How To Know If My Baby Has Eczema

Complications Of Eczema Herpeticum

Eczema herpeticum is potentially a very serious condition. Complications of this infection may include:

• Scarring from blisters
• Infection in the cornea of the eye known as herpetic keratitis, which left untreated, can lead to blindness
• In rare cases, organ failure and death if the virus spreads to the brain, lungs and liver

Immediate treatment for eczema herpeticum can reduce the risk of complications from the virus.

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How To Treat Infected Eczema Asap

How you treat infected eczema depends on what type of infection youre dealing with.

If you think your eczema is infected, contact your doctor or dermatologist to figure out your next steps. Treatment may look like this:

Your doc might also suggest you use corticosteroid creams to help calm the inflammation that comes with eczema and an infection.

Emollients And Fire Safety

Lotions, creams or ointments used to moisturise your childs skin are also known as emollients.

Emollients are very effective at treating chronic dry skin conditions, such as eczema.

But it is important to be aware of the fire risk linked with them.

Emollients won’t cause a fire on their own. But if there is a build-up of emollient residue on clothing and bedding, this can quicken the speed of a fire.

Do not smoke near your baby or allow them near naked flames:

• while they are wearing emollient
• if they are wearing clothes or bandages that may have emollient on them

There is a fire risk with all paraffin-containing emollients. There may also even be a fire risk with paraffin-free emollients. There might also be a fire risk with other products that you put on skin over large body areas for more than a few days.

Washing clothing or fabric at a high temperature may reduce emollient build-up. But it might not totally remove it.

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Ways To Prevent Baby Eczema

Eczema itself cannot be prevented, but knowing and avoiding triggers can help prevent flare-ups of the condition.

Some ways to reduce triggers include:

• Keep your child out of cold, dry air.
• If they are 6 months or older, make sure your child gets an annual flu shot.
• Read labels on products to help your family avoid common irritants.
• Double-rinse your laundry to remove detergent residue.

What Are The Symptoms

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema in babies and young children. When eczema flares up, you see patches of skin that are very dry, itchy, scaly, bumpy and enflamed. For children with lighter skin, eczema can appear red, while for those with darker skin, it may appear purple, grey or brown.

With babies, you generally see eczema on their face. Toddlers develop it on their knees, ankles and inside their wrists. And as children grow older, it might also appear in the folds of elbows and knees.

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When Should My Baby Go To The Doctor For Eczema Treatment

If your baby has symptoms of eczema and at-home treatments have not helped, make an appointment with your pediatrician.

If your baby’s eczema is crusty, oozing fluid, or if your baby is showing any other signs of infection , call your pediatrician right away. Eczema rashes can become infected and may require antibiotic treatment.

What Else Could It Be

People may also confuse other skin conditions, such as erythema toxicum neonatorum and chickenpox, with baby acne or eczema.

Erythema toxicum neonatorum is a harmless skin condition that may occur within the first couple of days of life. It causes small spots and pimple of 14 mm in diameter on the arms and legs. Notably, the rash does not appear on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. It typically clears up by itself within 5 to 14 days.

Chickenpox is a contagious skin disease that causes a rash of blister-like spots and pimples on the stomach, back, and face. The rash can spread across the whole body and tends to occur alongside itching, tiredness, and fever.

Chickenpox can lead to severe complications in babies, so anyone who suspects chickenpox in a baby should take them to see a doctor immediately.

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What Causes Baby Eczema

Eczema is a non-contagious skin condition that happens when your immune system overreacts to things that are usually harmless.

Like hair and eye colour, babies can inherit the allergic tendencies of eczema through genetics.

If a parent or someone in the family has eczema, it increases the chances of children having it.

Its a fairly common condition 1 in 5 children have eczema in the UK according to the British Skin Foundation.

Children with eczema are also likely to develop asthma and hayfever and may also have food allergies due to their sensitive immune system.

Eczema can clear up in babies within a few years, but in some cases it can continue into adulthood even if the only symptom is very dry skin.

How To Tell If Your Baby Has Eczema Or Infant Acne

Rashes, pimples and spots are very common in little babies, and sometimes very different conditions can look pretty similar. So how can you tell whats what?

The first thing to say is that if youre worried about a baby, especially under one year old, you should always talk to a doctor. No one is going to think youre wasting their time, because little babies need careful attention when theyre so young. Any rash accompanied by fever should be checked out as soon as possible, but you can consult your doctor about any skin issue, even when unexplained spots appear without a fever.

About 20% of newborns develop neonatalacne, which appears on the face, chest, back and neck, often when the baby is about two weeks old, and looks like little pimples and spots. If it persists, or starts after the baby is six weeks old, its called infantile acne. It can last for a few weeks, months or even years.

Childhoodeczema is also very common in babies and young children, and can also manifest as spots and pimples, but is much more likely to be accompanied by itchiness, sore patches and inflammation. Its an inflammatory condition associated with a fragile skin barrier, resulting in dry or cracked skin.

If your baby develops eczema, they will need to have emollients applied regularly to keep the skin hydrated and nourished, and youll have to identify the triggers that cause a flare-up, whether thats pet hair, dust mites, detergent, food, soap or other toiletries.

Infantile acne

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Natural Remedies For Baby Eczema

If you need some extra help soothing babys skin, these natural eczema treatments may make things better.

• Wet a washcloth. Drape cool, wet washcloths or gauze over your babys irritated skin for five to ten minutes at a time or however long you can get your squirmy worm to cooperate.
• Try an oatmeal bath. Sprinkle a bit of uncooked oatmeal, colloidal oatmeal or even baking soda into the tub when you wash your baby. All can naturally relieve eczema and irritation.
• Combat dry air. Running a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s bedroom can help keep her skin super-hydrated. Clean it frequently to prevent bacteria and mold buildup.
• Dress your little one in layers. Sweating can reboot the eczema cycle, and thats the last thing you want. Layers let you customize babys outfit for toasty temps.
• Ask your pediatrician about probiotics. Studies are underway to see whether probiotics may ease eczema when added to dry baby formula or served as a dietary supplement. Get your doctor to weigh in before giving it a go.

Living With Dry Skin And Eczema

When my son, Ethan, turned 3 months old, he was diagnosed with eczema . Like any first-time mother, I was crushed as the eczema progressed and expanded over every part of his body. By his fourth month, he had severe eczema. Eczema is severe form of dry skin. Unlike traditional dry skin, eczema frequently has an underlying allergy — in Ethan’s case, a food allergy. Each doctor and specialist I saw prescribed the same thing: hydrocortisone cream. The cream would help some areas, but doctors didn’t recommended using it often or over Ethan’s full body because of its high potency.

I knew there had to be more I could do.

Completely frustrated, I began doing my own research. The more I read, the more I became aware of hundreds of items that could be causing such a reaction in my baby. To fight back against the eczema, I knew I needed a plan, so I set goals for myself:

* Goal 1: Relieve pain and itchy sensations for my son.

* Goal 2: Find the cause of flare-ups .

* Goal 3: Eliminate household irritants.

* Goal 4: Maintain Ethan’s healthy skin and know how to combat flare-ups if they arise.

My battle reformed not only how I raise my baby, but it changed my own lifestyle, too. I learned so much that applied to eczema, but I have also incorporated the nutrition changes to my own diet.

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After Your Baby Is Born

Eczema can flare after the birth of your baby and its really important to schedule time to manage your treatment regime, as well as the needs of your new addition. Make use of a steady stream of visitors to hold your little one while you look after you!

All the extra washing and cleaning involved with caring for a newborn can aggravate, or cause, hand eczema. Find out more and download our Hand eczema factsheet. If you had a vaginal delivery, the area around your vulva will be sore, too, and you may get genital eczema .

If you had a caesarean section, youll need to take extra care of your wound. To reduce the itch and scarring as it heals, apply emollient gently to the area. Ask your midwife how soon you can start this, as it will depend on your individual circumstances. If the wound becomes red, hot and sore, you could have an infection and must tell a healthcare professional.

When To See Your Doctor

Itâs a good idea to see your doctor if you think your baby might have eczema. That way you can be sure of getting a proper diagnosis and the right treatment, if itâs needed.

If your babyâs eczema is severe, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter treatment or prescribe medication.

Sometimes eczema can become infected, especially if your child scratches the itchy patches of skin. Itâs important to see your doctor if you notice any of these signs of a skin infection:

• Fluid weeping from the patches of eczema

• A yellowy crust on the skin

• Swelling of the skin

• Fever or a high temperature.

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When To Call A Doctor

Make the call if your babys eczema doesnt begin to get better within a week of starting over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. It may be time for a prescription medicine.

Also check with your doctor if yellow or light brown crust or pus-filled blisters appear on top of the eczema. This could be the sign of a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics.

You should call your doctor if your baby is around anyone who has cold sores or genital herpes. Eczema can make your little one more likely to pick up those germs.

Identifying Baby Eczema On His Face And Body

So what does baby eczema look like? With eczema, your babyâs skin will look dry and scaly or bumpy with red patches. The condition usually starts on the face, especially on the cheeks, forehead, or scalp.

In many cases, the rash goes away on the face before spreading to other areas, such as the bends of the elbows and the area behind the knees.

The patches caused by eczema can be mild and small, but they can also be extremely itchy, which can make your baby irritable. If this is the case with your little one, speak to your healthcare provider.

Keep in mind that eczema on your babyâs head might look a little like cradle cap, which is another skin condition that can affect some babies. Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose the condition.

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When To See Your Healthcare Provider

Itâs a good idea to see your provider if you think your little one might have eczemaâthat way your provider can diagnose it and recommend treatment, if itâs needed.If your babyâs eczema is severeâif it looks purple, crusty, or weepy, or has blistersâyour provider might prescribe an over-the-counter or prescription cream or ointment.If your baby has only mild eczema, your provider might recommend no treatment at all and recommend waiting to see if it clears on its own.

When To Talk To Your Doctor About Baby Eczema

Always talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your babys skin. Thanks to telemedicine, a video visit or quick photo is often all that’s needed to check for eczema.

Occasionally, infections develop on top of an eczema rash. If you see any yellow-colored crusting and scabbing, oozy skin, blisters or pus bumps, be sure to call your doctor right away. Always call if your baby has a fever. Your baby may need an antibiotic and to be evaluated in person.

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What Is The Outlook For Eczema Herpeticum

As long as eczema herpeticum is treated quickly and with the right antiviral medicine, the outlook is very good. The spots usually heal up and go away in 2-6 weeks. If it is not treated quickly, however, it can spread rapidly and may have complications. It can cause damage to eyesight there may be secondary infections with other germs such as bacteria in people whose immune systems are not working well, it may occasionally cause death. This is because it may cause damage to other organs such as the brain, liver or lungs if it spreads.

Usually eczema herpeticum is cured by the antiviral medication. Sometimes eczema herpeticum can come back and need to be treated again.

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What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Eczema

The signs of eczema :

• are mainly dry, itchy skin. Because it is so itchy, it is often called “the itch that rashes.”
• include redness, scales, and bumps that can leak fluid and then crust over
• tend to come and go. When they get worse, it is called a flare-up.
• may be more noticeable at night

Symptoms can vary:

• Infants younger than 1 year old usually have the eczema rash on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. It may spread to the knees, elbows, and trunk .

• Older kids and teens usually get the rash in the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, on the neck, or on the inner wrists and ankles. Their skin is often scalier and drier than when the eczema first began. It also can be thicker, darker, or scarred from all the scratching .

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What Should I Expect If My Baby Has Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a scalp condition that happens in most babies. Its generally a harmless condition that doesnt cause pain, itching or discomfort. It appears within the first weeks to months of life and is rarely seen after 12 months of age in most babies.

The good news is that your babys cradle cap can be easily managed with simple at-home care. Apply petroleum jelly or mineral oil to your babys scalp to loosen scales, use a soft brush to gently remove scales, and, finally, wash your babys hair every day with a mild baby shampoo. If your babys cradle cap doesnt improve with these measures, other products can be tried. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your babys condition and treatment options.

Once cradle cap has cleared up, shampooing your babys hair with mild baby shampoo two or three times a week should prevent it from returning.

How To Help Prevent Your Babys Eczema From Recurring

Always follow your healthcare providerâs advice on treating your baby’s eczema. Your provider may suggest taking the following steps to help prevent eczema from recurring or getting worse:

• Bathe your baby no more than three times per week.

• Keep bath time to no more than 15 minutes.

• Use only mild, unscented soaps.

• After bath time, moisturize your babyâs skin with a fragrance-free cream or an ointment such as petroleum jelly or one prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Moisturize your babyâs skin at least twice a day (get more tips on baby skincare. Diaper changes can be a good time to do this.

• Launder your babyâs clothes in mild, unscented detergent.

• Dress him in soft clothing. Avoid wool or any rough woven fabrics.

• To help protect your little oneâs skin, keep his nails clipped short so that he canât scratch himself. You could also slip cotton mittens on his hands before bedtime to help prevent him from scratching.

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Where Does Eczema First Appear

For infants, the symptoms first appear as a rash on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. You may also see them on the joints of your babys arms and legs. The diaper area is usually spared because it is moist.

Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects babies. In young children, you may see eczema on the cheeks, knees, head, and elbows. Babies may scratch these areas and give you a clue whether they have eczema. If it gets infected, you may notice crusting or formation of pus bumps on the skin.