Is Baby Eczema Caused by Smoking Parents?

The skin condition eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, normally manifests itself before the age of five. Babies with eczema typically have rashes on their face and scalp, which may spread to the limbs and chest. After the age of one, eczema often appears in skin folds, such as the inside of the elbows, behind the knees and around the wrists and ankles. An eczema rash tends to be dry, thick patches of skin, often alongside tiny red bumps that sometimes ooze pus. It is extremely itchy, which can cause great discomfort to infants.

  1. Genetics

    • Eczema often runs in families, meaning your baby is more likely to have it if you, or a close relative, has had eczema, asthma or allergic reactions. While eczema is not an allergic reaction, it can be triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen.

    Diet

    • If you are breastfeeding your baby, there is a possibility that allergens in your diet trigger his eczema. Try cutting out dairy and see if this make a difference. If his skin is clearer after a few weeks of no dairy, you should avoid eating dairy until you stop breastfeeding. According to Itchy Baby, the most likely culprits are cow̵7;s milk, citrus, eggs, soya, nuts and wheat.

    Cigarette Smoke

    • Your smoking habit will not cause your baby's eczema, but it is not good for it. Cigarette smoke is an irritant that can trigger breakouts. If your infant has eczema and you notice that it gets worse when she is around people who smoke, you will be doing her a huge favor by quitting.

    Other Triggers

    • Eczema may also be triggered by heat, chemicals in washing detergents, soaps and skin products, temperature changes and stress, notes WebMD. Avoid using harsh, fragranced products on your baby's skin and to wash his clothes. Watch out for changes in his skin to help you eliminate triggers and know what to avoid using in the future.

    Managing Baby Eczema

    • Ask your pediatrician for advice on looking after your baby's skin. She may suggest a daily bath in lukewarm water, using a very mild soap or soap-free cleanser. It's a good idea to wash your baby immediately before taking her out of the bath, so that she's not sitting in suds for long. Patting her skin dry with a towel won't irritate it the way rubbing will. Baby Center, the award-winning pregnancy and parenting website, recommends applying a generous amount of emollient to your baby's skin while it's still damp to seal in moisture. Wool and other scratchy materials should be avoided when dressing your baby; stick to soft natural fabrics such as cotton. Your baby is likely to want to scratch her skin as often as possible, particularly during a bad flare-up of eczema. Make sure you keep her nails short and put cotton mittens on her hands before she goes to bed to prevent nocturnal scratching.

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