Infant dermatitis, including acne, diaper rash, cradle cap, and eczema, is common in babies and usually resolves on its own. Eczema may indicate future allergies. Treatment options include creams, frequent diaper changes, and medicated shampoos. Childhood eczema may lead to allergies, but most cases are not painful and can be controlled without medication.
Infant dermatitis is any condition that affects a baby’s skin. Because of the hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy that can affect a growing baby, many babies experience some form of skin condition within their first year. The most common are acne, diaper rash, cradle cap and infantile eczema. Infant dermatitis usually has no long-term effects on your baby, although infant eczema can be an indicator of future problems with allergies.
Baby acne is very common among children under the age of one, especially in boys. It produces small pimples on the cheeks, chin and forehead and almost always resolves on its own without medical treatment. If acne persists or becomes severe, a doctor may prescribe a specialized cream.
Diaper rash is experienced by nearly all babies at least once, although some are extremely prone to developing this form of infant dermatitis. Diaper rash can be caused by any number of things, although it’s typically an irritation caused by the moist environment created by the diaper, a reaction to the chemicals in a diaper, or a response to an infection in the body. It can usually be treated with frequent diaper changes, diaper-free time, and applying creams containing zinc oxide. In some cases, switching diaper brands or switching to cloth diapers may be the only treatment options.
Cradle cap, technically known as seborrheic dermatitis, is another common type of childhood dermatitis. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, although it is sometimes linked to a type of yeast infection. Symptoms include itchy, flaky skin and large amounts of dandruff on the head and eyebrows. It usually resolves on its own within 12 to 12 months and can be controlled by washing your child’s hair often, brushing it gently, and rubbing natural oil into the scalp to loosen the skin and soothe irritation. Severe seborrheic dermatitis can also spread to the face, back and chest. In this case, medicated creams and shampoos are usually prescribed.
Infantile eczema, also known as infantile atopic dermatitis, is one of the most severe forms of infantile dermatitis. It produces red patches of skin that are very itchy, sensitive, and may leak pus or other fluids. It usually affects the face and scalp; doctors believe it’s caused by a combination of dry skin and immune problems, usually allergies. Infant eczema is often treated with antibiotics, over-the-counter anti-itch creams, antihistamines, and specialized lotions. It’s also helpful to bathe your baby only when needed and usually in a cool rather than a hot bath.
While most forms of childhood dermatitis resolve on their own, childhood eczema is usually a precursor to allergies, typically hay fever or asthma. Despite this, most cases of infantile dermatitis are not particularly painful for children and can usually be controlled or treated without medication. If your child seems overly uncomfortable or the rash gets noticeably worse, it’s a good idea to call your child’s pediatrician.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
