Baby Eczema: Meaning, Symptoms, and Causes

Eczema in babies is also known as Atopic Dermatitis. It is a chronic recurrent condition that leads to the skin turning red, itchy, and inflamed. They are more commonly found in little children and require immediate attention.

A combination of medical intervention and management techniques can help relieve babies from the stress of having to scratch their skin every waking hour. Read on to know more about baby Eczema and how to deal with it.

Symptoms of Baby Eczema

Eczema starts in infants as dry, itchy, and scaly skin. It primarily occurs in the areas of the scalp, chin, and cheeks.

Scalp

Babies may develop Eczema patches on their scalp. These rashes appear in the form of itchy, dry scales which blister and release fluid. Babies may show mannerisms such as rubbing their head against carpets or other rough surfaces to soothe their itching.

Chin

Eczema rash has the capacity to spread to other regions of the face, such as the chin. These rashes break open, leak fluid, and leave behind a crusty layer in their wake. Affected babies have symptoms such as excessive scratching of the skin on the chin.

Cheeks

Eczema spots on the face of babies first appear as dry patches of skin with a scaly texture. They blister and then break open, leaving behind a crusty layer. These spots cause a constant itch sensation. Due to this, the affected babies find it hard to sleep or settle without fuss.  

Common Causes of Eczema in Babies

Genetic Factors

There has been a lot of research conducted on the effects of genetic predisposition that causes Eczema patches. It is established that even if either parent has a history of Atopic Eczema, the child faces up to a 70% increased risk of developing the same sometime in their life.

Abnormalities in the Immune System

Abnormalities in the immune system are yet another one of the causes of infant Eczema. Infants who suffer from Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) have a reactive immune system. This hyperactivity leads to excessive levels of IgE antibodies, which are essentially environmental allergens.

Environmental Present Triggers

Environmental triggers play a role in both the cause and aggravation of baby Eczema. Everyday irritants, such as soaps, detergents, and fragrances, intensify the Eczema symptoms.

Diagnosis of Eczema in Babies

A doctor conducts an Eczema diagnosis in your baby by looking for a rash. Then run various tests to find the cause of the rash and other symptoms. Here are some tests:

Allergy Test

There are various types of allergy tests, like the skin prick test, patch test and food allergy testing. The goal of all these tests is to find out if the baby has an allergy that could be triggering the infant Eczema patches.

Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy basically confirms the diagnosis. It rules out other similar-looking skin conditions. During this procedure, the pathologist microscopically examines skin cells for a pattern or infections which confirm the baby's Eczema patches.

Blood Tests

These tests check for causes of rash that may be unrelated to dermatitis. They help rule out other conditions which may mimic the condition of Eczema patches.

Treatment of Baby Eczema

Moisturising

This is an effective newborn Eczema treatment and management technique. It helps restore the skin's hydration barrier. It can further reduce any irritation, itching and flare-ups.

Topical Corticosteroids

They reduce inflammation during an atopic eczema flare-up. These need to be applied once a day to the affected areas. The potency of these ointments is decided by the doctor as per the unique symptoms that vary on a case-by-case basis.

Further Treatments

In the more severe cases, further treatments are necessary to treat the baby Eczema. Such cases require the intervention of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. A doctor may also prescribe specialised therapies for these conditions.

Managing baby eczema may involve ongoing consultations, medications, and specialised care. Having the right health insurance can ease the financial burden of these treatments. With Bajaj General Insurance, parents can plan for medical expenses confidently and ensure timely access to quality care when their child needs it most.

Ways to Prevent Baby Eczema

While there is no sure way of preventing Eczema patches, parents can help repair their baby's skin barrier and prevent any allergens.

Avoiding Triggers

There are a few bodily and environmental triggers, such as saliva, sweat, pollen, pet dander, harsh soaps, and certain clothing materials. These need to be avoided at all costs to prevent the baby from developing Eczema patches.

Following Proper Bathing Techniques

Giving babies warm baths can help to get rid of dead skin buildup and promote better blood circulation.

Regular Moisturising of the Skin

Caregivers need to properly follow up with a good moisturiser after a bath to replenish hydration to the skin barrier. It is recommended to moisturise babies twice a day or as often as required.

Consulting a Dermatologist for Advice

Everyone has unique skin needs and there is no better than a dermatologist to take skin advice from. They can detect the specific skin concerns and provide safe treatment and medications for babies.

Final Words

Baby Eczema can be a challenging condition, but with the right precautions and management, it can be treated easily. It is necessary to be consistent with the management practices as they will lead to improved results and free your baby from the fuss of having itchy skin surfaces.

Did you know that having health insurance for new born baby is of utmost importance? It provides necessary financial aid during a child’s growing years in situations when they require intensive medical support and care. Purchase a newborn health insurance add-on at Bajaj General Insurance today to relieve yourself of stress from expensive medical treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Eczema patches last in babies?

After treatment for Eczema patches begins, they start to improve within a couple of days. It can take a few weeks before the skin of your baby heals completely.

What is the biggest trigger for Eczema patches in babies?

The biggest trigger of Eczema patches in babies is allergens such as dust, pet dander, and certain types of foods. Furthermore, proper care is to be taken when using fragrance detergents for the clothes of a baby, as they can also irritate the skin upon contact.

Can Eczema patches lead to bruising in babies?

Babies with Eczema develop highly sensitive, inflamed and tender skin, which leads to easy bruising upon friction in the area or by scratching.

What is the 3-minute rule for Eczema?

The 3-minute rule for Eczema is applying moisturiser on the skin of a baby within 3 minutes of them finishing their bath.

Can Eczema lead to diarrhoea?

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) is more common in children and causes gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea.

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The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.