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Infant eczema, or baby eczema, sometimes also called atopic dermatitis, is a common itchy skin condition that affects about 20% of babies worldwide Infant eczema, or baby eczema, sometimes also called atopic dermatitis, is a common itchy skin condition that affects about 20% of babies worldwide. Fortunately baby eczema is treatable with a range of over-the-counter lotions and creams.1,4
OVERVIEW
Eczema describes a group of skin conditions in which the skin becomes inflamed and itchy. The precise causes of eczema are not known, but it is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.6
Baby eczema often appears within the first few months of life, as flaky or crusty patches on your baby’s skin. If you’re unsure whether a rash is infant eczema or something else, consult your doctor to confirm. In many cases, babies tend to outgrow infant eczema. However, while treatable, baby eczema can be very disruptive for both babies and their carers, so it’s important to manage it well.2
Cradle cap, another condition in infants that involves irritated skin on the head and face, can often be confused with baby eczema, but the two conditions are not the same.2
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
The skin barrier in babies is more fragile than in adults, which makes them more prone to getting eczema. Loss of water leads to dry skin which in turn allows allergens and irritants to penetrate the skin more easily. To get relief from itching, babies rub their skin and this leads to further skin breakdown and rashes.3
Eczema occurs as a result of the body producing too few ceramides, which are cells that are rich in fat. Having too few of these cells results in skin that can’t retain water and so becomes very dry.2
There seems to be a genetic component to eczema, and infant eczema also tends to run in families. So if a parent suffers from eczema then it’s more likely that a baby will have it too.2
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Eczema can present with a range of symptoms that include itchy, inflamed, flaky, crusting and dry skin. In more severe cases there can be blisters and scaly, crusty patches that ooze a clear fluid. In infants this is predominantly on the face and scalp, but can also occur in other areas, such as the arms, legs, chest and back. Since eczema breaks down the skin barrier, there is an increased risk for infection on areas of skin with the condition.6
Baby eczema may not look the same on one baby as it does on another. In infants with baby eczema who have darker skin, the rash that appears may look brownish, purplish or greyish. It may be more difficult to see eczema on babies with darker skin. In light-skinned babies, the rash often appears as patches of red skin. The patches are commonly rough, itchy and dry.2
Infant eczema can show up on almost any part of your baby’s body, but commonly appears on the joints of the limbs, as well as on the cheeks. If there is crusted, scabbed-over skin that is broken, you should seek medical advice because this could be a sign of bacterial growth.2,3
Baby eczema may also cause your baby to frequently rub their cheeks or other body parts, or to be irritable or fussy for no apparent reason.3
There are some notable differences between baby eczema and cradle cap. With cradle cap, the affected areas are mostly on the scalp, behind the ears and along the sides of the nose. The eyebrows and eyelids are often affected. Cradle cap is neither painful nor itchy, but it causes crusty or scaly patches that can lead to thick scales. The condition usually resolves by the time the baby is around eight months old.2,4,5
DIAGNOSIS
Symptoms of eczema may be very similar to those of other skin conditions. Consult your baby’s doctor to make sure which condition your child has, as this will determine the treatment.4
To correctly diagnose infant eczema, the doctor will perform a physical examination and take a complete medical history. A patch test may be done to determine whether your baby has infant eczema or another skin condition and to help work out if the eczema is caused by family history or environmental triggers. Sometimes it may be a mix of both.4,6
While eczema and cradle cap are different, unrelated conditions, they do often occur in babies at the same time.4
IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE
A skin rash that itches can make life miserable, disturbing a baby’s sleep. Constant itching and irritation caused by baby eczema can wake an infant during the night, disrupting both the child and the parent’s sleep. Lack of sleep is, of course, frustrating and stressful for everyone involved.3
The good news is that by the time your child is between three and five years old, they most likely will have outgrown their infant eczema.1
PREVENTION AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Tips to help prevent or lessen the irritation that leads to baby eczema:
- Keep your baby’s nails short so they don’t scratch the rash.
- Cotton mittens can be used at night or when the baby is sleeping to avoid constant scratching.
- Choose cotton baby clothes; avoid trimmings that may be irritating like lace or other scratchy or rough materials.
- Wash clothes in detergents that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances.
- Double-rinse clothes.
- Avoid using dryer sheets as these may contain chemicals that cause irritation.
- Certain foods may trigger eczema. Mothers who are breastfeeding might want to take note of whether their baby experiences more breakouts after they eat particular types of food. Babies being fed formula should preferably stick to one formula.1,3
TREATMENT
When your child has baby eczema, it is very important they are bathed on a daily basis and that a moisturiser is applied. Be sure to use a cleanser that is mild and non-irritating in a bath of warm water. Your baby should stay in the bath for no longer than 15 minutes to avoid over-drying the skin, and they should be carefully rinsed of all cleanser. With a soft cotton towel, pat the baby’s skin dry and while the skin is still damp, moisturise with cream or ointment.1
Petroleum jelly is one option, or a cream free of any fragrances or irritants. Always test the effects of a new moisturiser on a small patch of skin to ensure it is non-irritating. Look for products that contain soothing, natural ingredients.1,3
A product such as Dermikelp®, which contains CEM-K, a natural active ingredient derived from seaweed, offers a range of effective creams, lotions, ointment, cleanser, shampoo and conditioner that are gentle enough for infants and have no side effects. Dermikelp® is the natural alternative to cortisone creams and moisturisers (which can only be used for a limited time). While it is as efficacious as topical corticosteroids, Dermikelp® is free from steroids and their associated side effects, so it can be used liberally and as often as needed.
The Dermikelp® Control range is versatile in treating eczema in that it comes in three formats: a cream for dry itchy skin; a lotion for large surface areas, as well as hairy surface areas; and an ointment for very dry, itchy skin.
Avoiding irritants is important for easing the symptoms and signs of infant eczema: these include rough fabrics that may cause itching, and soaps with harsh chemicals that can worsen symptoms. It’s also a good idea to avoid swings in temperature that can exacerbate symptoms.1
If your baby is suffering from cradle cap, Dermikelp® has a shampoo that is free of medications and can soothe and calm the skin.
Dermikelp® products suitable for the symptoms associated with infant eczema & cradle cap.
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This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or its intended use.
This site is intended for residents of South Africa. References available on request.
Terms & Conditions | POPI Act
This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or its intended use.
This site is intended for residents of South Africa. References available on request.
Terms & Conditions | POPI Act
