Eczema in babies can easily be mistaken for a common rash. If your infant has a very dry and itchy skin then its most probably eczema.
Eczema is a common skin condition which is characterized by very dry and itchy skin affecting about ten to twenty percent of babies. Other indications of the condition include scaling of the skin, reddening, cracking and swelling. One may also find small bumps which bleed. Eczema in babies should not be confused with ordinary rash. It might look like a rash but in the case of eczema, the skin is thickened, red and may bleed. In babies, eczema starts on the scalp, going down to the forehead, chest and builds up at the joints. Severe cases causes irritation and disrupt the baby's sleep pattern.
What is the cause of eczema?
It is not exactly known what is the cause of this condition but it is noticed that if someone in the family is suffering from eczema, asthma or hay fever, then the infant is more likely to develop these conditions or anyone of them. Eczema is not contagious, so parents should not worry about other siblings catching this skin condition.
Unfortunately eczema has no known cure but there are several ways to keep it under control. Eczema in babies can be very difficult to handle and quite a worry for the parents. Babies can be irritable, noisy, and the itching can cause scratch marks on the skin. Here are some of the Tips, eczema in babies can be controlled or taken care of:
It is important to note that heat and dryness aggravate eczema so keep the baby away from these environmental conditions. Keep the child cool and moisturized.Allow the skin to breathe by loose coverings. Make sure that the baby's clothes are light and loose. Do not use prickly clothes, bed sheets or blankets. These will irritate the skin.
Hot baths do not help. Hot water will dry the skin further and also worsen the itch. Bathe your baby in lukewarm water with a little baby oil. Do not use soap or use a very mild one. Some types of soap can dry the skin. Bathe your baby at bedtime and make it a happy time for him or her. This will help the child to sleep peacefully. Skin experts believe baby with eczema, should be given a bath daily.
After the bath, do not dry the baby by rubbing the skin with a towel, instead carefully pat dry with a light, soft towel.
It is not recommended to keep plastic mattress protection on the baby's bed. This tends to get hot. Woolen bed covers are also not a good idea.
It is better to avoid taking the effected baby outside especially in summer or humid conditions. If travelling in a car, make sure that baby is protected from heat. Keep the air-conditioner running in the car and avoid long trips.
Keep the baby's skin well moisturized all the time.
Certain detergents irritate the skin more, so rinse the baby's clothes, blankets, and bed linen really well so as to remove all traces of the detergent.
Discourage the baby from scratching. It may give temporary relief but overall it is damaging. You can keep the baby's nails short or cover the hand with mittens to prevent the baby from scratching himself or herself during sleep.
If eczema flares up, use cool compresses several times a day and then moisturize.
Animal hair is an irritant so it is advisable to keep pets away from the baby. Keep the baby away from dust and mites. Check for bed bugs in the baby's bed.
As an added measure, parents should watch out which food irritates the infant more. This may vary from baby to baby. Parents should be careful to avoid any food that aggravate eczema or irritate the child.
Eczema in babies is quite distressing for the parents. To watch your baby suffer is not what parents want. It may be comforting to know that this skin condition will not last long. Usually eczema in babies gradually decreases and the skin condition will improve by the time the baby is two or three years old. Eczema in babies takes a lot of time and attention to keep it under control, so the best remedy is to just take proper care and keep the baby happy.
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