What Causes Infant Eczema? Eczema Cause, Time Frame, Prevention, Risk Factors Explained

Infant eczema, also known as infantile eczema and atopic dermatitis, usually rears its itchy head within the first few months of your infant's life. Characterized by dry, itchy, red skin and small bumps, infantile eczema typically starts on your baby's scalp, cheeks and forehead, potentially spreading to other parts of his body. Frequently, red, crusty lesions also appear on the affected parts of your infant's body. Understanding atopic dermatitis can give you the knowledge you need to guide your infant through this troublesome skin disorder as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Cause

Atopic dermatitis develops when your infant is overly sensitive to allergens around her, including pollen, dust, mold and animal dander. Your baby's body shows this sensitivity by developing red, inflamed skin.

Time Frame

According to KidsHealth.Org, infants typically show signs of atopic dermatitis from 2 to 5 months of age (See Reference). Most children who get this skin condition exhibit the symptoms before they are 5 years old.

Treatment

Once your doctor diagnoses infantile eczema, he may prescribe topical corticosteroids, ointments that you rub directly on the atopic dermatitis. Other possible treatments include antihistamines and antibiotics.

Prevention

Although you can't always prevent infantile eczema, you can help decrease your infant's likelihood of getting this skin disorder by dressing him in breathable cotton clothing and moisturizing his skin regularly.

Risk Factors

KidsHealth.Org states infants whose parents or siblings suffer from hay fever, asthma, eczema or other allergies are more likely to develop infantile eczema (See Reference).