Baby eczema often appears as red, crusty patches on your baby’s body. Oftentimes, it affects their cheeks and limb joints, but it can appear anywhere on their little bodies. While most babies often outgrow their eczema, we understand that the waiting game can feel like forever. Discover several of the most common causes of eczema and treatment options to help your baby find relief:
Eczema Causes
Are you curious what exactly causes eczema? There are three causes that stand out among the rest: the eczema is hereditary, there is a lack of ceramides in the skin, and the baby is exposed to certain eczema triggers. Details:
Hereditary – If one or both of the baby’s parents has eczema, it’s likely that the baby will develop eczema. That doesn’t mean all your children will have eczema or that it won’t go away as they age, but there is a higher chance they will develop eczema.
Lack of Ceramides – Ceramides are natural lipids that help the skin retain moisture and not dry out. If there are not enough ceramides in the skin, eczema is more likely to occur. Moisturizers can help your skin’s natural lipids to retain moisture, reducing the risk of eczema flare ups.
Triggers – There are certain triggers that can cause eczema to worsen, but these triggers alone do not cause eczema itself. Cigarette smoke, chlorine, dust, soap, sweat, and stress are among the most common triggers. If this is the cause of your baby’s eczema, the best tactic is avoidance.
Eczema Treatments
Knowing what treatment will best help your eczema will help you manage your flare ups. At Langford Allergy, we often prescribe eczema treatments such as:
- Hydrocortisone or prescription-strength steroid cream
- Immunomodulators
- Oral antihistamines
- Oral corticosteroids
- Oral immunosuppressants
- Prescription-strength moisturizers
Your allergist will educate you on how often and when to apply your eczema treatment and will answer any questions you have. Are you ready to schedule an appointment? Call us today: 478-787-4728.