Eczema is a general term for any type of itchy rash. According to Baby Center, eczema affects about 20 percent of all babies, and usually appears on the scalp, cheeks or forehead. It can also spread to the legs, arms or chest. The rash might be made up of small red bumps, but may also look like dry, thickened, scaly skin. If it becomes infected, the skin can blister or ooze. Although eczema isn't contagious, it is very itchy so scratching may be a problem if symptoms aren't treated.
Time Frame
According to the National Eczema Foundation, 65 percent of eczema patients see symptoms before their first birthday and 90 percent of patients begin developing rashes before they turn five. The symptoms often fade during childhood, but most babies will continuing having flareups throughout their lives. Eczema affects more than 30 million Americans.
Causes
Doctors do not know what causes eczema, though they believe it is inherited. Although eczema is not an allergic reaction, it can be triggered by allergens in your baby's diet. A rash can also be aggravated by irritants to the baby's skin, such as laundry detergent or soaps; heat; and changes in temperature. Other external stimuli may include pollen or pet fur. Internal factors, including stress and hormone levels, can also play a role in eczema flare-ups.
Skin Care
Try to keep your baby's skin from becoming too dry. Use a thick moisturizer twice a day and after bathing. When bathing your child, use warm, rather than hot, water, since hot water can dry the skin. Dress your baby is smooth, natural fabrics to allow her skin to breathe. During a flare up, apply cool compresses to affected areas to help relieve the itching.
Pay careful attention to the products you use to wash your baby's clothes and bedding. Use the mildest soap possible to avoid irritating his skin, and avoid fabric softener. Use the softest bedding you can find, and keep his nails cut short. Frequent temperature changes may aggravate his skin, so try not to let him get too cool then too hot, and vice versa. Other treatments that have been shown to be effective include mild bleach baths, aromatherapy and some herbal remedies.
Foods
Although eczema itself is not an allergic reaction, some highly allergenic foods can trigger a flareup. The foods most likely to cause an outbreak are cow's milk and eggs. Wheat, fish, peanuts and soy may also trigger a reaction. If you believe these foods are causing a reaction, eliminate them one at a time from your child's diet, or from your own if you are breast feeding. If you are giving your baby formula, talk to your doctor about switching to a soy-based variety. If your baby is prone to eczema outbreaks, delay giving her cow's milk until well past her first birthday.
Medications
If your baby's symptoms are not relieved by an over-the-counter moisturizer, your doctor may prescribe a prescription cream or ointment. The Food and Drug Association has approved the use of topical steroids for standard treatment of eczema, though oral steroids may be use in severe cases. Other treatments include topical antibiotics, anti-fungals and anti-inflammatory creams, ointments and gels.
