Infantile eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis of infancy, is an allergic disease that develops on the head and face of infants and manifests as an itchy rash on the head and face. Parents with a history of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis are significantly more likely to develop infantile eczema in their children.
Eczema may develop in infants as young as 2 months of age. Most cases of eczema occur before the age of 5 years, but may also appear later in life. Most children’s eczema disappears by adulthood.
Symptoms of baby eczema
Eczema usually occurs on the scalp and face, but can also spread to the back of the neck, limbs and chest.
Symptoms of infantile eczema may recur, starting as red papules or blotches of rice grain size, scattered or crowded together, usually often starting from the face, and then gradually increasing and accompanied by small blisters. After the blisters burst, there is yellowish-white pulp oozing out, and the local skin becomes flushed. Eczema on the scalp, more vesicles, water, yellow thick scabs, hair sticking into bundles. On the face, it is mostly light red spots covered with thin scales or scabs.
The appearance of eczema is a very small spot-like red rash, can occur in any part, scattered or dense together, usually often by the face, often flowing yellow water, can form water sores, drying is formed into a yellow scab cover.
Eczema itchy, so the baby is often irritable, constantly rubbing and scratching, easy to bleed, easy to secondary bacterial infection, resulting in pus scars or pus scabs.
Eczema Treatment for Babies
There is no cure for baby eczema, but you can control your baby’s symptoms and minimize flare-ups by:
- Mastering bathing techniques. Bathing helps remove dirt and other potential irritants from your baby’s skin. When bathing your baby, use warm water and a mild, fragrance-free body wash to clean your baby’s soiled areas. Avoid scrubbing your baby’s skin and limit your baby’s bath time to 5-10 minutes. Apply fragrance-free body lotion immediately after bathing. Moisturize baby’s skin twice a day or as needed to relieve symptoms.
- Apply topical corticosteroid creams to reduce swelling and itching. These medications are often used to treat eczema and help reduce symptoms such as inflammation and itching. Refer to your dermatologist for advice on the most appropriate corticosteroid for your baby, as babies are more sensitive to corticosteroids than adults, so follow your dermatologist’s instructions on dosage, duration and frequency of treatment to avoid side effects.
- Oral antihistamines (oral anti-itch medication)
- Ultraviolet phototherapy
- Identify and eliminate triggers. If you can identify your baby’s triggers, try to find ways to eliminate or avoid them.
- Antibiotics or antifungals if there is an underlying infection
Be sure to consult your pediatrician for appropriate treatment options.
