Causes And Treatments For Eczema In Babies

Eczema is a chronic inflammation of the skin characterized by an extensive rash, intense burning, and itching. Eczema is allergic and neurological. It can appear in the first months of a baby’s life, or it can occur in adolescence. But in either case, it can cause pain and irritation. Here are some of the causes of eczema and things to be aware of if you suspect your baby may have it.

Why does it happen?

The only reason leading to eczema in a child is genetic predisposition. If there are relatives in the family, especially mom and dad, who have a history of eczema, the likelihood of its appearance in the baby increases dramatically.

For eczema to manifest itself there are things that can trigger its appearance. It could be:

  • An allergy in an acute form, most often to products, household chemicals, perfumes, hygiene products;
  • Severe stress expressed in a constant scratching of the skin;
  • Skin irritants;
  • Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, and other internal organs;
  • Metabolic disorders;
  • Weakening of the immune system.

More often, eczema appears in babies between 2 and 6 months. This is because the gastrointestinal tract of the child is immature, the skin is very sensitive, and various irritants can be perceived as hostile, which causes an allergic reaction. The second period of appearance of eczema is adolescence. The hormonal changes that accompany it frequently provoke the appearance of eczema.

Types of eczema

Seborrhea and microbial eczema occur most frequently in children.

Acute true eczema is characterized by the occurrence of bright red lesions in the form of many small blisters, first on the face in the cheek area, then on the hands and feet. The blisters burst, and in their place form pinpoint erosion with serous exudate (serous wells). After a while, the erosions are covered with crusts and scales. Such eczema grows very quickly and is accompanied by intense itching.

Semi-acute eczema appears in the same way as during the acute form. Only the swelling and soaking erosion are much less pronounced and their color is bluish pink. Itching and burning are not as severe, but infiltration joins them.

Both manifestations of eczema disappear over time, but may reappear at any time under the influence of a triggering factor.

Chronic eczema accompanies the child constantly, and is exacerbated in the fall and winter. It is characterized by the appearance of blisters on the skin and infiltration. Moist erosion, itching, and burning occur mostly during periods of exacerbation.

Seborrhea eczema affects areas of the body rich in sebaceous glands: the scalp, nasolabial folds, and auricles. The sternum and the area between the shoulder blades may also be impacted. More often, this type of eczema appears in infancy and during puberty. It looks as follows: yellowish and yellowish-brown plaques with a buildup of oily scales that may become soggy in some cases, with slight infiltration. They coalesce and form a ring or garland shape.

Microbial eczema most frequently develops against the background of a staphylococcal or streptococcal infection in the child’s body, especially when the immune system is weakened. It is manifested by pitting erosion covered with plugs. It can occur all over the body and head.

Eczema diet

Given the allergic nature of the disease, a hypoallergenic diet should be followed constantly. During a period of subsiding inflammation, the range of allowed products expands. During the acute manifestations of the pathology, a stronger diet is required.

Along with taking medications, proper nutrition with restriction of the consumption of allergenic products is the key to the successful treatment of eczema.

If the baby is breastfed and has eczema problems, there could be a chance that this is related to the mother’s diet. For formula-fed babies, they should be switched to a hypoallergenic formula. But be sure to study and monitor the composition of the formula. After all, the goal of a hypoallergenic diet is:

  • Providing the body with all the necessary nutrients in an easily digestible form;
  • Filling the stores with vitamins and minerals responsible for the health of the skin (vitamins E, C, A, D, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, etc.);
  • Regulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism;
  • Replenishment of energy consumption;
  • Excretion of toxins from the body (with pectin, dietary fiber);
  • Restoration and strengthening of the intestinal microflora;
  • A beneficial effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

A rational, balanced diet is the best foundation for healthy skin in a baby.

Hypoallergenic baby formula

Today, the baby food market offers a huge range of different milk formulas, including hypoallergenic products. It can be overwhelming to choose a favorite particular brand. If the child has any allergies, it is important to talk to your pediatrician who can help guide you to find the right formula in this instance.

The hypoallergenic formula for your baby must be consistent with the individual characteristics of his body, so you should pay special attention to the composition. Recently, more baby formula brands based on goat’s milk have appeared on the market. This product is intended exclusively for children who cannot tolerate the protein of cow’s milk. As a result of the hydrochloric acid with goat’s milk, babies do not regurgitate the mixture and experience no discomfort. One of the best brands of goat milk formula is Holle Formula, which contains prebiotic fibers, bifido and lacto bacteria, minerals, amino acids, vegetable oils, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Made from 100% organic raw materials, as certified.

According to the age group, allergy baby food is divided in the same way as conventional dairy formulas: Adapted products for infants from birth to six months are produced with one unit on the package. Packages with partially adapted composition are marked with the number “2” and are intended for children from 6 months to one year.

How to treat eczema?

If your baby has eczema, you should always consult a pediatrician and dermatologist, as the first step is to find out what has triggered it.

If the baby is breastfed, the doctor suggests that the mother should review her diet and exclude products that provoke allergies. If it is fed via formula, the doctor may propose switching to a hypoallergenic formula. If the baby is already eating on his own, his diet will be reconsidered.

There are certain foods that can trigger the appearance of eczema, and this is different for each child. You can try eliminating certain foods if you see this occur in your child.

be sure to replace all hygiene products with hypoallergenic, designed specifically for children’s skin, or reduce their use to a minimum.

The child’s clothing can also cause irritation and prolong eczema. Remove everything that is made of synthetic fabrics, especially if it comes into direct contact with the child’s skin. Make sure that clothing is not too tight, and its seams do not rub on the skin.

To find the right remedy requires being specific about the type of eczema your child has. Be sure to speak to your pediatrician to get the right course of treatment after an examination. General sedatives, vitamins, antiparasitic and antihistamines are some of the treatments prescribed by doctors. There is help available to treat eczema in babies, and it often becomes less invasive and irritable over time.