Eczema is a skin condition that affects up to 20 percent of infants in the United States, according to the website Infants Eczema. Many parents see red patches and areas of inflammation on their baby's skin and wonder about the causes. While eczema can be a chronic condition, it typically appears as an outbreak in response to a triggering event. With proper treatment, eczema can be controlled and the rate of occurrences can be reduced.
Eczema
Eczema causes red, scaly, inflamed skin that may be itchy. It can affect any part of the body, and may be intensified by clothing or touch. Infants may have bouts of eczema when exposed to certain allergens or it can be triggered by an emotional response. According to Columbia University Medical Center, eczema may be an inherited trait, so if parents suffered with eczema as children, their baby is more likely to have the same condition.
Seborrheic
Also known as cradle cap, seborrheic eczema produces flaky, scaly skin on the scalp and eyebrows. It is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells and production of oil from the sebaceous glands on the scalp. Cradle cap is seen in infants, but can appear in children up to 3-years-old. Frequent, gentle shampooing while massaging the scalp can help reduce the incidence. A soft hairbrush will lift the hair, allowing dead skin cells to be removed.
Atopic
Atopic eczema is characterized by red, itchy skin that may have the appearance of being crusty or flaky. Atopic eczema can appear anywhere on the body, but is most prominent on the face, scalp and extremities. It is a chronic condition that may be triggered by some type of irritant: detergent, pet dander or lotions. The reddened skin is the result of an inflammatory response by the infant's immune system when in contact with certain allergens.
Food Allergies
Some infants have allergies to certain foods which causes eczema after eating. It may be difficult for parents to determine which food is causing the rash, and they may need to eliminate one food at a time to monitor changes. Mothers who are breast feeding may expose their baby to an allergen through the foods they eat. For infants who have started solids, the most common causes of eczema are drinking cow's milk, or eating products that contain wheat or peanuts.
Treatment
Treatment of eczema depends on the type diagnosed. Cradle cap can be treated by strict care of the hair and scalp and careful rinsing of soap when shampooing. Other types of eczema that are caused by irritants or contact with certain foods can be helped by eliminating exposure to potential allergens. Using tepid water for bathing an infant is preferred over hot water as it can exacerbate a flare up of eczema. For severe outbreaks, a physician may recommend an antihistamine or steroid skin cream for inflammation.
