How is Baby Eczema treated? 

Children are unique patients because it may be difficult for them to resist scratching their baby eczema, thereby making the condition worse. Fortunately, for mild to moderate cases, the application of moisturizer on a regular basis can be very helpful. And, in most cases, the Baby eczema will disappear as the child ages. 

The first step in treating eczema is to identify the precipitating event or trigger and avoid it if possible. You may not see an immediate improvement, but if you are going to successfully treat eczema, it is important to break the cycle. Here are some tips:

•  Avoid situations that will make your baby sweat -- don't pile on blankets or put her in a blanket sleeper. 

• Cut cows' milk, eggs, citrus fruits, and peanut products from her diet. 

• Wash her clothes in a laundry detergent made for sensitive skin, such as Dreft Laundry Detergent. 

• Avoid dressing your daughter (or yourself for that matter) in wool or any other harsh material (cotton is excellent). 

Keep your child's skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer within three minutes to retain the moisture in the skin. Use a product like Eucerin, Lubriderm, Alpha Keri, Moisturel, Aquaphor, Curel, or Vaseline. 

Avoid sudden temperature changes. Keep your child's bedroom and play areas free of dust mites (a common trigger). Use mild soaps -- both on your child's skin and on your child's clothing. A humidifier for the room can also help prevent the skin from getting too dry.

Treatment of eczema combines aggressive moisturizing and topical anti-inflammatory medications. A child in eczema flare-up should be bathed daily (twice a day if possible) in lukewarm water (85 degrees). To keep skin healthy, it is better to avoid long bath. Hot water causes skin to release histamines that make the skin red and itchy. The bath does not need to be very long. Aim for frequent, brief baths, in lukewarm water, and use a small amount of very mild cleanser, such as Dove or Neutrogena, or better yet, don't use any unless she is particularly dirty. These brief baths will hydrate the skin, not dry it out. 

Children with a severe rash may find the water stings or burns. A few children with eczema can't tolerate baths at all. If so, a half a cup of table salt may be added to a full tub of water. Avoid using soap if possible and do not scrub skin with washcloth. If soap is needed, use mild, moisturizing, unscented soap. You can also try Cetaphil, a water-free cleanser for people with sensitive skin.

In the midst of an inflamed cycle, cortisone cream can be very helpful. It is not recommended for everyday use. Use the mildest form of cortisone that will break the cycle. On her face, an over-the-counter strength cortisone cream, such as Cortaid or Hydrocortisone, will usually be sufficient. Do not use anything stronger than the over-the-counter cortisone, unless prescribed for her by her pediatrician. Once the cycle is broken, gradually reduce, and then stop, the cortisone over one week to prevent rebound. 

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