Eczema in Babies

What is eczema?

It is an allergic condition of the skin; it is a type of “atopy”, a condition that includes asthma and hay fever.

Presentation in babies:

Eczema is frequently seen in babies in the form of itchy areas of red discoloration with drying of the skin, most commonly on the cheeks, on the arms and buttocks.



Eczema lesions are characteristically “weeping”, a clear fluid can be seen produced from the lesions.

Special considerations for baby eczema:

1. It is frequently related to food allergens, that is why it is wise to use health foods when introducing solid food into baby’s diet.
   
2. Any type of detergent is contraindicated in eczema, because the skin is already dry, the cleaning substance will remove more water from the skin making the condition worse.  Shampoos, soaps are to be used with as little frequency as possible, and only the shampoos and soaps that have mild, hydrating formulas.
   
3. It is vital to differentiate between atopic eczema and contact allergy, because the condition will improve quickly if the eczema is of the contact type, after the irritating substance is removed.

Eczema Treatment in babies:

1. Hydration: Maintaining moisture of the skin is the mainstay of treatment in eczema, groups of topical treatment called emollients are used, they are thick oily ointments that give moisture to the skin and protect the skin from losing its natural oils.
   
   
   
   Some thin, watery creams should not be used because they can actually remove the natural oils and moisture from the skin making the eczema worse.
   
2. A mild steroid preparation like Hydrocortisone cream can be used when there is no improvement.
   
   
   
   It helps with the itching and inflammation.
   
3. Anti-pruritic preparations like Calamine help the itching which can be very distressing to the baby.