Why did my baby develop eczema?
What exactly causes eczema is unknown. Researchers don’t know why babies develop eczema, though they do know it’s due to a combination of environmental allergens and genetics. Eczema in babies can cause rashes on a baby’s skin, itchy skin and eczema flare-ups in the affected areas.
A variety of environmental factors can trigger eczema in infants, including certain cleansers, soaps and shampoos. Dry air and ointments can also trigger baby eczema.
If your baby suffers from eczema, consult with a pediatric dermatologist or qualified pediatrician. While they might prescribe a steroid, such as a topical corticosteroid, other steroid cream or an antihistamine, there’s other more natural treatments your healthcare provider could recommend. These can include over-the-counter medications, Vaseline petroleum jelly and fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin.
There are also some preventative measures your family can take as well to help prevent eczema flare-ups. Older infants can wear mittens and gloves to protect the affected areas against triggers. Food allergies can also cause flare-ups and you can create an eczema diet for your infant to reduce their effect. Using detergents and baby lotions that are better for this skin condition can also help.
To learn more about what products can prevent or treat eczema, check out these products that have the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval.
Why did my toddler develop eczema?
Similar to when babies develop eczema, children who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers, but researchers don’t know a lot more about why eczema manifests on a child’s skin. When something outside the body “switches on” the immune system, skin cells don’t behave as they should causing eczema flare ups.
We also know that children who come from families with a history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever (known as the atopic triad) are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis.
Common eczema symptoms in children include itchiness, rashes and the breaking down of skin barriers that protect children from skin infections.
Is eczema different for infants, toddlers, and older children?
A painful, itchy rash on a baby’s face, torso or body (but usually not the diaper area) may be eczema
Eczema looks and acts differently in infants and toddlers than it does in older children. The location and appearance of eczema changes as they grow, so it’s important to know what to look for during every stage of your infant or toddler’s life.
Infants (first 6 months)
Eczema usually appears on the face, cheeks, chin, forehead and scalp. It can also spread to other areas of the body, but not usually in the diaper area, where moisture protects the skin. The skin at this stage also tends to look more red and “weepy.”
Babies (6-12 months)
At this stage, eczema often appears on your baby’s elbows and knees — places that are easy to scratch or rub as they’re crawling. If the eczema rash becomes infected, it may form a yellow crust, or very small, “pus bumps” on the skin.
Toddlers (2-5 years)
Atopic dermatitis frequently affects the face in children. It can appear as red patches with small bumps as shown here.
Atopic dermatitis frequently affects the face in children. It can appear as red patches with small bumps as shown here.
Around the age of two, your toddler’s eczema is more likely to appear in the creases of the elbows and knees, or on their wrists, ankles and hands. It may also appear on the skin around your toddler’s mouth and the eyelids. Your toddler’s skin may start to look dry and scaly at this stage and become thick with deeper lines — this is called “lichenification.”
Children (5 years+)
Eczema usually appears in the folds of the elbows and/or knees. Sometimes, it’s only on a child’s hands — at least 70% of people have had hand eczema at some time in their life.
Redness and itchy patches behind your child’s ears, on their feet or scalp, may also be a sign of atopic dermatitis. But these could also be symptoms of another condition, like seborrheic dermatitis, which can exist with eczema.
What triggers my child’s eczema or causes it to get worse?
Some of the most common eczema triggers include:
Dry skin
Irritants
Heat and sweating
Infection
Stuffed animal toys
Allergens such as pet dander, pollen or dust
Your child’s eczema may be worse in the winter when the air is dry. Saliva from drooling can also cause irritation on your baby’s cheeks, chin and neck.
The best way to manage your child’s eczema is by getting to know their symptoms and triggers so that you can help keep it under control.
7 Ways to Help Your Children Stop Scratching
Cold Packs – Pressing something cold such as a cold pack, bottle of water or even an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel can help to ease the itchiness of eczema. This is an excellent way of instantly relieving your child from itchy skin, and while it isn’t a permanent solution or fix, it can be used throughout the day as and when the itching gets worse. Instant ice packs are great when you are out and about.
Keep emollients in the fridge – smoothing on cold emollient is a great way to soothe a localised itch.
Tapping – Another great way to help your little ones to avoid scratching themselves raw is to lightly tap the itch with your fingers until it goes away. It’s thought that light tapping causes a vibration on the skin which can interfere with the nerve signals that cause the itch.
Don't ask them not to scratch - Asking your little one not to scratch will actually make them scratch more.
Distraction – For itches that just won’t go, you can try the distraction strategy. Encourage your child to play with fiddly toys such as Lego or a Rubik’s cube. Most kids will scratch more when they are tired or relaxed watching telly, so give them something to occupy their hands during these times. Sometimes even something as simple as putting a loose elastic band around your child’s wrist and getting them to twang it against their wrist will make them focus on another part of their body other than the itch.
Itch relief creams – Look for moisturizing cream with gentle natural ingredients which aid in relieving itchiness.
A lukewarm bath – For some children, a lukewarm bath does the trick, and with a few bath toys added it can serve as a useful distraction too. Don’t let them soak for too long otherwise, you might cause the skin to become dry and remember to apply lots of emollient afterwards.
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