How to treat baby eczema?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on December 08, 2024
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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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The difference between prickly heat and eczema

Prickly heat and eczema, although both are skin-related diseases, have significant differences. Firstly, looking at the causes, prickly heat mainly results from excessive sweat due to overheating and high temperatures which cannot escape. Eczema, on the other hand, is caused by a variety of internal and external factors such as allergies, seasons, and weather, leading to an allergic skin disease. Regarding treatment, prickly heat can be addressed with prickly heat powder or some cooling ointments, which often result in a cure. In contrast, eczema is typically treated with antihistamines or astringent medications. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with the human papillomavirus, commonly referred to as HPV. There are many types of HPV, which can cause various conditions including genital warts, flat warts, common warts, or cervical cancer. Genital warts are almost always transmitted through sexual contact. Additionally, they can also be spread through close personal contact, blood transmission, and from mother to child. Mother-to-child transmission primarily occurs when the virus is transmitted to the newborn through the birth canal during delivery, leading to the infection of the newborn with genital warts.

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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.

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How to treat baby eczema?

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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How to distinguish eczema from prickly heat

Eczema and heat rash have clear differences, including different causes. Eczema is primarily caused by allergens, as well as excessive mental stress, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. Heat rash, on the other hand, usually arises from overly humid and hot environments that affect normal sweating function, leading to blocked sweat ducts. Their clinical manifestations also differ. Eczema typically presents as polymorphic and symmetrically distributed lesions, usually manifesting as papules and vesicular papules, and in severe cases, erosion, exudation, and significant itching are observed. Heat rash clinically appears as tiny, pin-sized blisters that emerge in clusters and merge into patches, typically found at skin folds without symmetry. White heat rash generally has less noticeable itching, whereas red heat rash is itchy and can also feel burning.