Twenty Percent Of Infants Suffer From Eczema
According to the American Dermatology Association, eczema affects between ten and twenty percent of all infants born in the United States. The sight of red scaly patches on the skin of their precious babies can be very disturbing to new parents. In many cases, the eczema condition resolves itself by the time the child reaches two years of age. In some infants, however, eczema becomes chronic and may even continue into adulthood.
Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema in infants. This type of eczema is characterized by itching and red scaly skin on the scalp, face, arms or legs. When an infant has eczema on the scalp, it is sometimes referred to as “cradle cap.” In some cases, lesions affect other parts of the body.
Many researchers believe that atopic eczema runs in families. In many cases asthma and hay fever also run in the families of infants with eczema. It is also common for children with eczema to suffer from other allergic illnesses.
An episode of eczema may be triggered when a baby has poorly moisturized skin, is exposed to certain substance or types of clothing or eats certain kinds of foods. Infants who are exposed to extreme temperatures might experience eczema outbreaks. Some studies have shown a link between early weaning from breastfeeding and the onset of eczema.
Some pediatricians believe that food allergies may account for up to 30 percent of childhood eczema cases. If a particular food is suspected as the likely cause of an infant’s eczema, parents should immediately remove that food from the child’s diet to see if the condition improves. The process of eliminating foods is one of trial and error. Some of the most common foods that cause allergies in children are milk, eggs, wheat, fish and peanuts.
In some cases, wearing clothes that have been washed in certain detergents or that have been treated with scented fabric softners may cause an outbreak. Children who suffer from eczema should be dressed in breathable fabrics made of natural fibers. The use of synthetic fibers can aggravate an eczema problem.
The treatment of eczema in babies is more difficult than for adults because infants will follow their instinct to scratch where it itches, thus worsening the problem. To prevent itchy skin from becoming further damaged or infected from excessive scratching a baby’s nails should be kept short and covered with mittens made of natural fibers. It is essential that the infant’s skin is kept moisturized in order to promote healing. If an infant’s eczema is severe, the pediatrician may prescribe steroid creams to heal skin lesions. Talk to your pediatrician about the best way to treat your infant’s eczema symptoms.
Glossary:
Atopic eczema: A type of eczema which is common in infants