Eczema affects a large number of babies around the world. It causes irritation that can be unbearable for the baby, but it also draws the eyes of others. But how can you prevent it? This article will give you the tips you need to help.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Baby eczema is a dermatosis that is characterized by an inflammation of the skin of an infant. This disease is not contagious, but it has been found in more than 1 in 3 babies worldwide, according to statistics. Typically, infant eczema is often recognized by abnormally dry, or atopic, skin. This term refers to the fact that a baby with this condition has genetic predispositions that make him or her more susceptible to allergies, hence the eczema. Baby eczema is mainly due to the fact that the baby in question has a weak protective barrier in his or her body. Specifically, the baby's skin no longer protects him or her from environmental aggressors and becomes more and more permeable as the condition develops. As a result, the baby's skin becomes dry, irritable and increasingly susceptible to infection. When infant eczema affects the face area, it is mostly localized on the forehead, cheeks or chin. When it affects the body, the most common areas are the shoulders, arm and forearm, back, buttocks, thighs and leg. But the symptoms usually start to disappear when this barrier is stronger, that is to say around 5 years. However, it is advisable to contact a doctor directly if your baby cannot sleep properly because of eczema, if the disease progresses to a respiratory allergy or if he or she develops a fever or a rise in temperature on the areas where infant eczema has been detected.
CAUSES OF BABY ECZEMA
According to experts, the main cause of baby eczema is related to the child's heredity and genetic lineage. According to statistics, if one of the parents was affected by this disease as a baby, the infant is at risk of developing eczema. If both parents have been affected, the level of risk becomes greater. It turns out that this disease tends to appear in families that have predisposed genes. However, several parameters other than genetics can also cause infant eczema. For example, the temperature and humidity levels that vary between the different seasons of the year can cause this atopic dermatitis in an infant. Certainly, the cold of winter, mixed with the lack of humidity can easily dry out the skin and make it even more vulnerable. On the other hand, some studies have also shown that some foods are also the cause of many cases of baby eczema. These foods include certain fruits, dairy products, eggs, peanut products, etc. In some cases, the inflammatory disease may be caused by a contact allergy. This may be due to contact with dust mites, pet hair, or certain products you use on a daily basis, such as laundry. Finally, baby eczema is often associated with other allergies such as asthma. If you don't know the cause of your baby's eczema, but the symptoms are getting out of control, it's a good idea to have allergy tests done.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BABY HAS ECZEMA?
Generally, the first symptoms appear between the 2nd and 5th month of life. It's only after these first symptoms appear that the disease causes flare-ups, also known as an eczema attack. At first, the skin of a baby with infant eczema becomes dry, permeable and more prone to infection. The skin becomes red and then develops into very dry scabs that cover the affected area. So, you'll know your child has baby eczema if the red, crusted areas start to itch and the itching becomes almost unbearable to the point of preventing your child from sleeping normally. In fact, babies with eczema are often itchy and irritable without you knowing why. In the long run, the rash develops into skin lesions that are usually located in the fold areas. When baby's eczema is located on the cheek or chin, it is often made worse by the presence of saliva or tears, especially when your child starts rubbing his or her face because of the itching. It is important to know that atopic eczema can sometimes have the same symptoms as other existing forms of eczema, so you must be careful about the location and manifestation of the disease. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact a specialist in this field.
HOW TO PREVENT BABY ECZEMA?
Do you want to prevent your baby from getting eczema? Here are some tips to help you. The first tip is to wash your baby with lukewarm water, avoid using washcloths and use a mild cleanser. Wipe your baby, not by rubbing, but by using the dabbing method. It is best to use a cotton towel to avoid possible allergies caused by other types of fabrics. The same goes for the clothes your baby will be wearing on a daily basis, as in addition to allergies, some fabrics can also cause itching. Once your baby has been groomed, it is advisable to moisturize his skin immediately to reduce his vulnerability to infection. Therefore, you should apply cream on the face and the whole body while doing a gentle massage. If you want to prevent baby's eczema, you should buy products that do not contain antiseptic elements, without perfume, and preferably hypoallergenic. Whether it's for bathing or moisturizing, it is strongly advised against rubbing the skin as this can damage it. For laundry, use appropriate products without softeners and avoid phosphate-based products to avoid infant eczema. It is also recommended to use a long cycle when rinsing to effectively remove detergent residues.