Baby Eczema
Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) affects about 20 percent of children. If you think your baby might be suffering from eczema, look at the questions and answers below for help.
What is eczema?
Eczema can be described as scaly, itchy red patches on your baby’s skin, which usually appears in the first year of life. An eczema rash may look like dry, leathery, scaly skin, or it may look like tiny red bumps that can blister, or become infected if scratched. Don’t worry, it’s not contagious, but it can cause your baby a lot of discomfort.
What is the cause of eczema?
While the true cause for eczema is still unknown, scientists believe that is often an inherited condition, resulting in infants becoming more prone to the rash. Although eczema is not necessarily considered an allergic reaction, it may be triggered by allergens in your baby’s diet. The rash can also be caused by chemical irritants, such as soaps detergents, and lotions.
Is it normal for my baby to get eczema?
About 20 percent of young children and infants have eczema. Although it’s possible to the condition to persist into early childhood and through adulthood, most babies recover by the age of 2.
How can I treat my baby’s eczema?
Here’s some tips that can help treat your baby’s eczema:
1. Soak your baby for five to ten minutes, twice a week, in a diluted bleach bath (1/2 cup bleach per full standard-size tub). This treatment was published in the May 2009 issue of Pediatrics and showed great results.
2. Keep your baby’s skin moist. You want to keep your baby’s skin from becoming too dry. You should consult with your doctor about how often you should bath your baby. Bathing your baby daily can help. Just don’t make the water too warm as this could dry out your baby’s skin.
3. Use mild soaps when bathing and avoid using soaps until the end of the bath so your baby isn’t sitting in soapy water.
4. Ask your doctor about emollients (an ointment that seals in skin moisture)
5. Let your baby’s skin breathe. Don’t over dress your baby and avoid wool and other scratchy materials.
6. Use fragrance free laundry detergent and avoid fabric softeners
7. Use the softest sheets possible and keep your baby’s fingernails cut short so they can’t scratch themselves.
8. If the rash flares up, try applying cool compresses to the area several times a day, followed by a moisturizer.
In combating eczema, remember the tips above, and always be sure to consult your doctor.