Does your little one get scaly, red skin patches? It may be eczema. Babies often get eczema from around two months of age; it shows up as patches of dry, red and itchy skin behind the ears or on the face, and in the creases of the elbows, neck, and knees. The good news: most children outgrow eczema.
Do’s and don’ts for eczema
- Don’t cut out important foods such as milk, dairy products, eggs or wheat without talking to your doctor or paediatrician first.
- Don’t use aqueous cream, soap, body wash or bubble bath – studies show that these can cause stinging, burning, redness and irritation.
- Do gently apply a fragrance-free moisturiser to the affected area a few times a day.
- Do keep your baby’s room cool and dry as getting sweaty makes eczema worse.
- Do dress baby in cotton, if you can – other fabrics can irritate the skin.
- Do wash baby’s bed linen and soft toys every week to get rid of dust mites – remember, you need a hot-wash to get rid of mites.
- Do speak to your doctor or pharmacist about steroid creams to stop the eczema from getting worse.
Source: NHS