What is baby eczema?

Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Pediatric eczema is usually caused by several factors. First, genetic factors are serious; second, it is due to immune function. Children with weaker immune systems are particularly prone to eczema; third, it is due to environmental conditions, specifically the humidity of the environment. For example, the area around a child's diaper or the indoor air might be humid, and these conditions can lead to the development of eczema in children. Typically, due to weaker immunity in children, once they contract eczema, it tends to recur and persist. Therefore, in addition to symptomatic treatment with eczema creams or traditional Chinese medicine washes, it is best to avoid using hormonal medications. At the same time, it is important to keep the skin of the affected area dry and avoid damp conditions as much as possible to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can calamine lotion be used for baby eczema?

Infant eczema is a common skin condition in babies and toddlers. Generally, we do not recommend the use of calamine lotion for eczema, as although it has an itch-relieving effect when applied locally, it can make the skin even drier. Therefore, if the skin is itchy, temporarily using calamine lotion is possible, but it is not recommended for long-term use in treating eczema. The treatment of eczema consists of 60%-70% moisturizing and 30%-40% may involve the use of mild corticosteroid creams under the guidance of a doctor. Overall, moisturizing is the main treatment for eczema, while hormone therapy can be a supportive treatment. Calamine lotion can be temporarily used to relieve itching, but it is not recommended as a standard treatment method for eczema. Additionally, for infants who are on formula, it is important to use hydrolyzed protein formula, and if breastfeeding, the mother’s diet needs to be carefully managed.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can babies with eczema not take baths?

It is very clear that infants with eczema can take baths. If a baby has eczema, it indicates that the child has a specific type of dermatitis, which may include exudative skin damage locally, and in severe cases, even lichenoid lesions. Therefore, moisturizing plays a very important role in the treatment of pediatric eczema. After bathing the baby, it is crucial to apply a thick layer of baby moisturizing cream on the areas affected by eczema. For severe eczema, it is necessary to use mild corticosteroid ointments under the guidance of a doctor. If the child is on formula, depending on the severity of the eczema, it is advised to choose amino acid formula or extensively hydrolyzed protein formula. With active treatment, eczema can be well-managed.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Why does infantile eczema cause asthma?

There are many causes of infantile eczema, mainly indicating that the baby is experiencing allergic phenomena. These allergies can be due to internal factors or exposure to certain allergens or food allergies, all leading to eczema. Often, children with this type of eczema have an allergic constitution, making them prone to developing asthma. Therefore, when babies with asthma come for a consultation, it is routine to ask if they have a history of eczema, as having eczema often suggests an allergic constitution. It's not that infantile eczema causes asthma, but rather, babies with this constitution are prone to asthma attacks.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a child's eczema is oozing?

Infant eczema, if accompanied by oozing skin, generally indicates a severe condition, primarily treated with topical medications. Calamine lotion can be applied to the affected area. If necessary, corticosteroid ointments may also be used externally, and attention must be paid to preventing local skin infections. Oral antihistamines may be administered to manage the condition, and it is important to keep the skin clean. Avoid the intake of irritating foods. If the condition of the baby worsens, it is advisable to take the child to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is infantile eczema contagious?

Infant eczema is not contagious because it is the most common skin disease among children, especially babies and young children, also known as atopic dermatitis. It primarily presents as local proliferative and exudative changes, and it is not an infectious disease, so it is not contagious. Therefore, infant eczema is ultimately caused by intrinsic reasons. Consequently, when a child comes into contact with another child who has eczema, they will not contract eczema. Parents should note this; it is only a skin condition and is not contagious because it is not an infectious disease. Therefore, when a child has eczema, we must treat it actively, primarily focusing on moisturizing and using mild topical corticosteroid creams. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)