Eczema and Babies
Eczema in Infants & Babies
You suddenly notice that your baby's skin has become dry and red and there are little bumps on his or her forehead and cheeks. There may even be a red, crusty rash on their arms and legs. This may very well be eczema (atopic dermatitis), a common skin condition that usually appears during the first six months of a baby's life.
Whether it's as mild as a few dry, red patches or as severe as a widespread red, itchy, blistery rash, the good news is that eczema is not serious or contagious. One out of every 10 children gets eczema and over 50% of them grow out of it before they hit puberty.
What Should I Do if I Think My Baby Has Eczema?
Call your doctor and describe the symptoms. Your doctor's office may ask you to come in, or they may refer you to a dermatologist.
A diagnosis of eczema can be tricky because it's easily confused with a number of other skin conditions and infants are especially prone to rashes. Be sure to provide a detailed description of when and how you discovered the rash and whether or not your baby was experiencing any other symptoms at the time. The doctor may ask about your diet if you are breastfeeding and/or your baby's diet if they have begun eating solid foods or any products you may be using on your child's skin.
What Can I Do to Help?
In many cases, infant and baby eczema can be managed through home care. Here are a few things you can do to help manage your baby's eczema:
- Try to prevent scratching- keep your baby's fingernails short and if necessary, have them wear soft mittens or gloves, especially at night.
- Use mild, fragrance-free detergents for washing baby clothes.
- Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics.
- Keep your home environment at a moderate temperature and if the air seems dry, invest in a humidifier or vaporizer.
- Bathe your baby regularly in warm water, using mild, fragrance-free cleansers.
- Dry your baby's skin very gently, using a soft towel or cloth.
- Keep your home free of potential allergens like dust mites, pollen and animal dander.
- Apply cool compresses if the rash seems to be causing discomfort.