Babies and Eczema

Does your baby have scaly red patches on their skin? Odds are, your baby could have eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. This condition regularly appears in children from two months old to two years old. Eczema, an itchy skin rash, can appear on their forehead, cheeks and scalp. Eczema can also spread to a babies arms, chest, legs or other body parts. Eczema varies in appearance depending on the type of eczema.

Most common symptoms include dry, scaly skin or it might be tiny red bumps that blister, ooze or appear infected if they are scratched. Babies are prone to scratching due to eczema's extremely itchy nature so great care must be taken to prevent this. "Cradle cap" is another form of eczema or dermatitis that appears as white flaky skin on the scalp and possibly the ears of a baby.

Eczema is often inherited from parents. Parents who have had eczema, asthma or hay fever should monitor children closely for any signs of an eczema outbreak as there is an 80% chance their offspring will have eczema.

Eczema is not an allergic reaction but allergens can cause a flare-up. If a mother is breastfeeding, she must also monitor her own food consumption so as not to pass on allergens to a child suffering from eczema. Certain foods have been shown to cause eczema flare-ups but not in all cases. Common foods to avoid during an eczema flare-up include milk, eggs, tomatoes, citrus fruits, wheat and nuts. Also, try to avoid any food items that contain chemical additives or preservatives. Wool, soaps, shampoos, lotions and heat can also cause flare-ups of eczema in children.