Archive for the ‘Eczema’ Category

Baby eczema is a red skin rash that may crop up in 10-20 percent of babies between the ages of 2 months to 2 years. It may show up on any part of the body but, usually presents itself on the scalp, forehead, or cheeks. Baby eczema may appear as thick, scaly skin or even to the point of tiny red blisters that can ooze. Because baby eczema causes intense itching, it is best to help the child to avoid scratching. Scratching can lead to infection.

Causes

Baby eczema is usually passed down from family members. If someone in your family has had eczema in the past, your baby is likely to have it. This type of eczema is not caused by an allergic reaction but, could result from the allergens in the environment.

Diet, especially breastfeeding, can introduce the allergens into the babies system. The use of irritating agents such as wool, chemicals in soap and detergents, and temperature changes, dry skin, and heat can aggravate the rash.

Treatments

Baby eczema has a number of treatments available. The most important of these treatments is the care of your baby’s skin.

1. Try to keep the skin dry. Bathing every day has been shown to help. Because certain clothing and bedding can cause the skin not to breathe properly and the irritation to worsen so, it is best to use 100% cotton and avoid wool and other scratchy material. Switch to mild soaps, shampoos, and detergents that are for sensitive skin and that are fragrance-free.

2. Rapid temperature change will also affect baby eczema. It is best to try not to let the baby get too hot or too cold.

3. Vacuuming, dusting, air filters, and even getting rid of upholstery and carpets may help to reduce the amounts of dust mites and pollen in the area. Animal dander may also irritate the situation. Contacting an allergist may be helpful to you. They may be able to give more effective methods of ridding your home of these allergens.

4. DO NOT let baby scratch! Relief comes from scratching but, baby eczema is irritated and inflamed more. Babies tend to rub their faces on the sheets while sleeping so, it is suggested that the softest crib sheets be used. Keep fingernails short. You may even try to put soft mittens or socks on hands. Contact your baby’s doctor if the baby eczema is making it hard for baby to sleep. They may suggest a dose of antihistamine that will reduce the itching.

What If It Doesn’t Go Away?

If the baby eczema does not clear up by following the above suggestions, you may contact your pediatrician about the use of over-the-counter mild topical steroid creams. Oral steroid medications are also available that may help when applying the remedies above to offer relief.

Will It Ever Stop?

Most babies will outgrow their baby eczema by the time they reach their teen years. Baby eczema usually becomes less severe with age. Managing the flare-ups in the right way and immediately can help to control baby eczema probems.

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