Baby Center, a website that says it is the world's partner in parenting, states that about 20 percent of toddlers have eczema, a skin condition that causes severe itching, inflammation and discomfort. The cause of eczema in toddlers is unknown, although pediatricians know that allergens and environmental triggers can provoke an outbreak of the condition. Parenting.com says that eczema commonly appears on the backs of a toddler's arms and legs and is treated by avoiding triggers, keeping the skin moist and dressing the toddler in loose fitting clothing. Talk with the toddler's pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment options.
Environmental Triggers
Environmental triggers can cause toddler eczema to act up, according to the KidsHealth website. Environmental triggers include airborne allergens, household allergens and irritants in the air. Airborne allergens include pollen and mold spores that are at their highest count during spring when everything is blooming. Avoid the outdoors during this season. Household allergens are dust mites, cockroaches, visible mold and animal dander. If the toddler is allergic to any of these substances, remove them and maintain a clean environment. Certain irritants can aggravate the skin such as pollution and cigarette smoke and should be avoided.
Detergents
Detergents, soaps and bubble bath can all cause irritation to the skin, leading to an eczema outbreak, according to Parenting.com. Do not use soaps or laundry detergents wit added fragrance. Purchase hypo-allergenic products to wash the toddler's hair and body. Dye- and fragrance-free laundry detergents are available in most stores and are recommended for toddlers with eczema. KidsHealth recommends using baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to bathe the toddler in, instead of soap. These substances help sooth the skin, providing relief to the itching and the inflammation.
Food Allergens
If a toddler has food allergies, it can cause an eczema flare-up, according to Baby Center. The most common food allergies are to dairy, eggs, nuts and shellfish. Remove these products from the toddler's diet and inform her daycare or school teachers about her allergy to certain foods. Talk with a pediatrician about seeing an allergist to determine what foods the toddler is allergic to. Immunotherapy may be an option to treat a toddler's allergies to certain foods.
Physical Factors
Allowing the skin to become dry, excessive sweating, overheating and stress can all cause eczema to appear in a toddler, according to KidsHealth. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer on the toddler's skin two to three times daily. Although it is normal and appropriate for a toddler to be active, try to avoid letting him get overheated. Teaching a child methods of becoming calm when upset or frustrated can help reduce the risk of flare-ups triggered by temper tantrums.
