Eczema results in a red, patchy rash with small bumps. If your infant has eczema on his eyelids you may notice that the skin appears thick or scaly as well, and may have a crusty appearance from leaking in the bumps. This skin condition may alter your child’s mood since the rash may itch and cause discomfort. Knowing these symptoms as well as possible treatments will help you care for your child and seek necessary treatment to prevent worsening of his symptoms.
Cause
Your child’s pediatrician may not know the cause for the eyelid eczema, but certain factors may increase the risk for the skin condition. For example, a family history of eczema may increase your infant’s risk for having eczema. If your child has dry skin, his immune system may react to the dryness on the eyelids, creating the reaction.
Treatment
Medicated ointments may help treat eczema and ease symptoms, but these creams may come in contact with the surface of your child’s eyes and cause eye irritation. Instead, your infant’s pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic or other medication if she believes an infection caused the skin reaction. Antihistamines may also help control itching and other associated symptoms.
Prevention
Preventing eczema may prove difficult since you may not know the cause for the condition. However, the pediatrician may recommend avoiding sudden or extreme temperature changes since this could dry out your infant’s skin and result in eczema. If you have dry air in your home, use a humidifier to keep the air moist, and this may also prevent dry skin. Apply baby oil or lotion to other areas of your child’s body to prevent eczema from appearing in other locations.
Considerations
Contact the pediatrician any time you notice a rash or other symptoms of eczema. Treating the condition promptly may help the condition resolve faster. If the pediatrician does recommend apply a small amount of medicated cream to the eyelids, take care not to apply the product close to the edges of the eyelid. You also should watch your child closely after you apply the medication so that he does not rub his eyes and wipe the cream into his eyes.
