Baby eczema is one of the most common skin problems with young and new born babies, and can cause distress for the child and his or her carers. Thankfully, most cases are mild and can be helped and kept under control by simple baby eczema treatment which is applied to the skin. Although eczema may be upsetting, it is reassuring to remember that baby eczema is usually mild and gets better; few children will be affected badly enough to need ongoing hospital treatment.
Baby Eczema
Eczema in babies
Cradle cap
Shortly after birth, many babies develop cradle cap, which is caused by a scaly build-up of dead outer skin. This is usually a mild and temporary problem, and the scales can be gently washed out with baby shampoo after softening with a moisturizer such as aqueous cream or olive oil.
Arachis oil is not a recommended baby eczema treatment because it comes from peanuts and may cause peanut allergy. Sometimes a scaly, red rash spreads down on to the forehead and also affects the nappy area. This is called ‘infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis’. Although parents often worry, the baby is usually not upset by this type of eczema in children.
Eczema in babies cradle cap
Sometimes there may be irritation that causes the baby to rub, and the affected skin may become infected. In this case, a short course of antibiotic cream or medicine may be needed. Cradle cap usually gets better within a few months. Some mild scalp scaling can last for longer into toddlerhood.
Nappy rash
In the days before disposable nappies and liners, nappy rash was an almost universal problem, and it is still an extremely common form of infant eczema. The rash is caused by the wetness of a nappy rubbing against a baby’s delicate skin, which is then irritated by urine and feces, and prone to infection. Nappy rash is a good example of an irritant contact baby eczema (dermatitis), i.e. a kind of baby eczema caused by something harsh in the outside world that comes into contact with the skin. Modern nappies are designed to hold large volumes of moisture and draw fluids away from the skin surface to keep babies’ skin dry. Frequent nappy changing (about seven times a day) is the most important measure to avoid nappy rash. Breastfed babies also seem to get less nappy rash than formula-fed babies.
Irritant nappy baby eczema looks like a minor burn with shiny redness, which settles to leave dry, crinkled, parchment-like skin. It is usually worse at the body sites where skin contact with the nappy is greatest, that is the curvatures of the bottom and the scrotum or vulval labia (lips). If the rash has a raw looking appearance, extends into the skin folds and has a clear cut-off point with a lot of small red spots close to the edges, this suggests there is infection with a yeast called ‘Candida’ (thrush). Candidal nappy rash is more common in children who have recently taken antibiotics, and it can also be triggered by diarrhea.
Other less common rashes in the nappy area include infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis which is usually found in babies who have cradle cap. These babies may also have scaly and red patches under the arms and around the umbilicus. Sweat rash or ‘intertrigo’ affects the skin folds and is due to trapped moisture, usually in overweight babies. Allergic dermatitis is very uncommon in the nappy area in babies, but can be caused by contact with fragrances, lanolin or antibiotics in lotions and creams. On rare instances, more unusual skin diseases can cause rashes in the nappy area. If things do not get better with the usual baby eczema treatment, your doctor may recommend that your baby is referred to a dermatologist.
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I think eczema is a hassle and can affect the lifestyle of those suffering from it. This can be contained and can be managed with medications and cream. Poor Babies who are suffering from this skin disease.