Eczema in Babies - Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Hello everyone,

Today I am going to talk about Eczema which is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is a rash that usually appears on the skin of babies less than five years old, mainly before the age of two. It more prominently shows up on the cheeks and scalps of babies but may spread to their chest, arm, legs, and other parts of the body.

The rash usually looks dry and scaly on the skin. When scratched, it can become red and infected, subsequently getting scarred if untreated. About one in five babies have eczema, but they usually outgrow it in their teenage years.

Image credit: QVSkincare.com

Cause of eczema in babies

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to an irritant. It is this response that causes the symptoms of eczema.

 The genetic makeup of a child plays a major role in whether a baby will have it  or not. It, therefore, means that babies born into a family that has a history of eczema, allergic reactions or asthmatic conditions have a high chance of having eczema. It is not contagious and usually comes and goes.

Eczema does not occur as a reaction to substances in the environment, however, it can be triggered by certain materials e.g. allergens and irritants. Eczema can also be exacerbated by heat, stress, dry skin or materials that come in contact with the skin of the baby such as lotions, fragrances, detergents etc.

Treatment of eczema in babies

There are different ways of preventing and treating eczema in babies. It all begins with proper care for the skin of the baby. Creams, oils, and lotions are also used for treating eczema. For persistent cases of eczema, steroids are sometimes recommended by medical personnel.

• Bathe the baby regularly

The way the baby is bathed and how often they are bathed is important in preventing and treating eczema. Daily bathing with warm water is recommended. The kind of soap used should be mild and fragrance-free. Fabric-softening detergents should be avoided.

• Use moisturizers and emollients

After bathing the baby, it is important to promptly apply a moisturizer or emollient to the baby’s skin to hold the body moisture in place so that the skin does not dry up. Emollients should also be applied to the baby’s skin on a regular basis.The best creams, oils, and lotions to treat eczema in babies have proven effective in soothing the skin of the baby when applied on a regular basis throughout the day.

• Wear the right kind of dress for the baby

The type and number of dresses that the baby wears are essential in determining whether the skin will be able to breathe and remain cool. Avoid the use of materials such as wool which irritate some sensitive skin. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, are preferable.

• Do not allow the baby to scratch the eczema

Eczema comes with an intense itching sensation and the desire to scratch the rash to provide relief. Contrary to the comfort, scratching the rash further irritates the skin and causes inflammation.

• Steroid creams and ointments for severe cases

When steroid creams and lotions are recommended by physicians for the treatment of eczema, ensure you follow the usage instructions. Apply it to only the affected parts, no more than twice daily.

I hope this post is useful to all those reading especially mommy's.Do let me know your thoughts in the comments section if you are a mommy and have something new to share with me and everyone.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Until next time.. Take care xoxo