Causes of Infant Eczema

Infant Eczema

Does your infant have extra dry skin? Does his skin itch and flake? Do they furiously scratch causing cracks and ruptures in their skin? Your infant may be experiencing a very common infant skin condition know as infant eczema.

The degree of the condition can vary widely. Some infants experience red, pimple like conditions on their scalp, neck and face which is called �cradle cap�. Other infants may have it on their arms, trunk, and legs. This condition normally clears up after age 2 or 3.

This affliction can be the product of one cause or a combination of different factors. Does your infant have an identified food allergy? If so, they may be exposed to this food and not even known it. Make sure to read labels carefully to figure out if the allergen food type is in the food product. Reducing or eliminating your infant�s exposure to this allergen can greatly reduce flare-ups.

There are a host of other allergens that could be at the root of the problem. Dog and cat dander has been shown to cause allergies. Dust in your house and dust mites in bedding and carpets can cause infant eczema. Try decreasing the amount of dust and dust mites in your house by cleaning thoroughly. Use hypoallergenic pillow cases and mattress covers whenever possible.

Skin irritants can also be the cause. What type of detergent do you use to wash your infant�s clothes? Chemicals in some detergents can irritate your infant�s skin. Try using a hypoallergenic detergent such as Dreft. Certain fabrics, like wool, can irritate skin as well. Avoid these types of fabrics.

Irritants in the air can also increase flare-ups. Avoid exposing your child to cigarette smoke and the vapors of household cleaning products. These vapors contain chemicals that are allergens to many people. Infant eczema can be a result of an allergic reaction to these allergens. Clean up your infant�s environment for best results.

The way you bathe your infant can contribute to infant eczema. Avoid using abrasive and drying soaps. Opt for baby shampoos and moisturizing cleansers. Apply moisture creams and hydrocortisone creams to help relieve itching and minimize redness.

Pinpointing the cause of the condition is the first step in preventing future infant flare-ups. Examine your infant�s environment carefully to help minimize flare-ups.