Treatments for Eczema in Infants

Identification

• Eczema is a skin rash that can occur in babies, children and adults alike. It is characterized by dry, itchy and red thickened skin. More severe eczema can blister, ooze a clear fluid or become infected if scratched or cut. Although not life-threatening or incredibly dangerous, it is very irritating as the skin is constantly itchy and uncomfortable. This can cause infants to become distraught and cry for hours on end. Eczema in infants is usually contained to the head region but can spread further if the case is more severe, or the infant spreads the rash through constant touching and scratching.

Daily Bathing

• Daily sponge or "dry" bathes can help the eczema as the skin needs moisture. However, prolonged exposure to warmer water temperatures can actually have a counter effect. The difference in temperatures or exposure to humid or warm conditions can cause the rash to thrive and spread. Thus, sponge baths are recommended with lukewarm water.

Moisturizers

• Daily moisturizing is the key to treating the rash. Keep the infant moisturized at all times so that the skin doesn't have a chance to dry out or crack and ooze. Use a fragrance-free and chemical-free moisturizer, so that it won't further complicate the rash and trigger it to worsen or spread. Moisturize at least twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. It is best to put moisturizer on right after showering when the pores are open and will be most apt to absorb the moisture.

Cool Compress

• Apply a cool compress, such as an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel, on the affected areas. This will help soothe the irritation and help your little one relax as his skin won't feel like it is on fire and make him want to scratch. The skin may at first become more red after the cold compress is applied but don't worry, this is normal and the skin will actually become more neutral within an hour of removing the compress. Leave the cold compress on for 20 to 30 minutes at a time or as needed.

Baby Mittens

• If the infant is scratching, put some cotton baby mittens on his hands. The scratching will worsen the rash and can actually make it spread. The mittens will prevent him from harming himself, spreading the rash and further irritating the skin. Make sure that they are cotton mittens though, as wool or some polyester and other blends can irritate the skin even more.

Medication

• If the eczema is severe and the natural at-home remedies don't seem to be working, go to the pharmacy or grocery store and buy an over-the-counter topical steroid cream. Apply a small amount of the cream to the rash areas daily or twice daily as directed on the package. If the eczema spreads further or doesn't seem to be improving after a week or so, you can take the infant to the doctor. The doctor will prescribe an oral steroid that is stronger and will help reduce any inflammation as well as treat the existing rash.

Misconceptions

• Some people think that daily bathing will dry out the skin and have an adverse effect, but it actually helps clean the skin and prevent the rash from worsening because it thrives in dirty conditions. Daily bathing followed by hydration (moisturizer) is encouraged.