Eczema in children and infants – What you should know

Eczema can affect many aspects of your child’s life, from persistent and uncomfortable symptoms to emotional stress. As parents, we want to do all we can to help our children manage this difficult condition. 

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of eczema from its origins and symptoms to the best practices for managing and soothing the skin of your child. 

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The information included in this material is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice for any concerns about health and nutrition.

What is baby eczema?

Baby eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects infants and young children. It manifests as red, dry, and itchy patches or rashes primarily on the face, cheeks, scalp, arms, legs, and in the creases of the elbows and knees. 

It tends to occur in unpredictable flare-ups and remissions, with triggers including irritants, allergens, and environmental factors, making proper skincare and identifying and managing triggers important for its treatment and management.

What causes baby eczema?

Here are some of the key factors thought to contribute to the development of baby eczema:

• Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the development of eczema. Children with parents or siblings who have eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are at a higher risk of developing eczema themselves. 

• Immune system response: Eczema is often associated with an overactive immune response. The immune system of individuals with eczema tends to react to certain triggers, such as allergens or irritants, by producing inflammation in the skin.

• Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors can exacerbate eczema symptoms or trigger flare-ups. These can include exposure to harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances, extreme temperatures, and low humidity.

• Skin irritants and allergens: Allergic reactions to foods, pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can contribute to eczema in some cases. It's important to note that not all children with eczema have allergies, and not all allergic reactions lead to eczema.

• Dietary Factors: In a small subset of children with eczema, certain foods may worsen their condition. Common triggers can include milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, and wheat. Identifying and eliminating these trigger foods, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, may help manage eczema.

Triggers and symptoms

One of the most valuable things you can do for your child with eczema is to look for things that seem to activate or worsen symptoms. Children with eczema have sensitive skin, and symptoms may intensify with just a single exposure to irritants. 

Here are the most common eczema triggers in children:

1. Dry Skin. People with eczema generally have dry skin because their skin cannot retain enough moisture. The dryness of the skin makes them sensitive to specific triggers, causing their skin to get itchy and sore. 

Here are some tips to keep their skin hydrated:

• Bathe daily with a mild body wash. Try our HiPP 2in1 Shampoo and Body Wash and moisturize skin with a fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Re-apply moisturizer two to three times a day.

2. Skin irritants. Skin irritants found in soaps, detergents, shampoo, bubble baths, dyes, perfumes, and other chemicals can make skin dry and itchy. In addition, certain clothes (e.g., made from wool or polyester) and tobacco smoke can irritate skin and cause eczema symptoms.

What can you do to prevent your child’s exposure to skin irritants?

• Use mild, fragrance-free, and dye-free laundry detergents and fabric softeners
• Use mild soaps, free from perfumes, dyes, and alcohol
• Wear 100% cotton and loose-fitting clothes
• Lessen exposure to other chemicals known to irritate their skin (e.g., perfumes, air fresheners, candles, and incense)  
• Prohibit smoking inside the house

3. Heat. Eczema symptoms can get worse during hot weather. When a child experiences heat and sweat, they can feel itchy and start to scratch.   

Here are ways on how to prevent overheating and eczema flares:

• Select clothes made of soft and breathable fabrics (e.g., cotton)
• Avoid multiple covers at night
• Turn on the air-conditioner or fan when the home temperature is high to prevent sweating

4. Allergens. Allergens such as pet fur, pollen, mold, and dust mites can trigger eczema symptoms. The best way to protect your child is to avoid exposure to these allergens. 

Try these easy tips on how to make your home allergy-proof:

• Wash linens and pillowcases weekly
• Clean the room every week
• Take out all rugs and carpets
• If you have a furry pet, vacuum regularly

5. Food. The food your child eats may cause eczema flares. Artificial additives in some foods (e.g., synthetic preservatives, coloring, and flavoring) may induce allergic reactions and worsen eczema symptoms.

What can you do to protect your child from food-related eczema triggers?

• Identify and list the foods that seem to trigger Eczema
• Consult your doctor before making any dietary changes
• Choose an organic diet. Organic food does not contain artificial food additives that may induce allergic reactions and trigger Eczema symptoms.  

Effects of eczema on children

Here are the most common effects of eczema on children:

1. Skin infection. Children with eczema are vulnerable to bacterial or viral skin infections. It occurs due to breaks in the skin from repetitive scratching. Skin infections can worsen eczema and may often require antibiotic or antiviral medications.

2. Physical activity restrictions. With eczema, a hot environment and excessive sweating may cause skin irritation and itchiness. So a child may feel restricted by physical activities such as outdoor sports and playing. However, keep in mind that your child's Eczema should not interfere with their regular activities.

Here are ways you can reduce your child’s eczema flare-ups while doing physical activities:

• Choose activities that will not lead to excessive sweating
• Have your child wear loose-fitting cotton clothes
• Select afternoon or evening outdoor playing

3. Disrupted sleep. The uncomfortable and painful symptoms of eczema can lead to interrupted sleep, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and moodiness.

 The following may help prevent your child’s itching during bedtime:

• Gloves or arm sleeves to block scratching
• Soft cotton and loose-fitting nighttime wear
• Silk sheets and a thin cotton blanket
• Bathing and moisturizing the skin

4. Psychosocial issues. A child with eczema may struggle emotionally due to changes in skin appearance and activity restrictions. Some experience bullying which can lead to social isolation, a decrease in self-esteem, and self-confidence. Research reveals higher rates of depression and anxiety among children with eczema. 

Managing eczema is important; however, psychosocial issues that go along with it also need to be addressed. So if your child is experiencing mental health issues, consult a mental health specialist.

5. Food allergies. Food allergies do not cause eczema. However, children with eczema have a greater risk of developing food allergies. In addition, some foods may contain synthetic chemicals to preserve, color, and flavor food which may induce allergic reactions and worsen symptoms. It’s best to identify food-causing flare-ups and avoid it. 

In making dietary changes, choosing organic food options may be helpful as organic food does not contain artificial food additives that may cause allergic reactions and trigger eczema. Consult your doctor for guidance in making changes to your child’s diet.

5 tips to help manage your baby’s eczema

Managing eczema flare-ups can be stressful. It can be challenging to determine what triggers an episode with so many factors at play. There are, however, some easy steps you can take to help manage this condition, keep flare-ups at bay, and lessen complications such as skin infections, poor sleep quality, and possibly asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Five tips on how to control eczema:

1. Take warm baths and use mild, gentle products

Frequently asked questions on eczema in children:

References

[1] National Eczema Association (2017). Eczema symptoms & causes. [online] National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/.  Accessed 10 Oct 2023.

[2] Stanford Children’s Health. Atopic Dermatitis in Children. Stanford Children’s Health resource page. Available at: www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default. Accessed 10 Oct 2023.

[3] Agrawal, R. and Woodfolk, J.A. (2014). Skin Barrier Defects in Atopic Dermatitis. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, [online] 14(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-014-0433-9.

[4] Valluzzi, R.L., Fierro, V., Arasi, S., Mennini, M., Pecora, V. and Fiocchi, A. (2019). Allergy to food additives. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 19(3), pp.256–262. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/aci.0000000000000528.

‌[5] Bever, V. et. al, (1989). Food and food additives in severe atopic dermatitis. Allergy, 44(8), pp.588–594. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.1989.tb04205.x.

[6] Ecoeurope. Organic Food Processing. Ecoeurope resource page. Available at: www.eu-organic-food.eu/en/products/organic-food-processing/about/. Accessed 10 Oct 2023.

[7] Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. Eczema Physical and Emotional Effects. Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego resource page. Available at: www.rchsd.org/programs-services/dermatology/eczema-and-inflammatory-skin-disease-center/physical-and-emotional-effects/. Accessed 10 Oct 2023.

[8] Stein S. How to Treat & Control Eczema Rashes in Children. Healthychildren.org resource page. Available at: www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/How-to-Treat-and-Control-Eczema-Rashes-in-Children.aspx. Accessed 10 Oct 2023.  

[9] Kummeling, I., Thijs, C., Huber, M., Vijver, L.P.L. van de, Snijders, B.E.P., Penders, J., Stelma, F., Ree, R. van, Brandt, P.A. van den and Dagnelie, P.C. (2008). Consumption of organic foods and risk of atopic disease during the first 2 years of life in the Netherlands. British Journal of Nutrition, [online] 99(3), pp.598–605. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114507815844

‌[10] Cleveland Clinic. Organic Foods. Cleveland Clinic resource page. Available at: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17668-organic-foods. Accessed 10 Oct 2023.

[11] Whelan C. How to Create an Eczema-Friendly Diet. Healthline resource page. Available at: www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/eczema-diet. Accessed 10 Oct 2023.

[12] WebMD. (n.d.). Get Your Eczema Under Control: Top Triggers and Prevention Tips. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/live-better-eczema Accessed 10 Oct 2023.

[13] Harvard Health. (2017). What is inflammation? [online] Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/ask-the-doctor-what-is-inflammation. Accessed 10 Oct 2023.

[14] HealthyChildren.org. (n.d.). Seasonal Allergies in Children. [online] Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages/Seasonal-Allergies-in-Children.aspx. Accessed 10 Oct 2023.‌

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