Eczema

Infantile eczema often goes hand in hand with asthma and the two are quite commonly seen together.

Eczema produces a fairly generalized rash on the face, behind the knees and on the inner side of the arms and wrists. The rash is usually itchy, dry, red and scaly; in its worst state it can weep quite profusely. You will notice that the eczema waxes and wanes. It may be brought on by a cold or if the baby has had a sleepless night or a tummy upset.

Often asthma or other allergic conditions may run throughout the family, so you may find that a relative has penicillin sensitivity, another has asthma, another has eczema, another has hay fever.

What to do

You'll need to seek medical advice for your child and you may be referred to a skin specialist if the eczema is difficult to treat.

The story on infantile eczema is rather good: many children improve by the age of two, and many more do so by the age of seven. Usually it will have disappeared by the teens although the person always retains the possibility of eczema flaring up in later life if he should ever have a severe mental or physical trauma.

For the everyday care of a baby with eczema of the skin I would suggest the following: avoid over-bathing - soap and water are dehydrating. Use baby lotion on cotton wool which will do the same job just as well. Pay attention to cleanliness, particularly round the nappy area and face. Dress your child with cotton next to the skin at all times and avoid wool as it can be irritating and make the eczema worse. Rub in the soft, bland creams and ointments exactly as prescribed.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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