Eczema affects between 10 and 20 percent of all children, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Eczema is a skin condition that results in a red, itchy rash that can cause permanent scarring if not treated and maintained. Eczema is an allergic skin reaction, not to a particular substance, but caused by various triggers, according to the Baby Center. Baby eczema can be triggered by food or environmental allergies, heat or dry skin. A baby is more likely to develop eczema if her parents have allergies, asthma, or had eczema as a child, according to the website, DrGreene.com.
Food Allergies
Food allergies can aggravate the skin, causing an outbreak of eczema. DrGreene.com states that common highly allergic foods are the most common foods that can cause eczema to flare up such as tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cow's milk and chocolate. If a mother is breast feeding, she should avoid these foods if she notices her baby has eczema. A nursing mother should keep a close watch on her diet to notice when the eczema in her baby increases. Other food irritants may be fish products and peanuts.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies can cause eczema in a baby to flare up. The most common environmental allergies are dust mites, pollen, animal dander and mold. It may be difficult to identify which irritant is affecting the baby, so it is advisable to avoid or remove these possible allergens from the home, according to the Baby Center. Dust mites are prevented by washing bedding in hot and soapy water once a week, and removing excessive carpet and stuffed animals from the child's room. Keeping a baby indoors during high pollen season is advisable. If a family has an animal, the animal should be kept in a specific area of the house to prevent dander from spreading throughout the home. Visible mold should be eliminated with bleach-water.
Heat
DrGreene.com states that excessive heat can cause the skin to become vulnerable, and lead to an outbreak of eczema. Using too many blankets or over-dressing a baby should be avoided. During summer months, a baby should be dressed in cool clothing and kept out of excessive heat by remaining indoors.
Dry Skin
The Baby Center recommends using a daily moisturizing lotion on the baby's skin directly after a bath. Dry skin can cause eczema to act up. If a person lives in a dry and arid climate, she may need to apply lotion more than once a day. A person should pay special attention to areas where eczema patches are forming to keep the reaction under control.
