Baby eczema is fairly common in children from infants up to around three years. It is also called atopic dermatitis and is characterized by a red, rash. The rash can appear dry and scaly or it could be made up of little bumps that blister, ooze, and become infected. The rash always itches, and itching does cause the condition to worsen. If you’re unsure if the rash your child has is eczema there are many pictures of baby eczema online to help aid in your home diagnosis; however, always double check with the baby’s pediatrician. Most often eczema in babies will appear on the forehead, cheeks and scalp, but it is not uncommon to find it on the arms, legs, chest, and torso, and more rarely any other part of the body. As was stated previously baby eczema usually clears up by 2-3 years of age. In some children the condition will persist and then clear up in adolescence. For a lucky few the condition can be life long.

No one is certain what causes eczema. Sometimes the condition can be triggered by allergens in the baby’s diet, or in the mother’s diet if she is breastfeeding. Allergens such as cat dander, cigarette smoke, or dust can also be factors. Baby eczema flare ups can also be heat related or triggered by irritants that touch the baby’s skin such as harsh fabrics or chemicals in soaps, lotions, detergents etc. The cause or trigger of an eczema breakout can even be as simple as dry skin. There does seem to be a family factor. If you, your spouse, or a close member of either or your families has eczema, asthma, or some allergies your child is more likely to develop baby eczema.

However, babies with eczema can get some relief if not always a complete cure. Most of the solutions can be intuitively deduced from the triggers listed in the previous paragraph. Some suggestions for baby eczema treatment are:

Lubrication – If the baby’s skin gets too dry the condition can be aggravated. There are several eczema creams on the market. However, one that seems to be very popular is called Gentle Nature’s Baby Eczema Cream. It has received many positive reviews, mostly from those with babies who have severe cases of eczema. The more mild cases were put off by the thickness and oiliness of the cream. Just keep trying creams until you find one that works for your child.

Less frequent bathing – This baby eczema treatment has been debated slightly. However, bathing your child too frequently with soap will dry out the skin. Some experts suggest fewer baths, in luke warm water rather than hot. Other experts say daily bathing is not a problem as long as the water is luke warm. All agree that it is essential to use a mild soap and to promptly apply a liberal amount of lotion to seal in the body’s natural moisture.

Allow the babies skin to breathe and not become overheated by dressing her in smooth, natural fabrics.

Avoid extreme changes in temperature.

It is important to help babies with eczema avoid scratching. Keep her nails trimmed and put mittens on her hands if she’ll let you. Cool compresses followed by lotion can help soothe the itchiness.

Avoid fabric softeners and use a mild detergent.

Breastfeeding may help.

Lastly, a new study was published in the May 2009 issue of Pediatrics that found that soaking in a diluted bleach bath fir 5-10 minutes twice a week was more effective in treating eczema than water. If you are interested in learning more about this treatment discuss it with your pediatrician.

If none of these treatments for baby eczema seem to be providing relief to your child your doctor can suggest using a mild topical steroid which are available over the counter. If that doesn’t work your doctor can write a prescription for a stronger steroid.

Baby eczema flare-ups can become a vicious cycle. When a flare-up occurs the baby will itch the skin causing it to become worse and more sensitive. Therefore it is important to follow the suggestions and keep the flare-ups under control. Eczema does tend to get less severe with age and research is constantly being done to find new baby eczema treatments.

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