Eczema, also referred to in some places as atopic dermatitis, is a form of skin inflammation prevalent in infants and children. Even with much research being done, the causes of eczema are not known. However, genetic, environmental and immunological factors do contribute to this. It is essential to know the symptoms, causes, and treatment of eczema to address the potential harm in affected babies. This read focuses on eczema treatment for infants.
What Causes Eczema in Babies?
Before knowing eczema treatment for infants, it is essential to know what causes it. There are several ways in which such babies can develop eczema. Some of the risk factors are:
- Environmental Allergens: Risk factors like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen are dangerous allergy triggers that can affect a newborn’s skin. These main allergens are usually around the bedding, carpets and soft toys. Cleaning of the mattresses will reduce exposure and the use of allergen-proof covers.
- Irritants: A wide variety of standard products may cause a baby’s skin to react and become inflamed. These include soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, and even baby wipes. Therefore, it is also advisable to avoid itchy lotions and instead select products specially made for sensitive skin and indicated as hypoallergenic.
- Clothing and Fabrics: Some clothes exacerbate the condition. Clothing made of wool, synthetic material, tough fabric, etc., will likely cause rub. The best clothing for a baby’s skin is cotton and looser clothing to avoid tightening infants’ skin.
- Temperature and Climate: Heat and cold, as well as humid air, can trigger eczema. Dry skin or eczema may be tough to deal with in hot and damp weather as they experience stress like adults.
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections may also negatively affect eczema. The skin must be kept clean, and diseases must be treated promptly using recommended medications as a healthcare provider instructs.
- Genetic Factors: A baby’s risk of eczema rises if they have a history of eczema running in the family or asthma and allergies. Although there’s no way to modify genetic disposition, it is good to know about it so that we can take preventive steps and seek proper medical attention.
These triggers are controllable and parents may be able to check on their baby’s skin condition.
Is Eczema Uncomfortable For Babies?
Yes, it is! That is why it is essential to opt for eczema treatment for infants. Here is why:
- Intense Itching: The first symptom of the disease is intense itching. Unlike older children and adults, infants cannot scratch themselves sufficiently, which causes irritation and increased discomfort.
- Skin Damage from Scratching: Some scratches can cause skin damage. Scratching the skin leaves the skin open with marked red areas that may bleed. This damage can cause more pain and increase the probability of skin infections.
- Sleep Disruptions: Eczema discomfort usually increases at night, and babies suffering from eczema have poor sleep patterns. Eczema entails frequent waking up and problems of falling and keeping asleep, which causes sleep deprivation for both the infant and the caretakers. This is another cause of poor sleep, which leads to increased irritability and discomfort when awake.
- Pain from Infections: Scabs from open sores and tissue damaged from scratching can become infected with bacteria and viruses. These infections can lead to further irritation, swelling, and pus formation. In some instances, the disease may be so severe that one may need to seek medical attention and take antibiotics or antiviral medication.
- Dry, Cracked Skin: It causes the skin to become very dry and rough. This dryness can cause extremely painful fissures, especially in the hands, feet, and joints, which move pretty frequently. It involves drying the skin, and it cracks again, becoming very painful and irritating to babies.
Can Eczema Treatment for Infants Be Skipped?
Not really! Let’s know why:
- Natural Improvement Over Time: Most children learn to heal eczema automatically as they age. It is believed that for some, the condition could even be reduced dramatically or disappear entirely by school age. This improvement is due to the development of the immune system and skin barrier.
- Variable Persistence: Some children may outgrow eczema and, therefore, do not have any symptoms beyond childhood. Others may experience eczema in their teens or even adulthood. Hereditary aspects, the condition’s intensity and the treatment’s effectiveness in childhood may influence the repeatability of eczema.
- Effective Management: Treatments for eczema early on and cases that are well managed can reduce the impact of flares and increase the likelihood that it is outgrown. Avoiding the flare-up-causing factors and regular use of any prescribed treatment can also help maintain healthy skin.
- Family History: Genetic factors have also been implicated in developing or eliminating eczema in children. Family history is also a predisposing factor for children with persistent eczema associated with these conditions.
- Environmental Factors: Some environmental factors also affect the pathophysiology of eczema. Environmental control, avoidance of baby skin contact with allergens, and use of hypoallergenic products can help prevent the worsening of eczema.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Eczema treatment for infants cover nutritional care and lifestyle modifications to improve skin condition and prevent eczema development. It will be helpful to know the allergens in food and eliminate the ones to which you have an allergic reaction, and the need for a balanced diet may also help improve the skin.
Eczema Treatment For Infants
Managing and preventing the condition in infants with eczema requires implementing various methods to control the disorder’s symptoms.
- Moisturizing Regularly: It is essential to maintain moisturized skin on your baby. Apply fragrance-free and non-allergenic moisturizers at least twice daily, especially after showering.
- Bathing Techniques: Here is the ideal way
- Bathe the child in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
- Avoid the use of harsh soaps or scented soaps.
- After washing the skin, blot it dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer immediately.
- Medications: When the infection is overwhelming to the point of causing inflammation or itching, a paediatrician may prescribe topical corticosteroids. These medications should be taken strictly as prescribed to prevent the above side effects.
- Avoiding Triggers: Avoid known allergens and take actions to reduce exposure. This may require using particular laundry detergents and clothes made from specific fabrics that are gentle and do not irritate your child’s skin, as well as an ambient home environment with no potential allergens.
- Wet Wrap Therapy: In terms of severe eczema, wet wrap is applicable. This involves applying moist dressings on moisturizers and medication and covering the infected skin further with dry dressings to secure the moisture and reduce the itching.
According to research, exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months or, if this is not possible, supplements that encourage friendly gut bacteria (called prebiotics) might help prevent in infants born into families who already have eczema.it
Foods That Should Never Be Given to a Baby with Eczema.
Certain foods cause eczema to relapse in some babies. Some familiar sources of intolerance are milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts. Discuss the potential food allergies of the child with a primary care pediatrician or a pediatric allergist. There will be suggestions to eliminate certain foods from the diet or order allergy tests.
Conclusion
A plan for preventing and managing eczema is a must while seeking eczema treatment for infants. Although the eczema treatment for infants may involve some discomfort, proper relief can make it much easier for your baby to live with the condition. Eczema can be managed through regular care and therapies, especially if it is performed gradually and the right strategies are applied.
