Causes and Treatment of Baby Dermatitis

Baby dermatitis, also known as eczema, can wreak havoc on your baby's delicate skin. These dry, itchy patches are quite common and most often not serious. However, where there is an itch, there is also a scratch, and constant scratching of the area can introduce bacteria and infection. Because of this, it's important to know the common causes of this disorder, as well as options for treatment.

Symptoms
Baby dermatitis shows itself with pink or red bumps or lesions that are thick and scaly. It is seen most often on a baby's face and scalp, as well as on the area on the front of the elbows and back of the knees. There are different degrees of severity, from mild (a few scattered areas, easy to treat at home), to moderate (heavier coverage that may require a prescription to treat), to severe (covering most of the body, difficult to treat even with a prescription).

Causes
There are multiple triggers that can cause baby dermatitis, including heat and humidity, tobacco smoke and clothing that doesn't fit properly or is made of abrasive material. One of the most common causes, however, is soap that you use to wash your baby and detergent that you use to launder your baby's clothes. These products may contain fragrance and other chemicals that are too harsh for your baby's sensitive skin.

Prevention & Treatment
If you believe that your baby's skin may be sensitive to products that you are using, change your cleansing products to those that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrance and dyes. Be aware of what is in items such as diapers, baby wipes, soap, lotion and laundry detergent. In fact, you may skip the use of baby soap and lotion altogether. Use warm water and a soft cloth during bath time and diaper changes. Keeping your baby's skin moisturized is important, but in lieu of baby lotion, opt for a thick moisturizer instead. Apply this to your baby's damp skin after bathing on a daily basis.

Another treatment option for your baby's dermatitis includes reducing your baby's exposure to heat and humidity as much as possible. Set out bowls of water, especially in the bedroom, to add moisture to the air without becoming overly humid. Dress your baby in clothing that is loose-fitting and allows air to circulate, preferably made of soft material such as cotton. Avoid exposure to smoke of all types, including tobacco and wood smoke, and minimize stress on your baby by responding to his or her cries as quickly as possible.

Most cases of dermatitis can be treated at home. However, if your baby's skin condition is moderate or severe, or if there is no response to home treatment, contact your pediatrician for further instruction.

Sources:

"Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)," MayoClinic.com.