Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a skin rash that usually appears in children under five years, generally starting in infancy. The areas of the baby's body that are most affected by eczema are the face, neck, elbows, knees. However, it does not rule out the possibility that eczema can spread to other body parts.
Eczema is not contagious but is recurrent. This itchy disease can make a baby feel very uncomfortable. Meanwhile, scratching the skin affected by eczema can cause problems. Look for rashes that look like scaly skin, thickened dry skin, or maybe small red pustules filled with fluid. These conditions are usually the result of eczema. Do not be scratched because of the risk of infection.
Eczema usually comes and goes. The cause itself is not known with certainty, but there is a tendency for hereditary factors. A child is more likely to experience eczema if his parents or close family members have eczema, allergies, or asthma.
Take the following baby skin care steps to help the healing process and prevent eczema from becoming severe.
Use Whitening Materials (Sodium Hypochlorite / Bleach)
A study revealed that soaking in water mixed with bleach for 5-10 minutes twice a week can help treat eczema five times more effectively than using plain water. A dermatologist recommends mixing two teaspoons of bleach for every 4 liters of bath water. However, if you want to bathe the child with this mixed water, make sure the bathing water and bleach have been mixed evenly before bathing the child. Also, make sure that the mixture of water and bleach is not swallowed by children.
Prevent Scratching
Wear child socks and cotton gloves, and make sure the nails are always cut short. In addition, use the softest sheets. If the child has difficulty falling asleep because of itching, then consult a doctor. Antihistamines can be prescribed by doctors to help children sleep better.
Avoid Triggers
Eczema is not a form of allergic reaction to a substance, but allergens or allergens, such as cigarette smoke, dust, mites, or pollen, can also cause eczema. Eczema rashes can also be aggravated by hot temperatures, dry skin conditions, friction with the skin, and temperature changes. Stress can also trigger the development of eczema. Therefore, parents need to identify and minimize stress that can trigger eczema. Help your child deal with stress, for example by giving your child a more quiet time and comfort him.
Bathing and Moisturizing the Skin
Don't use water that is too warm or even hot. Instead, it is recommended to use lukewarm warm water or cold water. Do not also rub baby's skin, let alone using rough washcloths. Regarding soap for him, as much as possible use the detergent free and fragrance free. If necessary, prioritize special soaps to treat sensitive skin. After bathing, dry the baby's body immediately by patting it with a soft towel.
When the skin is still moist after bathing, immediately wipe the ointment or moisturizing cream to prevent the skin from drying out. Ointments are usually more suitable for eczema in children because the water content is less than lotion. Infants suffering from eczema need to be avoided from runny cream because it can cause itching and redness. As for clothing, use cotton and avoid wool.
Cool Temperature
During the phase of eczema, give the child a cold compress on the affected area several times a day. After compressing, wipe the moisturizer on the skin. In addition to cold compresses, make sure the child's room is also cool to prevent sweating because sweat can worsen the condition of eczema. Also, make sure the child's room and house as a whole are clean because eczema can be worse if the child has an allergic reaction to mites and dust.
Go to the doctor
If after following the steps above, eczema rashes still have not improved, consult a dermatologist. Your doctor may prescribe a mild steroid ointment or other form of treatment, such as antihistamines, topical corticosteroids (topical medications), oral medications to suppress the immune system, phototherapy or light therapy, topical calcineurin inhibitors, or antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungal drugs for skin infections .
Antibiotics are given if eczema in infants develops into an infection that is characterized by bloody skin and crust or fluid appears in the infected skin area. If only a small portion of the skin is infected, the doctor can prescribe antibiotic creams for babies. If the infected area is wider, the baby may need to take antibiotics.
To help prevent the appearance of eczema in infants, Mother is advised to give breast milk exclusively for 4-6 months. Naturally, breast milk contains a variety of nutrients that are important and effective in helping protect babies from eczema and other forms of allergies.
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