Eczema is a common skin condition and may begin in infancy or early childhood. Eczema causes patches of skin that can be:
- red, swollen and irritating
- scaly, dry and itchy
- oozy/weepy
- infected.
In babies it may affect the skin on their face and neck, scalp, outsides of the arms and legs and the trunk. From two years onward, eczema may occur in the knee and elbow creases, the skin of the neck, wrists and ankles. Sometimes the inflammation may lead to weeping and crusting.
Why do babies get eczema
Eczema affects 1 in 5 children under two years of age. It usually improves with age, but it can still occur in older children and adults. Eczema is not contagious.
The reasons why babies and children get eczema is not well understood. It can be genetic. It is common to have other allergies (for example hay fever, asthma, food allergy, dust mite allergy) and eczema.
The areas of skin affected by eczema do not keep moisture in and the skin dries out. The body releases chemicals which makes the skin itchy. Scratching can make the skin feel itchier. This sets up a ‘itch, scratch, itch’ cycle. This makes it uncomfortable for your child.
What should you do
if you think your baby has eczema please seek medical advice to rule any other causes for the skin condition and to get the individualised advice you need. This resource has some useful information about eczema