Baby Eczema Causes

A skin disease characterized by dry, red, and irritating scaly skin is called as baby eczema. It affects 10 to 15 percent of people. Atopic eczema as well as atopic dermatitis is a chronic recurring intensely itchy inflammation of the skin usually starting in early childhood. Also known as atopic dermatitis occurs mostly on the scalp, face, arms or legs. Genetic, immunological as well as skin barrier defects are important factors for its cause. Barrier function of the skin is less effective which allows more water loss from the skin. An increase in skin bacterial infections especially by staphylococcus aureus can be seen.

As this is a skin allergy, there is no particular treatment. Know the causes and avoid the disease.

Causes of Baby Eczema:

Research on the subject has shown some proofs that lead to the disease in small children.

Scientific causes:

It is a genetic disease. It arises from interplay of multiple genes with external environmental factors. The more atopic genes that are present, the less environmental initiators are required to produce eczema.

The cells that are at the centre of the inflammation are called T lymphocytes. They can be thought of as the soldiers of the immune reactions of the body.

Concepts:

  1. Increased T-cell activity in response to various antigens.
  2. Genetic defect in the epidermal barrier that makes the skin susceptible to breakdown by irritants such as detergents and dust mites which may allow increased penetration of antigens.

Eczema - The Following Changes Have Been Observed:

  1. The serum IgE levels are elevated. IgE are immunoglobulins that are produced in response to antigens or allergens and can themselves be measured and used as a marker of allergic type conditions several genes have been associated with increased production of IgE. These levels are often related to the severity of the eczema. However, 20% of atopics eczema has normal or low levels.
  2. There is a reduction in the cell-mediated immune response; chemotaxis of neutrophils and monocytes is reduced. These two last effects explain the increased risk of infection of the skin in this condition.
  3. It would appear that there is excessive stimulation of T cells which in turn increases the production of IL-4 (interleukin 4). Elevation of IL-4 and IL-13 may inhibit the antimicrobial – peptide gene expression which is part of the protective shield allowing proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus on and within the surface keratinocytes.

There can be various causes of eczema as stated below:

  • Change in a habituate temperature or humidity
  • Skin allergic to dust, insects, mold, and animal
  • Chemical irritants: Pesticides, paint strippers, alcohol, astringents, perfumes, harsh soaps, detergents and home cleaners
  • Physical irritants: Synthetic clothes, clothes made of wool
  • Emotional stress
  • Any kind of infection

How is Food related to Eczema?

  • Occasionally a long lasting benefit is seen in response to dietary changes.
  • A restriction of milk in those young children with cow’s milk allergy showed a delay in growth.
  • In pregnancy it would appear that it would be best for the atopic mother to minimize the consumption of milk, tomatoes, or any foods that she herself reacts to.
  • Breastfeeding would appear to be of benefit for atopic children.
  • Food additives such as sulfites, MSG may worsen eczema.

Elimination diets may be useful if all other treatments have failed.

Baby Eczema Symptoms

Seeing that you know the causes, now understand Baby Eczema Symptoms.