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Infant (Baby) Eczema

Infantile eczema is an atopic dermatitis, that won't stop itching

What is baby eczema?

Baby eczema is NOT infant seborrhea (baby Cradle Cap). Baby cradle cap starts at scalp and nappy area. It is NOT sore or itchy. This condition clears up in a few months. Use of skin moisturizers help.

Infantile eczema is an atopic dermatitis, that won't stop itching.  It appears as a red, irritated swelling, rash on the face (mouth and cheeks), nape and scalp. Sometimes it is called dry eczema. The diaper area is usually not affected. The best treatment is to apply moisturizers. If the infant scratches off the top layer of the skin, it results in weeping and crusting. This is called weeping or wet eczema. Weeping eczema requires antibiotics.

What causes infant eczema?

Baby eczema is generally inherited. One of the parents has a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever or some forms of allergies.

How Breast Feeding effects baby eczema?

Breast feeding helps prevent the babies to get eczema even if the mother has eczema or asthma.

Nursing mother should eat foods high in Omega 3 acids (Fish). The DHA is passed on to the infant and helps with eczema.

Foods being consumed by the mother may trigger the eczema. A nursing mother should avoid eating peanuts, shellfish, cow's milk, eggs, wheat or oranges.

If the baby had eczema, introduction to these foods may be delayed for up to two years.

How to care for baby eczema

1. Bathing

Bathe your baby for about 5 minutes (no more than 10 minutes), two times a day. The water should be Luke warm (85° F). It should not be hot or even warm.

To reduce itchiness, add up to one tablespoon of table salt per cup of water.

Do not use soap. If you  must, use a very mild fragrant free soap.

Pat dry with towel. While still damp, apply moisturizer within two three minutes of bath to retain moisture in the skin.

Apply the moisturizer frequently. Moisturizers are the key to control and remedy eczema breakout.

Vaseline petroleum jelly serves well as a moisturizer. You can make a moisturizer at home of Aloe, Glycerin, Vitamin E, and Fish Oil.

2. Clothing

Dress your child in breathable, preferably cotton clothing.

Avoid woolen clothing or blankets.

Avoid fragranced fabric softeners.

Avoid harsh detergents to wash clothing. Use mild fragrant free soap to wash clothing. Reetha makes a good soap to wash the clothing.

Put cotton mittens or cotton socks on baby's hands. This will prevent baby to scratch the itchy area.

3. Environment

Avoid high humidity

Avoid sudden changes in temperature

Avoid grasses and weeds

Avoid Pollen, dust mites, and animal dander

Avoid perfumes

Vacuum, carpets, upholstered furniture

Change air filters

4. Medications

Pediatric may recommend over the counter steroids (1% hydrocortisone ointment twice a day). As soon as the breakout is under control discontinue using steroids. You must continue using moisturizers.

Pediatric may give oral steroids.

Pediatric may give oral antihistamine to control itching.