Eczema in babies and toddlers

When babies and toddlers suffer from eczema, it’s not only painful and distressing for them but also an incredibly stressful and difficult experience for parents. It’s so difficult to see your little one suffer, as itchiness and discomfort can disrupt their general mood and sleep patterns. Luckily, there are steps you can take to provide relief for your baby or toddler.

Symptoms in babies and toddlers

Eczema normally shows up as red, itchy baby skin rash, and can lead to dry, flaky and even cracked skin. Eczema in babies most often start on the forehead, cheeks, chin or thighs as early as the first few months after birth. In children over two years old, it mostly occurs in skin folds such as the elbows, behind the knees and ears, as well as on wrists, ankles and hands.

Causes

Eczema is a very common skin disease, affecting up to 20% of children in the world.¹ Even so, the causes of eczema in babies are unknown, though there are a number of factors that are likely to contribute to this occurrence. Young children’s skin, especially baby skin, is more sensitive to environmental influences than that of adults, so external or environmental factors often contribute. Irritants ranging from wool or synthetic fabrics, excessive heat or soaps – even drool around a baby’s face – can all contribute. Genetics are also a factor, with research showing that children are more likely to develop eczema if they have siblings or parents who suffer from the condition.² A third factor is allergies which can include food allergies or allergies to external sources such as household pets, dust mites or pollen.