Despite billions of dollars spent on research worldwide, medical science is still unclear about the origins of eczema. Typically, contact with some external allergen triggers an allergic reaction, leading to the typical skin symptoms and changes seen in sufferers. The condition known as baby eczema usually starts with a red rash on the infants face but this gradually gets worse until the skin becomes ridged and cracked. In America the situation is serious with a baby having a one in five chance (approximately) of being diagnosed with this skin condition.

Strangely, this condition is short lived and in most cases it seems to cure itself before the child reaches the age of two. A small percentage of children will not be this fortunate and will experience this condition when they are adults and it will sometimes become a chronic complaint. Almost anyone can be affected by this problem at any time in their life but it is babies that are most likely to suffer. Although most sufferers have had this condition since they were five years old around a third contracted it before they were barely twelve months of age.

Seen as a red, itchy and scaly rash, baby eczema is usually of the more common atopic eczema variety. Usually hereditary, atopic eczema is often thought to be triggered by a baby's skin drying out. In some babies, wearing clothes that have been washed in certain detergents or treated with fabric softeners may trigger the condition. A number of scientific studies have shown that baby eczema is linked to early weaning so continued breastfeeding may therefore be protective in some way.

Of course we must not neglect some respiratory complaints that can exacerbate the condition. 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. Food allergies are thought to account for up to 30 percent of childhood cases; discovering the foodstuffs responsible should be a relatively simple matter, which once this is done, can be removed from the diet completely. Unfortunately, the process of eliminating foods is usually one of trial and error; some commonly implicated foods are:

<ul> <li>Fish from either freshwater or the sea</li> <li>Milk</li> <li>Products using wheat as an ingredient</li> <li>Products containing eggs</li> <li>Foods where peanut oil may have been used</li> </ul>

Mothers can also have children that suffer with baby eczema when the infant receives antibiotics soon after birth. The treatment with babies involves bathing in lukewarm water, and proper skin lubrication with hypoallergenic creams. When they are dry, the use of fragrance free products is highly recommended and only natural fabrics like cotton for example. 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. Antihistamines to ease the itching sensation can be prescribed by a pediatrician in more severe cases of baby eczema; the application of a steroid cream for a limited time to help heal the skin quicker may also be used. Although many treatments exist to help ease the condition, it is still difficult to eradicate completely.