Last Updated on October 16, 2022 by Nurse Vicky
What Causes Eczema in Babies?
One of the first questions that come to our mind when a new baby is diagnosed with eczema is what causes it.
Some factors may be responsible, like allergies to pet dander, dust, or pollen.
Other factors could be heat or sweat.
Whatever the cause, it is important to get to the root of the problem as early as possible.
Here are a few common triggers of the condition.
Allergies to pet dander, pollen, and dust
When it comes to allergies, the common culprits include pets, dust, and pollen. Babies with pet allergies should stay away from such environments.
They should be kept away from the house and should be given antihistamines before coming into contact with the allergen.
Parents can also take their children to pet-free zones and shower before allowing them in the house. Environmental factors are another cause of eczema in babies.
Many household items are known to cause eczema, including dust, pollen, and pet dander. In addition, extremes in humidity and temperature can trigger a flare-up of the symptoms.
Parents should keep the temperature of the baby’s bedroom between 68 and 72 degrees. Keeping the air in the home at a moderate level is also important. Humidifiers can help moisten dry air.
Allergies to pet dander and pollen are the leading causes of eczema in children.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAI), approximately six out of 10 U.S. households contain a pet.
Among those with a pet, the number is 161 million. While animals with fur shed less dander than those without it is still high, they do have a higher risk of triggering an allergic reaction.
In addition to dander, pets can also shed proteins from their saliva and urine.
When a baby’s skin is prone to eczema, the most effective treatment is to avoid hot, dry conditions.
To minimize the risks of flare-ups, parents should keep their babies in cool, shaded areas at all times.
Use a cool-mist humidifier to keep the room at a comfortable humidity level.
Try to keep the temperature of your baby’s bedroom above 30%. When a baby is overheated, you should monitor them for signs like fussiness, sunburn, or a change in skin pigmentation.
To alleviate the symptoms of heat and sweat, make sure to remove the baby from the hot area.
While it may be tempting to let the baby lie in the shade or take a bath, keep in mind that excessive heat can cause bacterial or yeast infections.
Scratching the skin can open it further, resulting in secondary infections.
A cool bath can provide temporary relief and reduce discomfort, but it’s important to keep a close eye on the baby and monitor the symptoms closely.
Allergies to pet dander
Food allergies are another possible cause of eczema in babies. About one in five children have some kind of food allergy, making them particularly vulnerable to eczema.
The most common culprits for food allergies in babies are nuts, seeds, and wheat.
Aside from allergies to foods, other causes of eczema include a defective skin barrier.
The underlying cause of this skin barrier may be the protein filaggrin, which is part of the human epidermis.
Filaggrin is responsible for the elasticity of the skin barrier and prevents excessive water loss through the skin.
The best way to minimize your child’s exposure to pet dander is to remove all traces of the allergens from the home.
You can do this by bathing your baby regularly with pet-specific shampoo and by changing bedding, towels, and other items in your home.
Allergies to pet dander are also a major cause of eczema in babies.
Allergies to dust
 
It’s important for parents to know that allergies to dust can aggravate the condition in babies.
Dust mites can trigger an outbreak of eczema, resulting in red, itchy rashes and respiratory problems.
It generally affects children first, but it can appear in infants as well. It typically develops as rashes on the arms, behind the knees, and on the scalp.
Infants with eczema are usually distressed. Some parents are able to control their baby’s eczema with the use of medicines, such as Zyrtec.
However, there are other causes for the condition, such as allergies to animal dander, food, and dust mites.
Some babies may also have a food allergy or a chemical sensitivity.
In such a case, a physician will prescribe an antibiotic and other treatment options.
Additionally, many ask
What are some effective treatments for eczema in infants?
Make use of a gentle cleanser in conjunction with warm water. After a bath of no more than 15 minutes, rinse completely, gently pat your baby dry and apply a fragrance-free lotion or ointment such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline), while the skin is still damp. At least twice a day, perhaps when changing diapers, you should apply moisturizer.
What steps can I take to ensure that my child does not develop eczema?
Breastfeeding and taking probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding have both been shown to lessen the risk of eczema in infants, according to some research. In addition, research has shown that applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the skin of infants and young children who are at an increased risk of developing eczema may help prevent the rash from appearing.
Does eczema in babies go away?
Most cases of newborn eczema cure up by the time they enter school, at age 4 or 5. Sometimes eczema might go away or diminish in severity when your child approaches puberty or by the time they turn into adulthood. It is possible that your child will develop sensitive skin or experience flare-ups of eczema symptoms throughout their entire lives.
Is eczema painful for babies?
The rash caused by eczema might manifest itself all over the body or in a select few locations. They can become significantly worse at particular times, which is referred to as a flare-up, and they can be so irritating and uncomfortable that they prevent sleep, which can make your baby (and you!) miserable.
What natural remedies can I use to treat eczema in my baby?
The following is a rundown of the research that supports some of the most popular natural treatments for eczema in infants:
Coconut oil that has been cold pressed, sunflower oil that has been cold pressed, vitamin B12 cream, calendula cream, oatmeal baths, salt, evening primrose oil, and borage oil are some of the products that have been recommended (Star Flower) Oil. … Vitamin D.
Is it true that breastfeeding can help eczema?
Breast milk can help soothe your baby’s eczema due to the fact that it contains properties that offer protection against infections. Breast milk should be dripped onto a cotton ball and then the ball should be applied to the affected area. It is possible that eczema will clear up on its own over time; however, this will depend on the severity of the condition and will either require ongoing maintenance or additional medical monitoring.
When should I start to be concerned about eczema in my baby?
When should I be worried about this? Even though you moisturize your baby’s skin, if they still have a rash and are itching, you should take them to the pediatrician or a dermatologist for further evaluation. The first thing to do in order to treat eczema is to do this. Sometimes eczema isn’t a serious condition and will clear up on its own with just a little bit of moisturizer. 18 Nov 2020
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