As many as 20 percent of babies and children develop eczema at some point before their fifth birthday, and most of them will exhibit symptoms of eczema during their first year of life, according to 2009 information from BabyCenter.com, an online pregnancy and parenting resource. Most children are eczema-free by their second birthday, but a few people continue to have eczema issues into adulthood.
Identification
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a type of skin rash that usually shows up as dry, red, scaly patches of skin. Eczema is most common on the face and head, but it can spread to the legs, arms and other parts of the body. Though eczema isn't contagious, it is very itchy, and it's hard for newborns to understand that scratching a rash will cause infection and more itching. Eczema may be more common in children who have asthma or allergies; however, you don't have to have allergies or asthma to develop eczema.
Causes
Several factors can contribute to eczema in babies. Inadequate hydration, whether it's not consuming enough water or not getting enough moisture on the surface of the skin, can cause eczema. Extreme temperatures or dramatic changes in temperature--like coming in from the cold to an overheated house--can aggravate eczema. Sometimes, allergic reactions to chemicals, fabrics or even some foods can lead to eczema.
Prevention/Solution
Keeping your baby's skin well hydrated and avoiding potential irritants are the best ways to prevent and treat eczema. Give your baby a daily bath in not-too-hot water, and use mild, fragrance-free soaps, shampoos and other products. Use an emollient cream or lotion after every bath, recommends Michael Smith, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics in the division of dermatology at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, on BabyCenter.com. During eczema flare-ups, you may be able to relieve your baby with cool compresses on the affected areas. Switch to a fragrance-free, mild laundry detergent for your baby's clothes and linens, and use mitts if you need them to keep your baby from scratching her eczema.
Expert Insight
If eczema is an ongoing problem for your baby, she may not be getting enough healthy fats in her diet, notes parenting expert and pediatrician William Sears in "Parenting" magazine. If you're breastfeeding, Sears recommends making sure your diet includes at least 4 oz. of fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, every week. If you use formula, Sears recommends choosing one that is fortified with both DHA and ARA.
Warning
Call your doctor if your baby's eczema develops wet, oozing areas, blisters or areas of more serious rash in his skin creases. You should also check with your pediatrician if your baby runs a fever along with his eczema, since this may indicate a more serious condition, or if your baby's discomfort persists for more than three days.
