My baby has very dry, sensitive skin, could it be eczema?
Dry skin and eczema are closely related problems in children. The
causes of both problems do differ, but the treatment plans often
overlap. Dry skin is caused by overbathing with harsh soaps, thereby
removing the skins protective oils and natural defenses. Dry, indoor
air during the winter months tend to make dry skin worse and even
more itchy. Most babies do have sensitive skin, and parents should
use care when choosing skin care products for them. Eczema is also
a condition of dry skin, but the skin often gets red, rashy, weepy,
and raw, that is worsened by the "itch-scratch" cycle. However,
eczema is an inherited disorder. It is commonly seen in babies with
a family history of allergies and asthma. Eczema tends to flare
up when the skin is exposed to an irritant. Treatment is aimed at
keeping skin well-hydrated and avoiding known irritants. Most children
grow out of eczema, but some go on to develop allergies or asthma
later in life.
Signs and symptoms of eczema:
- Dry skin over most of body
- Patches of red, rough, sometimes raw and weepy rash, commonly
seen in the creases of the elbows, wrists and knees, and face
and neck
- Age of onset is usually between 2 and 6 months
Home Treatment:
Bathing
- Less frequent bathing is not usually necessary -plain water
baths can help with itching and keeps skin clean, reducing the
likelihood of infection from scratching
- Avoid bubble bath and harsh soaps, use a mild soap like Dove
on the dirty parts only - avoid those baby skin care products
- Limit bath time to 10 minutes
- If child likes to play in bath, allow for play in plain water
first, then shampoo hair and clean body , rinse thoroughly and
get out of tub - do not allow child to soak in soapy water
Skin Care
- Once your child is out of the bath, do not dry the skin with
a towel
- Use the water droplets on the skin to your advantage by applying
an emollient directly to the damp skin to seal in this extra moisture
- The best and least expensive emollient is petroleum jelly, but
it can be greasy, Eucerin creme is also very good and not as greasy
- lotions do not work for extremely dry skin
- Apply the emollient at least twice a day
- If your child has been prescribed a steroid cream, apply it
to the skin before the emollient
Prevention and Other Hints:
- Use Dreft for your child's laundry and double rinse if possible
- Avoid use of fabric softeners
- Use caution with your perfumes on your clothing
- Dress your child in soft, natural fibers such as cotton
- Use a humidifier during the winter months
- Avoid known irritants
- Continue to use mild soap and emollient even when child's skin
looks good
- Keep child's nails well groomed
Call our office if:
- The rash appears infected, scabbed, bleeding, or blistered
- The rash has not improved in 1 week of diligent skin care
- The itching interferes with sleep
- You have other questions or concerns
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