Baby Eczema Symptoms and Treatment

What Is Baby Eczema?

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a dry, itchy skin rash that can appear anywhere on the body, but it commonly appears on the face and limbs. Anyone can have eczema, including infants.

Eczema in babies is very common. It affects 25% of children, 60% of whom develop it in their first year of life. While the condition can be lifelong, some children outgrow it.

Some things tend to make people more prone to developing eczema, including:

 

• Family history of eczema
• Family history of hay fever, allergies, or asthma
• Living in a cold, damp climate
• Exposure to environmental irritants (e.g., smoke, detergent, fragrances, and pollution)
• Having an overactive immune system

 

What Does Baby Eczema Look Like?

Eczema often appears on the face and scalp in infants under 6 months old. The rash will usually be red and it may bubble up, ooze fluid, then crust over. Older babies may develop eczema on their elbows and knees.

Eczema usually does not occur in the diaper area because the skin stays too moist. Rashes in this area are more likely diaper rash.

The itchiness of eczema can make an infant very uncomfortable. A baby cannot tell a caregiver what is wrong, but their behaviour may hint that eczema is causing them discomfort.

Signs to look for include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Scratching
• Skin infections (caused by scratching or rubbing the rash)
• Fussiness

 

Eczema Treatments for Kids

Baby Eczema: Diagnosis and Treatment

Your child’s doctor will diagnose eczema based on symptoms, the appearance of the rash, family and individual medical history, and evaluation for potential allergies.

There is no specific test to diagnose eczema, but a doctor might order blood tests and skin tests to look for allergies or rule out other skin conditions.

 

Identifying Triggers

Certain things—referred to as triggers—can cause eczema flare-ups. Your paediatrician will be interested in learning what tends to trigger the rashes in your baby. Common triggers include:

 

• Allergens (e.g., dust, pollen, pet dander, and certain foods)
• Irritants (e.g., fragrances, certain fabrics, and tobacco smoke)
• Heat and sweat

 

Once you learn what triggers your baby's eczema, avoiding these triggers can help prevent flare-ups of the condition.

There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatments for managing it by controlling dry skin, itching, irritation, and preventing infection.

 

Common eczema treatment includes:

 

• Keep skin well hydrated: Bathe your baby in lukewarm water and pat their skin dry. After a bath, immediately apply a moisturizing cream.
• Avoid common irritants: Use fragrance-free soaps and detergents to do your baby's laundry. Dress your baby in breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics, like bamboo lyocell or organic cotton. avoiding polyester.
• Avoid common allergens: Keep your home—especially your baby’s room—free of dust and pet dander.
• Prevent scratching: Cut your baby's nails short and cover their hands with mittens if they are trying to scratch their skin. You can also apply wet wraps to moisturized skin. Your paediatrician may recommend an antihistamine if the itching is severe.
• Heal the skin: Your paediatrician may suggest applying topical steroids and nonsteroid medicines to your baby's skin during flare-ups.

 

When to Call the Doctor

Eczema rashes can get infected, especially if they are scratched. Infections may require antibiotics or other medications. If you think your baby's skin is infected, call your paediatrician.

Eczema itself cannot be prevented, but knowing and avoiding triggers can help prevent flare-ups of the condition.

 

Some ways to reduce triggers include:

• Keep your child out of cold, dry air.
• Read labels on products to help your family avoid common irritants.
• Double-rinse your laundry to remove detergent residue.
• Have your child tested for allergies.
• Use a trigger diary to help track things that may be related to your baby’s eczema flare-ups.
• Moisturize your baby's skin.
• Use hypoallergenic cot sheets and baby sleepwear

 

Summary

Baby eczema can be a frustrating experience for both babies and caregivers. It can be difficult to know how to help your baby when an itchy, painful rash is causing them discomfort.

Eczema is not curable, but there are treatments. You can also minimize flare-ups by learning what triggers your child's eczema and taking care of their skin (for example, by keeping it moisturized).

While eczema can be a lifelong condition, your child might outgrow it. Even if they do not, with help from their doctor or a dermatologist, you can learn how to manage it.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How long will my baby's eczema last after treatment?

Some children with eczema will outgrow it—usually by the age of 4. However, not everyone outgrows eczema, and it can be a lifelong condition.

 

What triggers baby eczema?

Many things can trigger eczema flare-ups, but the most common triggers are environmental irritants and allergens.

Examples of other baby eczema triggers include:

• Certain non-hypoallergenic clothing fabrics
• Dry skin
• Some foods
• Saliva
• Excessive heat

 

When should my baby go to the doctor for eczema treatment?

If your baby has symptoms of eczema (such as red, itchy patches on their skin) and at-home treatments have not helped, make an appointment with your paediatrician.

If your baby's eczema is crusty, oozing fluid, or if your baby is showing any other signs of infection (such as a fever), call your paediatrician right away. Eczema rashes can become infected and may require antibiotic treatment.

 

What To Do Next

Check our range of short-sleeve and long-sleeve bodysuits made with the breathable and hypoallergenic Bamboo Lyocell, providing your baby's skin with a layer of clothing which is free from harmful chemicals and you know is safe for your baby.

Sleepwear and underlayers like bodysuits are what will be on your baby's skin for the longest period of time in the day, they have it on their skin all night and part of the day, therefore it is important these fabrics are of high quality as they will have the most contact and impact on your baby's skin.

Finally, always remember to have good habits after shopping new items and wash before you wear, especially on you baby.

 

References:

American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to treat eczema in babies

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis causes.

Kaufman B, Guttman-Yassky E, Alexis A. Atopic dermatitis in diverse racial and ethnic groups-Variations in epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation and treatment. Exp Dermatol. 2018;27(4):340-357. doi:10.1111/exd.13514

National Eczema Association. Understanding eczema in children.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis symptoms.

Standford Children’s Health. Atopic dermatitis in children.

American Academy of Pediatrics. How to treat and control eczema rashes in children. Updated April 19, 2021.

National Eczema Association. How to identify and control eczema triggers without losing your mind.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. How can I find eczema triggers on my child's body?

 

 

Disclaimer: All content, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. The information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.