Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that typically appears in the first year of life, often between 2 and 6 months of age. According to The Nemours Foundation, about 1 out of every 10 children suffers from eczema, which causes skin irritation and itching that can be intense and aggravating.
Symptoms
Dry, red and itchy skin is commonly the first sign of eczema in an infant. Small bumps may initially appear on the face and scalp, but the rash can also develop on other areas of the body. Eczema rashes tend to dry out and appear in raised, circular patches as a child grows, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), but an infant's rash may ooze or blister.
Causes
While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, babies born into families with a history of eczema, allergies or asthma are more likely to suffer from the condition, according to the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. Exposure to allergens, harsh temperatures and skin irritants can exacerbate eczema.
Treatment
A doctor can prescribe medicated creams or ointments, which often contain cortisone, to minimize inflammation and itching, according to the AAP. In some cases, an oral antihistamine may be recommended. An antibiotic is prescribed if the rash becomes infected. In infants older than 6 months, a diluted bleach bath may be helpful, but this treatment should be discussed with a physician. Parents and caregivers can ease symptoms by applying cool compresses to affected areas and then moisturizing the skin with petroleum jelly or a lotion that does not contain alcohol, which can dry the skin. Moisturizer should be used two to three times a day, according to The Nemours Foundation.
Prevention
Eczema may not be entirely preventable, but flare-ups can be prevented or improved. Parents and caregivers should try to minimize the baby's contact with substances that have caused irritation in the past, which may include skin care products, certain fabrics, foods, tobacco smoke, pollen, mold, dust and animal dander, according to The Nemours Foundation. Dry air, inadequately moisturized skin, heat and sweating may also be a problem for infants with eczema. An infant's nails should be kept clean and short, and any doctor-prescribed itch-relief ointments should be used as directed to minimize scratching that can lead to infection.
Outlook
It is not possible to predict the course of eczema in any one child. Most cases improve as a child ages, and symptoms may completely go away for long periods of time. The condition often clears up by the teen years or early adulthood, if not before.
Warning
Children with eczema are more likely to suffer from skin infections. Lesions that are red, warm or oozing should be seen by a doctor so infection can be ruled out. Babies with fever or lesions that look like cold sores on the skin should also be seen immediately.
