Eczema is a red, scaly rash that usually begins on the baby's cheeks and spreads to the arms and neck. Common areas for baby eczema include the backs of the knees, the face, and the insides of the elbows. Eczema may start as a minor rash, developing gradually into a more severe skin rash or irritation. Sometimes, the baby's skin cracks and peels and develops fissures. Eczema in babies can be a very annoying situation for the baby and the parents as well. That is why it is important for parents to understand this skin condition and how to address it. Eczema in babies can be treated so there is no need for worry.
Causes
Eczema in babies is believed to be caused by allergies and will usually occur when a baby is between two and six months old. This skin condition may present itself when you begin to feed your baby solid foods or formula.
Hereditary can also play a role in the development of eczema in babies. Look into your family history to be sure since eczema tends to be genetic in origin. Sometimes the mother's diet during pregnancy can lead to eczema in the baby. Also, consumption of certain medicines during breastfeeding can trigger an allergic reaction in a baby.
Treatment
You want to consider the type of formula or milk that your baby consumes if you have stopped breastfeeding. Switching from breast milk to formula can often be a cause of eczema in babies. If regular cow's milk is a problem, you might want to try soy milk. Goat's milk would be a great choice if eczema in babies does not stop. If soy milk or goat's milk does not provide relief, you should have your baby's doctor recommend special milk for the baby. The doctor can also recommend the best ointments and topical creams for the baby's skin.
There are a number of effective products that are particularly created or formulated for babies' skin problems. The ingredients in these products are generally considered safe for babies and can help to ease itchy and dry skin. Some creams and ointments contain mild formulations that include ingredients such as aloe.
If the baby's skin condition is severe, the pediatrician might prescribe an ointment or cream that contains cortisone for short term treatment. It is important to talk with the pediatrician about the side effects of such an ingredient. Proper treatment of eczema in babies is essential, and the pediatrician should be consulted for advice and guidance.
Usually, your baby's skin condition will be back to normal after it has been addressed appropriately by a doctor. Sometimes eczema in babies will come back so monitor the condition of your baby's skin. This condition may appear during certain seasons; during the winter, a baby may have a greater chance of developing eczema. Using a humidifier in a baby's room is a great way to keep the air from becoming too dry. It is important to keep a baby's nails trimmed because eczema is very itchy, and it can cause your baby to scratch the rash and cause an infection.
Considerations
People with a family history of skin problems and allergies may notice eczema in their babies. There are a number of ways to treat the skin irritation and rash in order to keep the baby comfortable, and a pediatric physician should be consulted for careful evaluation if the condition persists or gets worse. If left untreated, eczema can lead to more severe skin problems for your baby.
