Eczema sufferers are believed to have a problem with their immune system which causes the condition but as yet no-one has discovered how this occurs. Something external must trigger the allergic reaction that leads to the symptoms that we all recognize in this skin complaint. 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 the United Sates of America, up to one in every five infants will be affected by this skin condition.

With most babies, this skin complaint has all but cleared up by the time they are 24 months old. In some cases however, the condition becomes chronic and may continue into adulthood. This skin complaint can affect anyone at any age but is seen most in babies and infants. Although statistics vary, almost all sufferers will have experienced bouts of this condition since their fifth birthday but almost one third before they were a year old.

The most common type in babies is atopic eczema and this type of baby eczema is characterized by itching, and red, scaly skin on the scalp, face, arms or legs. This type, atopic eczema, tends to run in families and is often triggered when the baby's skin isn't moisturized correctly. 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.

Respiratory conditions can also trigger attacks but other medical complaints may also cause this too. 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; once the foodstuff causing the problem is discovered, it is just a simple matter of taking out of the child's meals. Even though this is a simple process, it can take some time but some of the common food groups are listed below:

<ul> <li>Fish</li> <li>Food containing milk</li> <li>Foods containing wheat</li> <li>Egg based meals</li> <li>Meals or foodstuffs where peanuts have been used in the preparation</li> </ul>

Often, the cause of baby eczema is attributed to antibiotics given to the child when it was born. Infants, in particular babies with the condition need to be washed gently in lukewarm water using proprietary lubricating creams. To ensure they are comfortable they only dressed in natural cotton clothing once they have been bathed. A baby with this condition can easily cause infection to damaged skin if their nails are not kept short because they will undoubtedly scratch themselves constantly. For infants with more serious baby eczema, antihistamine cream may be prescribed which should help stop the itching; local steroid creams are also prescribed when needed but just long enough to heal skin lesions. It is not yet possible to completely cure this skin complaint but at least a number of treatments can help ease the situation.