Eczema - What it is
Eczema - What it is Eczema is a common skin condition that is characterized by itchy, dry, red, scaly skin. It often starts as a rash on the cheeks, but then can appear just about anywhere on babys body. Often, eczema is a vicious cycle: the skin is irritated, it itches, your child rubs or scratches it, which makes it more inflamed and itchier.
Symptoms The first signs are red, scaly, itchy patches that typically appear on babys cheeks but can also appear just about anywhere. Eczema usually first appears between three months and two years of age. Many babies outgrow eczema and symptoms usually decrease as a child gets older.
Causes of Eczema While the causes are not fully understood, eczema seems to run in families with a history of allergies and skin disorders. There are many environmental factors that can trigger eczema, including heat, scratchy fabrics, animal dander, or detergents. Sometimes, eczema can be an allergic reaction to babys food, or even the food in your diet, if youre a nursing mother.
Eczema Treatment Treating eczema is a three-part plan: Keep babys skin well moisturized, treat the inflammation, and identify and remove any potential triggers.
Babies with eczema need a moisturizer applied several times a day and especially right after a bath to lock in moisture. Gentle Naturals Baby Eczema Cream is formulated with petrolatum and dimethicone to form a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. It contains aloe vera to help heal irritated skin, and calendula, jojoba oil, apricot oil, and soybean oil to soften and moisturize, plus vitamins A, D, and E to nurture skin and help it heal.
You should try washing babys clothes in a laundry detergent made for sensitive skin. Watch for food triggers in babys diet (or yours, if youre nursing) and in the environment.
Topical prescription medications that are used to treat eczema are not generally recommended for children under two years of age.
Create Date : 22 ธันวาคม 2550 | | |
Last Update : 22 ธันวาคม 2550 10:55:59 น. |
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