Dealing With Baby Eczema
Since I brought up the topic in yesterday’s post about disposable vs. cloth diapers, I thought I would talk to you a bit about baby eczema today. Eczema causes an irritating skin rash that can be red, itchy and scaly. Typically you will first see it on the face and scalp of an infant, but it can appear in other places. Since eczema in adults is often associated with allergies, doctors speculate that there may be a connection with babies being unable to tolerate certain foods or even with air pollution causing the rash. As parents, we really don’t need to know the cause so much as what we can do to keep our babies comfortable and happy.
There are some things that you can do to help eczema, both to minimize the rash and to make the baby feel better while it is healing. Start by not letting your baby’s skin get too dry as that will increase both the itchiness and the scaliness of the rash. Use mild baby-specific cleansers and then use a non-irritating, preferably unscented lotion after bath. The chemicals used to create the scent can aggravate eczema so it’s better to find the non-fragranced varieties.
Be careful what types of fabrics you dress your infant in. Many synthetic fibers do not breathe well and can cause sweating which irritates the skin further. Cotton is a good choice as this organic fabric allows for great air flow between your baby’s skin and the material. It is also a soft fabric choice so won’t be scratchy on your baby’s delicate skin. When laundering, make sure you are using products that are mild and rinse out of the clothes well. Some products leave soap in the fibers that can increase allergic reactions and irritate the skin further.
Keep the house as clean as possible. Pet hair and dust mites are two of the worst culprits for allergies and can contribute to baby eczema. You’ll find it easier to control dust if you don’t have a lot of rugs or carpets around as well as limiting “dust collectors” like knick-knacks and throw pillows everywhere. Limit pets as much as possible to rooms that your baby is rarely in or keep them outside more if necessary. Frequent grooming may keep shedding to a minimum.
If your baby is already suffering with eczema, do your best to keep the infant from scratching the irritated skin. Keep their nails short and rounded so they won’t dig themselves if itchy. You could also use mittens or shirts that go around the hands to minimize any possibility of scratching. If needed, the doctor may be able to recommend a topical solution to relieve itching.
Incoming search terms for the article:
cloth diapers eczema, how to treat infant allergy to disposable diapers, scratchy fabric for babies with eczema, Should I not use baby wipes on a baby with eczema?, tips for dealing with eczema for a baby
Related Baby Care Articles:
- Preventing Baby Eczema Naturally The National Institute of Health in the United States affirms...
- Preventing Baby Eczema: What Every Parent Should Know Many are suffering from eczema around the world. Most of...
- Little Known Ways to Treat Baby Rashes Rash on baby is normal and all you need to...
- Essential Information on Baby Diaper Rash As sensitive as their physical condition, babies normally seize sensitive...
- Allergy and its Effects on Babies Allergy is an excessive sensitivity to a substance in which...
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment