Eczema in babies

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin disease. Most doctors or dermatologist used interchangeably the terms dermatitis and eczema. There are different types of eczema, according to the root of the problem. They all have one thing in common:

• They are manifested by dry, red, cracked
• Itchy
• It can be painful
• It may bleed when she scratched

The areas most affected are the hands, face, folds and creases of the elbows knees. In infants, eczema is most often on the forehead, cheeks, chin and buttocks. This form typically red patches with a sense of "granite" feel. Found that microvesicles may rupture and cause oozing.

Atopic eczema is a chronic skin problem hereditary. A child with atopic, that is to say, a genetic predisposition to develop certain allergic diseases may develop eczema, but also asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Eczema can also be caused by a skin irritation caused by chemicals, such as laundry detergents and softeners. This is known as contact dermatitis, which is not hereditary. A child with atopic eczema may develop contact dermatitis. If this is the case, try changing laundry. Contact eczema can also be a reaction to a specific substance, such as nickel in jewelry. However, the allergic reaction can spread and affect other areas of skin.

Eczema can be extremely difficult in infants and young children because it causes itching. They may superinfected lesions if they are scratching a lot.

How to treat eczema?

The treatment of eczema depends on its severity. If your baby suffers from eczema light touch, you may be advised to apply only for a while a cream containing steroids underpowered.

Atopic eczema can be treated in two ways. Dryness of the skin worse, it is essential to prevent outbreaks while moisturizing the skin. There are many moisturizers and emollients. You may need to try several before finding one that best suits your child. They are available as creams, ointments, lotions and bath additives. It may be necessary to apply a lot and regularly. Your doctor will prescribe the most suitable product once you have found.

Childhood diseases and skin pictures

Also avoid all attacks of the skin by cold, direct contact with tissue irritants such as wool. Do not leave it in the bath too long and dry them very gently the skin leaving the water. Also, use a soap surgras designed for atopic skin.

In addition to essential health care, your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe creams containing corticosteroids to treat flares occasionally. It is essential to use them sparingly to avoid the risk of side effects, especially in young children. Eczema can also be complicated by secondary infections of the skin (often caused by scratching the skin crack up). Oral antihistamines are sometimes used against itching. Those for young children often provoke drowsiness and are therefore rather taken in the evening. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist before giving antihistamines to your children.

How to relieve?

Here are some other things you can try:

• Eczema is an allergic reaction, certain foods such as cow's milk or eggs, can trigger a flare if your child is allergic Talk to your doctor or an allergist who will carry perhaps allergy tests to find food involved.

• Doctors and allergists usually advise to avoid contact with pet in serious cases of eczema. Must then find a space for your pet is a part of the house or outside.

• It is believed that dust mites house cause of eczema. To reduce the amount of dust that moves in your house, use a soft damp cloth to clean. In extreme cases, replace carpets with hard flooring. Frequently wash bedding (sheets, pillows ...) at high temperature if possible and opt for specialty products, many on the market, such as vacuum cleaners, aerosol filters and special.

• Exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months helps protect against eczema and other allergies. Some infants and children who develop eczema may be allergic to cow's milk. It is important to talk to your doctor or allergist before eliminating cow's milk (or milk powder made from cow's milk) to feed your toddler.

• Prefer cotton clothing or based on a mixture of cotton. Avoid wool and synthetic fibers.

• Overheating can aggravate eczema, the preferred bedding and light clothing in layers and expect to be able to easily adjust the temperature.

• Cut your child's nails short to prevent irritation of the lesions of the skin when scratching. You can also put cotton mittens if your baby is scratching at night.