While eczema is not an allergy reaction, some allergens and irritants in the environment such as pollen or cigarette smoke can set off the rash. Irritants such as scratchy wool clothes or certain chemical components in soaps, lotions, fragrances and detergents, can further aggravate the rash.

Sometimes, allergens found in your child’s diet or your diet, if you are breastfeeding, can cause eczema as well. However, there are still debates as to whether food allergens can cause or further aggravate eczema. Some experts believe that removing food allergens like dairy products, peanuts, or eggs, from your baby’s diet can help suppress eczema flares.

In order to confirm if the rash your baby has is eczema, visit your doctor to get your baby’s skin examined. If the rash is diagnosed as eczema, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for confirmation or prescribe treatment in the form of creams and lotions. You should also contact your doctor if you notice yellow, light brown scabs, or pus-filled swellings forming over the eczema. These symptoms could mean that there is a bacterial infection and antibiotics may be needed.

The first step to managing infant eczema is to take care of your baby’s skin. This can be very effective, especially during the early stages of eczema. Moisturizers are a great way to lock in the moisture on your baby’s skin. Fragrance-free moisturizers, ointments, or creams are recommended. Apply moisturizer on your baby’s skin daily, right after his bath, while his skin is still damp.

A lukewarm bath can also hydrate and soothe the skin from itching. Do not bathe your baby for more than 10 minutes. Also, do not bathe her in hot water as the high temperature can dry out the skin and strip the natural and protective oils off your baby’s skin. Do use mild and fragrance-free body wash, as scented and anti-bacterial soaps are harsh on babies’ sensitive skin. After bathing, pat her skin dry instead of rubbing excess water off with a towel.

Topical steroids that are sold over-the-counter such as hydrocortisone creams can alleviate inflammation and redness caused by eczema. While these creams may be safe and do not require prescriptions, excess usage on the same area can cause thinning of the skin and other issues. Before using any form of topical steroids, whether over-the-counter or those available by prescription, seek your doctor’s advice and use such treatments accordingly.

In some severe cases of eczema, skin care for eczema is combined with ultraviolet light therapy or antibiotics for infected rashes.

The key to facilitate eczema recovery is to prevent your baby from scratching the rashes. Scratching often leads to infection. The infected rash also worsens, becomes thicker, and roughens. Ensure that you trim your baby’s nails often and file off any sharp edges. If your baby is still scratching at his rashes, you can try putting on mittens on his hands to prevent scratching.

Dress your baby in loose, cotton clothing. Steer clear of scratchy materials like wool or synthetic fibre, which irritate sensitive skin. Do not overdress your baby or place too many blankets over her. The extra warmth can make her too warm, sweaty and uncomfortable, all of which can cause the eczema rashes to break out. Use mild, fragrance-free detergent to wash your baby’s bedding and clothing. Do not use softeners as softeners may contain chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin.

SMART TIP

Soothe your baby’s skin during an eczema flare-up by applying cool compresses to the affected areas a few times a day.