Is Child or 'Baby Eczema' An Allergy Symptom?

Infantile Eczema or baby eczema is a skin condition that occurs in infants and older children. It is usually caused by a combination of factors, from dry and highly sensitive skin to different types of skin diseases, or simply from allergies.

Baby eczema is thought to have a genetic component, as some people seem to be prone to allergies and dry skin. Many allergies in children occur during the first years of life and often seem almost impossible to prevent. This is why you should observe the factors - foods, chemicals, allergens or irritants - that might trigger your child's allergy, causing eczema rashes.

What are the triggers of allergies in children?

Beside heredity, hay fever and asthma are the most common factors linked with baby eczema, and these are all related to allergies. Excessive heat and emotional stresscan also cause eczema rashes. Many specialists believe certain fabrics, detergents or soaps; skin care products and perfumes also triggerbaby eczema. In order to prevent flare-ups of eczema, you should avoid using chemical products for your baby's hygiene, and opt for pharmaceutical or dermatological ones.

Allergies in children often develop due to dry air, so, while air-filtering devices can be useful, air conditioning devices in your child's room should be avoided. Pollen, mold, dust and smoke are common irritants, and can cause dry skin and eczema rashes. Some other triggers for baby eczema are animal dander, highly acidic foods or drinks, dairy products and sweating.

Which are the most common baby eczema symptoms?

Eczema rashes usually manifest through itchy, dry skin, with small, red bumps usually located on the cheeks, forehead or on your baby's scalp. This is why this condition is also called cradle cap. Occasionally, the rash can spread to legs and arms also, so it's possible to notice some small, slightly raised rashes on the backs of the ankles or wrists, or in the bends of elbows.

The typical symptom of baby eczema is the dry skin, often with a rough texture and small bumps. White, scattered patches can also be present, and from time to time some areas of the skin can become more irritated and flare-up.

This type of allergy occurs in 1 of 10 children and its symptoms usually disappear within few years. However, there are cases in which the signs of baby eczema are still present during adolescence or throughout early adulthood.

Can baby eczema be treated?

Yes. This illness is easy to recognize and the diagnosis is usually based on the medical history of the patient and the present symptoms. An allergy specialist might examine the distribution of the rash; its appearance and he might look for evidence of thicker skin, caused by itching and rubbing.

Treatment options for eczema rashes can include antihistamines, which help to control the itching sensation, and antibiotics for preventing or treating secondary infections, non-steroid medications and topical corticosteroids.

These can be found in different forms, usually creams and ointments. They should be applied directly on the affected regions of the skin, twice a day, until the skin recovers. Daily moisturizing lotions are very important for treating baby eczema, and they should be applied to the whole body, in order to prevent the re-appearance of dry skin.

For parents looking for 'natural' eczema and skin rash treatments, non-invasive (no shots and no drugs), electrodermal testing and natural supplements have proven very effective in reducing or eliminating many types of allergy symptoms, including skin rashes and eczema.