Baby Eczema: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments (2023)

Is there anything more delicious than baby's soft, smooth skin? While babies are known for exactly this, flawless skin isn't always the case, and baby eczema is often the culprit.

Babies have particularly sensitive skin and are therefore more prone to rashes than older children or adults. So the next time you find suspicious dry patches on your child's body, don't worry, it's probably baby eczema. But what causes it? Also, what does baby eczema look like? We share all the ins and outs of this common condition, as well as some baby eczema treatments that will soon have your baby comfortable in their own skin again. Read on to find out what baby eczema is, how to recognize it, and how to treat it.

Baby eczema (or atopic dermatitis) appears as patches of red or dry skin and is usuallyitchyand rough. In babies with a predisposition to eczema, the first eruptions usually appear around 2 to 4 months of age. "Baby eczema often starts with a scaly, pink rash on the cheeks and chin in young babies," she says.Ana Bender, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian in New York City. "Older babies who crawl may be more likely to develop a rash on the outside of their arms and legs with patches of dry, itchy, irritated skin. It can also feel rough like sandpaper."

What types of baby eczema are there?

TempoNational Eczema AssociationHaving defined seven different types of skin conditions, baby eczema generally falls into one of four categories: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or dyshidrotic eczema.

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•atopic dermatitis:The most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, is chronic.skin irritationthis is usually hereditary, meaning there is a family history of this condition or other allergies.

•Contact dermatitis:This type of rash is caused by an external element. Usually, the condition disappears when the baby is no longer exposed to the offending ingredients or allergens. Chemicals, fragrances, and soaps are some examples of substances that can cause this type of rash.

•Seborrheic dermatitis:widely known asmilk crustThis type of infantile eczema is characterized by scaly patches of skin on the scalp. It can be caused by genetics, hormones, oil buildup, yeast, or a combination of these factors. Unlike most other forms of eczema, it is not caused by an allergy.

•Dyshidrotic eczema:This type of eczema occurs on the hands and feet. It is usually caused by contact with certain metals, but it can also be caused by sweat and stress. Although it can occur in babies and children, it is more common in adults.

Is eczema common in babies?

The short answer is yes. Up to 20 percent of children in the United States may have some form of eczema, says Bender. according to thatNational Eczema Association, atopic dermatitis specifically affects 13% of children under the age of 18.

It can be stressful when you see sore, irritated patches of skin on your child. So if you can identify eczema, you can ease your anxiety and treat your baby faster. How is baby eczema? It's easy to get confusedbaby eczema vs. Acneas both can appear on the cheeks. But baby acne often occurs before eczema. "Baby acne can start right after birth, while eczema can show its first signs between 2 and 5 months of age," he says.said benjamim, MD, a pediatric dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in Florida andSociety of Pediatric DermatologyCouncil member. “Also, baby acne presents as classic pimples and small red bumps on the face, often without symptoms. Eczema, on the other hand, affects both the face and body with dry or oozing red patches and is quite itchy."

While eczema usually looks pink in babies with lighter skin, it may have a purple or gray tinge in children with darker skin.

Another clue that your child might have this skin condition? Babies with eczema tend to rub their faces against their parents' hands or clothes, or rub their legs, feet, or hands.

Eczema in babies can be divided into three categories:

•Mild baby eczema:Minor cases often appear as dry, itchy, light pink patches of skin, says Benjamin, and can only be treated with moisturizers.

•Moderate baby eczema:More conspicuous cases have redder hot spots. Also, moderate eczema can affect the surface area of ​​the body more, says Benjamin; Your baby may need a cortisone cream or ointment (see belowbaby eczema treatments).

•Eczema infantil grave:This is the reddest and most scaly of the three varieties; It is characterized by red, rough, thick patches that are very itchy and often crust over or have deep cuts or crusted tears. Severe baby eczema is often more difficult to control with over-the-counter products.

Baby eczema is believed to be caused by a combination (or more specifically, an interaction of) genetic and environmental factors. "It runs in families with a history of eczema, asthma and seasonal allergies," explains Bender. "The immune system of people with eczema is more susceptible to allergies." Plus, she says, skin lacks a strong barrier against the outside world, so it can be easily irritated and dry. As a result, these babies are more sensitive to certain factors that trigger an outbreak. Different babies can be particularly susceptible to different agents. Some common triggers for eczema in babies are:

• Dry skin (this is why eczema can be common in winter)
• Irritants (such as soaps, household cleaners, wool, polyester)
• Heat and sweat
• Infection
• Allergens (pet dander, pollen, house dust)
• Saliva (from babar)

Mild baby eczema may need nothing more than aover the counter moisturizer, but more severe cases may require treatment by your pediatrician. "The severity of the eczema will determine the best treatment," says Benjamin. "But any form of eczema requires proper skin care, including effective hydration and itch control." Depending on the severity, your doctor may suggest some or all of these baby eczema treatment options:

•Creams:A gentle moisturizer is your first line of defense for baby eczema. "My son has eczema on his face and legs," says one mother. "I use Aquaphor Ointment on the rash patches. After that, we use Eucerin's regular lotion after every bath and her breakouts have been really minimal."Apply all over baby's body to soothe rough areas and improve the skin's barrier function.

•Short showers with mild cleansers:Rightdaily skin careIt is crucial to moisturize your baby's eczema-prone skin. EdgeBath timeto 15 minutes and use lukewarm, not hot, water. Choose mild, unscented detergents and avoid harsh soaps. After bathing, dry the baby's skin three minutes after removing it from the water, do not rub. Finally, apply a moisturizer all over your body.

•Prescription creams and ointments:If the problem doesn't go away, your pediatrician may suggest a prescription for a low-to-moderate topical steroid ointment or cream that can be used once or twice a day to help with inflammation and heal the skin. If you are prescribed creams or ointments, it is important to see a doctor as prescribed to make sure they are working properly. One mother we spoke with was given a cream that she applied four times a day to her daughter, who had dry, bumpy skin on her arms, legs, stomach, and back. "It went away. Then it came back about three weeks after I stopped using the cream, but not as bad as the first time," she says. “I applied the cream a few more times and never again. That was about three weeks ago."

•Diluted bleach baths:Inflamed skin is also more prone to infections. According to Benjamin, diluted bleach baths can not only safely treat infected eczema, but also help minimize the use of various oral antibiotics in children with repeated bacterial skin infections. She suggests adding ¼ to ½ cup of regular bleach to a large bathtub filled with 1 inch of water. Talk to your pediatrician before trying a diluted bleach bath for baby eczema.

natural remedies for baby eczema

Since babies have very sensitive skin, it's natural to want to treat it naturally. But, says Bender, "Even natural products can cause a worse rash called contact dermatitis, so check with your doctor first before applying anything new to your baby's skin." for "smooth products with simple ingredient lists". Here are some natural baby eczema remedies that are safe for babies:

• Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer.
• Medicinal honey can help with superficial cuts and prevent local skin infections, suggests Benjamin.
• A home remedy for baby eczema is “wet wrap therapy” (also called wet pajama therapy). Bathe your child and apply a thick moisturizer to slightly damp skin. Soak cotton pajamas in warm water, wring them out, and place them directly on top of baby's thick layer of moisturizer. After that, put on a second dry cotton pajamas. Leave your baby swaddled like this for a few hours or more.

Good news for breastfeeding mothers: there may be a link between breastfeeding and a lower incidence of baby eczema. ONElearnfound that babies who were exclusively breastfed for the first three months of life were less likely to develop eczema by age 6. While breastfeeding may not completely prevent these flare-ups, it can potentially reduce some flare-ups.

If this is the first time your baby has had red or irritated skin, it's best to see your doctor to determine if it's baby eczema or another condition. Once you get a diagnosis, you can take the right steps and try some baby eczema treatments.

But if the skin irritation is accompanied by a fever, or if the bumps and spots start to ooze, form crusts or blisters, this could be a sign of an infection and you should see your child's doctor immediately.

according to thatAmerican Academy of PediatricsWhile some babies continue to suffer from eczema well into adulthood, many outgrow it by age 4.

Baby eczema can also develop as your child gets older. according to thatNational Eczema Association, can appear on the baby's face in early childhood, but appears in key areas such as the knees, elbows and hands as the baby grows. When it gets close to big boy territory, eczema often hides in the creases of the knees or elbows and other sweat-prone areas.

Whether eczema is an acute or ongoing problem for your child, it's comforting to know that there are many baby eczema treatments and preventative measures you can take to alleviate symptoms and relieve itchiness.

No one likes it when their baby is uncomfortable, and the appearance of a rash can be distressing. But when you spot eczema, rest assured, it's common and treatable.

About the experts:

Ana Bender,MD, is a pediatric dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian in New York City. He received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

said benjamim,MD, FAAD, FAAP is a Florida-based pediatric dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon and board member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. He earned his medical degree from Drexel University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Note: The Bump and the materials and information contained therein are not intended to constitute health or medical advice or diagnoses and should not be relied upon as such. You should always consult a qualified physician or health care professional about your specific circumstances.

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