Some babies may develop a skin condition called infantile eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, where the skin is overly sensitive to the environment and becomes easily irritated, notes KidsHealth, a website of the Nemours Foundation. The skin appears dry and red, itchy, with small, raised bumps that may be fluid-filled or encrusted and scaly, notes MayoClinic.com. Eczema rash usually appears on a baby's cheeks, forehead or scalp. Infants who have a parent or sibling with hay fever, asthma or food allergies are especially vulnerable to infantile eczema.
Corticosteroids
One of the most common medications for infantile eczema is corticosteroid cream or ointment. Topical corticosteroids relieve itching and control inflammation. Low-dose topical corticosteroids are available over the counter, but doses for children under 2 years of age are doctor-prescribed. Side effects may include skin irritation, thinning of the skin, infections and stretch marks, according to MayoClinic.com.
Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines may help with severe itchiness and hives or bumps related to eczema and other allergies, notes MayoClinic.com. Most antihistamines are available without a prescription. However, some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, so parents with infants suffering from eczema should consult with their pediatricians before giving this medicine to their babies.
Antibiotics
When babies scratch or rub their skin to relieve the itching from eczema, the skin may break open and become infected. Oral or topical antibiotics can prevent or treat secondary infections, notes KidsHealth. A pediatrician may prescribe short-term doses of antibiotics to treat an infection, or a longer-term antibiotic to prevent infections from coming back.
