Much as with eczema for adults, science has failed to discover the reason why eczema affects some children and not others, although, again, it is clear that the immune system is involved.

Whilst Eczema can be hereditary, it can also happen when a person comes into contact with something that causes the body to react by producing a rash. For babies, eczema can be an awful condition where the rash is followed by flaking skin that can easily become cracked, causing a great deal of distress. The situation is relatively serious with figures of anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of babies affected by this condition.

Parents need not worry too much as in most instances of this condition it clears up completely; generally before the child has reached their second birthday. There are some cases though that do not clear up, even becoming serious enough to continue when they become adults. While people of any age can get this condition, it is most common in babies and young children. Sufferers have generally had the condition since before their fifth birthday and almost a third of sufferers before they were a year old.

Atopic Eczema in Babies

Atopic eczema is the most common form of baby eczema and can be recognized by red, scaly looking skin on their arms, legs and scalp which make the baby want to scratch themselves. Usually hereditary, atopic eczema is often thought to be triggered by a baby’s skin drying out. Often the trigger mechanism is either the detergent or fabric conditioner used to wash the baby’s clothes and this can also be the trigger for the condition in adults as well. Some medical research into baby eczema has found a link to mothers who cease breastfeeding their baby’s early so continuing this practice for a longer period may help ease the condition.

Other medical conditions, such as respiratory infections, may also act as triggers. Food allergies, allergic rhinitis or mothers who also have an asthma condition are all reasons that could make it more likely that a child will suffer from this disorder. Food allergies are believed to be responsible for anything up to 3 cases in ten; however, if this is the situation, there is no longer any reason why the child should have it its diet once the problem food has been confirmed. Even though this is a simple process, it can take some time but some of the common food groups are listed below:

1. Seafood and shellfish
2. Products containing milk
3. Bread and wheat based products
4. Egg based meals
5. Peanuts

Physicians are also aware that baby eczema can also be caused when the child is given antibiotics after their birth. The treatment with babies involves bathing in lukewarm water, and proper skin lubrication with hypoallergenic creams. To ensure they are comfortable they only dressed in natural cotton clothing once they have been bathed. A baby with this condition can easily cause infection to damaged skin if their nails are not kept short because they will undoubtedly scratch themselves constantly. Unfortunately, baby eczema sometimes needs further help and in these cases, the doctor might prescribe the use of antihistamines to relieve the itching; local steroid creams are also prescribed when needed but just long enough to heal skin lesions. It is not yet possible to completely cure this skin complaint but at least a number of treatments can help ease the situation.

Eczema can take many forms, some of which are more common in women than men, and all of which are more distressing for women as society expects us to have perfect skin and is more forgiving of imperfections in men. Understanding and dealing with eczema is the key to regaining confidence and eventually getting rid of the condition, this report should help you on the way.

Medical science is still trying to ascertain why eczema affects some people and not others although a genetic trait has been suggested; whether this is the reason or some outside influence, remains a mystery. Sufferers have to endure a condition that leaves patches of dry itchy skin that looks inflamed. Small crusty blisters may also be present in the affected areas.

The most common type is known generally as atopic eczema; some are even specific to certain areas of the body but one common problem among all of them is itching. Unfortunately, with atopic eczema, scratching these affected areas aggravates the condition more even though it does bring temporary relief from the itching. People who suffer with this also have to stay clear of many everyday substances because using those makes the condition far worse; the skin can easily become irritated by detergents, soap and even cosmetics for example.

When small children suffer with this it often goes unnoticed for a while as the affected patches are under the skin. Eczema sufferers can also have rashes just like any of us; if this ‘itchiness’ is not present in a person who suffers with the condition then it is unlikely to be a symptom of it. Eczema patients are given creams and lotions for example to use when they have flare-ups but if they use the treatment on some itchy skin where there is a rash and if the itching is helped but the rash remains it is more than likely that the rash has nothing to do with the itch.

Because itching is a symptom in many problems related to the skin, including this skin disorder, this is not the basis of diagnosing the condition. Eczema always has a rash and this is part of the condition but there is still no explanation as to what causes the itching. The redness seen in the rash is the result of increased blood flow in the area, sometimes caused by the scratching.

The reason the skin can suddenly flare up with eczema and become inflamed is complex because many factors can be involved; it can also flare up if your skin gets infected by a bacteria. Small blisters are quite common around the affected area and sometimes these blisters are large; a bacterial infection or a condition of your particular skin type many be the cause of this. This is a situation that needs to be monitored as the blisters contain fluids; blisters are likely to become infected if broken which will just exacerbate the condition further.