Infantile Eczema Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Atopic eczema that occurs in infants is referred to as infantile eczema. Infantile eczema is also called as infant eczema or baby eczema. The symptoms of infantile eczema start in babies between 2 to 6 months of age, but usually become apparent by the time the child reaches the age of five.

Infantile eczema or baby eczema forms reddened, crusty and itchy skin. The itchiness caused due to infantile eczema is distressing and the baby is unable to stop scratching. But scratching can worsen the condition since if the skin breaks it is far more prone to other infections. Therefore, infantile eczema can become troublesome, as you can't stop the baby from scratching the skin.

Children who suffer from infantile eczema or baby eczema tend to have dry skin for rest of their lives. These children also have a high sensitivity to itching. Children suffering from infantile eczema are also at an increased risk of developing other atopic illnesses like asthma, hayfever or allergy.

Most of the children with infantile eczema outgrow the condition by the time they are two or three. Some children grow out of it by the time they reach adolescence but others may continue to suffer from infantile eczema for the rest of their lives.

Another type of infantile eczema that occurs in the infants below the age of one is called infantile seborrhoeic eczema. Seborrhoeic eczema that occurs in infants or babies is called infantile seborrhoeic eczema. It is also referred to as cradle cap. This type of eczema generally disappears within few months.

Causes of Infantile Eczema or Baby Eczema

The exact cause of infantile eczema is not known but it tends to run in the families who have atopic diseases. The chance of developing infantile eczema increases if any of the family members or either of the parents has atopic conditions like asthma or hayfever.

Symptoms of Infantile Eczema or Baby Eczema

The symptoms of infantile eczema may affect infants in various ways. Infantile eczema usually starts as an itchy, red rash on their cheeks. It may then spread over the face, neck and over to the nappy region. The symptoms may also appear on the arms and legs.

In a baby between one and half and two years, the red rash appears behind the knees and in the bends of the arms, wrists, ankles and neck. Infantile eczema causes the baby to feel uncomfortable especially at night due to the intense itching.

Infantile seborrhoeic eczema usually starts on the scalp or the nappy area and then spreads to other parts. It does not cause the baby to feel uncomfortable, as it does not produce itchiness.

The rash usually appears to be dry but if the skin is infected with some bacteria, the blisters may open and may leak fluid. In such cases, an immediate medical attention is required.

Treatment of Infantile Eczema or Baby Eczema

There is as such no cure for infantile eczema. In most of cases, infantile eczema disappears by its own as the child grows. But this does not mean that it will never recur. So taking certain precautions like avoiding infantile eczema triggers as far as possible is necessary. Here are certain tips that may help in controlling infantile eczema.

• Bath your child daily with lukewarm water. Don't use hot or warm water as it may make skin red and itchy.
• Use mild soaps on child's skin as well as child's clothing.
• After bathing, path the skin gently with a soft towel but don't pat dry. Apply a moisturizer immediately within 3 minutes.
• Dress your child in 100 percent cotton clothing. Don't use synthetic fabrics or wool. Don't cover your child with wool blankets and rugs.
• Avoid talcum powders.
• Keep your child's room free from dust mites.
• Cover the child's hands with socks in order to prevent the scratching.
• If the itching breaks the skin apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.