How to relieve infant eczema?
Infant eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory disease that develops on a background of dry skin with repeated flare-ups and almost constant itching (scratching), mainly affecting infants and young children with a genetic predisposition. It is not an allergic disease but a disease of the skin's barrier function.
Eczema can be very debilitating due to scratching, which can lead to skin superinfections, as well as sleep disturbances, behavioral problems, poor perception of the child by others (rejection), or even by themselves.
Relieving eczema means doing everything possible to avoid its consequences and thus restore the skin barrier function by preventing dryness. You will also need to treat flare-ups but, above all, try to prevent them… to improve your baby’s comfort.
Some tips:
- Follow hygiene rules regarding bathing (see dedicated text) and the environment: avoid exposure to cold and dry weather, and while sunlight is beneficial, sweating is not. Air out the rooms where your child lives frequently and try to maintain a temperature around 19°C; avoid any exposure to tobacco smoke or other pollutants such as dust mites, among others.
- Do not dress your baby in wool (which itches) or synthetic fabrics, but rather in cotton (or silk), preferably over fine-fiber polyester. Change underwear and nightwear daily. Use fabric softeners during laundry and rinse clothes well after washing. Cut your baby’s nails if they scratch themselves.
- Restoring the skin barrier relies on suitable emollients.
- Flare-ups should be treated with topical corticosteroids as soon as they appear, and do not be afraid to apply them to the skin as they are very effective and safe when used properly.
This of course requires real education on your part, and your child’s doctor will advise you as best as possible so that your baby can be relieved.