At some point, all babies will get some type of itchy rash. According to Kids Health, about one out of every 10 children will develop eczema, and usually within the first few months of life. Eczema is a long-lasting condition that is most often seen in babies and children. It may continue into adulthood or appear later in life. Eczema is an itchy inflammation of your baby's skin that may be accompanied by hay fever or asthma. According to MayoClinic.com, the cause of eczema is unknown, but may be a result of a malfunction in the your baby's immune system.
Signs and Symptoms
Babies with eczema develop itchy, red, dry skin with small bumps on their forehead, cheeks or scalp, but they may also appear on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, face, neck and upper chest. These small bumps consist of red patches on your baby's skin that may crust over and leak fluid if scratched. After infancy, the eczema rash may become dryer and tends to turn from red to brown-gray in color.
Avoid Specific Triggers
According to MayoClinic.com, if your child has eczema he should avoid hot baths, bubble baths, lotions, low humidity, soaps and detergents.
Complications
There are many complications of eczema, although normally eczema is not life-threatening. Neurodermatitis is a condition in which the area of the skin your child has been scratching becomes thick and leathery, which may lead to permanent scars. Your child may also get a skin infection from scratching and breaking the skin. You should see your doctor if your child's eczema prevents him from sleeping or continuing his normal daily routine, or if your baby's skin is painful or you suspect it is infected.
Treatment
Treatment for eczema aims to reduce the inflammation and relieve the itching. Anti-itch creams such as corticosteroid creams or ointments may help reduce the itching. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if your baby has a bacterial skin infection.
Considerations
In many cases, eczema may go into remission and symptoms may disappear for months or even years. Eczema is not contagious so there is no need to keep your baby away from other siblings.
