What Is The Most Common Cause Of Eczema In Babies

Preventing Eczema In Babies With Dry Skin

Does your baby have flaky, irritated, cracked skin? About 1 in 5 kids gets eczema. For some, itâs the first symptom of a lifetime of allergies. Infants who have eczema are more likely to develop hay fever and asthma later. Doctors refer to this type of allergic disease progression as âatopic march.â How you treat your babyâs eczema could make all the difference.

âWe believe that cracked skin is the entry point for food allergens, such as peanuts and eggs. Food can get into the skin off the table or off people who eat these foods and then kiss or touch the baby. When the food comes through the skin, it causes an allergic reaction,â says Donald Leung, MD, PhD, head of pediatric allergy and clinical immunology at National Jewish Health in Denver.

Doctors donât fully understand what causes eczema. They believe genetics and the childâs environment each play a role. But parents can help repair their babyâs broken skin barrier and prevent allergens from getting in. This could stop development of future allergies.

In babies, eczema usually shows up as an itchy, red patch on the cheeks, chin, or scalp and the front of arms and legs. If you see these signs, Leung recommends the âsoak and sealâ method.

Gently bathe your baby in lukewarm water with a gentle cleanser free of soap. Donât scrub irritated skin. Allow your baby to soak for at least 5 minutes.

How Is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed In A Child

The healthcare provider will ask about your childs symptoms and health history. He or she may also ask if you or other family members have atopic dermatitis, asthma, or nasal allergies such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. He or she will also ask about allergy symptoms in your child. The healthcare provider will examine your child, looking for signs of atopic dermatitis. There is no specific test for atopic dermatitis. Testing is usually not needed, but it may be done. Tests may include:

• Blood tests. Your childs blood may be checked for levels of immunoglobulin E . IgE is released by the body’s immune system. Its high in most children with allergies and with atopic dermatitis. Other blood tests may also be done.

• Skin tests. Skin tests may be done to check for allergies or other skin conditions.

Does Baby Eczema Go Away On Its Own

Baby eczema needs treatment to go away completely. The best treatment is using moisturizer daily or several times each day to keep your babys skin hydrated.

Most cases of baby eczema clear up by the time they start school, around age 4 or 5. Sometimes eczema can go away or reduce in severity as your child reaches adolescence or by the time they turn into adults. As your child grows, they may have sensitive skin or flare-ups of eczema symptoms throughout their life.

You May Like: My Baby Has Eczema All Over Body

Scalp Eczema Pictures :

Most common type of eczema is seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp eczema is a type of eczema that causes dry, inflamed, itchy, irritated and flaky skin. The skin condition can affect any age group ranging from infants to adults. When a babys scalp gets the same symptoms its often termed as cradle cap. The treatment methods may include natural, medicated remedies and self care daily regime to get rid of the condition. Its important to manage and control eczema as soon as possible to enjoy calm and stress free lives. Use medicated shampoo to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis of scalp also it can be noted that the shampoos that are made to treat dandruff can do wonders if you have mild eczema. Keep yourself hydrated to manage and control the symptoms of eczema.

What Parentsneed To Know

Eczema is very common in children more than one million school-age children suffer from atopic dermatitis. Eczema can flare up even after its treated, which can be frustrating for families.

Unfortunately, children with eczema do not uniformly outgrow their eczema as it appears to be a lifelong disease for many, that may or may not persist into adulthood.

Babies and children often scratch the eczema, making the eczema worse and intensifying the redness and swelling.

Eczema needs to be treated, otherwise an eczema flare can get worse and sores may appear and the skin can become infected .

It can affect a childs comfort during sleep, thereby making babies more irritable during the day.

Read Also: Cetaphil Pro Dry Skin Eczema Soothing Moisturizer

How Is Eczema Diagnosed

There is no specific test used to diagnose eczema. The doctor will look at the rash and ask about symptoms, the childâs past health, and the familyâs health. If family members have any atopic conditions, thatâs an important clue.

The doctor will rule out other conditions that can cause skin inflammation, and might recommend that your child see a dermatologist or an allergist.

The doctor may ask you to ban some foods from your childâs diet, switch detergents or soaps, or make other changes for a time to see if your child is reacting to something.

Donât Miss: Best Skin Moisturizer For Eczema

How Does Baby Eczema Affect My Childs Skin

Baby eczema makes your babys skin dry, itchy and sensitive. This happens because your babys protective barrier on the outermost layer of their skin is weak and doesnt work as expected. Their symptoms can last for a couple of weeks each time theres a flare-up of symptoms.

Baby eczema is a chronic condition, where it can come and go unexpectedly. Some children grow out of the condition when they reach adulthood but will still experience symptoms of dry skin or mild flare-ups throughout their life.

You May Like: Can Parasitic Worms Cause Eczema

Lasting Eczema Solutions At Cdcri In San Diego

If you suffer from skin conditions or symptoms of eczema, it helps to get support from those who can understand what is causing your body to react in this way. And, to find long-term cures.

At the California Dermatology and Clinical Research Institute, we are dedicated to finding advanced solutions to common skin conditions. We offer therapy for dermatology-specific diseases and ailments.

Visit our website for a personal consultation, and get treatment today for better skin and a healthier you, or give us a call at 760-203-3839.

Also Check: The Best Soap To Use For Eczema

Why Did My Toddler Develop Eczema

Similar to when babies develop eczema, children who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers, but researchers dont know a lot more about why eczema manifests on a childs skin. When something outside the body switches on the immune system, skin cells dont behave as they should causing eczema flare ups.

We also know that children who come from families with a history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever are more likely to developatopic dermatitis.

Common eczema symptoms in children include itchiness, rashes and the breaking down of skin barriers that protect children from skin infections.

Prevention and treatment are often similar for toddlers and babies. No matter what age your child is, consult with a pediatrician or pediatricdermatologist before deciding on a treatment plan.

Recommended Reading: How To Soothe Itchy Skin From Eczema

Eczema And Food Allergies

Research shows that babies with eczema are at highest risk of developing food allergies. New guidelines from the NIH on baby food allergen introduction are specifically focused on infants with eczema as this risk group needs food allergen introduction, and in turn, early allergen introduction the most.

———————————-

All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your own pediatrician in connection with any questions regarding your babys health.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your infant has severe eczema, check with your infants healthcare provider before feeding foods containing ground peanuts.

All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your own pediatrician in connection with any questions regarding your babys health.

FDA Acknowledges Qualified Health Claim Linking Early Peanut Introduction and Reduced Risk of Developing Peanut Allergy in 2017:

If your infant has severe eczema and/or egg allergy, check with your infants healthcare provider before feeding foods containing ground peanuts.

How Do I Prevent My Child With Eczema Having Flare

The goal of treating eczema is to prevent and minimise flare-ups, as well as maintain skin health between flare-ups.

Moisturisers should be used between flare-ups to keep the skin in good condition, reduce the itch associated with dry skin and reduce the chance of infections. It is important to moisturise after showering or bathing once the skin is dry.

People with eczema have sensitive skin so irritants should be avoided. This includes many soaps and moisturisers. Your pharmacist can help you choose products suitable for eczema.

Trying to avoid triggers is worthwhile. Food allergies are not common eczema triggers. It is important not to put your child on a diet without medical advice, as nutrition for children shouldn’t be compromised unnecessarily.

Also Check: What To Use For Eczema On Hands

Be Aware Of What Causes Your Eczema Breakouts

Some people with eczema may suffer from a lack of filaggrin. This is a bodily protein that helps guard the skin with a healthy protective layer. Those who do not have enough of this are prone to infections and dry skin problems.

If you know the triggers to watch out for, you can help yourself avoid scratchy patches and flare-ups.

Some common eczema irritants, which are common in many environments, include:

• Fabrics or scented materials
• Household detergents and body soaps
• Isothiazolinones, an antibacterial property common in baby wipes
• Paraphenylene-diamine, found in some hair and skin dyes

First Of All What Exactly Is Baby Eczema

The term âeczemaâ is really an umbrella term for various conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. While there are many types of eczema, when we refer to âbaby eczemaâ we are most commonly referring to atopic dermatitis. This is a recurring inflammation caused by an overactive immune system. In other words, something in the childâs environment triggers their immune system and the skin has a reaction to it…again and again and again.

Also Check: Que Es Eczema En La Piel

Diagnosing Food Allergy And Eczema Flare

• Your child’s doctor may suggest the steps listed below:
• Remove the suspected food or foods from your child’s diet for 2 weeks. The eczema should greatly improve.
• Then give your child that food when the eczema is under good control. This is called a “challenge.”
• If the food is causing flare-ups, the eczema should become itchy and red. The flare-up should occur quickly within 2 hours of eating the food.
• If this occurs, avoid giving this food to your child. Talk to your child’s doctor about the need for any food substitutes.
• If the eczema does not flare-up, your child isn’t allergic to that food.

Foods That May Help With Eczema

Several foods can be beneficial for eczema and may help reduce symptoms such as itching and inflammation.

For example, fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that can protect against oxidative stress, cell damage, and inflammation .

Although studies in humans are still limited, some research suggests that reducing oxidative stress could play a role in managing eczema .

Increasing your intake of probiotics through fermented foods or supplements may also be helpful.

According to one review of 13 studies, certain strains of probiotics were effective at reducing eczema severity in children. These strains included Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius .

However, more research is needed because other studies have found that probiotics do not have a significant effect on symptom severity or quality of life for those with eczema .

Summary

Including more foods rich in antioxidants and probiotics in your childs diet could be beneficial for eczema, but more research is needed.

You May Like: Gold Bond Eczema Body Wash

Q : What Is The Scratch And Itch Cycle Of Eczema

The scratch and itch cycle of eczema can cause discomfort, disrupt sleep and affect quality of life:

• In people with eczema the skin does not retain moisture very well, which causes it to dry out easily.
• This makes the skin more open to allergens and irritants, which can trigger the skin to release chemicals that make the skin itchy.
• Scratching itchy skin causes more chemicals to be released, making the skin feel itchier.
• If eczema is well managed this can avoid the scratch and itch cycle. It is therefore important to keep skin that is prone to eczema well moisturised, by using moisturising creams on the skin every day.

What Triggers Eczema

Each child with eczema has their own set of individual triggers, although sometimes the condition can flare and subside for no apparent reason.

Examples of common exacerbating factors and triggers in children include:

• Heat avoid overheating with blankets and long hot showers
• Irritants soaps, shampoos, chlorine, chemicals, fragrances, make-up, scratchy clothes and materials
• Allergens dust mite, moulds, grasses, plant pollens, pets, soaps and shampoos, foods

Don’t Miss: How Did I Get Dyshidrotic Eczema

What Causes Eczema

We dont know what exactly causes eczema . The American Academy of Dermatology describes atopic dermatitis as a complex skin disease caused by an interaction between a persons environment and their genes. People with eczema tend to have an overactive immune system that responds to topicalirritants or allergens by producing inflammation.

There are many risk factors for eczema. Some causes of eczema include stress or allergens. Having extremely dry skin, coming in contact with allergic substances in shampoo or cleansers, having certain food allergies, hay fever , living in cold mountainous areas or places that are cold and damp for at least part of the year, or living in places that are swampy and hot: all of these environmental risk factors can contribute to the severity, intensity and frequency of an eczema flare up if you are genetically predisposed to this skin disease.

Research also shows that some people with eczema have a mutation of the gene responsible for creating filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein that helps our bodies maintain a healthy protective barrier on the outermost layer of our skin. Without enough filaggrin to build and maintain a strong skin barrier, moisture can escape and then allow bacteria, viruses and allergens to enter the body this exposed or leaky skin barrier can then lead to extremely itchy skin, dry scaly patches of skin, blisters, skin infections, red spots or bumps and other symptoms.

What You Can Do

You can help reduce your child’s discomfort by:

• keeping their fingernails short to reduce the damage to their skin from scratching
• washing them with aqueous cream instead of soap – ask your pharmacist about aqueous creams and always follow the instructions on the product
• using non-biological detergent and a double rinse cycle when washing their clothes or bedding
• avoiding herbal, ‘natural’ or alternative creams – these can make eczema worse, as they may contain bacteria or high doses of steroids
• rinsing and drying them well after swimming
• dressing them in cool, breathable fabrics like cotton
• keeping them away from anyone with a cold sore – as the cold sore virus can cause eczema to become infected
• using extra moisturiser on areas your child scratches a lot
• avoiding anything you know that causes your childs eczema to get worse

Around 6 out of 10 children with eczema will grow out of it by the time they’re teenagers.

Recommended Reading: Best Lotion For Toddler Eczema

What Are Eczema Symptoms And Signs

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common rash that occurs in people of all ages.

• It is particularly common in children.
• Eczema can start early, during the first few months of life.
• The eczema rash is red, dry, and itchy.
• Some children grow out of it, whereas others can have sensitive skin and a rash for years.
• Eczema tends to come and go and may get worse during certain times of the year, such as during the colder, drier winter months.

Symptoms

• Eczema is a skin condition that usually appears as an itchy, red patch on the hands feet backs of elbows, and around the knees, ankles, and wrists.
• It may also affect your baby’s cheeks, chin, chest, forehead, or scalp.
• Eczema can appear in other areas, too .
• Dry skin, sweating, pet dander, or even dust can cause a flare-up of your child’s eczema.
• Scratching also can make eczema worse, causing redness, swelling, and other symptoms such as itching.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. It tends to come and go. Kids often outgrow some of their eczemas, but they may continue to have rashes or sensitive skin for life.

• Normal Blood Pressure By Age

But How Do They Get It

First of all, eczema is not contagious. Your child did not get it from another child or touching a surface or animal. And you cannot get it from your child. No, baby eczema is a result of a genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Eczema tends to be hereditary, or run in families. Many children who have it come from a family with a history of eczema, as well as hay fever and asthma. Angelica, mother of a boy and a girl, two years apart, reports that both her children developed baby eczema. When she saw it on her son, the older of the two, she said, âI didnât freak out because I knew what it was from my own experience with eczema.â For children who suffer from atopic dermatitis, either their skin is having an allergic reaction to an environmental trigger due to this hereditary predisposition, or there is a problem with their skinâs natural moisture barrier so that instead of holding moisture in, it loses moisture and dries out, resulting in irritation and infection.

Recommended Reading: Best Cream To Treat Eczema