☰
Aug-28,2023
What is eczema?
Eczema arises in the form of raised, red, crusty patches on your baby's skin. Eczema occurs in the initial months after birth and eventually subsides as your baby grows. Babies can develop eczema on any part of their body, usually on their cheeks and legs.
What are the causes?
Eczema has genetic ties, and if a parent develops eczema, the baby is most likely to get it as well. Issues with the skin’s protective layer, for instance, very little filaggrin, prevents the skin from retaining water and allows germs to penetrate the barrier easily.
When the body produces too little fat cells, known as ceramides, the skin loses excessive amounts of water and dries out.
How do babies get it?
Babies are likely to get eczema if their parents or family had it.
What are the symptoms?
What does a diagnosis entail?
A physical exam of your baby’s skin is all that’s required to diagnose eczema. Many children with eczema also have other allergies, which is why it’s vital to undergo an allergy test to determine what irritants cause their skin to break out in hives.
How do you treat eczema?
Avoid your baby scratching their skin by removing all irritants. When the skin is exposed to allergens, blisters form and eventually leak, which leads to infection. Hydrocortisone creams or ointments are used to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. A pus-filled crust begins to form, which is usually a sign of infection and is only treatable through prescription antibiotics.
What is the result?
Eczema requires life-long skincare to prevent its surface from drying out or leaking pus. In case of infection, your family paediatrician will prescribe topical or oral antibiotics.
What does prevention for eczema entail?
Keeping your baby’s skin moisturised and applying petroleum jelly helps form a thick protective barrier for their skin. Soft moisturised skin promotes water retention and prevents the skin from drying out.
Takeaway
Eczema causes dry, flaky and red skin. Eczema causes the skin to turn red, become itchy and leak fluid. Treatment for eczema includes petroleum jelly for the baby's sensitive skin and moisturisers to promote fluid retention.
To book your consultation contact;
Dr. Zaheer Cajee
Paediatrician
031 902 2786, 031 912 1108
Suite 6 1st Floor,162 Phila Ndwandwe Road, Isipingo Rail, 4133
.png)
.jpg)
The Joint Medical Holdings Group was formed to provide superior medical care to the community and in doing, to alleviate suffering.