Cracking the Code of Baby Eczema

For parents, seeing the sight of red, itchy patches on your baby’s delicate skin can be both worrying and confusing. If your baby is experiencing recurring episodes of dry, inflamed and irritated skin, you’re not alone. Studies show that eczema affects about 20% of children in Singapore, making it one of the most common childhood skin conditions in the country.

In this post, we’ll break down what baby eczema is, what triggers eczema, and how you can keep your child’s skin healthy and comfortable.

What is Baby Eczema?

Eczema in infants is typically characterised by red, itchy patches that appear on various parts of their body. While it usually shows up on the scalp and face during the baby’s first few months, it can also affect areas like the back of the knees and inside the elbows as time goes on — unlike adults, whose eczema often appears on the hands, neck, and face.

The most common forms of eczema amongst babies include:

• Atopic dermatitis, dry, itchy patches on the skin that is often associated with other atopic conditions, such as personal or family history of allergic rhinitis or asthma
• Contact dermatitis, triggered by direct contact with irritants including certain fabrics, soaps or medicaments
• Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as cradle cap, which causes scaly patches on the scalp

Triggers and Causes

Eczema in infants can be triggered by a variety of factors, often unique to each child. Since their skin is more sensitive than adults, babies are especially vulnerable to environmental influences. Irritants like wool, heat, laundry detergents, and harsh soaps are some of the common triggers of skin irritation or dryness.

Other triggers can include:

• Allergens: Dust, pollen, and pet dander may trigger an overreaction in a baby’s immune system, leading to inflammation, redness and itching
• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of eczema or allergies may predispose babies to being more sensitive and reactive to environmental triggers
• Heightened immune response: Factors like vaccinations, teething, or illness may trigger flare-ups

To identify what triggers your child, it’s helpful to keep track of when flare-ups occur and what they have been exposed to. Noting any changes in environment or routine can offer valuable clues for preventing future outbreaks.

Treatment Options

Over-the-counter remedies like gentle moisturisers, ointments, and bath additives (such as colloidal oatmeal) can help soothe your baby’s skin by strengthening its natural barrier, keeping it hydrated, and reducing irritation. Incorporating these into a daily skincare routine go a long way towards providing lasting relief.

In more severe cases, prescription treatments like steroid creams—used in controlled doses—can help calm inflammation. Non-steroidal creams have recently become a popular alternative that your dermatologist might recommend, depending on your child’s condition. Additionally, antihistamines can help soothe itching and discomfort.

In addition to treatments, lifestyle adjustments can help keep your child’s eczema at bay:

• Create an eczema-friendly environment with hypoallergenic products and maintain a cool, humidified space.
• Prevent excessive scratching by keeping your baby’s nails trimmed or using mittens.

When in doubt, consulting a doctor is always the best approach to finding the right treatment. Our resident dermatologist is available to help guide you further on how you can manage your baby’s eczema.