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Does My Baby Have Eczema?
 
 

Does My Baby Have Eczema?

Many parents become alarmed when their baby seems to be suffering from chronic dry skin and redness. It may surprise some parents, but a baby's skin is actually susceptible to many skin problems as their immune system is still weak and inexperienced having not been exposed to many pathogens.

There are many potential skin problems that a baby can get, but one of the most common is eczema or atopic dermatitis. This disease is especially likely if one or more parents have had atopic dermatitis as a child, or other related diseases such as asthma or hay fever at any point in their lives.

If you are uncertain of your baby's skin condition, however, we strongly suggest visiting a dermatologist or a paediatrician to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Symptoms

  • Red patches of skin, often scaly are often found on the legs or around the groin area in babies. Other areas can also be affected.
  • In advanced cases the skin of the area surrounding the rashes are thickened and crusty.
  • Symptoms are most often seen after 6 months of age.
  • Food allergies may play a role in aggravating atopic dermatitis.
  • As the infant grows, the affected areas typically change from the diaper area to other areas such as the back of the knees and elbows.

Facts about baby eczema

Dryness and itching are the main symptoms of baby eczema. Unlike eczema in older children, babies often present symptoms in the diaper area as the area is often exposed to urine, sweat, and other irritants.

The affected area is frequently red and inflamed, and rashes are seen more frequently than simply dried out skin. If one or more parents have had eczema themselves, it becomes more likely that the child also will have eczema.

Other seemingly unrelated conditions such as asthma and hay fever also have a relationship with eczema, and increase the chance that the child will have a tendency for eczema. Many babies will grow out of their eczema, as early as preschool age, or more frequently, as they reach their late teens. Unfortunately some never grow out of it, and is a lifelong condition. Even among these people, however, eczema tends to become milder with age.

Although this is little solace to the parent, as there is no way to predict who will improve and who will not, eczema can successfully be managed in the meantime. With proper management and prompt treatment when eczema flares, the condition can be managed effectively.

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