One in 10 children will develop eczema, or atopic dermatitis, the KidsHealth website reports. This condition is the most prevalent in infancy and childhood but occasionally continues into adulthood. About 65 percent of of eczema cases begin during a child's first year of life; cases can range from mild to severe. Discuss the issue with your pediatrician, who can offer advice specific to your infant.
Causes
The cause of eczema remains unknown as of 2011. It tends to run in families and can be associated with allergies and asthma. It is not considered an allergic reaction, but it can be triggered by allergies to foods consumed by your infant or by you, if you are breastfeeding. Stress and other emotional disturbances may exacerbate the problem, but don't appear to cause it. Many find that heat, wool and chemicals from soaps, detergents and lotions contribute to the problem, but none of these have been confirmed as a cause.
Symptoms
Infantile eczema tends to look red and blotchy and is associated with dry, itchy skin. It is commonly located on the cheeks, forehead or scalp, but can be found on the trunk or extremities as well, particularly in the creases of the wrists, ankles, front of the elbow and backside of the knee. Some infantile cases involve an oozing, crusting rash.
Prevention
Prevent dry skin as a way to avoid future eczema flare-ups, MayoClinic.com recommends. Don't bathe your infant every day, and when you do, keep bath time as short as possible. Use a mild soap on your baby's face, hands, feet and genitals, but only water on the rest of the body. Using a towel, pat instead of rub your baby dry. Put a thick, creamy lotion on your baby's skin while the skin is still a little moist, to seal in the moisture.
Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid or an oral antihistamine to alleviate symptoms. With mild eczema, the doctor is likely to ask you to identify and avoid skin irritants, extreme temperatures and to keep your baby's skin well lubricated. Keep your baby's nails short and use soft sheets and clothing, as scratching and chafing will make the eczema worse.
