subject: Treating Eczema in Babies [print this page] Eczema is a form of skin condition that causes inflammation. Turning the skin to be scaly, rough and itchy, it may lead to swelling and redness, causing extreme discomfort to the baby. At times tiny bumps may get formed which bleed.
This is a very common condition among infants, and usually affects a number of areas in the skin, such as the forehead and scalp, area behind the knees, elbows and other joints, chest, face and neck. If your baby acquires this skin condition, he or she may get highly disturbed due to the constant itching that takes place, causing disruption of sleep and weeping at all times.
It would be difficult to see your little baby go through such a condition, which is why it is vital to treat it immediately.
It basically takes place due to genetics, that is if someone in the family has had related conditions of the skin, the possibility of your child ending up with the same increases to a great extent. In eczema, the immune system of the child becomes highly oversensitive, and starts reacting to harmless stimuli in the environment.
It takes away all the moisture from your baby's skin, which is why it becomes so dry and itchy. In order to treat it, it is essential to provide all the moisture back to the skin which has been lost. This can be done by applying lotions and oils to your baby's skin which are especially meant for them. Moreover, your doctor would be able to prescribe a more effective lotion for your baby's skin.
You should make sure to moisturize them around 4-5 times per day, to make up for the moisture lost. A lot of care should be taken while giving them a bath, like only using water that is lukewarm as it maintains the hydration of the skin.
Instead of using a usual soap that the rest of the family does, use a baby soap which would do good to their sensitive skins. Lastly, do not be rough on their skin by rubbing them too much. Pat their skin instead during a bath, as the natural oils stay intact this way.
