Eczema in Babies and Children

What Does Baby Eczema Look Like?

Atopic dermatitis and cradle crap are the most common type of eczema that affects within the first 5 months to 6 years of a child’s life.

Appearances of Baby Eczema on the skin can differ.

• Every infant's eczema formation is different

• Lighter skin babies will often have red patches

• Babies with a wheatish or darker complexion will have a purplish, greyish, or brownish rash

• The texture of the patches is dry, itchy, flaky, and rough

• It appears mainly on babies' cheeks or joints of the arms or legs

Causes of Eczema in Infants

There is a lack of research on what causes eczema in kids. However, according to various sources, some experts have concluded what exactly causes eczema in infants:

• Combination of genetic and environmental factors

• Certain baby cosmetics like shampoo, lotion, and soap

• An issue with the skin barrier

• Dry skin that lacks moisture

• Lack of fatty acids in children called ceramides

Can It Resolve by Itself?

Often, eczema goes away on its own, and many kids no longer have it before they start school. While it's unusual, some kids may continue suffering from eczema until adulthood. They might have no symptoms for years but could still have dry skin.

Consult your doctor to determine whether it's eczema or another skin condition.

Factors that Can Worsen Eczema Symptoms

• Dry Skin

Increases itchiness, especially in low humidity, like during winter when homes are heated and the air is dry.

• Irritants

Scratchy fabrics, polyester, perfumes, body soaps, and laundry soaps can trigger symptoms.

• Stress

Eczema-prone children may experience flushing and heightened symptoms in response to stress.

• Heat and Sweat

Both exacerbate the itch associated with infant eczema.

• Allergens

Some experts suggest removing cow's mil.k, peanuts, eggs, or certain fruits from a child's diet to control eczema symptoms.

• Infection

When this skin condition worsens, it can also cause blisters on the affected skin and weaken the immune system.

Home Remedies To Treat It

Tips To Prevent Itching

Parents need to advise children not to scratch the affected skin. Scratching will make the itchiness worse and also result in infection.

As suggested by your doctor, ointments will help ease the itchiness. Also, try out wet wrap therapy or ice cubes after consulting a doctor.

When to Call a Doctor

• Monitor Progress:

Check your baby's eczema after a week of using the doctor's suggested creams; if there's no improvement, consider consulting for a prescription medicine.

• Watch for Infections:

Contact your doctor if yellow or light brown crust or pus-filled blisters develop on the eczema, as this may indicate a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.

• Cold Sores or Genital Herpes Exposure:

Call your doctor if your baby is in proximity to individuals with cold sores or genital herpes, as eczema increases the risk of germ transmission and necessitates medical attention.

Conclusion

Enhancing your baby's skin healing and minimising future flare-ups involves removing irritants and triggers, and consistently hydrating their skin by applying moisturising. Despite your baby's inability to express itchiness verbally, proactive measures such as applying moisturiser regularly throughout the day can pre-emptively deter scratching and manage the eczema rash effectively.

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Source: webmd.com, my.clevelandclinic.org, nationaleczema.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 29, 2024