How to prevent eczema in babies

Summer is the peak season for baby eczema. Many babies around us suffer from eczema, so many parents ask how to prevent baby eczema. In fact, since babies cannot express themselves, sometimes they can only cry to attract attention when they feel itchy. If the new mother has not noticed the difference in the baby, it will cause the baby's eczema to continue to worsen. In fact, as long as you know how to prevent baby eczema, you can help relieve the baby's pain.

The causes of eczema are complex, so the symptoms of infant eczema vary depending on the age of the child, the location of the skin lesions, and the living environment and season. They can be divided into three main types:

(1) Seborrheic type: In infants under three months old, the skin on the forehead, cheeks, and between the eyebrows is flushed and covered with yellow greasy scabs. The top of the head is covered with thick yellow serous scabs. Afterwards, there will be sores, redness and exudation under the chin, back of the neck, armpits and groin, which we call seborrheic eczema. Children usually recover on their own if they improve their diet after 6 months.

(2) Exudative type: more common in obese infants aged 3-6 months. Symmetrical rice-sized red papules can be seen on both cheeks, accompanied by small blisters and erythema connected into sheets. There are ulcers, exudates, and scabs. The disease is extremely itchy, so scratching leaves bloody scratches and bright red wet surfaces. If not treated in time, it may spread throughout the body and may cause secondary infection.

(3) Dry type: more common in children aged 6 months to 1 year, characterized by dense patchy small papules, redness and swelling on the face, limbs, and outer side of the trunk, hard bran-like desquamation and scaly crusting, without exudation. We also call it dry eczema.

Treatment for baby eczema

1. Home medication

(1) 0.2% diphenhydramine syrup 1-2 mg/kg body weight/day, orally in 3-4 divided doses. Or take 0.35 mg/kg body weight/day of chlorpheniramine orally in 3-4 doses.

(2) For those with erosion and exudation, apply 3% boric acid solution as a wet compress, and then apply zinc oxide oil. When the exudate decreases, apply boron zinc paste 2-3 times a day.

(3) For those with dry skin, apply 2-5% black bean distillate oil or coal tar ointment, or apply cortisone or skin-relaxing ointment 2-3 times a day.

2. Chinese medicine and folk prescriptions

(1) Mix 30 grams of Phellodendron chinense powder, 15 grams of Han Shui Shi powder, and 3 grams of Indigo powder with sesame oil and apply to the affected area. If there is a lot of exudation, make the mixture thicker and if there is less exudation, make it thinner. Apply twice a day.

(2) Grind 30 grams of Coptis chinensis and 15 grams of alum into fine powder, add appropriate amount of Vaseline, and mix into an ointment to apply to the affected area.

3. Nutrition and diet

Food should be eaten at regular times and in regular amounts. It is best to drink breast milk. If you drink milk, drink more water, add less sugar, and boil it for a little longer. As age increases, you can be given multivitamin foods, but you should not eat too much. If you have constipation, you can take honey or change your diet. If you have indigestion, seek prompt treatment. Try to limit your dinner intake.

Baby eczema precautions

1. Do not wash the skin lesions caused by baby eczema with water. It is strictly forbidden to use soapy water or hot water to wash. You can wipe it clean with vegetable oil and do not use strong irritating drugs.

2. The baby's hands should be properly restrained before going to bed to prevent scratching and causing widespread skin lesions.

3. Clothes should be loose, clean, and preferably made of cotton. Baby diapers should be changed and washed frequently.

4. Hormone ointments may cause side effects if used on the face or over a large area for a long time. Babies' skin is relatively tender, and improper use of medication often worsens the condition. Therefore, the medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.

How to prevent eczema in babies

1. Try to reduce allergens in the environment, such as house dust, mites, hair, artificial fibers, fungi, etc.

2. The temperature is suitable. The indoor temperature should not be too high and the clothes should not be too warm to reduce the stimulation of sweat secretion.

3. Pay attention to the nature, preparation and feeding intervals of the diet. Do not overfeed and try to avoid eating foreign protein foods such as milk and eggs.

Through the above introduction, I believe you have a certain understanding of how to prevent baby eczema and the causes of baby eczema. As a new mother, when your baby suffers from eczema and itches all over the body, it must be very painful, and the baby will cry incessantly. At this time, the mother must relax her mind, don’t be irritable, and take the right medicine. I believe the symptoms will be alleviated soon.