According to the Mayo Clinic, atopic dermitis, also known as eczema, is an inflammation of the skin. Eczema is mainly found on the hands and behind the knees, but can appear anywhere on the body. Eczema occurs mainly in infants and young children; however, it can also develop later in life. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 10 to 20 percent of young children have eczema. Sixty percent of these cases develop within the first year of life and improve by the age of two.
Heredity
According to What To Expect, the biggest risk factor for a baby developing eczema is family history. Eczema is likely to appear on infants whose parents or close family members had or have eczema, hay fever, allergies or asthma.
Allergens in the Environment
Finding out which factors trigger a baby's eczema is key to improving the condition. Fabrics, lotions and soaps can trigger eczema, as can extended exposure to hot water, according to Kid's Health. Some babies are irritated by chemicals in soaps and lotions. What To Expect recommends using soaps that are mild and contain lotion, such as Dove or Cetaphil. After a bath, use a fragrance-free moisturizer like petroleum jelly, Curel or Eucerin.
Clothes made from wool can irritate eczema in a baby; clothes that are made from cotton are less irritating to the skin. When washing baby's clothes, use a detergent made for sensitive skin, such as Dreft.
According to the Baby Center, dry air during the winter can cause eczema flareups. To combat the dry air, run a cool mist humidifier in the baby's room while he is sleeping.
Allergens in Diet
According to the Baby Center, eczema can be triggered by allergens in a baby's diet, or in the mother's diet if she is breastfeeding. According to What to Expect, consumption by a breastfeeding mother of citrus, cow's milk, egg whites, chocolate and nuts can cause flareups in babies who have eczema. What To Expect recommends eliminating these items one at a time from the mother's diet to identify the food or foods that cause a baby's eczema to flare up.
