What Is Baby Eczema?
Babies are more prone to developing eczema when compared with the adult population. Baby eczema typically affects infants and babies under 2 years of age. Certain reliable studies have projected that more than 60 percent of eczema patients manifest symptoms in early infancy as baby eczema.
However, baby eczema may resolve with advancing age, while in some children the condition may persist into adulthood in a milder form. The manifestations of baby eczema become evident within the first 6 months of life. It is expressed in the form of bumpy, red colored rashes over the baby's skin.
The skin dryness and itchiness make it uncomfortable for the baby. At times, the baby scratches the skin, creating minute abrasions and breaks in the baby's soft, susceptible skin, further worsening the condition. Frequent scratching often precipitates hyperpigmentation (deepening of the skin color). Though skin rashes can develop anywhere on the body, the face, head, legs, and arms are the most frequently affected areas.
What Are the Myths and Facts Associated With a Baby's Eczema?
Misconceptions regarding diseases often pose challenges in their treatment and proper management. Hence, it is important to expose the myths and unscientific beliefs associated with each disease. Eczema in babies is enveloped by various myths that often restrict the patient from seeking proper remedial measures to tackle the flare-ups. Some of the frequently reported myths concerning babies' eczema include the following:
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Myth:
Babies develop eczema only because their parents have eczema.
Fact:
It is not entirely accurate. Studies have identified the influence of genes on the baby's eczema development. The probability of developing baby eczema is high if the baby has eczematous parents. But it does not rule out genetic influence as the only way to acquire eczema. Babies without any parental history of eczema do develop eczema. Likewise, eczematous parents also have babies without eczema.
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Myth:
Babies with eczema must suffer from the condition throughout their lives.
Fact:
If a baby develops eczema at an early age, there is a chance that eczema may resolve and settle by the age of six. Even if the condition persists into later life, its severity and intensity will usually be attenuated with advancing age.
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Myth:
There are no ways to check for or control the spread of other infections in babies with eczema.
Fact:
Baby eczema makes the baby more prone to various other infections because of a breach in the protection provided by the outer skin layer, which is supposed to provide prompt protection against microbial infiltration. However, it can be tackled by initiating appropriate preventive steps. Skin health can be enhanced by keeping it moist and hydrated. Identifying and managing the aggravating factors that evoke a flare-up also aids in maintaining skin health.
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Myth:
Only daycare babies develop eczema.
Fact:
Eczema is not a contagious infectious disease, and hence it cannot be acquired from another baby with eczema. Therefore, being in daycare does not predispose the baby to develop eczema. Studies have identified genetic and certain external factors that contribute to this skin condition in babies.
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Myth:
The lactating mother's dietary habits have nothing to do with the baby's eczema.
Fact:
Recent studies have revealed the impact of maternal diet on the breastfed baby's eczema. Controlling the mother's intake of eggs and milk can positively affect the baby's eczema, provided the mother breastfeeds. In addition, breastfeeding for the first four months of life protects the baby against eczema.
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Myth:
Bathing the child makes the baby's eczema worse.
Fact:
It is an entirely false notion. Bathing does not aggravate eczema, but it does help in comforting the baby. Bathing in slightly warm water creates a soothing effect for the baby and helps alleviate soreness and itchiness associated with eczema rashes. Using strong chemicals in the form of body wash and soaps may further irritate the skin; hence, care should be taken while selecting baby cleansers. Mild cleansers work well for eczema in babies.
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Myth:
Drooling is in no way related to baby eczema.
Fact:
Babies with eczema can develop eczema rashes in areas where saliva drains, especially on the lower cheek and chin. Even saliva can act as a potential skin irritant and evoke eczema rashes. Applying an appropriate moisturizer is effective for treating it, as it can act as a barrier between saliva and the sensitive skin (baby skin).
What Are the Treatment Interventions Available for Baby Eczema?
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Eczema in babies demands prompt attention and treatment. The factors that potentiate eczema rashes need to be figured out. The triggering factors may differ from baby to baby, so each baby should be assessed to identify their triggers.
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Strong chemicals marketed in baby care products may trigger flare-ups in the baby. Hence, such chemicals should be avoided entirely. Frequent bathing helps remove the irritants that are often perceived as adhering to the baby's skin.
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An appropriate moisturizer should be applied without fail, as it helps lock in hydration and thereby helps tackle skin dryness. Topical medications such as corticosteroids are also recommended for baby eczema and are available in various forms and concentrations.
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Bleach bath therapy is advised for more resistant cases of baby eczema that fail to produce remarkable improvement with other treatment modalities. However, it should be done only as per the doctor's advice and instruction.
Conclusion
Baby eczema is a highly irritating and distressing condition where the baby experiences severe itching and soreness. It makes the baby restless and irritated. Properly understanding the condition is essential to ensure prompt management of baby eczema.
False notions and misconceptions about baby eczema often influence treatment. Medicated topical ointments that offer promising results are even available as over-the-counter medicines.
If you have any doubts, consult a skin specialist for facts about your baby's skin texture.
Key Takeaways
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This article helps parents confidently manage their baby's skin health by dispelling popular myths regarding infant eczema.
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Overuse of "natural" oils, such as olive oil, can harm a baby's skin barrier rather than repair it.
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To keep the skin hydrated, it is best to use unscented moisturizers and other skin products. Moreover, babies should be given a bath using lukewarm water.
