Eczema in Babies

Eczema in Babies

Every parent wants their baby's skin to stay healthy, clean, and smooth. Because of that, some parents are willing to take risks and spend money using various types of products to treat their baby's eczema.

However, baby skin diseases such as eczema, rashes and allergies are still at risk of infecting your baby.

 What is eczema?

 

 

Eczema usually occurs in infants or children. It is also known as atopic dermatitis (skin). The inflammatory condition on the skin is accompanied by swelling, itching and a red rash that sometimes looks like watery scalded skin. If prolonged, it will cause itching.

Eczema is most often found on the face, wrists, mid elbows and even the knees. The affected skin will become crusty. Usually, children get eczema before the age of 5 years. Most children will grow up without this problem if they do not have allergies or asthma. It is not an infection.

What causes eczema?

The exact cause of this skin problem is unknown, but genes may play a role. If you or your partner has eczema, your child's chances of being at the same risk are also high.

Allergic conditions, including eczema and asthma, are more prevalent in modern and urban environments.This may be because people living in this environment are exposed to more chemicals that trigger eczema inflammation. However, we need more research to find the cause of what causes eczema. Even so, one thing we do know is that atopic eczema is not easily contagious, so this skin condition will not quickly spread to others. However, your child may also be exposed to eczema triggers such as:

 

  • Bath soap, laundry detergent and skincare products
  • Synthetic fabrics, fluffy materials or garments made using certain dyes
  • Environmental allergens such as pets, pollen and house dust
  • Food allergens such as milk, eggs, soybeans and peanuts
  • Unusually hot or cold environment
  • Skin is too dry, itchy and sensitive to heat or any rough surface
  • Viral infections
  • Descendants
  • May occur on dry, itchy and heat-sensitive skin. 
  • Viral infections.
  • Other infections.
  • Allergies/allergies to foods or other substances that can cause allergies.

Allergies

 

 

Allergies to the skin of babies and children will occur when the body reacts to substances or triggers (allergens) that are generally not harmful to other individuals. This is because the reaction of each allergy is different according to the allergen and the individual himself.

According to Dr Lim Wei Leng, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Sunway Medical Centre, there are various types of allergy symptoms and the most common in children such as skin rashes, shortness of breath, hives, itchy eyes, diarrhoea, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, wheezing, runny nose and abdominal pain.

Most dangerous can occur due to inability to breathe (anaphylaxis), an allergic reaction that can be fatal.According to him, the allergens that often provoke allergies are dairy products, seafood, legumes and eggs.

In addition, the environment in the home area also contributes to allergens such as animal dander, fungi, mites, pollen or insect bites. Cigarette smoke, perfume and household chemicals can also cause allergies. Because these allergies have many causes and it is not sure which one the child is suffering from, it is better that you see a doctor for advice and treatment.

Symptoms of Eczema

 

Infant eczema appears with red, dry, itchy, and rough skin patches. Babies can get this condition anywhere on their bodies. Often it affects the cheeks, arm joints and legs of the little one.

Signs of Eczema 

  • Itchy patches, dry skin on the hands, neck, face, and feet.
  • Redness, scaly skin and discolouration of the skin.
  • Small watery swelling.
  • Skin becomes red, scaly and discoloured
  • The skin becomes swollen and watery
  • Dry and itchy spots appear on the face, hands, feet and neck

Types of eczema on the body:

 

 

Atopic eczema

The body's folds such as the folds of the arms, the back of the knees and the nape of the neck.

Seborrheic eczema

Dandruff scalp and red or watery patches on the face especially in infants.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Occurs on the part in contact with the allergen. For example, on the wrist, if a person is allergic to watches (nickel allergy), armpits (allergy to fragrance in detergent powder) and so on.

Dyshidrotic eczema

It is characterized by itchy bubbles containing fluid under the skin's surface that arise on the hands and feet of the patient.

Discoid eczema

Parts of the arms and legs characterized by round -shaped plaques that are itchy, thick, red, watery and scaly.

Static Eczema

The legs of individuals who suffer from varicose veins have venous blood vessels that arise in the legs.

Juvenile Plantar Dermatoses

Patients experience dry, scaly and cracked skin on the soles of the feet since childhood or adolescence, and it can persist into adulthood.

How can eczema be treated medically?

Seek medical advice to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will make the following treatment:

  • Anti-itch medications such as antihistamines.
  • Moisturising lotion cream to resist dryness and itching.
  • Zrim Steroids are used for severe cases.
  • Antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection.

The above treatments are only for control, reducing symptoms and signs but not healing.

How can I help my child?

  • Place the child in a comfortable and cosy room.
  • Avoid hot/warm baths.
  • Avoid wearing layered clothes.
  • Use cotton and thin clothing.
  • Avoid rough fabrics.
  • Do not use soap when showering.
  • Use a moisturising cream after wiping your child.
  • Watch out for foods that cause allergies and seek medical advice.

When to See a Doctor?

 

 

Regardless of the type of illness, your baby is experiencing, the most important thing to do is take them to see a doctor. The parents are sometimes unaware of the type of disease and the following medication or treatment needed. Maybe if it were just a typical rash, it would go away on its own. However, suppose the skin disease occurs due to allergies. In that case, you need to be careful because there are types of allergies that can be fatal.

Most importantly, consult a qualified physician or dermatologist and don’t just rely on the advice of unqualified individuals.

 

 Sources:

 http://www.myhealth.gov.my

 hellodoktor.com

 www.bharian.com.my