Baby Eczema

Eczema is a skin disease that occurs in early childhood. It is characterized by dry, red, and itchy skin. Causes of eczema are not entirely understood. It affects the infants having skin with low moisture level. It also depends on the food and harsh detergents used to wash baby clothes. Many kinds of baby eczema are present, but atopic eczema is the most common one among babies.

Atopic eczema 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. It affects 10 to 15 percent of infants.

Genetic, immunological as well as skin barrier defects are important factors for its cause. Majority of cases have an increase in the serum Ig E level which is a sign of increased immunological activity. 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.

Features Important in Making a Diagnosis of Eczema:

  1. Itching
  2. Dryness of the skin
  3. Skin Inflammation
  4. Secondary infection of the skin
  5. Frequent flare-ups of eczema activity
  6. Family history of eczema, hay fever or asthma

How to Avoid Eczema?

There are a few ways, which if followed, reduce the chances of your child having the disease. Some of them are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Weather Conditions and Air-borne Allergens:

  • Humidifiers are useful if there is central heating in your home.
  • Cool bedrooms are helpful.
  • Ideally both school and the workplace should be cool and as dust free as possible.
  • Skin contact with chemicals and dirt should be minimized.
  • Vacuuming of carpets, curtains, and bedding should be done at least weekly.
  • Washing the bedding weekly at high temperature and higher indoor humidity inhibits mites and benefits atopic skin.
  • Fluffy toys need to be washed and shaken outdoors regularly to minimize the accumulation of dust mites. A reduction in house dust mites has been shown to reduce the severity of eczema.

Some of the findings about food and eczema are:

  • 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.

Major Objectives of Baby Eczema Treatment:

  • Understand the condition
  • Avoid the trigger factors as much as possible
  • Minimize the itching and reduce inflammation
  • Develop realistic expectations for control of the baby eczema
  • Learn the advantages and disadvantages of your treatment choices
  • Reduce frequency and severity of flare-ups

Moisturizers for Eczema Skin

Moisturizers have been found to help restore the skin barrier providing a protective layer on surface of the skin to trap water and prevent the penetration of irritants and allergens. An emollient baby eczema cream is superior in trapping the moisture within the skin.

As the proverb says prevention is better than cure, consult a doctor to get complete information on baby eczema and avoid it.

Baby Eczema Causes

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