How to treat baby eczema?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Infant eczema is a common type of skin allergic inflammation in children, with a higher incidence in infants and young children. General care for infant eczema primarily involves skin care, focusing on moisturizing the skin. Children who are allergic in nature are more susceptible to eczema triggered by allergens, hence it is crucial to avoid allergens. It is advisable to wear cotton clothing, preferably in light colors, which are soft and comfortable. It is best to avoid synthetic fibers or animal fur clothing, as these can easily cause allergies. Additionally, skin moisturizing is important; it is recommended to keep bath times under ten minutes and the water not too hot. Avoid using alkaline bath products, which can scrub the baby's skin and potentially damage the skin barrier, worsening the eczema. The recommended water temperature is around 38 degrees Celsius, and bathing time should not exceed ten minutes. Room temperature should not be too warm. The room's air humidity should be maintained between 50% to 70%. It is advisable for infants not to be overly full when feeding, as excessive food intake can burden their digestive system and potentially exacerbate eczema. Mothers should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating foods or allergenic foods like seafood. For baby rashes, moisturizers, predominantly those with a simple composition like mineral oil and free of dyes and fragrances, are recommended. Avoid using diluted lotions with a high water content. Applying moisturizer within about 3 minutes after bathing can optimize moisture retention. If the eczema is extensive with noticeable exudation or redness, and the baby is noticeably distressed, further medical consultation should be sought at a hospital. Dermatologists can prescribe appropriate medication based on the baby’s condition. It is generally not recommended for parents to use corticosteroid ointments on their own due to potential side effects and risks of improper use.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to care for baby eczema that has broken skin

Babies develop eczema due to localized dry skin, which results in itchy skin. The child may scratch the itchy area, possibly causing the eczema to break open. Once broken, it is prone to secondary bacterial infections. To address a secondary bacterial infection, first, disinfect the area locally, then apply an antibiotic ointment to the child, such as mupirocin or erythromycin ointment. After the lesion heals, actively maintain moisture in the skin. If necessary, under the guidance of a hospital doctor, use mild corticosteroid ointments. Generally, eczema can be well-controlled. Additionally, for children on formula, depending on the severity of the eczema, feed them amino acid-based formula or hydrolyzed protein formula. If the child is breastfed, the mother should be mindful of her diet and avoid consuming beef, lamb, nuts, seafood, and fermented rice wine. (Please consult a doctor before using any specific medications and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Symptoms of anal eczema

Anal eczema actually refers to perianal eczema, which mostly affects the skin around the anus and can also extend to the perineum and external genitalia. Depending on the duration of the disease and the condition of the skin lesions, anal eczema can be clinically divided into acute and chronic types. The clinical symptoms mainly manifest as: in the acute phase, the skin around the anus is red and moist, with papules and skin erosions, while in the chronic phase, the local skin is infiltrated and thickened, with fissures, often accompanied by itching and pain.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What is infantile dry eczema?

Infant dry eczema, also known as fissure eczema, is mainly due to loss of skin moisture, reduced sebum secretion, dryness, and fine cracks in the epidermis and stratum corneum. The skin appears pale red, with cracks being more pronounced and resembling cracked porcelain. It can occur on many parts of the body, mostly seen on the limbs. This condition is commonly seen in winter when the air is dry and secretion decreases, further exacerbated by frequent hot water washing. Infant dry eczema is actually due to irritant contact dermatitis. Treatment can involve the application of emollients, such as petroleum jelly, vitamin E cream, and mineral oil, while also protecting the moisture within the skin. It is best not to use corticosteroids for treatment.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to treat baby eczema?

Infant eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is mainly caused by an allergy to milk protein, so it is important to pay attention to the child's diet. Nursing mothers should avoid consuming beef, lamb, nuts, and seafood. Additionally, for children who are formula-fed, depending on the severity of the eczema, choose either amino acid formula or hydrolyzed protein formula. The treatment of eczema primarily involves moisturizing the skin. Therefore, applying a thick layer of moisturizer specifically designed for babies on the affected areas can be very effective in treatment. Furthermore, on top of moisturizing, under the guidance of a doctor in a hospital, a weak steroid cream can be used. With the above management, eczema can generally be controlled quickly.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can infants with eczema take baths?

Infant eczema is an allergic disease, and its skin can become secondarily infected, especially if cleanliness is not maintained, making it prone to bacterial infection. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to hygiene with eczema, and next, some anti-allergy medications should be used. If the body is very dirty, bathing is definitely possible. When bathing, it is important to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. If there are broken areas on the skin, it might be necessary to use boiled water, cooled to around 37 degrees Celsius, for bathing the baby, which is the best. Additionally, eczema can be treated topically with some ointments to promote its subsidence.