Parents: What You Need to Know About Baby Eczema

Eczema, also commonly referred to as atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that millions of Americans deal with.  Included in those numbers could be your new baby.  If you are the parent of a baby who was recently diagnosed as having eczema, you are likely to have many questions.  Now is the time to get answers.

The Cause

There are many different causes for baby eczema.  Eczema can be hereditary, meaning if someone in your family has it, your child may too.  Although eczema is often compared to allergies, it is slightly different.  Certain allergens, including food and airborne allergens can bring on an eczema outbreak.  Another common cause is the chemicals found in laundry detergents and scented bath soaps.

The Treatment

In adults, there are many ways to treat eczema.  There are ways to manage and treat baby eczema too, but they can be more difficult to implement.  If you or a medical professional believes eczema flare-ups are caused by food, it can be difficult to change your baby’s diet if he or she is breastfed.  Actually, you are the one who needs to temporarily watch what you eat.

As stated above, there are many causes for atopic dermatitis in babies.  Two common causes are reactions to laundry detergents and soaps.  These products can irritate a baby’s skin, since the skin is so sensitive at a young age.  If you suspect these are causes, make changes.  Laundry detergents for babies, those with low chemicals, or all-natural products are best.  Scented bath products are great because they leave your baby smelling cute, but not if they irritate his or her skin.  Instead, opt for organic on non-scented products.

You now know some of the most common causes and ways to treat baby eczema, but now what?  There is good news.  Atopic dermatitis affects individuals of all ages, but it is common in the early years of life.  Luckily, most children outgrow it by their teens.