Introduction:
Eczema encompasses a specific class of dermatological conditions that can develop in individuals of any age. It makes the skin dry, further potentiates itching, and the skin appears flushed (reddened). Atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and contact dermatitis are a few of the widely reported eczema conditions. Skin dryness precipitated by eczema increases the likelihood of developing skin irritations and rashes. However, it is not a catchy infection. It is occasionally associated with other allergic conditions like asthma (trouble breathing) and allergic rhinitis (cold-like condition triggered by exposure to allergic material). Eczema is marked by aggravating (triggering) factors that potentially evoke flare-ups.
What Is Baby Eczema?
Babies are more prone to develop eczema when compared with the adult population. Baby eczema typically involves infants and babies within two 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 certain children, the condition may remain throughout their life in a milder form.
The manifestations of baby eczema become evident within six months of age. 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 susceptible and soft baby skin, further worsening the condition. Frequent scratching often precipitates hyperpigmentation (deepening of the skin color). Though skin rashes can develop anywhere over the skin, the face, head, legs, and arms are reported to be the frequently affected area.
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 every disease condition. 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 baby's eczema include the following:
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Myth: Babies develop eczema only because of eczema in the parents.
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 restrict the genetic influence being the only way of acquiring 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 are chances that eczema may resolve and settle within the age of six. Even if the condition remains at later ages, the severity and intensity will usually get nullified with the advancement in age.
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Myth: There are no ways to check and control the outbreak of other infections in babies with eczema.
Fact: Baby eczema makes the baby prone to various other infections because of the breach in the protection offered by the outer skin layer, which is supposed to extend prompt protection against microbial infiltration. However, it can be promptly 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 flareup also aids in maintaining skin health.
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Myth: Only daycare babies develop eczema.
Fact: Eczema is not a catchy 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 responsible for bringing this skin condition in babies.
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Myth: The lactating mother's dietary habit has 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 impact the baby's eczema, provided the mother breastfeeds the baby. In addition, prompt 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 awful.
Fact: It is entirely a false notion. Bathing does not aggravate eczema, but it does help in comforting the baby. Bathing using slightly warm water creates a soothing effect for the baby and aids in alleviating 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 over the areas where the saliva outflow, especially over the lower cheek and chin region. Even saliva can act as a potential skin irritant and evoke eczema rashes. The application of appropriate moisturizer is fruitful for dealing with it, as it can act as an interface between the saliva and the sensitive skin (baby skin).
What Are the Treatment Interventions Available for Baby Eczema?
Eczema in babies demands prompt attention and treatment. The factors that potentiate eczema rashes need to be figured out. The triggering factors may differ individually, so each baby should be assessed to look for their triggers. Strong chemicals that are marketed in the form of different baby care products may evoke flare-ups in the baby. Hence such chemicals should be avoided entirely. Frequent bathing aids in removing the irritants that are seen as adherent to the baby's skin. An appropriate moisturizer should be applied without fail as it aids in locking the hydration and thereby tackles skin dryness. Topical medications like corticosteroids are also advised for baby eczema and are available in various forms and concentrations. 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 concerning baby eczema often influence the treatment aspects of the condition. Medicated topical ointments that offer promising results are even available as over-the-counter medicines. Lukewarm bathing and cotton clothes are two simple initiatives that work well for calming the irritated skin in baby eczema.
