Infant Eczema

Infant Eczema is common sight in the infants below 5 years of age. In rare cases, this disorder can be noticed in the babies of two to six months of age. Infants with extra sensitive skin or even dry skin are more prone to this disorder. The outermost layer of the skin that protects us gets sensitive in this condition or at times this layer is lost.

Infant eczema needs continuous extra care as the infants have the habit of scratching thus irritating the affected area. If the infant continues to scratch, the disorder may get elevated causing some severe problems. Scratching may break open the skin making a way for other skin infections to enter the body. Infant eczema needs prime care and it should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

The common and the primary symptoms of infant eczema are flaked skin, rashes and itchiness. The most effective and the common treatment for the eczema is the topical steroid ointment that is prescribed as an effective cure against itching and inflammation. These ointments are available in different power or strengths and are suitable for short period use, but under medical supervision.

The medical treatment varies with the intensity of the diseases and the age of the infants. It is recommended that the infants over the age of three months use the steroid free cream regularly to prevent any further development of this disease. All the medical treatments should be started under the proper guidance and the supervision of the doctor.

Infants are more prone to discontinued sleep and are constantly fussy about the itching skin. Making the infant’s calm in such delicate conditions can be a difficult job. Gently applying mild moisture on the affected areas can make the infant feel relaxed and soothed. Taking precautions is always better than waiting for the disease to get cured.

Using mild and soft baby soaps for cleansing the infants is always better than using the regular soaps. Give a lukewarm water bath to your infant instead of a hot water bath as hot water may dry the skin further. Pat the skin dry with a dry towel instead of rubbing it harshly. Use pure cotton clothes for the infant instead of any synthetic fabrics. Make sure the bedding used for the infant is made of 100% cotton. Do not cover the child with a woolen blanket or any synthetic rug. Keep the infants room temperature normal. Keep the infant away from the extreme hot temperatures. Avoid keeping pets in the house and if you have one avoid the pet getting on the beds and the furniture.

Cover the hands of the infant with socks or mittens, during the night, to avoid them from scratching while asleep. Keep the infants nails clean and short. Do not apply any kind of talcum powder as it may dry the skin. Keep the skin moist by applying mild moisturizers after their baths and whenever needed. Use soft and mild detergents to wash your infant’s clothes. Taking conscious steps towards the safety of your infant will definitely help in making his/ her life healthy.

Baby Eczema

Eczema is broad term used for the number of different skin conditions like dry, red, irritating skin. Eczema can occur anywhere on body but babies mostly manifest it on scalp, forehead, and chest and around joints. 

* Reddening, cracking, swelling, or scaling of the skin.
* Fleshy and quite reddish pimples arise mostly on the cheeks forehead and cheeks and at the back side.
* Whiteheads are also observed.
* It cause mostly if the baby has high fever and his skin is aggravated or irritated.
* If baby clothes are cleaned into strong detergents, the skin reacts quickly and gets affected.

There are different types of baby eczemas in that too large numbers of babies are infected by atopic baby eczemas. Atopic eczema is hereditary and occurs at 2-3 months of age. The name Atopic refers to an oversensitivity of immune system of tolerant when it reacts to the external environment. However we can not say that if other family members are suffering from the relative diseases such as asthma or high fever then only the child is going to be affected by baby eczema.

Different irritants or allergic contacts cause baby eczema. When baby comes in contact with these allergens they fill like quite burning inside and suddenly the bumps come out of the skin pores though they are not uncomfortable with it, parents feel it like it must be irritating. These allergens may be chemicals or detergents.

As baby eczema is an allergic disease it is fairly unfeasible to get a special treatment. But there are number of medicines available to improve the condition of baby skin.

* Moisturize: Since eczema is described by dry skin, moisturizing will always help the baby skin to reduce its effect. You can use baby oil or baby lotion as per your doctor advice it will be more beneficial to your baby.

* Baby Bathing: Bath your baby in slightly warm water, take care of water temperature. This kind of water helps to keep the baby skin moisturized for long time. Avoid using any bath soap for few days at least until it cures. Don’t scrub or clean the baby vigorously so that it won’t affect his sensitive skin.

* Do not use household detergents such as strong washing powders which can irritate the baby. Dry those clothes well after washing. Choose the cotton clothes instead of synthetic or woolen, because of this the baby will feel comfortable to breath and free from irritation.

* Keep your pets out for few days if it’s possible or else wash your hands well before you touch the baby.
 
Diet: avoid allergic food such as cow’s milk or wheat. Breastfeed your baby for at least 4 months or until the effect of eczema reduces. You should also consult with the doctor for the same. Etching and scratching may result into the worst effect of baby eczema; better ways keep the baby nails short so that it entraps into the cotton or woolen clothes.