Baby Eczema

Understanding Baby’s Eczema

Atopic dermatitis sound familiar? Well if not I’ll give you a bit hint of its meaning. It is a skin rash that is often seen in the first year of the baby’s life. It appears on the baby’s forehead, cheeks, and scalp. But if not treated directly it may spread into the arms, legs, chest or other parts of the body.

“Atopic” is a condition that occurs when someone is overly sensitive to allergens. “Dermatitis” means the outer layer of the skin is inflamed or sore. Atopic Dermatitis is usually called Eczema. This disease is not contagious, the rash may look like thickened, dry, scaly skin, or some may look like small red bumps that can be infected if scratched.

It is not an allergic side effect to a substance but it can be triggered by allergens in your baby’s diet. Factors like heat, and irritants that may come in contact with your baby’s skin may further irritate the rash. Examples of some things which may irritate the rash include chemicals in soaps, liquid soaps, lotions and baby powders.

Caring for your baby’s skin may be more challenging because of the delicateness and sensitiveness of baby’s skin. Here are some tips to help manage baby eczema:

• Avoid allowing your baby’s skin from becoming too dry.
• Consult your doctor for advice of how often your baby must be bathed, although usually daily bathing will help keep the skin moisturized. Use lukewarm water as very warm water dries out the skin faster.
• When bathing your baby use mild soaps and shampoo, preferably those designed specifically for a baby’s sensitive skin.
• After giving baby a refreshing bath pat – don’t rub – the skin dry and apply some liquid moisturizer or any suitable baby lotion. This will help to keep prevent baby’s skin from drying out. Be sure that lotions are mild because some are too harsh and may be harmful for baby’s skin.
• Let your baby wears apparel that has soft fabric that helps the air to enter, allowing baby’s skin to ‘breathe’.
• Help prevent your baby from scratching.

Please take some time to browse our site where you’ll find a wealth of information on how to prevent and manage eczema, particularly in babies. You’ll also find recommendations for a variety of products that may help treat your little one’s eczema.