Warning! I am not a doctor, pediatrician, or a skin or health professional. If your are in need of an answer from a “Professional” please consult your doctor or pediatrician. This FAQ session is just from the view of a proud parent who has done extensive research on this topic motivated by finding an answer to treat my baby’s eczema.
Q: What Are the Symptoms of Baby Eczema?
A: Usually they first sign of eczema is itchiness. Sometimes the itching will start well before the rash appears. When it does appear, the rash can appear almost anywhere on they body but are commonly found on the face, knees, hands, or feet.
Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned babies, these areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. Among darker-skinned babies, eczema can affect pigmentation, making the affected area lighter or darker. In other cases of baby eczema, the itchy rash can produce an oozing, crusting condition that can occurs on the face and scalp, but can also appear anywhere on the infants body.
Q: How Is Baby Eczema Diagnosed?
A: Baby Eczema can be diagnosed by a pediatrician, allergist, immunologist, dermatologist or your child’s primary care provider. Children with eczema are likely to be tested for allergies too.
Q: What Is the Treatment for Baby Eczema?
A: There is not a definite cure for eczema. But there are treatments that can help relieve and prevent itching, which can lead to infection. Since the disease makes your baby’s skin dry and itchy, lotions and creams are highly recommended to keep the skin moist. Ideally these solutions should be applied when the skin is damp, such as after bathing, to help the skin retain moisture. Cold compresses can also help relieve itching.
There are “over-the-counter” products, such as hydrocortisone, or prescription creams and ointments containing stronger corticosteroids that are often prescribed to reduce inflammation. For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe short courses of oral corticosteroids, which I recommend don’t recommend, but please check with your doctor. In addition, in cases were affected area becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection-causing bacteria.
But the *Best* way I feel to treat baby eczema is naturally. There are specific diets plans parents can follow to keep there child’s eczema to a minimal. Diet can play a big part on what triggers eczema breakouts. There are also natural creams, body and facial wash that work just as well and sometime even better than over the counter and prescribed products that doctors and pediatricians push. I have done extensive research in this area and I suggest you subscribe to my newsletter to get in-depth access to my findings.
Q: What Causes Baby Eczema?
A: The exact cause of baby eczema and eczema in general is relatively unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body’s immune system to unknown triggers. Eczema is said to be commonly found in families with a history of other allergies or asthma. Some credible medical sites claim that the disease can be hereditary.
Some infants may suffer “flare-ups” of the itchy rash in response to certain foods or environmental conditions. For other infants, coming into contact with rough or coarse materials, such as wool, may cause the skin to become itchy. For others, feeling too hot or too cold, exposure to certain household products like soap or detergent, or coming into contact with animal dander may cause an outbreak. Upper respiratory infections or colds may also be triggers. Stress may cause the condition to worsen.
Although there is no cure, most people can effectively manage their disease with medical treatment and by avoiding irritants. The condition is not contagious and can’t be spread from person to person.
Q: How Can Eczema Flare-ups Be Prevented?
A: Eczema outbreaks can usually be avoided or the severity lessened by following these simple tips.
- Moisturize the infected area frequently
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
- Keep your baby from sweating or overheating
- Reduce your child’s stress
- Avoid scratchy materials, such as wool
- Don’t use harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
- Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander)