How to Help a Baby with Eczema

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as  eczema, makes your skin red and itchy. These are dry blotches often found in babies and can last a long time. Almost 25% of children are affected by it, and around 60% endure it for a year after birth. As a matter of fact, some babies get rid of it, but 10- 30% experience the symptoms during their first year. 

Consult your doctor if you find a rash on your baby’s skin that is causing inflammation. Fortunately, it can easily be treated.

What causes eczema? How early can babies develop eczema?

Atopic dermatitis is not the only type of eczema found in children. Other types include seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema or foot-and-hand eczema, as well as scalp eczema or cradle cap (commonly found in infants).

The real cause of eczema is still unidentified by researchers. Some evidence points towards genetic and environmental components. Scientists, on the other hand, are sure that an immune-system dysfunction causes eczema, as it affects the ability of the skin to retain moisture.

Eczema is not transmissible, but babies probably develop it if they have a family history of hay fever, eczema, or asthma. These conditions are not interrelated. However, if a child has already had baby eczema, they have a greater chance of developing asthma and hay fever.   

It is also important to point out that eczema is also used to describe other irritable skin conditions. 

What are the symptoms if your baby has eczema?

Babies develop eczema mainly on the cheeks and scalp. It is a dry patch of skin that often gets red and inflamed. They may also notice periodic itching. Older children might develop these dry folds on their knees and elbows. Apart from that, other parts of the body, including wrists, neck, ankles, legs, and the gluteal sulcus (a fold of the buttock), can also show signs of eczema.

Cheeks

Eczema on the cheeks is irritable and itchy and often results in a lack of sleep in babies. It starts as a rash on the skin, which flares out, making it dry and flaky. Babies suffering from it are often grumpy and difficult to handle.

Chin

Sometimes, eczema spreads all across the face. In the end, it often leaks fluid after breaking open, leaving the skin with dried flakes on it. If the rash on the chin is not itchy, it might be because of extreme drooling while teething.

Forehead and scalp

Babies who develop eczema on their forehead or scalp will adopt certain behaviours to get rid of the itchiness. They will naturally rub the affected part on a hard surface just to feel relief. It starts with a dry, scaly patch, which blebs and leaks fluid, developing a crusty layer on the skin. 

Baby eczema risk factors and the environment

Children with immune-system dysfunction are vulnerable to eczema. Studies have found other risk factors as well:

The outdoor environment also plays an important role in this situation. Children who live under poor meteorological conditions and in a polluted environment are at high risk of developing eczema. A study showed that excessive amounts of ammonia, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, lead, particle pollution, and ozone levels may result in baby eczema. 

As per a different study, hot and sunny climates with high ozone and particle levels can prevent eczema. 

According to another study, mothers who experience chronic stress during pregnancy may give birth to children that are more susceptible to eczema.

Progression of eczema in infants and children

Babies experience eczema mostly on their cheeks, scalp, and forehead. It lasts for a few months, upto a year. Children might also develop eczema in the diaper area.

A baby aged between 6 to 12 months will often develop eczema on elbows and knees as a result of crawling on the ground. If an eczema rash shows signs of pus or becomes yellowish, it means that it is infected.

At the age of 2, children may develop eczema around their knees, elbows, hands, wrists, and ankles. The part around the mouth and eyelids might also show symptoms of eczema. This is known as lichenification and results in the thickening of the skin and exaggerated skin lines.

How often do you bathe a baby with eczema?

Bathing is generally a soothing activity for kids, but a child with eczema might feel irritated and in the process. Take help from your doctor if you feel that you have some concerns related to the issue.

However, these tips should generally come in handy when bathing a baby with eczema.

Prepare the bath

Fill the tub with lukewarm water, and consider an oatmeal bath. In the running water, add about a cup of colloidal oatmeal and mix it with your hand in the baby’s tub. It should make the water look milky and feel soft.

Soak

Do not let your child soak for more than 20 minutes.It can cause the skin to dry out and worsen eczema. Stick to the normal soaking time of 5 to 10 minutes.

Wash

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser in place of soap to wash your baby.

Pat dry

Pat them dry with a towel or a soft cloth after a bath. Remember not to rub it harshly against the skin.

How to treat or reduce eczema in children?

Eczema can be cured by treating the problems associated with itching, irritated skin (inflammation), dryness, and infection. Children with eczema on their skin get uncomfortable during their sleep, as eczema causes inflammation and irritation. Babies often cannot keep their hands off and scratch the rash, making it worse.

Eczema can be managed in certain ways.

Moisturise

Keep the child’s skin moisturized by applying cream, lotion, or ointment after a bath and during winter. Remember, dry skin may result in skin breakout. Apply a thick layer of ointment or cream with a high level of oil in it. Moisturising with a generous layer right after a bath aids in securing the hydrating elements inside the skin.

A good moisturiser helps to lock the moisture in the skin for a long time; that is why use an oilier moisturiser. Moisturising right after a bath aids in securing the hydrating elements inside the skin.

Avoid scented products

Keep the scented products away from children as they might cause irritation in the skin. Prevent the child from scratching as it can get worse and cause more inflammation, potentially leading to infection. Always keep their nails trimmed so they don’t scratch themselves by accident.

Dress for success

Children with eczema should wear breathable and soft fabrics. Keep children away from excessive physical activity and hot temperatures, as sweat can trigger eczema. Avoid hot showers and ensure that they are relaxed and cool while dozing off.

Avoid allergens

Apart from other allergies, more than 35% of children might have food allergies that trigger eczema. Other causes of eczema include pollen, dust, or pet dander. Skin with eczema is vulnerable to viruses and infection. If an infection occurs, treat it quickly and do not ignore it.

Consult a doctor if the eczema is weeping, develops pus, or crusted patches appear that are different from the rest of the affected area.

Bathe them better

Use lukewarm water for bathing your child and avoid hot water. Use bath oils, oatmeal, and mostly anything as per your doctor’s instruction and in correct doses to heal eczema quickly.

Stop using hand sanitisers

Instead of using hand sanitisers, wash your child’s hands frequently with water as sanitisers can cause irritation. Do not rub their hands but pat them dry and quickly moisturise after washing.

Try ointments suggested by a doctor

Consult your family doctor for medication. Oftentimes, ointments like topical corticosteroids can cure eczema, but only a doctor can advise an appropriate product. Teach your kids ways they can prevent eczema, when they are old enough. This can include basic education on skin health and washing practices to overcome the problem.

Enough water

Creams are only effective on the outside. For your skin and body to stay hydrated, your child must increase their water intake. At least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day are enough to retain the moisture in the skin.

Getting Help

For parents, it is a matter of concern to see their baby developing eczema. Always keep your baby hydrated and keep applying moisturiser frequently, so their skin doesn’t get dry and break out.

Babies are unable to communicate their condition. Therefore as parents, it is your responsibility to take all the necessary measures to ensure they’re healthy and happy. You can even set out a schedule to apply moisturiser on their skin. Look out for ways you can prevent your child from scratching and irritating their skin.. Keep their body cool and avoid mittens. Consult your doctor, the sooner the better.