Infant Eczema

 

 

What You Need to Know About Infant Eczema

Infant eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis or dermatitis eczema, appears in much the same form as in older children. What makes the problem more severe in babies is the lack of communication. Infants are not able to tell you when they have a problem, nor are they able to understand the directives we would give to an older child to help the rash heal.

Understanding Infant Eczema

Eczema appears on the skin as red patches, often dry, or characterized by small bumps or pustules. The condition is linked to the body's immune system. It reacts to any number of irritants which might include a topical product with a fragrance or dye, or even a reaction to something we eat. There seems to also be a correlation between asthma and allergies to such things as animal dander, dust, or pollen.

It is important to understand that there is no eczema cure for this condition; the only option is to treat the symptoms of eczema. Since the immune system's reaction cannot be changed, neither can the outbreak of infant eczema. Just as we cannot prevent aging skin in older adults, neither can we lessen the occurrence of eczema in children and adolescents.

Treatments

Anyone suffering from eczema can follow a daily routine that will help ease the symptoms of itchiness and redness. Keeping the area clean and moisturized is a basic rule of thumb. Soap should be non-drying and lotions should be fragrance-free.

Because babies will continually scratch or rub at the itchy rashes presented by eczema, it is important to not only control the itch, but to keep the fingernails very short. Bathe the infant daily, but for a short period of time with warm, not hot, water. Mild soaps and lotions made for infants work well, but only if they are free of perfumes and dyes. Moisturize the skin immediately after it is dried with a soft towel.

Take care when laundering baby's clothing. A laundry detergent that is also dye- and fragrance-free is the best. The same goes for dryer sheets or fabric softeners. Remember that any perfume you wear when holding the baby may be transferred to the skin and cause irritation, as well.

For more severe cases on infant eczema, or those that do not respond well to these simple treatments, the baby may need medication. Your pediatrician can recommend the best course of action. More aggressive treatments for eczema might include a hydrocortisone cream, immune-modulating creams, antihistamines, or an antibiotic in case the rash becomes infected.

In the most severe cases, it may be necessary to take the baby to the hospital where wet dressings can be applied. This involves using a steroidal or immune-modulating cream followed by a wrap of cotton soaked in antiseptic or plain water. This helps the medication be better absorbed and protects the skin from irritants in the surrounding environment.

In the majority of cases, infant eczema is easily treated. It is hard to watch a baby suffer through the itch and discomfort caused by this skin condition, but luckily there are a variety of treatment options available.