Baby eczema/excema/exzema is a common condition affecting babies
from about 2-3 months old. The most common form is atropic
dermatitis characterised by dry, red and often very itchy skin
that can appear anywhere on the body but especially on the face,
arms, neck and in the folds of the skin.
There may be a number of reasons for a child to develop eczema
but it is often hereditary, with other members of the family
suffering from related complaints such as hay fever or
psoriasis. With a very young baby it is difficult to know what
could be the likely cause, but there are a number of things that
can be done to help eliminate the risk.
Eczema is an allergic condition and so it is a good idea to
remove any possible source of irritation. Hoover and dust
regularly within the house to ensure mites and dust are removed.
Wooden, laminate or vinyl floors are better than carpets which
can harbor dust. Air the house regularly and if you have pets
then make sure that their fur does not get anywhere near the
baby or any object the baby is likely to come in contact with.
Always launder clothes and bedding in the gentlest detergent
possible. If a baby is a severe sufferer, it is possible to buy
silk clothing designed for eczema patients. It is very expensive
so the best alternative is to use cotton. Fitting cotton mitts
will help prevent baby from scratching his or her face.
Bathing the baby can dry the skin. Make sure the water is just
lukewarm and pat the baby dry carefully. There are special
medicated products available to help moisturise the skin in the
bath and to apply during the day, but you should consult your
physician before using anything, even herbal remedies,
especially when a very young baby is concerned.
With some babies diet may be a cause of eczema. Some mothers
prefer to breastfeed to avoid the risk of baby products. However
if you are breastfeeding, do remember that your own diet could
affect your baby. Always consult your physician or health nurse
about the best diet for both you and the child. When you start
introducing semi solids to a baby suffering from eczema,
introduce one at a time to monitor whether it has any effect on
the eczema.
Some babies who suffer from eczema also develop infantile
seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap as it is more commonly
known. Unlike eczema it does not itch or cause discomfort, but
nevertheless needs to be treated as it can form a very thick
scab on the scalp. Talk to your nurse on how to remove it and
always treat it gently as it is easy to damage the skin surface
and cause an infection.
Fortunately eczema tends to improve as children get older and as
they understand their condition they are less likely to
aggravate the skin further by scratching. However some sufferers
may develop related conditions such as asthma or hay fever, so
try to keep their environment free from dust or airborne
irritants.
This article is for information only and should not be viewed as
medical advice. You should always consult your physician before
treating any medical condition and the author accepts no
liability for any action taken.
About the author:
Margaret Tye runs the
further information on eczema visit the
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