Toddler Eczema

The medical condition that causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated is known as eczema. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which often has a tendency to develop allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, the prevalence of atopic eczema is increasing and affects about 30% of the U.S. population. Toddler eczema is particularly common in the U.S. Some people continue to experience symptoms on and off throughout life. But the disease can be controlled in the majority of sufferers, with proper treatment. Take a look at the causes of toddler eczema.

Causes of Eczema in Toddlers

The health experts say that exact causes of eczema in babies are still unknown. But, the factors which can trigger the skin disorder in babies and toddlers are as follow.

• Dry skin
• Reactions by feeding
• Excessive heat
• Environmental allergens
• Genetic factors. For example, the chances of eczema in babies are higher when the parents have eczema or other allergies.

Symptoms of Eczema in Toddlers

• Severe itching that may continue for a few days.
• The eczema babies exhibit mild, red skin rash on cheeks, forehead, scalp and all over the body.
• The affected skin appears very dry, thickened and scaly. The patches may appear anywhere.
• Small red bumps and fluid-filled blisters can also be noticed on the affected skin.
• Sometimes, itching may start before the rash appears.
• The itchy rash can produce an oozing, crusting condition particularly on face and scalp, in case of infants.

Though eczema is not contagious, constant scratching and irritating the baby's skin may lead to severe eczema in babies. Eczema in babies can be a very painful and heartbreaking situation for the parents, as the little angels cannot express their discomforts. The babies do not accept milk or food, and are not able to sleep properly. They cry continuously and hence, for parents, it is very important to know about the toddler eczema treatment.

Treatment for Eczema in Toddlers

• The main part of the baby eczema treatment is hygiene. You should keep pets away from your baby as their hair can be harmful for the eczema babies. Too hot water for bath can worsen the situation as this can lead to dry skin. But you have to keep baby's skin very clean, with lukewarm water, to avoid any kind of bacterial infection, otherwise, it may lead to pus filled sores.
• Never try over the counter creams. You should consult your physician before buying a toddler eczema cream. He only can prescribe a good cream or ointment or an antihistamine. Oral medication prescribed, can also help improving the condition fast.
• You should keep a list of foods to avoid with eczema, handy and follow the tips strictly. For example, you can avoid cow's milk, eggs, citrus fruits, wheat, soy, chocolates, fish, peanut, cheese, yogurt in your baby's diet and opt for goat's dairy.
• Instead of scented soaps, creams and powders, you should opt for mild scent free soaps, herbal creams and powders for your child. Herbal baby shampoos can be used. Also, check the detergents and cleaning products used to wash the clothes of your baby. Laundry detergent allergy may worsen the situation.
• Scratching can make eczema worse. So, you should not allow the nails of the baby to grow, you should cut the nails regularly. It is better if you keep the hands and feet of the baby covered with mitts and socks, even while sleeping.
• Applying natural moisturizers, at least twice a day can keep the skin of the baby properly moist. Olive, aloe vera, sea salt or neem oil bath will give a soothing effect to the skin.
• Breast feeding is always the best way to build a strong immune system and it is recommended for strong health of the baby.
• Cotton clothes and cotton bedding is recommended for eczema babies. This can avoid sweating.

If toddler eczema is not cured in a week's period, you should consult a pediatrician. Even after total cure, you should always follow the skin care tips to prevent the recurrence of eczema.