What are the main symptoms of baby eye eczema. How is baby eye eczema diagnosed and treated. What can parents do to prevent and manage baby eye eczema at home. What are the potential complications of untreated baby eye eczema.

Understanding Baby Eye Eczema: An Overview

Baby eye eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis around the eyes, is a common skin condition that affects infants and young children. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin around the eye area. While eczema can occur anywhere on the body, the delicate skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible in babies.

This condition is not contagious or infectious, but it can cause significant discomfort and distress for both the baby and parents. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing baby eye eczema effectively.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Baby Eye Eczema

Identifying baby eye eczema early is essential for prompt treatment and relief. The most common symptoms include:

• Dry, scaly patches of skin around the eyes
• Redness and inflammation
• Itching and discomfort
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Crusting or oozing in severe cases
• Increased sensitivity to light

Is baby eye eczema always symmetrical. Not necessarily. The condition can affect one or both eyes, and the severity may vary between eyes.

Common Triggers and Causes of Baby Eye Eczema

While the exact cause of baby eye eczema is not fully understood, several factors can contribute to its development or exacerbation:

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental irritants (e.g., dust, pollen, pet dander)
3. Harsh soaps or cleansers
4. Excessive heat or cold
5. Dry skin
6. Food allergies
7. Stress or fatigue

Can teething cause eye eczema in babies. While teething itself does not directly cause eye eczema, the stress and discomfort associated with teething can potentially trigger or worsen existing eczema symptoms.

Diagnosing Baby Eye Eczema: What to Expect

Diagnosing baby eye eczema typically involves a thorough examination by a pediatrician or dermatologist. The healthcare provider will:

• Assess the baby’s symptoms and medical history
• Examine the affected skin areas
• Consider potential triggers or allergens
• Rule out other skin conditions with similar symptoms

In some cases, additional tests may be recommended to identify specific allergens or rule out other conditions. These may include:

• Skin prick tests
• Blood tests for allergies
• Patch tests to identify contact allergens

Effective Treatments for Baby Eye Eczema

Managing baby eye eczema often requires a multi-faceted approach. Treatment options may include:

Topical Medications

Mild corticosteroid creams or ointments can help reduce inflammation and itching. However, these should be used sparingly and under medical supervision due to the delicate nature of the eye area.

Moisturizers and Emollients

Keeping the skin well-hydrated is crucial in managing eczema. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers should be applied regularly to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.

Antihistamines

Oral antihistamines may be recommended to alleviate itching and improve sleep quality, especially if allergies are contributing to the eczema.

Wet Wrap Therapy

This technique involves applying a moisturizer or topical medication, then covering the affected area with damp cloths and a dry layer. It can help soothe the skin and improve medication absorption.

Are natural remedies effective for treating baby eye eczema. While some natural remedies like colloidal oatmeal baths or coconut oil may provide temporary relief, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments.

Preventing and Managing Baby Eye Eczema at Home

Parents can take several steps to prevent flare-ups and manage baby eye eczema at home:

• Establish a gentle skincare routine using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products
• Keep the baby’s nails short to prevent scratching
• Use soft, breathable fabrics for clothing and bedding
• Maintain optimal room temperature and humidity levels
• Identify and avoid potential triggers
• Apply cool compresses to soothe irritated skin
• Consider using protective eyewear during outdoor activities

How often should parents bathe a baby with eye eczema. Frequent bathing can dry out the skin, potentially exacerbating eczema. Limit baths to 2-3 times a week, using lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.

Potential Complications of Untreated Baby Eye Eczema

If left untreated, baby eye eczema can lead to several complications:

• Skin infections due to scratching and broken skin
• Sleep disturbances and irritability
• Developmental delays due to discomfort and lack of sleep
• Potential vision problems if the condition affects the eyes themselves
• Scarring or skin discoloration in severe cases

Can baby eye eczema lead to permanent vision loss. While rare, severe and untreated eye eczema can potentially affect vision. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent such complications.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Baby Eye Eczema

While many cases of baby eye eczema can be managed at home, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen despite home treatment
• The baby develops signs of infection (e.g., fever, increased redness, pus)
• The condition affects the baby’s vision or eye movement
• The eczema spreads to other parts of the body
• The baby’s sleep or daily activities are significantly impacted

How quickly should parents expect to see improvement after starting treatment. While some relief may be noticed within a few days, it can take several weeks of consistent treatment to see significant improvement in baby eye eczema symptoms.

Living with Baby Eye Eczema: Tips for Parents

Caring for a baby with eye eczema can be challenging. Here are some tips to help parents cope:

• Educate yourself about the condition and treatment options
• Join support groups or online communities for parents dealing with baby eczema
• Practice stress-management techniques to stay calm during flare-ups
• Keep a diary to track triggers and treatment effectiveness
• Be patient and consistent with the treatment plan
• Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about concerns or questions

How can parents explain baby eye eczema to friends and family. Educate them about the non-contagious nature of eczema and explain the importance of avoiding potential triggers when interacting with the baby.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Baby Eye Eczema

As our understanding of eczema continues to evolve, new treatment options are being developed. Some promising areas of research include:

• Biologic medications targeting specific immune pathways
• Microbiome-based therapies to promote healthy skin flora
• Gene therapy approaches to address underlying genetic factors
• Advanced moisturizers and barrier repair formulations
• Personalized treatment plans based on genetic and environmental factors

What role does the skin microbiome play in baby eye eczema. Recent studies suggest that imbalances in the skin microbiome may contribute to eczema development. Future treatments may focus on restoring a healthy microbial balance to manage symptoms.

The Impact of Diet on Baby Eye Eczema

While the relationship between diet and eczema is complex, certain dietary factors may influence symptom severity in some babies. Consider the following:

Breastfeeding and Maternal Diet

For breastfed babies, certain foods in the mother’s diet may trigger eczema flare-ups. Common culprits include:

• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Soy
• Wheat

Mothers may consider eliminating these foods from their diet under medical supervision to see if it improves the baby’s symptoms.

Introducing Solid Foods

When introducing solid foods to babies with eczema, it’s important to:

• Introduce new foods gradually, one at a time
• Watch for any reactions or worsening of eczema symptoms
• Consult with a pediatrician or allergist before introducing common allergens
• Consider delaying the introduction of highly allergenic foods if recommended by a healthcare provider

Can probiotics help manage baby eye eczema. Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help reduce eczema severity in infants. However, more research is needed to establish definitive benefits and optimal strains.

The Emotional Impact of Baby Eye Eczema on Families

Dealing with baby eye eczema can take an emotional toll on parents and caregivers. It’s important to acknowledge and address these challenges:

Parental Stress and Anxiety

Parents may experience:

• Feelings of helplessness or frustration
• Guilt or self-blame
• Anxiety about the baby’s comfort and development
• Sleep deprivation due to the baby’s discomfort

Impact on Family Dynamics

Baby eye eczema can affect the entire family:

• Siblings may feel neglected due to increased attention on the affected baby
• Relationship strain between parents due to stress and differing coping mechanisms
• Financial stress from medical expenses and potential lost work time

Coping Strategies

To manage the emotional impact, consider:

• Seeking support from family, friends, or support groups
• Practicing self-care and stress-management techniques
• Communicating openly with your partner and healthcare providers
• Considering professional counseling if needed

How can parents maintain a positive outlook while managing baby eye eczema. Focus on small improvements, celebrate treatment successes, and remember that with proper care and management, most children outgrow or learn to effectively manage their eczema over time.

Long-Term Outlook for Babies with Eye Eczema

Understanding the long-term prognosis of baby eye eczema can help parents navigate the condition with hope and realistic expectations:

Potential for Outgrowing Eczema

Many children with eczema experience improvement as they grow:

• About 60% of children may see significant improvement or resolution by adolescence
• However, some may continue to have periodic flare-ups into adulthood
• Early and consistent treatment may improve long-term outcomes

Ongoing Management

Even as symptoms improve, ongoing care is important:

• Maintaining a good skincare routine
• Identifying and avoiding triggers
• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
• Adjusting treatments as the child grows and symptoms change

Associated Conditions

Children with eczema may be at higher risk for developing:

• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Food allergies

Regular monitoring and early intervention can help manage these associated conditions effectively.

Does having baby eye eczema increase the risk of other eye conditions later in life. While eczema itself doesn’t directly cause other eye conditions, the chronic inflammation and potential for eye rubbing may slightly increase the risk of certain eye issues. Regular eye check-ups are recommended.

Innovative Technologies in Baby Eye Eczema Management

As technology advances, new tools and approaches are emerging to help manage baby eye eczema more effectively:

Smart Devices and Apps

Technology is playing an increasing role in eczema management:

• Smartphone apps for tracking symptoms and triggers
• Wearable devices to monitor scratching behaviors
• Smart clothing with cooling or moisturizing properties
• Telemedicine platforms for remote consultations with specialists

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

New diagnostic technologies are improving our understanding of eczema:

• Non-invasive skin imaging techniques
• Molecular testing for personalized treatment approaches
• Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning

Innovative Treatment Delivery Systems

Novel approaches to treatment delivery are being developed:

• Nanoparticle-based medications for improved skin penetration
• Time-release moisturizers for prolonged hydration
• Light therapy devices for home use

How might artificial intelligence change the way we diagnose and treat baby eye eczema in the future. AI could potentially analyze vast amounts of patient data to identify patterns, predict flare-ups, and recommend personalized treatment plans, leading to more effective and targeted management of the condition.

In conclusion, while baby eye eczema can be challenging to manage, understanding the condition, its triggers, and available treatments can significantly improve outcomes. With proper care, support, and emerging technologies, parents can effectively manage their baby’s eczema and provide the best possible quality of life. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your baby’s specific needs.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in an Infant or a Baby: Condition, Treatments, and Pictures for Parents – Overview

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Images of Dermatitis, Atopic (Eczema)

Overview

Eczema, formally known as atopic dermatitis, is a common disorder in infants and is associated with dry and itchy patches of skin. Young children will often scratch at the dry skin, causing bleeding in the affected area. Eczema can occur on any part of the body and is most common on skin that is stretched often (eg, the back of elbows and front of knees).

Eczema is not contagious and it is not an infection, but prolonged scratching can allow bacteria to get through the skin and cause an infection. Some common triggers that cause eczema include:

• Heat and humidity
• Abrasive clothing
• Tobacco smoke and chemicals
• Some soaps and detergents

Who’s at risk?

Infants are more likely to have eczema if they have other allergies, such as to foods or milk, as well as seasonal allergies, or if they have other family members who were affected with eczema as an infant. Infants who have asthma are also more likely to have eczema.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common locations for eczema are, in general, the face, neck, in front of the elbows, behind the knees, and on the extremities. The first location in an infant is usually the cheek area.

• Thickened, scaly, pink to red bumps (papules) and slightly elevated lesions (plaques) are seen in these areas.
  • Mild eczema – few, scattered areas of involvement, which are easily treated with self-care measures
  • Moderate eczema – more extensive involvement, which is more difficult to control with self-care measures and may require prescription therapy
  • Severe eczema – diffuse involvement, which is difficult to treat even with prescription therapy
• Infants with eczema may have prominent involvement of the face, scalp, and the skin on the arms and legs overlying the elbows and knees.
• Areas with superimposed infection can develop thick crusts.
• People with darker skin frequently have extensive accentuation of the hair follicles and shininess without obvious thickened, raised areas.

Self-Care Guidelines

Maintaining healthy skin is very important for sufferers of eczema.

• Moisturizing skin-care routines are essential.
• Non-soap cleansers, such as Cetaphil®, or moisturizing soaps, such as Dove®, are recommended.
• Thick moisturizers, such as petroleum jelly, Aquaphor® ointment, Eucerin® cream, CeraVe® cream, and Cetaphil® cream, should be applied daily to damp skin after bathing.
• Attempt to minimize exposure to heat, humidity, detergents/soaps, abrasive clothing, chemicals, smoke, and stress.
• Fragrance-free laundry detergent may be beneficial.
• Keep the home air from getting too dry by using a humidifier or by setting out bowls of water, especially in the bedroom.

When to Seek Medical Care

See your child’s doctor or a dermatologist if there is a lack of response to self-care measures or the condition worsens or flares.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

Topical or oral medications for eczema can include:

• Topical steroid creams or ointments may be prescribed to treat active areas of localized eczema. Lower-strength steroids may be used on the face, and medium- to high-strength steroids may be used on the trunk and extremities.
• Care should be taken when using topical steroids in skin folds and obstructed areas due to the risk of thinning (atrophy) of the skin.
• Steroid-sparing agents, such as topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, may be prescribed for milder disease or for certain areas of involvement, such as the face. These medications are not approved for children under the age of 2. These medications have a warning about the risk of malignancy.
• Oral antihistamines may be prescribed to decrease itching.
• If a superimposed infection is suspected, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
• In patients who have multiple areas of broken skin or a history of bacterial skin infections, dilute bleach baths may be prescribed.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1999-2414. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6^th ed, pp.1180, 1188-1189. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Eczema Around the Eyes| National Eczema Society

Eczema around the eyes

Jump to:

Introduction

Contact dermatitis

Treating eyelid eczema

Blepharitis

Allergic conjunctivitis

Introduction

There are a number of conditions and types of eczema that affect the eye and the eye area. These occur more commonly in people with eczema elsewhere on the body – usually those with atopic eczema and related conditions (asthma and hay fever) – and may be caused by an external irritant or allergen.

Eczema can affect any area of skin, including the eyelids and around the eyes. Eyelid eczema is common in adults with eczema elsewhere on the face. Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the eyelids tends to affect just the eyelid margins and is seen more frequently in adults. The itchy, inflamed, dry, scaling skin of eyelid eczema is particularly problematic for all ages as the skin here is very thin and sensitive. This makes it prone to both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis of the eyelids may be either allergic or irritant in origin. Irritant contact dermatitis is simply the result of irritant substances such as make-up, face washes, detergents or solvents coming into contact with the eyelids and then damaging and irritating the skin. Cosmetic anti-ageing products that come into contact with eyelid skin can also cause irritation. Allergic contact dermatitis arises when your immune system reacts against a specific substance called an allergen. Once you have reacted, a very small amount of this allergen can cause an eczema flare. Allergic reactions are more likely to occur the longer you have been using a product, and can be localised or more widespread. An allergic skin reaction can be sudden and dramatic, and/or sometimes occur hours or days after contact with the allergen, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause.

If you think facial skin care products or make-up are having a negative effect on your skin, it is a good idea to go ‘bare-faced’ for a few days and see if that helps. If there is an improvement, start to re-introduce products one by one to establish whether any of them is causing the problem. Contact dermatitis can also occur when manufacturers change the formulation of a product and you are sensitive to the new ingredient(s).

It is also possible that any reaction is a result not of something you put on your eyelids but something you touch and then transfer to the delicate eyelid skin from your fingers. One common cause of contact dermatitis of the eyelids is allergy to nail varnish or varnish remover. The eyelid skin becomes sensitised when you touch or rub the eyes with painted nails. The condition usually clears rapidly when you stop using nail varnish. Hair dye may also cause eyelid problems, as can airborne agents such as perfume sprays.

Some medications can cause contact dermatitis. Atropine and neomycin drops are common culprits in the development of allergic contact dermatitis around the eyes, as are many preservatives used in medications or contact lens systems.

Wearing gloves and washing your hands thoroughly will prevent a reaction if you are handling substances to which you are sensitive.

If your eyelid eczema does not settle with first-line eczema flare treatments, you should ask for a referral to a dermatologist to discuss possible allergic contact dermatitis, especially if the eczema is confined to your eyelids. Be aware that the skin around the eyes can become infected, so seek medical attention if you develop weeping or crusting with a golden tinge (this may be a bacterial infection), or small fluid-filled blisters, especially if they are painful (this may be a viral infection called eczema herpeticum).

Treating eyelid eczema

Eyelid eczema is treated with emollients and mild topical steroids, prescribed by your doctor or other healthcare professional. Generally, only mild topical steroids (0.5 – 1% hydrocortisone) are recommended for eyelid eczema, given the thinness of the eyelid skin. Eyelid skin is four times thinner than facial skin. Mild topical steroids are safe to use as long as you follow your healthcare professional’s instructions. Very occasionally, for a severe flare, a moderate potency steroid may be prescribed for a short treatment burst of around 5 days and then stepped down to a mild steroid for 5 days. It is rare for potent topical steroids to be prescribed for use on the eyelids. They would only be prescribed by a dermatologist.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) – pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) – are also prescribed for eyelid eczema. They are not steroids, so there is no risk that they will thin the skin. They are a helpful option in treating eyelid eczema. They do have some side effects, which include photosensitivity. It is important to take precautions in the sun, particularly from March to September: applying sunscreen and wearing sun protective clothing, such as a sun hat. It is a good idea to apply TCIs in the evening, as you need to leave a gap between applying a TCI and another cream, such as a sunscreen (in the case of tacrolimus, a two-hour gap is required). TCIs are initially prescribed for 6 weeks and can also be used for long-term, twice weekly maintenance treatment on two non-consecutive days (for example, on Monday and Thursday nights). It is common for TCIs to produce a burning and stinging sensation when first applied, but this usually subsides within a week.

Keep facial skin care simple. Use a leave-on emollient to wash with, as well as applying it frequently as a moisturiser. Avoid washing your face with soap or using perfumed face creams. It is important not to use olive oil or aqueous cream on your eyelids as these are both known to damage the skin barrier in eczema. You can also use your emollient on a damp cotton pad to remove eye make-up including mascara.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelid skin, and is a very common problem. The cause is usually not known, but it can be caused by a reaction to the bacteria which live naturally on the eyelid skin. It can occur in people with and without eczema, but it is most commonly associated with seborrhoeic dermatitis. Seborrhoeic dermatitis affects the face, scalp, ears and eyebrows as well as the eyelids. Small, yellowish skin scales collect around the eyelashes, making the eyes look tired, puffy and wrinkled. Scaling (dandruff) in the scalp and eyebrows will often be present as well, and sometimes red patches develop around the sides of the nose. For more information about this type of eczema and treatment, see the National Eczema Society factsheet on Seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults.

Inflammation of the eyelids leads to itching and discomfort of the eyes, and the sensation that there may be something ‘gritty’ on the eye surface. The most important treatment is lid hygiene. This involves using a warm compress and gentle eyelid massage to soften and unblock the oil glands of the eyelid, and gently cleansing the edges of the eyelids with warm water. Artificial tears can be used to wet the cornea (the outer surface of the eye) and thereby make your eyes more comfortable. It is a good idea to stop wearing contact lenses, as these may further irritate blepharitis, especially if your eyes are very sore. Your pharmacist should be able to advise you on the range of proprietary preparations that are available, either as artificial tear drops or anti-inflammatory eye drops. If blepharitis becomes very sore and infected, you will need to see your healthcare professional and may need antibiotic eye drops or tablets. Fortunately, blepharitis does not cause any permanent visual problems.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis refers to an allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear outer covering of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually seasonal – typically, it is worse in the spring and summer months when allergy to grasses, pollens and some plant fragrances can lead to itching and streaming eyes. There are reports that sore eyes in contact lens wearers are sometimes due to an allergic conjunctivitis caused by sensitivity to thiomersal, a preservative used in contact lens solutions. Although allergic conjunctivitis may be extremely debilitating, it does not lead to long-term damage to the eye.

The treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid the plants, flowers and pollens that trigger the condition as much as possible and, if necessary, to also use drops that desensitise the eyes. Even if allergic conjunctivitis is not due to contact lens solution, it is still advisable not to wear contact lenses until the allergic conjunctivitis has resolved. Your pharmacist should be able to advise you on which drops to use. Allergic conjunctivitis that lasts throughout the year is less common, but can be caused by sensitivity to a wide variety of substances, including house dust mites and animal dander. See the National Eczema Society factsheet on Household irritants and eczema for advice and practical tips on reducing exposure to common irritants in the home.

To obtain the information on this page in a PDF format, please download our Eczema around the Eyes factsheet, below.

Related Documents

Pediatrician breaks down infant eczema and how best to combat it

Eczema is said to be the itch that rashes. While frequently worse in the winter, air conditioning used in the summer months also makes babies susceptible to eczema flares as it dries out the skin. Sweating and chlorine from pools can also be triggers.

Babies are pre-disposed to eczema because their skin barrier is more fragile than an adult’s, leadingto dry skin as a consequence of a high water loss and an enhanced penetration of irritants and allergens into the skin. To remedy the discomfort, infants will rub their skin on surfaces to get rid of the itch. This friction worsens skin breakdown and creates rashes.

Eczema in babies presents in two main ways. First, a baby may seem fussy or irritable for no reason or constantly rubbing his or her cheeks or body on surfaces to get rid of the itch. Second, a baby may have dry, flaky skin that can be either skin tone or appear pink or red. 

Pediatricians at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital understand just how uncomfortable and frustrating this skin condition can be for both infants and parents — we want to help. 

Generally, parents will turn to eczema creams or lotions to soothe their child. Here are three of my tips for choosing a cream that will work best for your baby: 

Creams are better than lotion

Parents should look for thicker creams because they create a better barrier on an infant’s skin and therefore decreases the itch and skin breakdown.

Fewer chemicals and more natural oils are better

Be aware that all infants are different — sometimes it’s trial and error to gauge which creams and natural oils are best. Give any new product a minimum of two weeks to see if it works before abandoning it — the body’s healing process takes time.

Don’t be afraid to go generic

As a pediatrician, I look for creams that have known soothing properties or natural ingredients, but there are many on the market that work well. Parents don’t have to spend lots of money on the most expensive creams. Often, the generic versions of well-known brands work just as effectively.

Here are a few other key things to remember about the importance of paying attention to skin care for babies:

• Babies should be bathed in warm water, not hot, for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. They should be immediately patted dry and within three minutes a thick, moisturizing cream should be applied from neck to toes and carefully on any facial areas that are affected.  
• Areas that are skin-toned but dry and flakey need a moisturizing cream minimally twice a day at least, but often more frequently.  
• Areas that are pink or red present evidence of inflammation. Cream alone may not calm that down and those areas may require a steroid cream. Parents can start with an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream two times a day for up to seven days, but if this does not resolve the redness, they should see their physician. Steroid cream should be used at least one hour apart from a moisturizing cream for best effectiveness and should not be put in a diaper area or near eyes without discussing with the physician first.  
• If honey crusted scabbing is noticed over broken apart skin, the family should seek the advice of their physician because this can be an indication of bacterial growth in that area.  

Sadly, it’s difficult for families to identify all the triggers for their baby’s eczema flares, which can be frustrating for parents. 

Breastfeeding moms should pay attention to see if their child breaks out more frequently after certain food types. But in general, we do not ask moms to have a very restrictive diet because this does not create the healthiest breastmilk. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and Vitamin D may decrease eczema in breastfed babies. Families who have chosen to formula feed should not jump from formula to formula, but instead should have a structured plan with their physician, and any new formula trial should be given a minimum of two weeks before a decision is made to move away.

Babies should be dressed in only cotton clothes without itchy adornments, like lace or fringe near the skin. Clothes should be washed in detergents that are “free and clear” of perfumes and dyes and without harsh chemicals. It’s best for these clothes to be double rinsed. Dryer sheets should be avoided.

While eczema is a frustrating infant skin problem, the good news is that there are lots of options on the market to help. Seek your pediatrician’s advice early — we are happy to answer your questions and want your baby to be as comfortable as possible. Keep the hope and knowledge that most children outgrow eczema.

Call us today at 800-825-KIDS to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or schedule online using MyChart. Not signed up in MyChart? Learn how to enroll here. 

 —Alexandra Clark, MD, is the division chief of general pediatrics at Loma Linda University Children’s Health.

Eczema

Is this your child’s symptom?

• An itchy rash that your doctor told you was eczema
• Eczema is a chronic skin disease
• Recurrent flare-ups of severe itching occur
• The medical name for eczema is atopic dermatitis

Symptoms of Eczema

• The main symptom is itching. If it doesn’t itch, it’s not eczema.
• With flare-ups (itching attacks), the rash becomes red or even raw and weepy.
• Onset: Average onset at 3 months old. Range: 1-6 months old. Usually begins by 2 years old.
• Location: Classic eczema starts on the cheeks at 1 to 6 months of age. It can spread to the rest of the face. In infants, the outer surfaces of the arms and legs also become involved.
• In older children, eczema is found in the joint creases. The elbows, wrists, and knees are the most common places.
• The rash is usually the same on both sides of the body.

Cause of Eczema

• A type of dry, sensitive skin that children inherit.
• Flare-ups are from skin contact with soap, shampoo, pollen or other irritating substances.
• About 30% of babies with severe eczema also have food allergies. The most common is cow’s milk.
• Over 10% of children have eczema. It’s the most common skin condition of the first 10 years.

Triggers of Eczema Flare-Ups

• Soaps. Never use bubble bath. It can cause a major flare-up.
• Pollens. Keep your child from lying on the grass during grass pollen season.
• Animals. Avoid any animals that make the rash worse.
• Foods. If certain foods cause severe itching (flares), avoid them.
• Wool. Avoid wool fibers and clothes made of other scratchy, rough materials.
• Dry Air. Use a humidifier if the air in your home is dry.
• Herpes Virus Infection (Serious). Keep your child away from anyone with fever blisters (cold sores). The herpes virus can cause a serious skin infection in children with eczema.
• Eczema is not caused by laundry soap you use to wash clothing.

Itching Scale

• Mild: doesn’t interfere with normal activities
• Moderate: interferes with child care or school, sleep, or other normal activities
• Severe: constant itching that can’t be controlled

Food Allergy and Eczema Flare-Ups

• Food allergies are a factor in 30% of young children with severe eczema. This factor is mainly seen in babies.
• The main allergic foods are cow’s milk and eggs.
• The main symptoms are increased skin redness and itching. Some parents report these symptoms start during or soon after the feeding.
• The eczema becomes easier to control if you avoid the allergic food.

Diagnosing Food Allergy and Eczema Flare-Ups

• Your child’s doctor may suggest the steps listed below:
• Remove the suspected food or foods from your child’s diet for 2 weeks. The eczema should greatly improve.
• Then give your child that food when the eczema is under good control. This is called a “challenge.”
• If the food is causing flare-ups, the eczema should become itchy and red. The flare-up should occur quickly within 2 hours of eating the food.
• If this occurs, avoid giving this food to your child. Talk to your child’s doctor about the need for any food substitutes.
• If the eczema does not flare-up, your child isn’t allergic to that food.

When to Call for Eczema

Call 911 Now

• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
• Looks infected (spreading redness, pus, soft oozing scabs) and fever
• Many small blisters or punched-out sores occur
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Eczema is very painful to touch
• Looks infected but no fever
• Itching is severe after using steroid cream for more than 48 hours
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Itching flare-ups occur often
• Eczema diagnosis was never confirmed by a doctor
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Eczema with no other problems
• Questions about prevention of eczema flare-ups

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice

Treatment for Eczema

1. What You Should Know About Eczema:
   • Eczema is a chronic skin disease. So, you need to learn how to control it.
   • Itching attacks (flare-ups) are to be expected.
   • The goal is to treat all flare-ups quickly. Reason: To prevent skin damage.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Treatment is Based on Severity of Eczema:
   • Mild Eczema. Just need to use a moisturizing cream and to avoid flare-up triggers.
   • Moderate Eczema. Also need to use a steroid cream and bedtime allergy medicine.
   • Severe Eczema. Also may need antibiotics for a skin infection caused by Staph bacteria. This infection starts in open skin from severe itching.
3. Moisturizing Cream or Ointment for Dry Skin:
   • All children with eczema have dry sensitive skin.
   • The skin needs a moisturizing cream (such as Eucerin) Apply once or twice daily.
   • Apply the cream after a 5 or 10-minute bath. To trap moisture in the skin, apply the cream while skin is still damp. Do this within 3 minutes of leaving the bath or shower.
   • The steroid cream should be applied to any itchy spots first. Then use the moisturizing cream as the top layer.
   • While most parents prefer creams, moisturizing ointments are sometimes needed in the winter. An example is Vaseline.
   • Caution: Never stop the moisturizing cream. Reason: The rash will come back.
4. Steroid Cream or Ointment for Itching:
   • Itchy skin is the main symptom of eczema.
   • Steroid creams or ointments are essential for controlling red, itchy skin.
   • Apply steroid creams only to itchy or red spots (not to the normal skin).
   • Most children have 2 types of steroid creams. (1) A mild steroid cream is used to treat any pink spots or mild itching. This is often 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed. (2) Another stronger steroid cream is needed to treat any spots with severe itching. This is a prescription steroid cream such as Synalar. Never apply this stronger cream to the face.
   • Apply these creams as directed or 2 times per day.
   • After the rash quiets down, apply it once per day. After 1 good week just use moisturizing cream.
5. Bathing – Avoid Soaps:
   • Give one bath a day for 10 minutes in lukewarm water. Reason: Water-soaked skin feels less itchy. Follow the bath with a moisturizing cream (such as Eucerin) to all the skin.
   • Avoid all soaps. Reason: Eczema is very sensitive to soaps, especially bubble bath. There is no safe soap for young children with eczema. They can be cleaned using warm water.
6. Allergy Medicine for Itching at Bedtime:
   • Many children with eczema need an allergy medicine by mouth at bedtime.
   • Reason: Scratching in bed can cause severe skin breakdown. It may also interfere with falling sleep.
   • Give the med your child’s doctor wanted you to use for itching.
   • If none was suggested, you can try Benadryl at bedtime. No prescription is needed.
   • Caution: Do not use if age is under 1 year. Reason: Benadryl is a sedative. Give your doctor a call for advice.
7. Itching Attack – Shower to Remove Irritants:
   • Playing in the grass, being around animals, or swimming can cause increased itching.
   • For itching from these causes, give your child a quick shampoo and shower.
8. Itching Attack – Treatment:
   • At the first sign of any itching, use the steroid cream. Put it on the areas that itch. If unsure, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.
   • Keep your child’s fingernails cut short and smooth.
   • Ask older children to try not to itch, but never punish for itching.
   • For constant itching in young children, cover the hands with socks or gloves. Use for a day or until the itching is brought under control. Provide extra cuddling during this time.
9. Return to School:
   • Eczema cannot be spread to others.
   • Children with eczema do not need to miss any child care or school.
10. What to Expect:
    • Eczema is a chronic condition. Around the teen years, about half get over their eczema.
    • Many children who have severe eczema as babies develop asthma and nasal allergies.
11. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Itching is not under control after 2 days of steroid cream
    • Rash looks infected (spreading redness, yellow scabs or pus)
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

Prevention of Eczema Flare-Ups

1. Tips to Help Prevent Flare-Ups:
   • Some flare-ups of eczema cannot be explained. But others are triggered by things that can be avoided.
   • Avoid chlorine in swimming pools and spas, harsh chemicals, and soaps.
   • Never use bubble bath. It can cause a major flare.
   • Keep your child off the grass during grass pollen season.
   • Avoid any animals that make the rash worse.
   • If certain foods cause severe itching (flares), avoid them.
   • Wear clothes made of cotton or cotton blends as much as possible. Avoid wool fibers and clothes made of other scratchy, rough materials. They make eczema worse.
   • Try to avoid excess heat, excess cold and dry air (use a humidifier). Avoid over-dressing. Heat can make the rash worse.
   • Caution: Keep your child away from anyone with fever blisters (cold sores). The herpes virus can cause a serious skin infection in children with eczema.
2. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You have other questions or concerns

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 11/12/2021

Last Revised: 10/21/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Eczema in babies and children

Eczema is when skin becomes inflamed, itchy, dry, red and cracked.

Symptoms

The main symptom is itching. A severe itch can also cause disturbed sleep and irritability.

Your child’s skin may look red, dry, cracked and sore. They may also have scratch marks and bleeding. Their skin may appear wet if it’s very irritated or infected.

Eczema is most commonly found on the face and in the creases of necks, elbow joints and the backs of knees. But any area of your child’s skin can be affected.

Baby with eczema on arm

Treatment

Take your child to the GP if you think they have eczema.

Your GP can diagnose eczema by looking at the skin. Blood and skin tests are not usually needed. Your GP may dab your child’s skin with a swab (like a cotton bud) to see if the eczema is infected. This should not cause your child any pain.

Your GP may prescribe:

• lotions, creams or ointments to moisturise your child’s skin (emollients) – children who have eczema need their skin moisturised at least 2 to 3 times every day
• steroid creams – to help reduce itching and redness
• antihistamines – to reduce itchiness so that your child can sleep
• cotton bandages – to stop creams rubbing off and prevent your child from scratching
• antibiotics – if your child’s eczema becomes infected

Emollients and fire safety

Lotions, creams or ointments used to moisturise your child’s skin are also known as emollients.

Emollients are very effective at treating chronic dry skin conditions, such as eczema.

But it is important to be aware of the fire risk linked with them.

Emollients won’t cause a fire on their own. But if there is a build-up of emollient residue on clothing and bedding, this can quicken the speed of a fire.

Do not smoke near your baby or allow them near naked flames:

• while they are wearing emollient
• if they are wearing clothes or bandages that may have emollient on them

There is a fire risk with all paraffin-containing emollients. There may also even be a fire risk with paraffin-free emollients. There might also be a fire risk with other products that you put on skin over large body areas for more than a few days.

Washing clothing or fabric at a high temperature may reduce emollient build-up. But it might not totally remove it.

Important

Remember, your baby’s treatment is important. Emollients are a very effective treatment for dry skin conditions. Making sure your baby is never around naked flames or lit cigarettes will keep them safe while they get treatment.

What you can do

You can help reduce your child’s discomfort by:

• keeping their fingernails short to reduce the damage to their skin from scratching
• washing them with aqueous cream instead of soap – ask your pharmacist about aqueous creams and always follow the instructions on the product
• using non-biological detergent and a double rinse cycle when washing their clothes or bedding
• avoiding herbal, ‘natural’ or alternative creams – these can make eczema worse, as they may contain bacteria or high doses of steroids
• rinsing and drying them well after swimming
• dressing them in cool, breathable fabrics like cotton
• keeping them away from anyone with a cold sore – as the cold sore virus can cause eczema to become infected
• using extra moisturiser on areas your child scratches a lot
• avoiding anything you know that causes your child’s eczema to get worse

Around 6 out of 10 children with eczema will grow out of it by the time they’re teenagers.

Causes

The most common type of eczema is ‘atopic eczema’. People with atopic conditions are sensitive to things that cause allergies. Eczema can also be linked to other atopic conditions like asthma, hay fever and food allergies. There’s no cure for atopic eczema, but it can be treated.

Eczema can also be caused by a problem with how the skin works. The skin has a barrier that keeps moisture in and germs out. If someone has eczema, their skin barrier does not work very well. This means their skin can become dry and bacteria can get in.

Eczema triggers

Some things can cause your child’s eczema to get worse, or ‘flare up’. These include:

• being too hot
• wearing wool
• pets
• strong or scented soaps and detergents
• teething
• getting a virus
• stress
• dust

Very rarely, food allergies can trigger eczema. Ask your GP to refer you to an allergy specialist if you think your child has a food allergy. Keep a food diary to see if there’s an obvious link between specific foods and eczema getting worse.

There’s no benefit to avoiding foods associated with allergies if your child is not allergic to them. Milk, eggs, fish, peanuts and other nuts should be introduced into your child’s diet along with other solid foods at 6 months old.

This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 8.

Page last reviewed: 14 November 2018

Next review due: 14 November 2021

Baby eczema: causes, symptoms, treatments and creams

What is eczema?

Eczema is a dry, itchy skin condition that affects up to one in five children (BAD 2017, NICE 2018). It’s most likely to appear for the first time before your child is five years old, and almost half of cases start before six months (NICE 2018).

If your baby has eczema, she’ll have areas of dry, itchy skin that can look red and cracked, and may even weep fluid or bleed (BAD 2017, NICE 2018). On dark skin eczema is brown, purple or grey, and can be difficult to see (NHS 2019, SOCS nd).

You’re most likely to notice eczema on the creases around your baby’s elbows, knees, wrists and neck (BAD 2017). However, eczema can appear on any part of her body, including her face (BAD 2017).

There may be times when your baby doesn’t have any symptoms at all, and times when her symptoms are more noticeable (known as a flare-up) (BAD 2017). These flare-ups are often caused by particular triggers, which can differ from person to person (NICE 2018).

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for eczema, but it can be controlled with the right treatments (BAD 2017). The good news is that most children who have eczema will grow out of the condition by the time they’re in their teens (BAD 2017, NICE 2018).

Eczema is also known as atopic eczema, or atopic dermatitis (BAD 2017). Atopic means that your baby’s immune system has a tendency to react to substances that are normally harmless. This can also be associated with other allergic conditions (BAD 2017).

If your baby has eczema, she has about a one in three chance of developing asthma, hayfever or both (BAD 2017). As with eczema, some babies naturally grow out of these conditions with time (NHS 2018, Tidy 2018).

What causes eczema in babies?

We don’t know exactly what causes eczema, but genes may play a role (BAD 2017, NICE 2018). Most children have about a one in five chance of developing eczema(BAD 2017, NICE 2018), but if you or your partner has it, this rises to about three in five (NICE 2018). If you and your partner both have eczema, your child has a four in five chance of developing it too (NICE 2018).

Allergic conditions, including eczema, asthma, and hayfever, are more common in modern, urban environments (NICE 2018, Platts-Mills and Commins 2018, Weston and Howe 2018). This could be because people who live in these environments are exposed to more chemicals that can trigger an eczema flare-up. Or it could be that our clean, hygienic homes mean that babies’ immune systems are exposed to fewer allergens, causing them to overreact to harmless substances (Platts-Mills and Commins 2018, Weston and Howe 2018).

All in all, we need more research to find out exactly what causes eczema. One thing we do know, however, is that atopic eczema is not contagious, so your baby can’t pass it on to anyone else (BAD 2017).

What can trigger my baby’s eczema flare-ups?

Your baby’s eczema may flare up when she comes into contact with certain triggers. Common triggers for eczema in babies include:

• soaps, bath and skincare products, and laundry detergents (BAD 2017, NICE 2018)
• synthetic (NICE 2018) or woollen (BAD 2017, NICE 2018) fabrics, or clothes made using certain dyes (NICE 2018)
• environmental allergens, such as pets (BAD 2017, NICE 2018), pollen (BAD 2017, NICE 2018) and household dust (BAD 2017)
• food allergens (BAD 2017, NICE 2018), such as milk, egg, wheat, soya and peanuts (NICE 2018)
• unusually hot (BAD 2017, NICE 2018) or cold (NICE 2018) environments

Your little one’s eczema may also flare up when she’s generally under the weather, for example if she’s teething, has a cold (BAD 2017, NICE 2018), or isn’t getting enough sleep (NICE 2018).

Children with eczema are also more prone to skin infections (BAD 2017). An infection such as impetigo, cellulitis or herpes can also cause a severe flare-up, and may need special treatment (BAD 2017, NICE 2018).

How is eczema treated in babies?

If you think your baby may have eczema, speak to your GP (BAD 2017). He can help you to find the right treatment for your little one, which will depend on how bad her eczema is (BAD 2017, NICE 2018). Available treatments include:

Emollients

This is usually the most important step for treating eczema (BAD 2017). Emollients are moisturising treatments, available as creams, lotions and ointments, as well as washes that you can use instead of soap (BAD 2017).

You’ll need to apply lots of emollient to your baby’s skin every day, even when she doesn’t have eczema symptoms (BAD 2017). One good way to remember is to keep emollient near where you change your baby’s nappy, and apply it at most changes.

In particular, be sure to apply emollient after your baby’s bath, while her skin is still damp (NICE 2018). This will help to prevent her skin from drying out too much, reducing the risk of flare-ups (BAD 2017).

There’s a huge variety of moisturisers and emollients available (BAD 2017). There’s no evidence that one cream is better than another, so it’s just a matter of trying different types until you find one that works for you and your baby (NICE 2018).

Once you’ve found one that works, your GP can offer you a repeat prescription to save you more trips to the surgery (NICE 2018). However, emollients can become less effective over time, so it’s best to check in with your GP at least once a year, to make sure that your baby’s still getting the best treatment (NICE 2018).

Avoid using a type of emollient called aqueous cream, as this can irritate the skin and may make your little one’s eczema worse (BAD 2017).

Corticosteroid cream

When your baby is having a flare-up, a corticosteroid cream can soothe the symptoms and help her feel better. There are several different strengths of corticosteroid cream available, and your GP will be careful to prescribe the right strength for your baby’s symptoms (NICE 2018). He’ll also show you exactly how and when to apply it to deal with flare-ups when they happen (NICE 2018).

If your baby has particularly severe eczema, your GP may also recommend using corticosteroid cream in between flare-ups, for example twice a week (NICE 2018). This can help to reduce flare-ups, but you should only try it if your GP recommends it (NICE 2018).

Using strong corticosteroid cream for a long time can sometimes cause side-effects, such as making the skin thinner, or lighter in colour (NHS 2016). Most side-effects will go away once you stop using the cream (NHS 2016). But to be on the safe side, your GP will be careful to prescribe the weakest effective cream, and will only recommend that you use it when it’s really necessary (BAD 2017).

Bandages and wraps

If your baby has severe eczema, your GP may be able to recommend special bandages or wet wraps (BAD 2017, NICE 2018). These can help to keep any creams or lotions on your baby’s skin, as well as generally keeping the skin moist and preventing your baby from scratching her eczema patches (BAD 2017).

If your doctor thinks wraps could be helpful, he’ll help you choose the right one, and show you how to use it effectively (BAD 2017).

Antihistamines

These aren’t usually recommended for treating eczema (NICE 2018). But if your baby isn’t getting enough sleep because the itching from her eczema is always keeping her awake at night, your GP may prescribe a short course of antihistamine liquid medicine to relieve the itching and help her get some sleep (BAD 2017, NICE 2018).

Herbal remedies

There’s not much evidence that these can help your little one’s eczema (NHS 2016). In some cases, they can actually do more harm than good, because the ingredients aren’t regulated (BAD 2017). If you want to try a herbal remedy for your baby’s eczema, always talk to your pharmacist, GP or dermatologist first, and don’t stop using any other medication that’s been prescribed for your baby (NHS 2016).

What other treatments are available?

If the treatments above aren’t enough to control your baby’s eczema, your GP may refer you to a dermatologist, who’ll help you find the right treatment for your little one (NICE 2018).

One possible option is a type of cream known as a calcineurin inhibitor (BAD 2017, NICE 2018). Although these aren’t usually recommended for young babies, they can sometimes help to control symptoms where steroid creams have failed (BAD 2017, NICE 2018). Your dermatologist will discuss the risks and benefits with you, to help you decide if this is something you want to try (NICE 2018).

During a bad flare-up, your dermatologist might recommend a short course of corticosteroid soluble tablets (NHS 2017, NICE 2018). This can be highly effective in helping to clear up a severe flare-up (NICE 2018).

However, corticosteroid medicine shouldn’t be used too often, because long-term use can cause serious side-effects, including affecting your baby’s growth (NICE 2018). Such side-effects are highly unlikely after a single short course, though (NICE 2018).

If your baby has particularly bad eczema that doesn’t respond to other treatments, your dermatologist may recommend a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant (BAD 2017, NHS 2016). This can dampen down your little one’s immune system so it doesn’t overreact to harmless triggers, helping to reduce eczema symptoms. Your doctor will want to keep a close eye on your baby while she’s taking this medicine (BAD 2017).

One final option that can be considered in some cases is ultraviolet light therapy (BAD 2017). Regularly shining UV light on skin can help to reduce eczema symptoms. However, this isn’t usually recommended for babies and young children (BAD 2017), because it normally involves standing up, unaided, inside a UV light box.

What happens if my baby’s eczema becomes infected?

If your baby has eczema, she’s particularly vulnerable to skin infections, especially if she scratches a lot (BAD 2017, NHS 2016). There are two main types of infection that may affect your baby:

Bacterial infections

If your baby has a bacterial infection, her eczema symptoms may get worse (NHS 2016), and you may also notice that areas of her skin:

• ooze or weep fluid
• have a yellow, crusty appearance
• have small, yellow-white spots
• are swollen and sore
  (NHS 2016)

Your baby may also develop a fever if she’s fighting off an infection (NHS 2016).

If you think your baby could have a bacterial infection, see your GP. If the infection is just in a small area, he may prescribe an antibiotic cream to clear it up (NICE 2018). For more widespread infections, he may prescribe antibiotic drops that you can give your baby by mouth, which will treat all the areas at once (NICE 2018).

Viral infections

The herpes simplex virus – which usually causes cold sores – can be more dangerous for babies with eczema. Where possible, try to keep your baby away from people with cold sores (BAD 2017). If you get one yourself, try not to kiss your baby, or share cups and cutlery with her, until it’s fully healed.

If your baby does catch the virus, she may develop a serious condition called eczema herpeticum. Symptoms include:

• patches of eczema that are particularly painful for your baby, and get worse quickly
• fluid-filled blisters that burst, leaving small open sores on your baby’s skin
• a fever and seeming generally under the weather
  (NHS 2016)

If you notice these symptoms, contact your GP straight away, or call NHS 111 for urgent advice (in Wales call 0845 46 47, and in Northern Ireland call your local GP surgery to find your out-of-hours service). Your baby will need to take an antiviral medication called aciclovir to keep the virus in check while her immune system fights it off (NHS 2016). This may involve a short stay in hospital, so the doctors there can keep an eye on her while she’s taking the medicine.

Can I do anything to prevent my baby’s eczema flare-ups?

The most important thing you can do is moisturise your baby’s skin well several times a day, using an effective emollient (BAD 2017). But there are plenty of other steps you can take to reduce your baby’s flare-ups:

• Keep your baby’s fingernails trimmed, to reduce any damage to her skin when she scratches. You could also consider buying some anti-scratch mittens to help protect her skin (NHS 2016, NICE 2018).
• If she gets a flare-up when she wears certain fabrics, dress her in natural materials such as cotton instead (BAD 2017, NHS 2016). Avoid wool though, as this can also be a trigger (BAD 2017).
• Replace soaps and bubble baths with an emollient wash (soap substitute), which is kinder to your baby’s skin (BAD 2017).
• There’s no evidence that using non-biological washing powder can help, however many parents say it works for them (NES 2018). You can also use a double rinse cycle to make sure that any detergent residue is gone from your baby’s clothes and bedding before she uses them (BAD 2017).
• Keep your home cool, especially your baby’s bedroom, as getting too hot and sweaty can cause a flare-up (BAD 2017).
• When you take your baby swimming, rinse her skin well with fresh water afterwards to remove the chlorine, and moisturise her thoroughly after that (BAD 2017).
• If being around your pets seems to make your baby’s eczema worse, keep them out of her bedroom and vacuum the rest of the house regularly (Knott 2018). It’s also a good idea to wash and groom your pets, and their bedding, frequently (Knott 2018). If your child’s eczema is particularly severe, you may even want to consider rehoming your animal (BAD 2017, Knott 2018). As tough as this can be, it may be the best option for your baby.

If you notice that your baby’s eczema flares up after she’s eaten a particular food, speak to your GP before cutting it out of her diet (or your diet, if you’re breastfeeding) (BAD 2017, NICE 2018). Getting advice first will mean that you can be sure she’s still getting all the nutrients she needs to grow up healthy and strong.

Can I prevent my baby from getting eczema in the first place?

There’s no sure-fire way to prevent eczema. But if your baby is at a high risk of developing it – for example, if you or your partner has it – you could try asking your GP or health visitor about emollient creams. These can help to protect your little one’s skin barrier, and may reduce the risk of eczema developing (BAD 2017). Avoid a type of emollient called aqueous cream though, as this can sometimes irritate the skin (BAD 2017).

You may have heard that giving your baby organic milk or fish-oil supplements can help to prevent eczema. This is mainly based on one large study, and other studies haven’t found the same results (Kummeling et al 2008, Anandan et al 2009). It may be worth a try if allergic conditions such as eczema run in your family, but we need more research to be sure.

In general though, unless your baby has flare-ups in response to particular foods, she can enjoy the same healthy diet as other babies her age.

More tips and advice:

References

Anandan C, Nurmatov U, Sheikh A. 2009. Omega 3 and 6 oils for primary prevention of allergic disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergy 64:6

BAD. 2017. Atopic eczema. British Association of Dermatologists, Patient Information Leaflet. www.bad.org.uk [Accessed October 2018]

Knott L. 2018. House dust mite and pet allergy. Patient, Health Info. patient.info [Accessed November 2018]

Kummeling I, Thijs C, Humber M et al. 2007. Consumption of organic foods and risk of atopic disease during the first 2 years of life in the Netherlands. Br J Nut 99(3):598-605

NES. 2018. Childhood atopic eczema: your questions answered… National Eczema Society, Patient Booklet. www.eczema.org [Accessed October 2018]

NHS. 2016. Atopic eczema. NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed October 2018]

NHS. 2018. Asthma. NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed November 2018]

NHS. 2019. Atopic Eczema. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed September 2020]

NICE. 2018.Eczema – atopic.National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk [Accessed October 2018]

Platts-Mills TAE, Commins SP. 2018. Increasing prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis and the role of environmental factors. UpToDate. www.uptodate.com [Accessed October 2018]

SOCS. nd.Eczema Skin of Color Society. https://skinofcolorsociety.org [Accessed September 2020]

Tidy C. 2018. Hay fever and seasonal allergies. Patient, Health Info. patient.info [Accessed November 2018]

Weston WL, Howe W. 2018. Atopic dermatitis (eczema): pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. UpToDate. www.uptodate.com [Accessed October 2018]

6 ways to soothe your baby’s eczema

When your baby is itchy and in pain, you’ll do anything to help her feel better. Four experts weigh in on what actually works.

Watching your baby wail in discomfort from red, irritated, eczema-flared skin can make you feel like you’re at your wits’ end, so we asked experts for tips on how to get the itchy condition under control.

 1. Stick to the basics.

The emollient that’s most recommended to lock moisture into the skin of babies with eczema is plain old petroleum jelly—it’s among the least likely to trigger a reaction, and it’s also the cheapest option. But if you want to try something else, you can find a list of moisturizers that have been reviewed by the Eczema Society of Canada and found to be free of common irritants such as fragrance at eczemahelp.ca. “When trying any new moisturizer, patch-test it on a small area of skin to see if the child reacts to it before applying to their whole body,” suggests Amanda Cresswell-Melville, executive director of the Eczema Society of Canada. And start early. Research suggests that applying emollient daily, starting at birth, can actually reduce the risk of developing eczema by the age of six months by as much as 67 percent in babies with a strong genetic predisposition to the condition.

2. Reduce bath-time irritants.

When your infant has eczema, bubble bath and soap crayons are off limits, because they contain harsh soaps and dyes that can dry and irritate skin. But that doesn’t mean your baby can’t have any fun in the tub. Invest in some colourful bath toys or sing songs while you’re rub-a-dub-dubbing. And speaking of rubbing—don’t. Pat dry with a soft towel and leave skin a bit damp, then moisturize.

3. Stop the scratching.

Because even accidentally scratching the skin can spur itching, you should keep your baby’s nails short and smooth. If she’s is scratching at night, put cotton mittens or socks on your baby’s hands to limit damage to the skin. But this should be a short-term solution. If you find yourself using mittens frequently, it can begin to interfere with motor development, and it’s also a sign the eczema isn’t under control. “When they’re flaring, you need to be aggressive with the topical medication and use it two or three times a day until the flare calms down,” stresses Janice Heard, a Calgary paediatrician and Canadian Paediatric Society spokesperson. If you’re already using medicated cream as directed, promptly notify your doctor it isn’t doing its job.

4. Keep her cool.

   
   

   Everything you need to know about eczema

Heat, and especially sweat, can irritate the skin, so if your baby does get sweaty, rinse her off (sponge baths are fine) as soon as possible, and reapply moisturizer afterward. Even in the winter, keep your baby’s room cool—it should be just warm enough that she’ll be comfy in light pyjamas or a onesie without a blanket. In the summer, dress your baby in loose, light layers to prevent perspiring. If it’s so hot and muggy that sweating is inevitable, a wet T-shirt may help keep her skin cool. To make moisturizer and medicated cream feel extra soothing, try storing them in the refrigerator or an insulated lunch bag with a cold pack.

5. Choose gentle fabrics.

Avoid scratchy lace and wool fabrics, and opt for soft, breathable fabrics, like cotton or cotton blends. if clothing seems to irritate your baby’s skin, you may also want to adjust your laundry routine. Try switching to fragrance-free detergent or soap, and cutting out fabric softener or dryer sheets. Be prepared to experiment—some kids get itchy when you don’t use fabric softener.

6. Add a protective barrier.

Slather an extra layer of petroleum jelly on your baby’s cheeks and nose before heading out for a wintery walk to prevent chapping and irritation from dry winter air. If your baby gets an eczema flare around her mouth, apply petroleum jelly or another thick barrier cream to the area before meals and snacks, advises Michele Ramien, a dermatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. “Kids with eczema have the genetics to develop allergies, and one of the main ways they become allergic is through exposure on broken or damaged skin,” she explains. The barrier will also prevent acidic foods such as strawberries and tomato sauce from irritating the skin when they inevitably get all over your little one’s face.

Read more:
5 most common kid skin rashes and sensitivities (and how to soothe them)
An age-by-age guide to skin rashes and conditions 

90,000 7 Best Remedies for Dry Atopic Skin – Body Care – Pharmacist’s Advice

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, flaky, and itchy rashes.

If you have dry, atopic-prone skin or even eczema, you know that dry, cold weather will lead to flare-ups. Try to follow these tips to prevent or relieve an acute flare-up:

– Do not take long hot showers. Hot water washes away the natural protective film from your skin.

– Avoid clothing made of skin irritating materials. This includes synthetic or woolen fabrics.

– Apply moisturizers to damp skin. For example, right after a shower. This will help keep moisture in the skin for a long time.

– The correct selection of moisturizing, hypoallergenic, soothing agents is required. Choose them without perfume or alcohol.Conversely, these ingredients can cause a sharp outbreak of exacerbation of dryness.

We have selected for you 7 of our best products for atopic skin, recommended by dermatologists and proven by experience.

Noreva Xerodian AR + Soft Cleansing Enriched Gel 745 ml (Noreva, Xerodiane AP +)

Soft Cleansing Enriched Gel gently cleanses and forms a protective film. Non-drying and non-irritating, suitable for daily use during remission of atopic dermatitis.Gentle cleansing base pH 6, soap free.

Topikrem AD Lipid-reducing balm 200 ml (Topicrem, Atopic Skin)

Balm contains linseed oil, which saturates the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6, restores the hydrolipidic film, and allantoin, which reduces irritation, itching, tingling sensation.

Avene Cicalfate + Restoring Barrier Cream 40 ml (Avene, Cicalfate)

Cicalfate + Repairing Barrier Cream for sensitive, irritated and damaged skin and mucous membranes of babies, children and adults.Restores and heals damaged skin 48 hours after application, creating a bandage effect. Relieves irritation and redness, protects against re-infection. Restores skin after minor dermatological treatments.

Uriage Ksemoz Cleansing Soothing Oil 500 ml (Uriage, Xemose)

Gently cleanses the skin. Soothes the feeling of itching, tightness and discomfort. Softens: restores softness and comfort to the skin. Restores the barrier function of the skin.

La Roche-Posay Nourishing cream Intense for deep skin regeneration, 50 ml (La Roche-Posay, Nutritic)

Intensively restores the upper layers of the epidermis after the first application. The product gently envelops the skin, eliminating the feeling of tightness, burning and tingling with pronounced facial expressions. Reduces sensitivity and flaking while restoring the protective barrier. The skin gains comfort, becomes firmer and softer.

Uriage Bariederm regenerating cica-cream with Cu-Zn 100 ml (Uriage, Bariederm)

Suitable for all family members, including newborn children.Protects, relieves discomfort and heals. Stimulates skin regeneration mechanisms. Accelerates the healing of epidemis and dermis and reduces inflammation. Heals: limits the growth of bacteria on the damaged area of ​​the skin.

Bioderma Revitalizing hand and nail cream, 50 ml (Bioderma, Atoderm)

By restoring and nourishing, it reduces the sensations of dryness and irritation often caused by dermatological problems (dry irritation, cracks, peeling, …).Moisturizes, protects and softens the skin of the hands. Excellent portability.

90,000 Goodbye dry skin! Read about the new unique line Pharmaceris Emotopic

Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema are common,
chronic, inflammatory skin conditions that cause increased
itching, severe dryness and irritation.These diseases, especially atopic
dermatitis affects not only adults but also children. Often these diseases
are hereditary and most often develop in families with bronchial
asthma or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Irritated skin can no longer protect the body from bacteria, fungi and
viruses. If they come into contact with the affected skin, they can cause
allergies or inflammation, and the skin starts to itch. Redness and dryness cause
inconvenience and increase social discomfort.

Hemp and rapeseed oil are the two most important natural
oils that are effective for dry skin care. A combination of nutritional and
soothing rapeseed and hemp seed oils can help relieve itching, burning and
irritation. This will help restore a sense of comfort when stiff, rough and
irritated skin. The oils included in the composition help to treat minor
damage to the skin, reduce the risk of disease progression in areas
prone to more frequent wounds.Natural oils strengthen
natural barrier of hydrolipids in the skin, nourish the skin and promote its regeneration.

Pharmaceris EMOTOPIC is a specialized line of emollients
for daily care of dry, very dry, dehydrated and sensitive
skin prone to itching and irritation, as well as skin with atopic dermatitis.
Thanks to the synergistic action of the active ingredients, the products are intensely
nourish the skin and restore the moisture level of the skin, leaving it soft and
elastic.Products provide effective protection and comfort for healthy skin in
any age. Natural oils included in the product line with
with proven effectiveness, they strengthen the lipid layer of the skin, ensuring the correct
the functioning of the skin structure from the first day of life in newborns, children and
adults.

What is emollient?

Emollients are widely used in cosmetics, especially for atopic dermatitis. They reduce and relieve inflammation, itching and improve the appearance of the skin.The emollient effect of emollients promotes relaxation, increases elasticity and moisturizes the deep layers of the epidermis. Emollients are used for a variety of skin problems, including atopic dermatitis – their main properties are to restore the skin’s natural lipid barrier and prevent further moisture loss, softening rough and dry skin to help prevent itching.

People with atopic dermatitis have an increased excretion of moisture from the epidermis, which makes the skin dry and vulnerable and more prone to irritation.Exacerbation of atopic dermatitis can be caused by stress, environment and lifestyle, climate, viral and bacterial infections, food allergies, washing and care products that dry the skin, synthetic or wool clothing.

Approximately 10% of children develop atopic dermatitis at a very early age *. In infancy, the scalp and cheeks are most commonly affected. Later, more severe skin damage occurs on the surface of the elbows and knees.

Products containing emollients can also help relieve symptoms of other skin problems that cause dryness – systemic dermatoses (ichthyosis, psoriasis, eczema) and diseases such as diabetes, renal failure, hypothyroidism, neurological diseases, neoplasms on internal organs. anorexia.Therapy can also contribute to dry or irritated skin – phototherapy, radiation therapy, medication. Also, age-related causes and itching can also contribute to dry skin.

The occurrence of dry skin indicates an imbalance in the hydrolipidic protective barrier of the epidermis. Protection from harmful environmental factors is reduced, which, in turn, promotes the penetration of various irritants and allergens into the deeper layers of the skin, which leads to redness and itching.Itching and the urge to scratch increases over time, which mechanically damages the upper and protective layers of the skin, resulting in inflammation and a more fertile environment for harmful irritants. To avoid this, you should start taking care of your skin as early as possible, at the first symptoms.

EmoTopic is a specialized line of emollients for skin care with case:

dry skin

sensitive skin

periodically dry skin

skin prone to flaking and itching

irritated skin

skin with atopic dermatitis

EMOTOPIC – patented formula!

This system inhibits the development and activity of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that can aggravate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.Synergy made it possible to reduce the concentration of preservatives while maintaining their effectiveness.

EMOTOPIC emollients are based on natural oils – a combination of rapeseed and hemp seed oils. Both oils are of natural origin.

Hemp seed oil is an extremely rich source of essential unsaturated fatty acids that form a barrier to protect the skin from environmental stress and moisture loss. It also contains vitamins A, D, E and minerals. Hemp seed oil has antioxidant properties, soothes itching, irritation and redness, and reduces inflammation.Moisturizes skin and regulates sebum secretion. Especially recommended for dry, allergic, sensitive skin, skin with atopic dermatitis and psoriatic skin.

Rapeseed oil is obtained from cruciferous plants. Due to its high content of natural sterols, it is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This oil is especially rich in vitamin E. Natural vitamin E is more active and stronger than artificially synthesized one. It protects the viability of cell membranes (membranes).Rapeseed oil has pronounced soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces swelling, redness and sensitivity of the skin.

Medicinal lanolin promotes skin healing. Forms a thin protective layer on the skin and prevents moisture loss. Reduces redness, from

ear and peeling of the skin.
Hypoallergenic.

Peptides are proteins
molecules which consist of short amino acid sequences. They
are produced naturally in the body, so they do not cause allergies
and rarely cause side effects.They are bioregulators that
restore damaged cells and their functions, they are very effective and can
quickly improve the condition of the skin.

Hyaluronate
sodium is a water-soluble salt of hyaluronic acid, which
has been scientifically developed to improve stability and reduce the likelihood
oxidation. Sodium hyaluronate is a smaller molecule than hyaluronic acid
a size that allows it to more easily penetrate the skin.Acts as a restraint
moisture agent and attracts water to the skin to moisturize it.

Get to know EmoTopic products here
and find more suitable products for your dry skin!