Seeing baby eczema on your innocent child’s face and body can be difficult to endure. What are some of the causes and triggers for dermatitis in babies and young children? How is it best treated? What can you do to help your child resist scratching?

The eczema rash in your child may be dry patches, red angry bumps  and scales. There may also be red lines due to the scratching which is a natural response to severe itching. Your baby may also be having trouble sleeping and cry more due to increased irritation.

Be sure that the ingredients in the laundry, baby’s baths and moisturizers used are allergy-free and dye-free. Your baby may be having an allergic reaction and it is best to minimize or eliminate this problem. Atopic eczema runs in families so check to see if there is a history of asthma, dermatitis and skin eruptions in the family. Moisturizing is very important, but you want to use products that your child can tolerate to nourish the skin back to health. Find products on the market that don’t have perfumes as well. We all love the scents used in personal care products but they may not be agreeable to our systems.

Replace any blankets, bedding and clothing that isn’t cotton with cotton fiber products. Putting something that is breathable on your child is important for proper circulation. When you wash your child’s clothing and bedding use hot water as this will also kill germs and dust mites if they are in the home.

Look for possible environmental triggers for the baby eczema. These can include cleaning products, pet fur, pesticides used near the home and home renovation materials in the garage. Do a survey of the foods your child eats and keep a diary as allergies to milk, eggs and wheat can result in a rash or asthma.

Because scratching can lead to an infection, consult with your doctor about the use of antihistamines to reduce the itching sensation. Moisturizing will help with this problem. Little cotton gloves can be placed on your child’s fingers before bed to assist in preventing scratching.

Read your child stories, sing, continue to play games and engage in your child in activities that are good distractions while the baby eczema triggers get figured out and resolved.

By: Dee Cohen

Baby eczema is usually something that runs in families. The parents may not have had eczema, but they may have alleriges or respiratory problems as children. Many believe that there is a genetic component. It is not contagious, so you don’t have to worry about your other children playing with the baby and getting a rash themselves.

Babies can get other rashes, but the hallmark of an eczema rash is that it will persist, even if it stops temporarily. Kids often have the eczema on their face, unlike adults. Other spots are elbows, knees and hands. Remember that your child will have little control over scratching, as that is an instinct. The best remedy for this is anithistamines, anti-itch creams  and putting little gloves on the baby’s hands. Expect a lot of crying from the discomfort.

There are a lot of things to observe to see if your baby can be more comfortable. First of all, have you investigated if your baby has any food allergies? This isn’t always easy to tell but you can get testing done by an allergist. Try to use the dye-free and gentle types of detergents in the event the baby has a reaction to any of the chemicals. Beware of too much sweating as well as whether the blankets are wrapped and creating perspiration. Use cotton for bedding and daily clothing.

Use moisturizer for your child constantly. This is important because he or she may be scratching and this can create more problems. Be careful about ingredients like alcohol in case your child has a reaction to it. Look around your home for mold, mildew and if pet hair may be a problem or a new rug. Get a mattress cover in case there are dust mites.

Sing with your child and do things to help your child still enjoy every day activities. Check with your doctor for what antihistamines are best to help with sleep and itching. Your care will be felt by your child, but also don’t get alarmed as this will be conveyed to your child. Having a relaxed attitude is contagious.

By: Dee Cohen