Eczema in Childhood

As any parent of a child with eczema knows, it can be distressing to see your baby’s delicate skin becoming red, dry, and irritated. Baby eczema is a common condition that affects many infants, often appearing within the first few months of life. While it can be uncomfortable for your child, the good news is that there are many ways to manage the symptoms and keep your baby’s skin soft, smooth, and itch-free. Our team of expert paediatricians and dermatologists are here to help you understand your baby’s eczema, and can provide tailored treatments to improve their skin.

What is Baby Eczema?

Baby eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often appears on a baby’s cheeks, scalp, arms, and legs, but can affect other areas of the body as well. Eczema can come and go, and flare-ups might occur, where symptoms worsen before improving again, often over a period of a few weeks. While the exact cause of eczema is not always clear, it is believed to be due to a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.

Who Does Baby Eczema Affect?

Eczema is a common condition in infants, affecting around 1 in 5 babies in the UK. Many children outgrow it as they get older, but some may continue to experience symptoms throughout their life. While there is no cure, there are effective ways to manage the symptoms of eczema, and reduce flare-ups.

What Are the Symptoms of Baby Eczema?

Symptoms of baby eczema will usually appear within the first six months of your baby’s life and may include:

• Dry, rough, or scaly skin
• Red or inflamed patches
• Itchiness, which may cause discomfort and disrupt sleep
• Bumps or rash-like areas on the skin
• Skin discoloration, which may seem lighter or darker than the surrounding skin

The most common areas affected by eczema in babies include:

• Face and cheeks
• Scalp
• Hands and feet
• The inside of elbows and behind the knees

What Causes Baby Eczema?

While the cause of eczema is not conclusive, eczema is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

Some common reasons for your baby developing eczema might include:

• A delicate skin barrier: Babies with eczema often have a compromised skin barrier, meaning moisture escapes the skin more quickly and irritants can penetrate it more easily.
• An overactive immune response: Your baby’s immune system might react more dramatically to irritants, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
• Genetics: Eczema often runs in families, particularly those with a history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever.
• Environmental triggers: These can include certain fabrics, soaps, detergents, temperature changes, and even house dust and food allergies in some cases.

What Triggers Baby Eczema?

Eczema flare-ups can be caused by various irritants and allergens, including:

• Rough or synthetic fabrics
• Temperature changes or dry air
• Harsh soaps, shampoos, or detergents
• Certain foods, especially if an allergy is present
• Pet dander, dust mites, or pollen

While it’s important to realise that some skin conditions appear without a clear reason, it can be helpful to identify any factors that might be contributing to your baby’s eczema, so you can aim to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

How Is Baby Eczema Treated?

While eczema cannot be cured, there are many effective treatments that you might try, to help help keep symptoms under control:

• Moisturising regularly: Keeping your baby’s skin hydrated with specially-formulated emollients that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and can help to prevent dryness and irritation.
• Avoiding known triggers: Identifying and minimising exposure to irritants can help prevent flare-ups.
• Topical treatments: In some cases, your doctor might recommend using a mild steroid cream for a short period of time, to help reduce inflammation and itching.
• Bathing with care: Giving your baby short baths followed by a gentle massage with a suitable moisturising cream can help to keep their skin supple. There are special bath creams suitable for babies with eczema, that should be used in place of foam bath or soap, which might irritate your baby’s skin.
• Managing itching: Keeping your baby’s nails short and using soft mittens can help to prevent them from scratching their skin, which in some cases can lead to bleeding and infection.

When Should You See a Specialist for Your Baby’s Eczema?

Having a baby with eczema, however mild or severe, can cause parents to worry. If your baby’s eczema frequently flares up, or doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, it’s important to seek expert advice at the earliest opportunity. 

Our dedicated team of Consultant Dermatologists – many of whom specialise in childhood skin conditions and allergies – can assess your child’s skin, identify any underlying triggers and create a tailored treatment plan to help manage their condition.

It’s important to note that if you notice signs of infection, such as yellow crusting, fluid-filled blisters, or increased redness and swelling, you should contact your doctor immediately. 

Helping Your Baby to Feel Comfortable

Baby eczema can be distressing, but with the right care and support, most symptoms can be well-managed and improved. By keeping your baby’s skin moisturised, avoiding common triggers, and seeking medical advice when needed, you can help to look after your child’s skin in the best possible ways.

Visiting The Medical Chambers Kensington for Your Baby’s Eczema

Our specialist paediatric dermatology team is here to support you with expert guidance and personalised treatment options. If you’re at all concerned about your baby’s eczema, please make an appointment online or call 020 7244 4200.