How to treat baby eczema?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Infant eczema is a common type of skin allergic inflammation in children, with a higher incidence in infants and young children. General care for infant eczema primarily involves skin care, focusing on moisturizing the skin. Children who are allergic in nature are more susceptible to eczema triggered by allergens, hence it is crucial to avoid allergens. It is advisable to wear cotton clothing, preferably in light colors, which are soft and comfortable. It is best to avoid synthetic fibers or animal fur clothing, as these can easily cause allergies. Additionally, skin moisturizing is important; it is recommended to keep bath times under ten minutes and the water not too hot. Avoid using alkaline bath products, which can scrub the baby's skin and potentially damage the skin barrier, worsening the eczema. The recommended water temperature is around 38 degrees Celsius, and bathing time should not exceed ten minutes. Room temperature should not be too warm. The room's air humidity should be maintained between 50% to 70%. It is advisable for infants not to be overly full when feeding, as excessive food intake can burden their digestive system and potentially exacerbate eczema. Mothers should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating foods or allergenic foods like seafood. For baby rashes, moisturizers, predominantly those with a simple composition like mineral oil and free of dyes and fragrances, are recommended. Avoid using diluted lotions with a high water content. Applying moisturizer within about 3 minutes after bathing can optimize moisture retention. If the eczema is extensive with noticeable exudation or redness, and the baby is noticeably distressed, further medical consultation should be sought at a hospital. Dermatologists can prescribe appropriate medication based on the baby’s condition. It is generally not recommended for parents to use corticosteroid ointments on their own due to potential side effects and risks of improper use.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Does baby eczema spread?

Babies with eczema indicate that the child has skin damage. Eczema is a common skin disease in infants and is not contagious, so eczema does not spread as only infectious diseases are contagious. When a child has eczema, the first step is to ensure proper moisturizing. On this basis, under the guidance of a doctor, some mild corticosteroids can be used. Normally, if we come into contact with a child who has eczema, we will not contract it ourselves. Parents can be reassured about this, as this is an inherent immune response of the child and is not spread through contact or the respiratory or digestive tracts.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What should not be eaten with eczema?

The pathogenesis of eczema is very complex. As for which foods should be avoided, it is based on frequent observation. If you are unsure about which foods to avoid, you can go to the hospital for allergen testing. It is important to be cautious about dietary restrictions for babies, and while avoiding certain foods, it is also necessary to ensure the intake of nutrients.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What is eczema?

Eczema is a type of skin inflammation caused by multiple internal and external factors, characterized by various forms of rashes that usually have a significant tendency to exude fluid, hence the name "eczema." It usually comes with significant itching and is prone to recurrence, causing distress in patients' lives. Infant eczema is a common type of skin disease in babies and is a specific type of eczema. Commonly known as "milk cradle cap" in folk terminology, it is not a fungal disease but, like eczema, is an allergic reaction type of skin disease. Unlike other forms of eczema, however, infant eczema typically diminishes and often disappears as the child ages, with only a small fraction continuing into adulthood.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Symptoms of anal eczema

Anal eczema actually refers to perianal eczema, which mostly affects the skin around the anus and can also extend to the perineum and external genitalia. Depending on the duration of the disease and the condition of the skin lesions, anal eczema can be clinically divided into acute and chronic types. The clinical symptoms mainly manifest as: in the acute phase, the skin around the anus is red and moist, with papules and skin erosions, while in the chronic phase, the local skin is infiltrated and thickened, with fissures, often accompanied by itching and pain.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can infants with eczema take baths?

Infant eczema is an allergic disease, and its skin can become secondarily infected, especially if cleanliness is not maintained, making it prone to bacterial infection. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to hygiene with eczema, and next, some anti-allergy medications should be used. If the body is very dirty, bathing is definitely possible. When bathing, it is important to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. If there are broken areas on the skin, it might be necessary to use boiled water, cooled to around 37 degrees Celsius, for bathing the baby, which is the best. Additionally, eczema can be treated topically with some ointments to promote its subsidence.