How to care for baby eczema that has broken skin

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on April 21, 2025
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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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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.

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How to treat infant eczema

Eczema is an intensely itchy skin inflammation reaction caused by a variety of factors, including both external and internal causes. External factors include environmental climate changes, sunlight exposure, animal fur, cosmetics, etc. Internal factors mainly involve food, endocrine disorders, stress, and more. Treatment primarily targets these causes. If caused by external factors, efforts should be made to avoid them. If related to food allergies, such as milk or eggs, these allergenic foods should be avoided. Treatment can also include the use of anti-allergic ointments, commonly corticosteroid ointments, as well as oral anti-allergy medications to assist in treatment.

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What should not be eaten with eczema?

The pathogenesis of eczema is very complex. As for which foods should be avoided, it is based on frequent observation. If you are unsure about which foods to avoid, you can go to the hospital for allergen testing. It is important to be cautious about dietary restrictions for babies, and while avoiding certain foods, it is also necessary to ensure the intake of nutrients.

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How to deal with anal eczema?

Anal eczema can be treated with oral medication and topical application. If there is a primary disease, it should be actively treated. Additionally, it is important to improve the living environment; consume less spicy and irritating food; exercise to enhance physical fitness; and keep the anal area clean and dry. It is advised to seek medical treatment promptly and avoid the misuse of topical medications.

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How to treat eczema?

The causes of eczema are complex, and it requires the active cooperation of the patient in treatment. Attention should also be paid to diet and lifestyle. Medical treatment should be used under the guidance of a doctor, involving oral medications, topical medications, and adjunctive therapies to help heal eczema more quickly.