Can olive oil be used for infant eczema?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on September 16, 2024
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It is not recommended to apply olive oil for baby eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. The treatment of eczema includes two aspects. The first is localized moisturizing, and the second is the use of mild corticosteroid creams under the guidance of a doctor. Olive oil, being an oily substance, is not suitable for eczema. Moisturizing for eczema should be done with a baby-specific moisturizer, which can effectively alleviate the dryness of the skin. Additionally, if olive oil is used, it can make the skin particularly greasy and impede skin breathability, hence it is not advised for use on children. It is very important to use a baby moisturizer.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
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Pediatric eczema, what department to see?

Infant eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic and recurrent skin disease that is particularly common in infants and toddlers. When a child has eczema, it primarily appears on the face, and severe cases can affect the entire body. Since eczema primarily affects the skin, when a child has eczema, they can visit a dermatologist. Generally, children's hospitals have specialized pediatric dermatology departments. Even if a general hospital does not have a pediatric dermatology department, it is still possible to seek treatment there. At the same time, pediatricians also have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating infant eczema, so consulting a pediatrician in a general hospital can also provide excellent care for the child.

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Written by Liu Li
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Can children with allergic eczema eat egg yolks?

If a baby has allergic eczema, generally, they can eat egg yolks under normal circumstances. However, it still depends on whether the baby is allergic to egg yolks. Many babies with eczema can eat egg yolks without worsening their condition; if this is the case, they can eat them. However, there are a few babies who are sensitive to some specific components of egg yolks, which can worsen their eczema. In such cases, it is best to avoid eating egg yolks. This should be based on each child's individual differences. It is advisable to avoid egg yolks while the baby is suffering from eczema and to also apply some anti-inflammatory ointments locally to control the eczema. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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What is baby eczema?

Pediatric eczema is usually caused by several factors. First, genetic factors are serious; second, it is due to immune function. Children with weaker immune systems are particularly prone to eczema; third, it is due to environmental conditions, specifically the humidity of the environment. For example, the area around a child's diaper or the indoor air might be humid, and these conditions can lead to the development of eczema in children. Typically, due to weaker immunity in children, once they contract eczema, it tends to recur and persist. Therefore, in addition to symptomatic treatment with eczema creams or traditional Chinese medicine washes, it is best to avoid using hormonal medications. At the same time, it is important to keep the skin of the affected area dry and avoid damp conditions as much as possible to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What medicine should be used for infant eczema?

Infant eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that is fairly common in infants and young children. When eczema occurs, the affected area typically shows skin redness, followed by rashes and rough skin. Some may experience scaling and exudation, and the itching can be quite intense for the child. Eczema, as the name might suggest, is not caused by moist skin but rather by dry skin in the affected area, hence moisturizing makes up a significant part of the treatment. A thick layer of moisturizer specifically designed for infants should be applied to the child, three to four times a day. Based on the severity of the eczema, mild steroid creams can be used to effectively control the condition. For breastfed children, the mother should avoid consuming beef, lamb, nuts, seafood, and fermented rice wine, as these might exacerbate the condition. For children on formula, depending on the severity of the eczema, amino acid-based formulas or extensively hydrolyzed protein formulas should be given.

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Can calamine lotion be used for baby eczema?

Infant eczema is a common skin condition in babies and toddlers. Generally, we do not recommend the use of calamine lotion for eczema, as although it has an itch-relieving effect when applied locally, it can make the skin even drier. Therefore, if the skin is itchy, temporarily using calamine lotion is possible, but it is not recommended for long-term use in treating eczema. The treatment of eczema consists of 60%-70% moisturizing and 30%-40% may involve the use of mild corticosteroid creams under the guidance of a doctor. Overall, moisturizing is the main treatment for eczema, while hormone therapy can be a supportive treatment. Calamine lotion can be temporarily used to relieve itching, but it is not recommended as a standard treatment method for eczema. Additionally, for infants who are on formula, it is important to use hydrolyzed protein formula, and if breastfeeding, the mother’s diet needs to be carefully managed.