Skin rashes in babyhood are common and cause upset and discomfort – itchy, sore, red rashes anywhere on the body can be distressing for your baby.
Take your baby along to your doctor if you suspect eczema and get the appropriate treatment.
Baby eczema can be quite difficult to treat but the good news is that usually, children grow out of it.
Rather than using mitts on babies to stop them from scratching, you can make sure that their nails are gently filed short. Then they can’t scratch the rash and make it more likely to get infected or bleed.
Top Tips from The Eczema Society:
- Bathe your baby in warm water rather than hot. Heat increases the itch.
- Avoid bubble baths and soap, which is drying to the skin, use a soap substitute instead (you can get these prescribed by your doctor).
- Apply emollients frequently and liberally.
- Immediately after bathing apply emollient as this will help trap the water under it and thereby aid re-hydration.
- Use a bath mat as emollients can make the bath slippery.
- Wash clothes in the minimum effective quantity of non-biological, un-perfumed washing powder. Give clothes an extra rinse. Avoid fabric conditioners.
- Wear cotton or silk next to the skin. Wool and man-made fibres can irritate the skin. Use cotton sheets and duvet covers.
- Keep bedrooms cool, as overheating makes eczema worse. Warm, moist environments also encourage house dust mites.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom, as animal dander can make eczema worse. Regular damp dusting and vacuuming will help to keep the dust levels down.
Some doctors recommend washing bath toys in the dishwasher to keep them clean and using a spoon to get emollient out of the jar to avoid the natural bacteria on your hands contaminating the cream.
If eczema is severe baby may need wet wrapping which your health visitor will talk you through. Eczema can be quite a distressing condition for babies and parents so contact The Eczema Organisation for information and support.
For more information on your child’s care and referrals, please read the NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) Guidelines on eczema – please click here.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details
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