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Baby Skin Care » Atopic Eczema

It is difficult to identify one main cause of atopic eczema, as allergic reactions or even anxiety can trigger it.

This sort of rash is characterised by pink or red patches, which are dry and scaly. Affected areas include the face, especially the cheeks, and skin creases at the joints like the knees, elbows, ankles, wrists and the upper thighs. Babies with eczema usually suffer from intense itchiness and once they start scratching, the skin becomes red and raw.

The entire rubbing and scratching can lead to a thickening of the skin called lichenification. Should the scratching cause the skin to break, secondary infections may arise. The skin will also feel dry to the touch. The cause can be hereditary and children who suffer from eczema are sometimes found to develop asthma.

Preventive measures can be taken after identifying the root of the problem - whether it's a reaction to dust mites, certain foods or fabric. If you suspect that certain foods are causing the outbreak, change your baby's diet after consulting your paediatrician. If you know of eczema existing in the family you may choose to delay introducing dairy products into your baby's diet until he is one year old. There is some evidence that babies who are given breastmilk exclusively for four months and then continue with breastfeeding until they are six months old, together with a simple weaning diet, are less likely to develop eczema.

Trim your child's fingernails and put on mittens at night to pre-vent further injuries caused by scratching. Avoid extreme heat and cold as it can aggravate the condition. It's important to keep the skin supple and moist. During baths, add a few drops of bath oil and avoid using alkaline soaps as they have a drying effect. After each bath, apply emollients, e.g. emulsifying lotion or ointment, all over your baby to keep the skin moist. These should be applied frequently to hydrate the skin. Seek your doctor's advice when choosing an emollient. Mild steroid creams can be used for serious eczema provided a doctor prescribes them and they are used sparingly. Clothes should be washed and rinsed thoroughly as any residual build-up can irritate the skin. Avoid irritating fabrics like wool or nylon. Cotton is best for babies.