Atopic dermatitis isn’t the only one that affects babies

Although infantile or baby eczema, medically called atopic dermatitis, is most common there other types of eczema in babies. Eczema is a skin condition characterized by redness and skin irritation leading to rashes, bumps and even skin lesions. It is often found in infants and manifests symptoms as early as two months after a child’s birth. The most prevalent form is atopic dermatitis although there are many other types which can affect babies.

Contact eczema produces redness, itching and burning sensations in a localized part of the skin. It is caused by the skin coming into contact with a substance that produces allergic reactions, or with common irritants like acids and other chemicals. Other items that may cause contact eczema in babies are soaps and detergents, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances. Different people are allergic to different things making it difficult to pinpoint the source of contact eczema in babies. A process of elimination of the things a baby gets in contact with is the most practical way of isolating the cause of this type of baby eczema.

Seborrheic eczema is another common type of eczema in babies. Also a condition with an unknown cause, seborrheic eczema manifests itself usually as dandruff or cradle cap in babies. Yellowish, oily and scaly patches appear on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. This condition tends to run in families and is aggravated by oily skin, weather conditions and emotional stress.

Dishydrotic eczema produces blisters on the palms and soles that itch and burn. Although it affects grown ups most of the time, it can occur at any age. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men and it is more common in warmer climates, and during the spring and summer months. Dishydrotic eczema, too, has no known cause.

The prevention or treatment of eczema in babies calls for keeping the skin from becoming dry or getting in contact with irritating substances. Avoiding frequent hot baths, the use of scented soaps and baby products will minimize the baby’s exposure to chemicals that can cause flare ups. Excessive scrubbing and dressing a child up in coarse and irritating fabrics like wool can help ease the discomfort caused by eczema. Keep the baby away from known allergen like certain foods, dust, carpets and maybe even pets.

Because a baby’s natural tendency is to scratch an itchy spot, keep your baby’s fingernails short. Put light gloves on your baby to prevent scratching instinctively at night. Apply a cool compress to areas of the skin when they start to itch. Drinking plenty of water adds moisture to the skin and will help prevent or alleviate eczema in babies.