Eczema is a common skin rash that occurs in one out of 10 kids, mostly during infancy, according to the website Kid's Health. Eczema is triggered by allergens in your baby's life. If a close family member has had eczema or has allergies or asthma, the baby has a greater tendency to develop eczema. Talking with your child's doctor to find out the cause and the proper treatment can reduce the flare ups for your child.
What Is Baby Eczema?
Eczema can appear as a rough, red rash that is seen in patches or small red bumps that can blister and ooze. According to the website Baby Center, eczema can be found anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the baby's cheeks, forehead and scalp. Eczema often flares up sporadically and then subsides. Baby Center reports that eczema affects 20 percent of babies.
Causes
According to "Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care," eczema is caused by allergies. The baby might be allergic to to a food in her diet or in the mother's diet if she is breastfeeding. The allergy might be to certain materials, such as wool or silk. Chemicals in soaps, lotions and laundry detergents can also cause eczema. Winter weather can cause eczema to flare up since the cold air dries out the skin. Hot weather can also cause a flare up because of the skin's reaction to perspiration.
Duration
According to "Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care," eczema begins during infancy and usually clears up or becomes milder by the time the child is 1 or 2 years old. By following your doctor's recommendations and treating the flare ups as the eczema occurs, you can keep your baby's eczema under control.
Treatment
"Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care" recommends daily bathing with warm water for five to 10 minutes and using fragrant-free soap. After a bath, pat, don't rub, your baby dry with a soft towel, then apply fragrant-free lotion within three minutes of the bath to lock in moisture. Keeping your baby's nails short and covering his hands with socks or mittens will help prevent the baby from scratching.
When to See a Doctor
In severe cases of eczema, a food allergy may be the cause, and the assistance of a doctor is needed to find which foods might be causing the reaction. According to the website Baby Center, milk and eggs are the most common culprits. Eliminating milk and egg-based foods from your baby's diet or the mother's diet if she is breastfeeding will help clear up the eczema. A doctor may also suggest a soy based formula. Call your doctor if your baby has a fever and the rash is warm or oozing, as this could indicate an infection.
References
- Kid's Health: Eczema
- Baby Center: Eczema
- "Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care: 8th Edition"; Benjamin Spock, M.D. & Robert Needleman, M.D.; 2004
