Baby's first year : Eczema

Eczema is more common in children whose family has a history of hayfever, asthma or eczema. It is an allergy characterised with red, itchy and dry skin. It most commonly affects the face and skin creases in the neck, knees and elbows or even behind the ears. It often shows up in babies at the age of two to four months. However, the condition becomes better as the child grows older. Sometimes, eczema may become infected due to scratching. Consult a doctor.

What you can do:

• Don't use soap on your baby's body. Use a baby bath oil and special cream instead (the doctor can prescribe this)
• Dress your baby in cotton rather than wool. (In cold weather, make sure that the layer of clothing coming in contact with the skin is of cotton)
• Keep your baby's skin well moisturised
• Don't overheat your baby's room
• use topical steroids as advised by the doctor
• Keep your child's fingernails short to avoid excessive scratching