Eczema
Eczema is a skin irritation that appears as patches of dry, red, scaly skin, which may become moist. Most common places are the front of knees and ankles and insides of wrists.
- It can run in families.
- Certain foods may provoke attacks in infants.
- Rough, scratchy tight clothes.
- Woollens and synthetics (carpets, car seats, furniture).
- Frequent use of strong soap for bathing or washing clothes.
- Perfumed creams and lotions.
- Dust.
- Overheating.
- Dry air.
- Sand.
- Dress baby in light, soft, loose, smooth cotton clothes — don’t overdress.
- Use lukewarm water in the bath.
- Avoid soaps and cleansing lotions — use sorbolene and glycerine cream for
- soap at bath time and change time.
- Put mittens or socks on baby’s hands to stop them scratching.
- Wash baby’s clothes in pure soap — don’t use fabric softeners or wool mix.
- Rinse well in water.
- When putting baby on the floor to play, place baby on a cotton sheet, not the carpet.
- Regularly vacuum the house.
If the eczema doesn’t get better, see a paediatric dermatologist.
Tip: If baby has eczema, reduce contact with people that have cold sores as baby can develop infections from this virus.