If your baby's cheeks and chin appear red and raw, he may have a common skin condition called eczema. Babies can develop eczema--also called atopic dermatitis--anytime after their first month of life, but usually before the age of six months. It can make your baby uncomfortable, but there are steps you can take to treat it and prevent it at home. In severe cases, your baby's pediatrician may also recommend or prescribe a medication.
Appearance
An eczema rash is red and often makes the skin appear dry or cracked and peeling. Sometimes, the rash may appear wet or oozing and you may notice small bumps containing fluid present in the rash. In babies, the rash often is noticeable on the cheeks, chin, forehead and scalp, although other parts of the body can be affected as well. Other places where eczema commonly develops in babies is behind the knees and in the bends of the elbows.
Causes
Anyone can develop eczema, but it is most common in people with a family history of the condition. Babies with parents or siblings with allergies and asthma are also more likely to develop eczema, according to Kids Health. Furthermore, about half of babies who develop eczema will go on to have either asthma or allergies themselves. If your baby has eczema, several factors can trigger the rash to flare up, including food and environmental allergens, illnesses or infections, temperatures changes and exposure to water.
Home Treatment
You can try several things at home to help keep your baby's eczema in check. First, if you know what triggers the rash, avoid it. For example, babies with a milk allergy will have their eczema flare if they eat foods containing milk. Environmental allergens such as dust and mold should also be avoided if they cause eczema in your baby. Other things to avoid include soaps and detergents containing perfumes and dyes. And because too much exposure to water can worsen eczema, keep baths brief and limit them to three times a week, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises. If your baby seems uncomfortable because of the rash, place cool compresses on the skin to soothe it. Also, keep your baby's fingernails cut short to prevent her from scratching at her skin too vigorously.
Drug Treatment
In severe cases, your baby's pediatrician may recommend that you apply a topical medication to the eczema rash to provide relief. Over-the-counter products containing anti-itch agents such as hydrocortisone can be used. Prescription steroid creams can also be prescribed by your child's pediatrician. Antihistamines taken orally can provide relief from the itching and skin irritation your baby experiences as a result of the rash. However, always consult with your baby's pediatrician before using an over-the-counter product. The doctor can instruct you on how to use it safely in a young child.
Prognosis
Although eczema is common in babies, most will outgrow it. Children often stop experiencing the bothersome rash by the age of 5 or 6, but the rash may occasionally flareup into adulthood. In general, people who have had eczema tend to be more sensitive to the effects of cold, dry, winter air, and flareups are more likely during this season.
