There are many changes that will occur with your infant in the first few months of life. One of these changes that is often a cause for concern with new parents is the number of skin conditions that can come and go on baby’s sensitive skin. Diaper rash, baby acne and cradle cap are some of the most common. But another skin condition that is not uncommon in little ones is infant eczema. As a parent, it is important to learn how to recognize and treat this potential skin condition in your child. While it is not generally a serious problem, infant eczema can be an uncomfortable condition for your baby. Relief will be important for you to find if you want to keep that little one comfortable and happy.
Cradle Cap
Actually this common rash that is seen on many new babies is a form of infant eczema, known as seborrheic dermatitis. This type of infant eczema is characterized by a red, scaly, bumpy and greasy rash that appears on a baby’s scalp underneath the hair – if your babe has any! It can also occur in the armpits, ears and diaper area. While this rash doesn’t look particularly pretty, it is not at all serious. However, a visit to the doctor can be a good idea, since more severe cases can be easily treated. Otherwise, washing the area regularly is the best course of action, and the condition should clear up quite nicely on its own within a matter of months.
Atopic Dermatitis
Another type of infant eczema that you might see on your baby is atopic dermatitis, which is one of the more common eczema conditions in both children and adults. This condition is characterized by rough, scaly patches that start out as light red or tan, and become redder in color. Your baby may get irritable while suffering from this condition since there is often burning and itching that accompany the rash. The culprit in the cause of this type of infant eczema is often an irritant, such as a laundry detergent or a diet change. Sometimes simply identifying and avoiding the irritant is the best course of action. You can also keep the area well lubricated with oils and lotions to promote healing.
There are many things that new parents have to worry about when it comes to their new little one, but infant eczema is rarely one of them. While this condition may not look too attractive and can be somewhat irritating to your baby, it is not a serious problem and is often easily treated with over the counter options. If you suspect that your little one is suffering from a flare-up of infant eczema, talk to your doctor today about the best course of action for you to take to bring your baby relief.
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