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. This complaint usually occurs as a direct result of some external substance which the skin has a sensitivity too. 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. Although the problem is widespread around the world; in the USA as many as twenty percent of infants will be treated for this complaint at some point.

Parents need not worry too much as in most instances of this condition it clears up completely; generally before the child has reached their second birthday. However, in a small number of cases, the condition doesn't clear and becomes a chronic condition which may even carry on into adulthood. This skin complaint can affect anyone at any age but is seen most in babies and infants. About one-third of all patients develop symptoms before their first birthday, and almost all develop symptoms before five years.

Baby eczema is most likely to be most common type (atopic eczema) and is normally found on the arms, legs, face and scalp as a red rash that itches and has a scaly appearance. Moisturizing a baby's skin can help prevent atopic eczema but this skin condition does run in families. Mothers must be watchful about the types of detergents their baby's clothes are washed in as these are known to trigger inflammation. 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.

Although asthma triggers could also include other respiratory problems and medical conditions. If the mother suffers from asthma there is also an increased possibility that the baby might have the skin complaint. Specialists in food allergies believe that up to 3 cases in ten of childhood cases are because the child has a food allergy; however, if this is the situation, there is no longer any reason why the child should have it its diet once the problem food has been confirmed. However simple this actually is, belies the time it might take to find the food group by trial and error; some of these groups are mentioned below:

<ul> <li>Sea and freshwater fish</li> <li>Food containing milk</li> <li>Foods containing wheat</li> <li>Food prepared using 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. 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. Once they have dried, they need to be dressed in soft natural clothing made from cotton. Keeping the baby's finger nails short is an important point not to overlook as they can inadvertently scratch inflamed skin making the situation worse. Often in more severe cases of baby eczema, a pediatrician may prescribe antihistamines to relieve itching; when required it is not uncommon for the child to have steroid cream applied to the affected area but this cannot be done for very long. In babies, despite being very common, it is still a difficult condition to treat and conquer.