Eczema : Causes and Remedies for Babies With Eczema

by Ray Lam

Eczema sufferers are believed to have a problem with their immune system which causes the condition but as yet no-one has discovered how this occurs. This skin complaint is usually triggered by an adverse reaction to a substance, foodstuff or chemical etc. Although eczema can occur on many parts of the body, with baby eczema, it is usually first noticed on their face. In the United Sates of America, up to one in every five infants will be affected by this skin condition.

Luckily, for most young children, the condition has disappeared before they have their second birthday. There are some cases though that do not clear up, even becoming serious enough to continue when they become adults. Almost anyone can be affected by this problem at any time in their life but it is babies that are most likely to suffer. Approximately 33 percent of sufferers have had the condition before they were twelve months old and the majority before their fifth birthday.

Atopic eczema is the most common form of baby eczema and can be recognized by red, scaly looking skin on their arms, legs and scalp which make the baby want to scratch themselves. Strangely, atopic eczema is also hereditary and often starts when the baby's skin is not moisturized regularly. Washing powder is also known to trigger attacks but fabric conditioners can also have a similar effect. It has also discovered that baby eczema was more likely if the mother gave up breastfeeding early which could mean that breast milk may contain something that protects the infant.

Respiratory conditions can also trigger attacks but other medical complaints may also cause this too. Mothers who have asthma are also more likely to have a baby that has the condition but allergic rhinitis and food allergies can also play a part. In fact almost a third of all childhood cases are thought to be as a result of a food allergy; however, once the food responsible is discovered, it can be taken out of the child's diet. Removing the guilty foods comes down to trial and error although there are some common foodstuffs that should be looked at first including:

*Sea-Food *Food containing milk *Foods containing wheat *Food prepared using eggs *Meals or foodstuffs where peanuts have been used in the preparation

Often, the cause of baby eczema is attributed to antibiotics given to the child when it was born. Infants, in particular babies with the condition need to be washed gently in lukewarm water using proprietary lubricating creams. When they are dry, the use of fragrance free products is highly recommended and only natural fabrics like cotton for example. To stop a baby form scratching the irritated skin it is important to ensure they have their nails short and wear mittens which should help stop further infection. For more sever cases of baby eczema, the pediatrician may suggest the use of antihistamines which can help relieve itching; steroid creams can also be used for a short period to help heal the skin. It is not yet possible to completely cure this skin complaint but at least a number of treatments can help ease the situation.

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