The exact reasons for eczema remain a puzzle despite all our medical knowledge. Something external must trigger the allergic reaction that leads to the symptoms that we all recognize in this skin complaint. Baby eczema is first noticed as a reddish scaly rash on the baby’s face which gradually worsens to the point where it becomes irritated and cracked. In the United Sates of America, up to one in every five infants will be affected by this skin condition.

Despite the problems it causes the child and parents, this is only a problem for a couple of years as it has normally disappeared before the child reaches two. Unfortunately in a few children do not get over this problem and continue to suffer with it when they are adults. it is just more common in babies and infants. Unfortunately most people have suffered with this since they were at least five years of age but around 33 percent will have contracted the condition by the time they reached their first birthday.

Baby eczema is easily recognizable because the infant wants to scratch itself owing to the red, scaly skin on their face, arms and legs and is the most common form, known as atopic eczema. A lack of moisture within the baby’s skin is often thought to be the trigger to atopic eczema, which is often a hereditary condition. Often the trigger mechanism is either the detergent or fabric conditioner used to wash the baby’s clothes and this can also be the trigger for the condition in adults as well. It has also discovered that baby eczema was more likely if the mother gave up breastfeeding early which could mean that breast milk may contain something that protects the infant.

However, other problems the baby might have including those of a respiratory nature or an associated medical condition could also act as an asthma trigger. Food allergies in the baby or allergic rhinitis can also cause this condition to flare up but if the baby’s mother suffers with asthma, this can also be a contributing factor. Food allergies are believed to be responsible for anything up to 3 cases in ten,however, if this is the situation, there is no longer any reason why the child should have it its diet once the problem food has been confirmed. Unfortunately, the process of eliminating foods is usually one of trial and error,

FishCream and other milk productsBreadFood prepared using eggs that contain peanuts

In some instances, baby eczema is the result of antibiotics being prescribed for the child when they are born. The treatment with babies involves bathing in lukewarm water, and proper skin lubrication with hypoallergenic creams. using only fragrance-free products, can also help. Keeping the baby’s finger nails short is an important point not to overlook as they can inadvertently scratch inflamed skin making the situation worse. Often in more severe cases of baby eczema, a pediatrician may prescribe antihistamines to relieve itching,when required it is not uncommon for the child to have steroid cream applied to the affected area but this cannot be done for very long. One thing is certain,