Atopic dermatitis is a very common problem among babies1. It involves the appearance of small red bumps on the child’s body, which cause itching and irritation. This condition can occur from three months of age, and may persist throughout life, or, as happens in about 60% of cases, disappear by the age of 12. Atopic dermatitis in babies usually affects the face, neck, and the creases of the arms and legs. The major discomfort of dermatitis is itching; the small bumps generally release a liquid as a result of the child scratching with their nails, and this uncontrollable act of scratching can even lead to skin inflammation.
Atopic Dermatitis – Treating the Baby’s Skin
This is a chronic condition, so treatment is more challenging and must be persistent for effective results to be observed. It’s important to note that babies don’t have the self-control that older children or adults have to avoid scratching as much as possible. In cases of children who do not yet have control over their own bodies, the most common reaction is irritability, often shown through excessive crying.
Tips for Symptom Relief
During bath time – Avoid giving long baths; five minutes is sufficient. On hotter days, try to keep the water lukewarm to cool. This can help soothe irritation. No scrubbing – On irritated skin, use only water and as little soap as possible. It is recommended to opt for hypoallergenic soaps or even soaps made with plant-based and soothing substances. Do not use any type of sponge on the child’s skin, not even the softest types. Lotions – Irritated skin should be preserved as much as possible; lotions should be avoided, as should perfumes or colognes, since all of these items can further irritate the child’s skin. Cotton clothing – Use light cotton fabrics; clothes should be washed with neutral soap and ideally, even fabric softeners should not be used. Coconut soap is the most recommended for washing clothes. Syndets – Also known as synthetic detergents, these do not alter the skin’s pH in allergic individuals. Check for products that have this ingredient. Powdered antibiotics – It is very common, especially when the mother is desperate seeing her child suffer, to be tempted to use a powdered antibiotic on the baby’s skin, such as penicillin, but this can actually cause even more irritation. Home remedies – If the pediatrician or dermatologist has not recommended a specific product or home solution, it is important not to try anything on your own, as it may only worsen the situation, causing even more discomfort for the child. Moisturizers – These are not forbidden; in fact, they are recommended, but it all depends on the type of moisturizer used. Generally, hypoallergenic moisturizers are best. Since the affected skin is often dry, which worsens the condition, ideally, on the doctor’s advice, moisturize the child’s skin throughout the day. Medications – Depending on the child’s condition, the doctor may prescribe allergy medication, corticosteroid-based ointments, or immunosuppressive drugs.
IMPORTANT: Only a doctor can prescribe specific treatment for your baby’s case. Ideally, parents should not follow advice from other parents, since each case is different and may require different methods for recovery.
Contact Dermatitis in Babies – Causes
Contact dermatitis results from an inflammatory reaction that occurs on the skin after exposure to some active ingredient that can cause irritation or allergy2. The main symptoms are: skin rash, redness, itching, and flaking. This problem may appear right after exposure to a certain agent, or it may take time to arise. The most common causes of this problem are usually: the use of soaps, cosmetics, jewelry, perfumes, exposure to plants, among others.
Treatment
Treatment of this problem involves first identifying what is causing the skin reaction, and once the agent is discovered, simply avoiding contact with the substance solves the issue. Cold compresses or the use of anti-inflammatory creams may be recommended by the doctor to ease symptoms and treat the problem. Remember that at the first sign of skin irritation in your baby, it is important to take them to a pediatrician for an initial evaluation or to be referred to an allergist or dermatologist.
Seborrheic Dermatitis in Babies – Cause and How to Treat
Another issue that can affect babies is seborrheic dermatitis, which is also commonly known as cradle cap. Although it may alarm parents, it is a frequent and harmless problem for the child3. Seborrheic dermatitis involves the appearance of thick, yellowish crusts on the baby’s scalp. It is not a contagious disease and does not require treatment. This issue is caused by uncontrolled oil production by the sebaceous glands.
Treatment
The recommendation from specialists to remove the scales from the child’s scalp is to gently massage the area with your finger or a cloth; moreover, the baby’s hair should be washed at least once a day with a mild shampoo. Remember that when massaging the baby’s skin with your hands, they must be clean, freshly washed, and disinfected with hand sanitizer, and the cloth used should be clean and specific for this purpose. For more resistant crusts, parents can use a specific mineral oil for babies; this oil can cover the affected area for a few minutes and afterwards, the baby’s scalp can be washed with shampoo. If the problem affects other areas of the baby’s body, it is important to seek medical advice for a specific treatment recommendation. In most cases, this issue disappears quickly and, therefore, is not a cause for major concern. See Also: What to Do When Your Baby’s Skin Is Dry? Photo: Bernd Untiedt at German Wikipedia
