While the immune system is involved in some way, the exact cause of eczema is unknown. Although it can be hereditary, it can also happen when a person comes into contact with something that causes the body to react by producing a rash. Baby eczema is first noticed as a reddish scaly rash on the baby's face which gradually worsens to the point where it becomes irritated and cracked. In babies, the disorder unfortunately affects between ten and twenty percent of all infants in the United States.

Despite the problems it causes the child and parents, this is only a problem for a couple of years as it has normally disappeared before the child reaches two. Unfortunately in a few children do not get over this problem and continue to suffer with it when they are adults. Although many believe the condition only starts in childhood, this is only partially true; it is just more common in babies and infants. Sufferers have generally had the condition since before their fifth birthday and almost a third of sufferers before they were a year old.

Seen as a red, itchy and scaly rash, baby eczema is usually of the more common atopic eczema variety. A lack of moisture within the baby's skin is often thought to be the trigger to atopic eczema, which is often a hereditary condition. Mothers must be watchful about the types of detergents their baby's clothes are washed in as these are known to trigger inflammation. It has also discovered that baby eczema was more likely if the mother gave up breastfeeding early which could mean that breast milk may contain something that protects the infant.

Some instances of this skin complaint have also been linked to a variety of medical problems which seem to trigger the inflammation. Studies have also shown that it may be more common in those infants who suffer from allergic rhinitis or food allergies, or whose mothers suffer from asthma. In fact almost a third of all childhood cases are thought to be as a result of a food allergy; once the foodstuff causing the problem is discovered, it is just a simple matter of taking out of the child's meals. Unfortunately, the process of eliminating foods is usually one of trial and error; some commonly implicated foods are:

<ul> <li>Sea and freshwater fish</li> <li>Cream and other milk products</li> <li>Wheat</li> <li>Products containing eggs</li> <li>Any meals or candy etc. that contain peanuts</li> </ul>

In some instances, baby eczema is the result of antibiotics being prescribed for the child when they are born. Treating babies requires a little more thought as they cannot tell us what irritates them so only bath them in lukewarm water and use fragrance free, hypoallergenic creams. To ensure they are comfortable they only dressed in natural cotton clothing once they have been bathed. Wearing mittens is one way to stop a baby scratching their inflamed skin, which could lead to infection, or their nails could be kept short. For infants with more serious baby eczema, antihistamine cream may be prescribed which should help stop the itching; the application of a steroid cream for a limited time to help heal the skin quicker may also be used. It is not yet possible to completely cure this skin complaint but at least a number of treatments can help ease the situation.