When a baby’s parents begin to notice raised red bumps on their baby’s skin, it is understandably a cause for concern. There are so many diseases out there in the world that can attack a baby, especially if they are still too young to have received any immunizations for measles, chicken pox and the like. Fortunately, most of the time the red bumps are just a temporary irritation that occurred from something the baby rubbed up against and by the following day, it is all gone. However, it could be signs of a lasting skin condition call eczema and there are many baby advice websites out there that can guide parents on how best to deal with it.
Related: Tragedy Due to Lack of Baby Health Checks
What is Eczema?
Eczema is often also called allergic or atopic dermatitis, as it is often caused by allergies. Eczema is a skin condition that appears as raised red spots and inflamed itchy areas on the skin. Baby advice websites describe areas that become flaky, cracked and rough. Small blisters also sometimes appear.
Aside from how unsightly it is, it also causes extreme itching that in some cases can lead to an infection that can become very serious.
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis where ‘dermatitis’ is inflammation of the skin and ‘atopic’ has to do with a group of diseases that involve the immune system.
Related: Jason and Brittany’s Son, Memphis, Proves Celebrity Kids are Human Too
What Causes Eczema?
The usual cause is allergies and hay fever, although it is possible that a child will outgrow eczema. Allergens such as dirt, trees, plants, cigarette smoke, smog, fragrances, foods, even saliva, cause the immune system to overreact and create the patches of eczema. Baby advice websites may recommend that the baby’s hands be kept in cotton mittens to avoid inadvertent scratching as scratching can lead to infection.
Related: Baby Health Information: Baby’s Bathtime Drowning Concluded to be Homicide
Baby Advice Websites Recommendations
When it comes to baby health problems and bathing basics, doctors will tell you to keep the baby clean, as dirt will exacerbate the eczema. Baths should be quick, under 10 minutes, in lukewarm water, as hot water will dry out the skin. Using a mild, fragrance free cleanser is important so as to not irritate the skin further, and avoid actual scrubbing.
After bathing it is imperative that parents understand the baby health checks, importance of bathing to keep the skin clean and free of irritants. Immediately after bathing, apply a moisturizer that is fragrance free. Rather than thin oil or lotion, thick cream or ointment will help the most. Keeping the skin lubricated will do wonders for keeping eczema at bay. This is often enough to keep eczema under control. However, although baby advice websites can be helpful, consult with your pediatrician who may prescribe cortisone ointment to help control it and keep itching at a minimum.
