According to the American Academy of Dermatology, eczema affects around 60 percent of people in their first year of life. Getting eczema under control is important to avoid the risk of infections and pain, and prevent distress and difficulty sleeping caused by itching and scratching.

As eczema is a recurring problem, we understand it is a stressful condition for parents to tackle. Therefore, our team has prepared a complete guide to understanding baby eczema types, symptoms, causes, treatment, management, and prevention – and provide lasting relief for your child.

Eczema or Dermatitis refers to a group of skin conditions that causes your skin to become dry, red, itchy, bumpy, and inflamed. Baby eczema usually starts in early childhood, from 3 months to age 5. It’s a long-lasting skin problem that may come and go as your child grows up.

Usually, children outgrow infantile eczema by their teenage years. Eczema is not contagious. It cannot spread from one person to another.

There are several types of eczema common in children:

• Atopic Eczema: Most common form of eczema in children. More likely to develop in children whose families have a history of Atopy (e.g., asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis). It is an extremely itchy skin condition and the rashes are typically distributed on the face, neck and flexures.
• Contact Eczema: As contrary to other forms of eczemas, contact eczema is “exogenous” in nature, meaning it is triggered by factors from outside of the body. It happens when the skin becomes inflamed after coming in contact with an allergy trigger. It is not linked to family history.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema: Causes small blisters on the hands (palms and fingers) and feet (soles and toes). More likely to develop in children with another type of eczema, and whose families have a history of eczema.
• Seborrheic Eczema: Typically appears as non itchy, greasy-looking scaly red patches at areas with numerous oil glands, such as the scalp, nose, armpits and front of chest. It is also known as dandruff on the scalp or “Cradle Cap” in newborn babies with very thick waxy scales on the head.

Here are the symptoms of baby eczema:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Bumpy and scaly rashes
• Skin discolouration (red or darker than natural skin tone)

Are you a first time parent? Learn about the ins-and-outs of caring for your newborn with our comprehensive maternity guide.

Majority of eczemas are “endogenous” in nature, meaning the condition arises internally rather than externally caused. Internal factors that contribute to eczema include:

1. 1. Genetics
      Mutations in the Filaggrin (FLG) gene are among the strongest predictors of atopic dermatitis.
   2. Skin Barrier dysfunction
      Children with eczema have a less effective protective skin barrier, resulting in easier penetration of allergens into the skin. There is also increased water loss from the skin, which causes the skin to be dry and itchy.
   3. Abnormality in immune response:
      A baby with eczema’s immune system may mistake healthy skin cells and minor irritants as foreign invaders, triggering an attack on their skin cells and causing eczema symptoms.Irritants such as fragranced soaps or fabrics, and environmental conditions such as extreme cold or hot weather can trigger eczema in babies. Similarly, certain allergens (e.g., food or dust) can cause flare ups.

Here are a few common triggers of baby eczema:

• Dry and cold environments
• Certain fabrics for clothing
• Heat and sweating
• Irritants (certain soaps, detergents, surface cleaners)
• Infections
• Allergens (e.g., pet dander, dust, certain foods)
• Emotional stress

Eczema is a clinical diagnosis. Review of the baby’s complete medical history and physical examination of the skin are sufficient to establish the diagnosis in most cases. Lab investigations and allergic testing are only needed in certain circumstances where contact eczema or food allergies is suspected as the cause of flare up. As symptoms of eczema may be similar to other conditions, do consult your Dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

1. Avoid Triggers

We generally recommend avoiding fragranced soaps, lotions, and detergents, as they can exacerbate eczema. Additionally, once you identify specific triggers for your child’s condition, take the necessary precautions.

Note: Your doctor may perform an allergy test to help pinpoint these triggers.

2. Use Topical Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Topical corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory creams or ointments that can be applied to your baby’s skin. These topicals can effectively reduce redness, swelling, and itching. Correct application of topical corticosteroids will alleviate symptoms and prevent future flare up of eczema.

However, inappropriate and prolonged unmonitored usage will lead to side effects. For example, skin thinning (wrinkling, purplish striae and bruises), steroid induced acne or rosacea and fungal infections. Therefore, do use them according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.

3. Apply Moisturiser to Skin (Daily)

Moisturising your baby’s skin keeps it well-hydrated – therefore alleviating symptoms, soothing their skin, and preventing flare-ups. To ensure good absorption, apply moisturiser to your baby’s skin right after every bath. You may also apply it whenever their skin seems dry.

Select fragrance-free and hypoallergenic types of moisturisers, which are specially designed for babies. To discover what products are suitable for your baby’s skin, consult your child’s Paediatrician or Dermatologist.

4. Choose an appropriate cleanser

A harsh cleanser will further dry up the skin and cause eczema flare up. Choose a good cleanser that is mild in nature, moisturising, fragrance free, non-soap base, and nearer to the acidic nature (PH around 5-6) of normal skin.

Studies have discovered that breastfeeding is one of the factors that can protect children from eczema. Learn more about the importance of breastfeeding today!

If you see any signs of infection on your baby’s skin, visit your healthcare provider immediately. Look out for the following signs of infection:

• Fluid-filled blisters or sores, and wet and weepy rashes.
• Yellow crust forms around the eczema rash.
• The rashes fail to respond to your regular topical moisturisers and corticosteroids.
• Pain or sensitivity when touched.
• Fever or chills.

If your baby has spent time around anyone who has cold sores or genital herpes, call your doctor as eczema can make your little one more vulnerable to those germs.

It is difficult to completely cure baby eczema, as this condition is caused by a combination of factors. However, here are a few ways to reduce flare-ups:

• Avoid triggers (e.g., fragranced hygiene products, certain foods, dust).
• Give daily 10 minute-long baths with warm (not hot) water. Half-dry the skin by patting (not rubbing) the skin with a soft towel.
• Apply moisturiser to your baby’s skin after every bath.
• Regularly trim and clean your baby’s fingernails to reduce skin damage and infection from scratching. You can also try putting cotton mittens on their hands.
• Remove the tags from and wash new clothes before your baby wears them.
• Choose loose rather than tight clothes for your baby.

Learn How to Manage Baby Eczema With Island Hospital

Managing baby eczema involves avoiding triggers and maintaining a consistent skincare routine for your child. Key steps include identifying and avoiding allergens and irritants, bathing with gentle cleansers, and applying moisturiser daily.

At Island Hospital, our experienced Dermatologists are here to support you every step of the way. We provide end-to-end medical care, from diagnosis to management of eczema in babies. Our services extend beyond eczema, including treatment for conditions such as acne, skin cancer, psoriasis, and more.

As your child grows, our specialists can develop personalised management plans to soothe sensitive skin and minimise eczema symptoms into adulthood. Our goal is simple: To improve your child’s quality of life by achieving healthier, more comfortable skin.

Schedule an Appointment Today – to start your child’s journey towards better skin health!