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  • Writer's pictureSister Elna

Eczema or dry skin in babies and infants

Updated: Oct 25, 2021


Most of the little ones struggle with dry skin one or another time. The term Eczema also referred to as dry skin describes a number of different skin conditions. Eczema is more likely to develop in families with a history of eczema, hayfever or asthma but these conditions do not cause one another.


Baby and infant skin are different from that of adults as it is thinner in structure, composition and function. The skin loses moisture twice as fast as adult skin.


The little one present with dry scaly and often red patches, sometimes even have small bumps which may ooze or weep fluid. These patches usually are located on the face, bends of the elbows and behind the knees. The baby may be irritable. The dryness is worst in the winter when the air is dry.


Baby skin forms part of the immune system and is not only a physical barrier but also an active immune system.

 

Possible causes:


  • Repeated contact with irritating substances; such as citrus juice, bubble baths, strong soaps, certain foods and preservatives and medicines and rough-weave fabrics

  • Nickel jewellery

  • Child’s own saliva

  • Excessive heat or dryness

  • Cigarette smoke

  • Certain flavourings or additives to kinds of toothpaste

  • Glues, dyes, leather

  • Some plants

  • Foods such as cows milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy or oranges may provoke a flare-up

 

Tips for dealing with eczema / dry skin:


  • Remove the irritant if you know what it is

  • Remove harsh or irritating clothing, recommendable to dress in soft cotton clothing

  • Keep baby cool to avoid excessive sweating

  • Keep baby’s fingernails short

  • Avoid things that may cause itchings, such as dust, grass, weeds, certain soaps, detergent fabric softeners and perfumes

  • Avoid using scented products

  • Use skin moisturizers regularly and frequently, at least twice a day

  • Keep a diary of items that may cause a flare-up

Bath time:

  • Use lukewarm water (warm, not hot)

  • Use mild cleansers and shampoo indicated for baby and infant skin

  • Do not keep the little one in the water for longer than 10 minutes

  • Rinse twice to ensure that all residual soap is off

  • Pat dry with a soft towel, do not rub

  • Moist the skin within 3 minutes from getting out of the bath

  • Apply moisturizer in a downwards motion


Tips to find trigger foods:

  • Follow an elimination diet by eliminating the possible trigger foods for 10 to 14 days and observe if there is any difference or improvement

  • Thereafter introduce one possible trigger food one by one in small amounts back and observe your child.

Medical tests for example skin- or blood tests are also available and you may discuss these investigations with your doctor.

 

Which moisturizer to choose?


There are so many moisturizers, namely ointments, creams and lotions, on the market and it is difficult to choose the correct one. Moisturizers are classified according to their oil and water content. The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effective it will be for dry skin.



  • Ointments contain 80 % oil and 20% water. Ointments do not burn when applied.

  • Creams contain 50 % oil and 50 % water and often have added preservatives. Creams may burn when applied.

  • Lotions contain 50 % oil and 50 % water and often have added preservatives. Lotions may burn when applied. Lotions are similar to creams but are lighter and are less thick. Generally, lotions are not recommended for dry skin.

 

References:


Steven P Shelov; Caring for your baby and young child; 2009









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