Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in infants. It is a type of skin sensitivity that can be related to allergies or be triggered by substances such as milk, moisture, heat, dust, animal dander, cigarette smoke and chemicals found in household and personal care products, according to WhattoExpect.com. The condition can clear up after the infant's first birthday, but in the meantime the eczema can be managed in several ways.
Eliminate Triggers
Eliminating known and potential triggers isn't a formal treatment method but it can be highly effective in reducing a rash and preventing flare-ups. This tactic can be used alone or with other treatment methods. The affected areas of the skin should be kept free of sweat by dressing the baby lightly or in breathable fabrics. The fabrics should be washed in gentle detergents, including those made for sensitive skin. Fabric softeners should be avoided because of the fragrance and residue they leave behind. Dairy protein found in formula and in a mother's breast milk can trigger eczema and might need to be eliminated from the baby's diet. When the baby is breast-fed, this is a simple process consisting of the mother eliminating all dairy products for at least 10 days to see whether the eczema improves. When the baby is drinking milk-based formula, an alternative product can be substituted but only after discussing the change with a health care provider.
Improve Skin Care
A baby doesn't need a full lathering with every bath the way an older child might. WhattoExpect.com suggests using lukewarm water for baths and keeping the soak short to prevent drying the skin. A mild soap or one made with natural ingredients without dyes or fragrance is best for all babies, especially those with eczema. After a bath, the baby should be patted dry and slathered in a gentle moisturizer made for sensitive skin. Lotions with oatmeal and other natural ingredients can be effective but they can also be more irritating for some infants. BabyCenter.com suggests an emollient cream be applied to the baby's skin to ward off dry, easily irritated skin and provoke eczema flare-ups. A cool-mist humidifier in the baby's room at night can return moisture to the air and the sin.
Hydrocortisone Cream or Ointment
An over-the-counter or prescription hydrocortisone cream or ointment can be used to temporarily reduce a bad case of infant eczema. The steroid reduces inflammation and helps calm the skin. This treatment isn't to be used long-term and should only be used exactly as directed by a health care professional. Prolonged use can make the condition worse. Typically the cream is applied once or twice per day depending on the recommended dose and the severity of the infant's eczema.
Antihistamine Medication
An antihistamine can be prescribed or recommended by a health care professional if the baby seems to have an itchy case of eczema, according to WhattoExpect.com. The antihistamine can come in an oral form or topical cream. Over-the-counter antihistamines aren't made in doses small enough for younger infants so it is important to obtain the advice of a pediatrician to determine how to use this type of drug with an infant. Check with a doctor before using calamine lotion or other anti-itch creams but those can offer temporary relief for the infant. Baby mittens and trimming the nails can reduce the damage the baby does to her own skin when scratching the rash. Allowing the baby to scratch the skin can introduce bacteria and cause an infection that requires antibiotic medication.
Home Remedies
When the baby has a flare-up of eczema on various parts of the body he might benefit from a soothing bath prepared with uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal, according to the Mayo Clinic. The bath should still be lukewarm to minimize the drying effect of water but this soak can calm inflammation and redness. A cool compress made by wetting a soft cloth with cold water can be applied to inflamed areas for five to 10 minutes at a time to temporarily reduce redness.
