If your baby is experiencing red, scaly patches on his/her skin they may be suffering from eczema in babies. Eczema can begin sometime after your baby reaches two months and can be at risk for at least two years after. Eczema can show up as scaly, thick and dry skin or can be red, tiny bumps that look like blisters and ooze. Your baby is at risk of infection if this is happening.
What Causes Eczema in Babies?
There are no certain answers for what causes eczema in babies. One thing that is known about eczema is that it is inherited. If you or someone in your family suffers from eczema, it is more likely your baby will suffer with eczema as well.
Eczema in babies is not caused by allergies, but can be affected by the allergens in the detergent you use to wash your baby clothes. Eczema can also be worsened when you use fabric softener or fabric sheets in the dryer.
How Usual is Eczema in Babies?
While only 3 to 6 percent people suffer from eczema, eczema in babies is fairly common during the first two years of life. There are said to be from 10-20 percent of babies who have eczema in their first year of their life. Most cases of eczema in babies rectifies itself by either improving drastically, or no longer troubling, by the time most children reach the age of two.
What You Can Do For Your Baby
You can try and control eczema in babies by ensuring that your baby’s skin is always kept well moisturized. Dry skin is a major factor when it comes to eczema, and keeping their skin nice and moist will alleviate some of the discomfort. When you are bathing your baby, be sure that the water isn’t too hot. Try and wash your baby’s body and hair at the end of the bath so that he/she isn’t sitting in soapy water for an extended period of time.
Eczema in babies can also be controlled by allowing your child’s skin to breathe. Try to dress your children in fabrics that are natural, such as cotton. You would do best to avoid scratchy materials such as wool to help control eczema. You can also switch your detergent to one that is mild and fragrance free in order to keep allergens away from skin when you have a case of eczema in babies.
Eczema is fairly common and you can do many things to ensure that your baby’s skin has adequate moisture, and you are doing all you can in order for your baby to be as comfortable as possible.
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