Atopic dermatitis, popularly known as eczema, is one skin condition common to infants. Its incidence has increased threefold in the past 10 years in babies younger than 2 years.
Eczema is easily recognized in children and, although common, its symptoms should not be ignored, as the exacerbation of eczema can lead to supra-infection and create a lot of discomfort. The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis eczema are:
Symptom # 1- Small, red skin bumps
One primary symptom of infant atopic dermatitis is a tiny red bumps. When your baby starts to develop eczema, you can be able to notice small red bumps appearing in your baby’s skin. These bumps are usually very itchy and scratching it may just result to a more serious infection. Scratching can lead to ooze and it may also make the skin to crust over. Before this happens, you have to ensure that your baby can’t scratch the bumps by putting on mittens to your little one’s hands.
Symptom # 2- Patches
Eczema is also characterized with some red patches in the skin. When patches of scaly skin began to erupt, you will be able to notice pink or red colored marks that slightly rose. Some patches may be brownish gray in color.
Symptom # 3- Flakes
One of the common eczema symptoms is skin flaking. Skin dryness and flaking may be due to scratching the itchy spots of your baby’s skin. To help skin dryness and flaking, you need to bring your baby into a warm bath. However, you must not have your baby soak for more than fifteen minutes at one setting. To lessen skin flaking, be sure to moisturize your baby’s skin. You may replace your baby’s usual bath soap to an organic one, preferably oatmeal based.
60-90% of children suffer from sleep disturbance, secondary to the severe pruritus associated with the disease. Irritability and lack of concentration can lead to detrimental effects in schooling, educational development and social interactions.
Eczema flare ups can and should be kept under control, also because they affect skin’s natural protection mechanism in front of infections. Eczematic skin needs constant protection from harsh soaps, detergents and contact with strong chemicals, strong winds and permanent hydration.
Over the counter moisturizers like Oilatum and Physiogel work great for atopic skin and they also can be combined with natural remedies like organic coconut oil to be used throughout the day for optimum skin hydration.