Eczema In Children By: Rob Greenhalf

The exact cause of eczema is still being sought but it is known that the immune system has something to do with it. Although it can be hereditary, it can also happen when a person comes into contact with something that causes the body to react by producing a rash. Often with baby eczema, the condition results in a rash that gets increasingly worse if not treated until the skin becomes cracked. In America the situation is serious with a baby having a one in five chance (approximately) of being diagnosed with this skin condition.

Parents need not worry too much as in most instances of this condition it clears up completely; generally before the child has reached their second birthday. However, in a small number of cases, the condition doesn't clear and becomes a chronic condition which may even carry on into adulthood. This skin complaint can affect anyone at any age but is seen most in babies and infants. Sufferers have generally had the condition since before their fifth birthday and almost a third of sufferers before they were a year old.

Baby eczema is most likely to be most common type (atopic eczema) and is normally found on the arms, legs, face and scalp as a red rash that itches and has a scaly appearance. Usually hereditary, atopic eczema is often thought to be triggered by a baby's skin drying out. In some babies, wearing clothes that have been washed in certain detergents or treated with fabric softeners may trigger the condition. A number of scientific studies have shown that baby eczema is linked to early weaning so continued breastfeeding may therefore be protective in some way.

Other links have been found to a number of medical conditions including those of a respiratory nature. Mothers who have asthma are also more likely to have a baby that has the condition but allergic rhinitis and food allergies can also play a part. Food allergies are thought to account for up to 30 percent of childhood cases; however, once the food responsible is discovered, it can be taken out of the child's diet. Unfortunately, the process of eliminating foods is usually one of trial and error; some commonly implicated foods are:

• Sea-Food
• Milk
• Foods containing wheat
• Food prepared using eggs
• Foods where peanut oil may have been used

Doctors also know that baby eczema can also be the result of the antibiotics received by the baby at birth. Infants, in particular babies with the condition need to be washed gently in lukewarm water using proprietary lubricating creams. Once out of the bath they need to be dried off carefully and then clothed in a soft natural cotton fabric which should prevent irritation. The best way to stop a baby scratching and causing further infection is to keep their nails short and make sure they wear mittens. For more sever cases of baby eczema, the pediatrician may suggest the use of antihistamines which can help relieve itching; when required it is not uncommon for the child to have steroid cream applied to the affected area but this cannot be done for very long. In babies, despite being very common, it is still a difficult condition to treat and conquer.

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